Research group Gartner, which conducted the study at Melbourne University Faculty of Arts, refused to confirm that the figures in the press release were an accurate representation of the details of the report.
-The final press release was not approved by Gartner, and the research referred to is not part of published Gartner research," a Gartner spokesperson told ZDNet Australia.
Although Gartner conducted the study, the organisation no longer own it, the spokesperson explained.
Similary manufacturers of PCs refused to commment on the report, which Apple has been slow to distribute, until they had seen a copy. -We politely decline to comment," a spokesperson for IBM informed ZDNet Australia. Local computer manufacturer ASI Solutions also refused to remark on the survey findings.
Apple said it commissioned Garter to conduct the study to combat the perception that Macs are more expensive than PCs, and to demonstrate how large organisations could save time and money by investing in Macs.
-It's obviously a contentious report," Apple spokesperson Myrna Van Pelt said.
-The initial investment in Macintosh has traditionally been more than for PC, but the ongoing maintenance costs save more than that," she added. -Of course, that's changing as the Macs have broached the sub-2000 level with eMac."
According to the Gartner un-endorsed press release, the study found 4,676 Apple computers at Melbourne University's Faculty of Arts cost AU$14.1 million per year to run while the 5,338 Windows-based machines cost AU$18.9 million. This included AU$1,953 per year to support a single Apple computer, compared to AU$2,522 for a PC.
The report indicated Melbourne University IT staff were able to manage more Macintosh systems per person, servicing 30 Apple computers for every 23.2 Windows-based computers.
What's so contentious? It simply supports an earlier Gartner study done a few years ago. And what Mac users have known for ages ... Macs are simpler to setup and use and don't require the same level of sys admin support.
Of course there are Mac horror stories, but overall, they are a better choice for many things, including ROI and retained value, than Windows.