Just like Betamax was better than VHS?

There are lots of reasons for success and failure. I would not count out two enormous chip makers full of skilled people and experience.

Let me know when I can buy an M1 to put in my desktop PC and run Windows on it.

Looks like based on the Asahi Linux, the fact that windows can't run on it is solely Microsoft's problem. If Hector Martin can get a Linux system to boot in a few months, I am sure Microsoft engineers can too.

Great. Now, about the first part of what I said...

I never said the first part wasn't an issue, I was addressing the second part. We all know Apple isn't going to sell their processors directly. The only way that changes maybe is if a bunch of data centers go begging them to, and they might be special chips priced out of normal desktop usage. I wish that wasn't that case, but unfortunately it is. Especially with outside of Raspberry Pis (and like SBCs) and Pinebooks, right now the M1 is the only viable desktop ARM processor. Wouldn't be such a big deal if we begin to see more laptop and desktop manufacturers dive into the ARM space (I hope so).

Apple M1(X) is a beast, but if it will be restricted to Mac OS then x86 is here to stay for a long time. There are a lot of cases where Mac OS is a no go and actual x86/x64 CPUs, thanks to competition, are quite good, maybe not as good as M1(X), but changing architecture nowadays requires a lot more reasons than years ago. Also, thanks to its integration you just can't upgrade M1 notebooks.

Linux already runs on the M1 Macs. Now comes the most difficult part, which is device enablement.

Apple silicon has been in Apple phones for many years. Worldwide iPhone market share has not increased and it has not beaten the competition. Desktop users will be even harder to convert due to more legacy software and bigger OS differences. Apple silicon has achieved an impressive breakthrough into the market but it is currently an also ran architecture with limited expansion potential.

Personally, I would stick with the current i7 chip that I own rather than become an Apple victim.

I'll be perfectly fine for that 5-10 years.

Can it run Windows? If not you've missed 75% of the desktop market.