Apple Macs: Look great... just in someone else's office

Apple's new-look G5 has attracted plaudits for its aesthetic appeal and much 'must get one' fervour among Mac devotees, but it appears there is a still a 'save it for home' attitude among UK firms, which see little scope for Apple in the workplace.

The results of a recent silicon.com survey show there is little or no place for such 'un-PC' aesthetics.

While 12 per cent of respondents say they would really have to make a good case for Macs before their company considered the switch, 41 per cent said 'No': Apple Macs are definitely not an option in their workplace.

A still surprising 31 per cent of respondents said they are optimistic their work may find a place for Apple Macs, but that figure possibly owes much to wishful thinking and some Mac loyalty among respondents given that it is far in excess of the sub-10 per cent market share the machines actually enjoy.

In the past critics of the Mac have labelled it 'form over function' - an accusation which designer Jonathan Ive refuted in June 2002, when he declared: "We are not interested in design statements."

Others have argued that the iMac does have place in the modern office - adding that place is on the reception desk looking 'cool' and possibly not even plugged in.

One Mac enthusiast told silicon.com: "The Mac is unlikely to ever take off in businesses, despite the impressive spec. Which is a shame really. The company I work for let me ditch my PC laptop for a PowerBook last month and I've been noticeably less tetchy ever since."

But will Mac users, typified as trendy and independent souls, really be bothered that their beloved machines aren't used by pen-pushers and grey-suited office types?

"Does it bother every BMW driver that every other car on the road isn't a BMW? Not really, it feels good to see an old banger and appreciate what you've got," added the Mac fan. "A bit like schadenfreude for techies."

A further 12 per cent of respondents suggested the closest their office will get to seeing Apple ware is when they take their iPod into work.