Should I work for Microsoft or Apple?

Question

I got request from both companies.

Microsoft wants me to work on their Microsoft Surface research team. I'll be researching on implementations of Surface for future OS's, or something like that. They were vague.

I get paid $75,000+

Apple wants me to work on their G5 team. I will kind of work on helping customers with problems on their G5 computers, and that's about it.

I get paid $59,000 plus.

So which company should I work for? I heard that people that work at MS are pretty happy. I don't hear much about work ethic at Apple though.

I like both companies as well. They both make good products that I use.

I like Microsoft for it's Zune 80, and Office 07'. Apple for it's Mac hardware.

So which company do you think I should work at? I have until Friday to deicde.

Moving isn't an issue at all.

Answer 1

Microsoft is definitely the choice.

Look at the Apple fanboi's answers. They're so unreliable.

And Apple DOES copy :

http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/05/apples-little-problem-with-ripping-off-artists/
http://www.macuser.com/huh/apple_copies_ads_oh_yes.php
Leopard copied:

Project Looking Glass - 3D Dock, that does little : http://www.sun.com/software/looking_glass/
Linux system's multiple desktops dubbed Spaces: http://www.appleinsider.com/print.php?id=3290
Vista's translucent windows, and Parental Controls: http://www.flickr.com/photos/gruber/1938205095/
http://www.ditii.com/2007/11/20/parental-controls-in-apple-leopard-versus-microsoft-windows-vista/

Plenty of copying. All companies copy pretty much, depends on how you look at it.

Reasons to work at Microsoft:

1. It's a more open place - You can take tours, you can meet employees, it's very social. Employees can actually blog, and although it's up to the employees not to leak anything big, they do provide interesting tidbits, that Apple wouldn't allow.

2. Seattle > Cupertino - Cupertino is small and rather boring. Seattle is larger and more sophisticated.

3. Apple isn't that green - Greenpeace states that Apple is one of the least green tech companies. Their use of plastic, excessive packaging, and many other things contributes to that.

4. MSFT > AAPL - stocks look better on Microsoft's side usually.

5. Microsoft has perks : http://viewmyworld.com/ - that's a site that shows several Microsoft employees that love to work at MS. Watch the video : "One Day... So Many Perks" - there's a ton of cool things.

6. Apple is very closed - You HAVE to use OS X only on Macs. You HAVE to use iTunes to sync your iPod. You HAVE to purchase OS X with every new Mac. You CAN'T get many 3rd party apps. on the iPhone. Really, that's so closed. You can virtually do anything you want on Windows. There's more freedom.

7. Microsoft has innovated :

Office 07' ribbon UI
ClearType fonts
Photoysynth
Virtual Earth 3D
Scroll wheel
Zune WiFi (iPod Touch copies off of)
XPS format
Ergo keyboards
Back & Forward buttons in apps.
Etc. This is just a small list.

8. You get paid more - $75,000 trumps a mere $59,000

9. You're working on the future - Surface desktop = future. Old G5's = Past. The choice is pretty obvious.

10. Free drinks - Yes. Every MS employee blog has mentioned that you get free drinks : sodas, water, milk, etc. All FREE. Keeps the brain going.

So Microsoft is definitely the place to work at. Most Apple fanbois don't even pay attention to what Microsoft does good, so they don't know a thing.

Hope this helps.

Answer 2

Microsoft

Answer 3

Disclosure of bias first: I'm a Microsoft-hater. I'm writing this on an old pentium-mmx laptop as it is updating its Gentoo Operating system and I'm more comfortable with text editors than with Office Suites so I resent their anti-Linux stuff. They shouldn't have any impact on what I do with a computer.

That said I've known a few people who went to work for Microsoft. If you are not that concerned with job security then it's well-paid living conditions are good and conditions in the area are affordable. Over the long term Apple is supposedly a better place to advance your career. This is third hand, not even second hand, and as pointed out, $59K is not a good salary in Cupertino.

What was the vibe like when you interviewed? Either is obviously a starting salary, so it may not turn out to be such a major difference. If you really got along with someone you talked to at either place, that might be the place you belong.

Either offer is a feather in your cap. If you can turn down either without burning bridges you are in a very fortunate position.

Answer 4

Microsoft because not only for the money but also because you get to know more information about the upcoming OS. so really u wont be dealing with people with problems of their g5 computers. i think u get discounts at purchasing music from the zune store or so. wouldnt it be nice to meet and to work with the Microsoft surface research team?

Answer 5

would you want to move to Redmond or Cuppertino?

if it doesnt matter, then go with MS for the money. 59k in Northern Cal kinda sucks.

Answer 6

I would have to say mac, there's less money but microsoft is struggling lately as far as vista goes and i definetly dont think there will be much thought about future os's while people are still reverting back to XP mac's new os is a big hit i'd say mac your job might be around longer

Answer 7

Apple

Answer 8

I would strongly suggest working for Apple. They are the innovators where as Microsoft are just the copiers.
Apple creates stores like this for you to shop at
http://www.apple.com/retail/west14thstreet/

Apple has a great work ethic and is a great company that is doing amazing things.
Apple has guys like Jonathan Ive working for them
http://technology.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/tech_and_web/personal_tech/article3019090.ece

How many great products has Microsoft created since 1997?
Can you name them?

How many great products has Apple created since 1997?
Can you name them?

Who has created more great products?

Hint - the company that has created more great products is the better one to work for.

Answer 9

microsoft duh? 75000 + better than 59,000 +
and u get to met Bill Gate or not?