Funny thing, though: based on the ratio of Windows and Macs actually in use, no gains can be seen for Apple.

These comparisons are misplaced. Apple doesn't compete with Microsoft in the mass market. "I’m-a-Mac/I’m-a-PC" is more about creating a brand than moving inventory. Notwithstanding the pilot activity with Best Buy, a "retail presence" at a superstore would strike many as being at odds with the cachet of Apple products.

Better comparisons could be made along industry lines, or within product segments. What is Apple's share of the market for $3,749 laptops? I'm guessing it's considerably higher than 3%.

According to a story in last month's ComputerWorld, based on figures widely reported elsewhere, "Apple now sells more than one in six laptops in the US." There are limitations with the NPD measurement on which that article is based, but it's an indicator.

RE: A Window of Opportunity for Macs, Soon to Close