Wow, how’s this for a change? Shares of Microsoft edged lower Wednesday after Global Equities Research analyst Trip Chowdhry downgraded the software giant in part due to increased competition from Macs to Windows systems, notes the “Seattle PI” (http://www.seattlepi.com/business/1310ap_us_microsoft_mover.html).

The analyst told investors he doesn’t expect the Big M to see any upside to his estimates for the next 12 to 18 months. Chowdhry says that, increasingly, companies are giving their employees a choice to either use Macs or PCs — and, increasingly, employees are choosing Macs over Windows. What’s, Chowdhry said 70% of college freshman are entering school with Macs, up about 10 to 15% a year ago.