Perhaps you have your own theory to explain this shift? Instead of sniping at Gruber, for trying to explain a very real shift in the market, if there's a better explanation, then link to it or share it.
Rare is the market event with a single possible explanation. If this is not obvious, here are some examples:
--
Microsoft's Revenue Drop
* PC buyers care about their computers less than Apple buyers, so in a global economic downturn, they cut back on new computer purchases moreso than Apple buyers
* PC buyers are waiting on Windows 7 (mentioned in passing by Gruber)
* PC buyers feel higher levels of satisfaction with their computers than in previous years, and feel an unusually low need to upgrade
* PC buyers have consolidated their personal inventory, perhaps owning only a single laptop (maybe work issued) as opposed to a laptop and a desktop
* Microsoft is not attracting first-time computer buyers as much as in previous years
* PC buyers are switching to Apple
--
Apple's Growth in >$1,000 Sales
* There are fewer PC competitors in the market
* PC buyers feel that equal or greater value is achieved in the <$1,000 market
* The >$1,000 market has contracted around Apple
* Apple is attracting more first time computer buyers than in previous years
* PC buyers are switching to Apple
--
I don't know how probably true these explanations are, before or after reading Gruber's article.
I like Gruber's assessment. It draws some simple conclusions which illustrate that Apple is not the "little ol' computer company" it was derided for 10-15 years ago. It also illustrates how Apple's might could actually pose a real threat of extinction to companies just like MS in the coming years/decades.
I've also assessed things Apple/MS in a post of my own. I don't think it's become public realization yet, but Microsoft is scared. Apple poses a serious threat, and they have recent experience in starting the long and dreadful decline in the browser space to help them get a taste of the backlash that's coming.
--
Microsoft's Revenue Drop
* PC buyers care about their computers less than Apple buyers, so in a global economic downturn, they cut back on new computer purchases moreso than Apple buyers
* PC buyers are waiting on Windows 7 (mentioned in passing by Gruber)
* PC buyers feel higher levels of satisfaction with their computers than in previous years, and feel an unusually low need to upgrade
* PC buyers have consolidated their personal inventory, perhaps owning only a single laptop (maybe work issued) as opposed to a laptop and a desktop
* Microsoft is not attracting first-time computer buyers as much as in previous years
* PC buyers are switching to Apple
--
Apple's Growth in >$1,000 Sales
* There are fewer PC competitors in the market
* PC buyers feel that equal or greater value is achieved in the <$1,000 market
* The >$1,000 market has contracted around Apple
* Apple is attracting more first time computer buyers than in previous years
* PC buyers are switching to Apple
--
I don't know how probably true these explanations are, before or after reading Gruber's article.