I have been catching up with some downloaded videos today including Robert Scoble’s “Non-hostile Apple Vs Vista OS debate”. The debate might have been non-hostile but Robert uses the mp4 file format which for me means suffering the Apple Quicktime Player (QTP). Microsoft often get accused of clunky design and poor usability but free media players is one place I think they win hands down. Put aside the whole file format and DRM argument, I’m talking about just using the freebie players both provide.
Apple are supposed to excel at design and usability but QTP is not a great advertisement. The download defaults include iTunes and three email news subscriptions unless you opt out and advertises a “Pro” version upgrade . Avoid all that and you get a player with limited functionality that doesn’t even conform to normal windows behaviour. Hit maximise and it fits to the height of the screen rather than filling it. Maybe full screen would be better but I won’t know without that pro upgrade. Microsoft don’t expect you to pay for Full Screen on their Windows Media Player but it doesn’t support mp4 
When it comes to OS it’s applications and use that determines which is best for you but I know which media player I prefer and it ain't from Apple. If there is a way to get free mp4 support in Windows Media Player please let me know!
The non-hostile Apple OSX vs. Windows Vista OS debate, Part I | ScobleShow
The non-hostile Apple OSX vs. Windows Vista OS debate, Part II
