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The pilot program document outlined a series of reasons for evaluating MacBook Pro laptops as a replacement for the Windows-based ThinkPads currently in use inside the company:

• Alternative to Microsoft Windows
• Less prone to security issues
• Widely used in the academic world with which Research has close ties
• Many new hires are more comfortable with the Mac and lately asking for it
• Growing Mac community in Research and within IBM that finds the development environment on Mac more convenient
• Growing acceptance of the Mac as a consumer and business oriented client platform
• WPLC strategy includes significant investments in achieving the Mac platform parity

After the four month test period, the 14 research scientists, 8 software engineers, a director, and a VP staff assistant participating in the pilot program were asked to provide feedback.

Of the 22 of 24 who responded, 18 said that the Mac offered a “better or best experience” compared to their existing computer, one rated it “equal or good,” and three said the Mac offered a “worse experience.” Seven reported having no or marginal prior knowledge of using Macs, while 15 reported having moderate or expert knowledge of the platform.

19 of 22 (86%) Users Ask to Keep the Mac.
However, when asked if they would rather keep their MacBook Pro or return to using their familiar ThinkPad, only three chose the ThinkPad; the rest decided to keep the Mac laptop and obtain VMWare Fusion licenses to run Windows when necessary. The document noted additional comments participants left as feedback on their Mac experience, and not all were positive:

“When presenting at customer or external meetings, I have been greeted with the ‘wow factor.’ ‘Where’s the ThinkPad, IBM uses Apples now?’”

“I commend IBM on taking this bold step in providing an alternative to Windows. It will definitely allow us to think different.”

“This can free us from the Windows stranglehold.”

“I have been a true PC stalwart for 2+ decades, but after trying Vista, I’m ready for a change.”

“It has been easier learning the Mac than learning Vista.”

“There are a number of features in the Mac that make it much better than a Windows machine. Overall productivity in using the Mac platform is higher. I can imagine that the new version of the operating system will make those features even better.”

“Getting wireless running was a piece of cake on the Mac, much simpler than the PC.”

“The ability to run Windows XP in a VM under Parallels is a great feature.”

“Upgraded to [Mac OS X Leopard] 10.5 to run [Lotus] Notes 8.5 alpha code, and some things broke, especially wireless. Fixed with aid of community from forums.”

“If the remote connection and Sametime issues are worked out, I think that Mac users can be productive in IBM. However, if I had to recommend a non-Windows setup, I would recommend Linux on a ThinkPad. I see the convenience and reliability of ThinkPad hardware as superior, and the Mac OS is still a proprietary OS that seems to require a Windows license for some tasks anyway. I don’t see enough of an advantage in the Mac OS to be worth the incompatibility issues when collaborating with my colleagues.” 

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