'Get a Mac' Ads without Justin Long ('Mac') [Archive]

MacRumors

Nov 9, 2006, 12:17 AM

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com)

RadarOnline reports (http://www.radaronline.com/exclusives/2006/11/apple-ditches-mac-guy-in-new-ads.php) that Justin Long who plays the "Mac" on Apple's new television commercials will no longer be appearing in Apple's commercials.

There's no indication why Justin Long will no longer be participating in the commercials, but despite his departure, they report that a new round of ads are being filmed with the original director (Phil Morrison) and "PC" (John Hodgman).

Apple debuted the "Get a Mac" ads in June (http://www.macrumors.com/pages/2006/06/20060612183309.shtml) and has released new ads (http://www.macrumors.com/pages/2006/10/20061009161011.shtml) as recently as October.

spicyapple

Nov 9, 2006, 12:20 AM

He was good, but Apple needs someone more lovable and less smug. They should do the ads with Dvorak and Leo.

applemacdude

Nov 9, 2006, 12:21 AM

my guess is that PC will switch

arn

Nov 9, 2006, 12:22 AM

yeah... not sure which way they'll go with it without the original mac guy.

arn

airboss1971

Nov 9, 2006, 12:24 AM

He's not out for the same reason as the Dell dude is he? :)

iMeowbot

Nov 9, 2006, 12:24 AM

my guess is that PC will switch
PC can't switch, it's against the Apple license agreement :p

LethalWolfe

Nov 9, 2006, 12:25 AM

The guy probably doesn't want to be known as "that Mac guy" for the rest of his life.

Lethal

Warbrain

Nov 9, 2006, 12:25 AM

Meh. I think the ads are beginning to get a little long in the tooth.

Chundles

Nov 9, 2006, 12:25 AM

It's because people don't like his character. From the very beginning of the campaign the overwhelming response has been "I like the PC guy but the Mac guy comes across as a smarmy little smart-arse" and comments of that ilk.

I'm not a fan of the campaign in general, it still over-emphasises the creative side of the Mac rather than showing just how capable the platform is (only one ad dealing with the more work-focussed aspects? Not good enough.) and once again shows the Mac to be the quirky young upstart to the PCs more mature, buttoned-down persona.

They need to show the Mac and the PC competing in the same thing, put both online with the settings they have out of the box and show what happens after browsing the net with their default browsers for a while. Actually SHOW how much easier it is to make a home movie, SHOW them both running Office, just bloody SHOW THE OPERATING SYSTEM!!!

I know that would involve directly competing with Microsoft but geeze, at some stage Apple are just going to have to bite the bullet and show to the public how things work on a Mac.

MrSmith

Nov 9, 2006, 12:25 AM

tech4all

Nov 9, 2006, 12:26 AM

my guess is that PC will switch

Maybe he'll become the new "Mac" as a result of the old "Mac" leaving, and we'll see a new "PC". :D

But it is odd to see him go. I'm curious as to how the next ads will be.

sushi

Nov 9, 2006, 12:27 AM

Meh. I think the ads are beginning to get a little long in the tooth.
Agree. They are good. But a chance of faces may be nice.

The PC guy switching to a Mac guy might be good if they can pull it off.

the Western zoo

Nov 9, 2006, 12:27 AM

Arhh... That sucks! I don't understand why they would wanna replace him with someone else! (Well maybe they found out he was actually using a PC :p ) I thought he was a very nice representive for the Mac-brand, but all right I'll wait to condemn it completely till I see the new guy!

Zwhaler

Nov 9, 2006, 12:29 AM

I still think PC is the greatest!

mcarnes

Nov 9, 2006, 12:32 AM

Gisele is gonna be the new mac (wo)man.

Mmmmmmm, Gisele.

spicyapple

Nov 9, 2006, 12:32 AM

I thought he was a very nice representive for the Mac-brand, but all right I'll wait to condemn it completely till I see the new guy!

The ads amplified what PC users already think of Mac users; as lounging, bohemian, creative types.

"I'm a Mac user"
"Oh, you're one of those people."

MrSmith

Nov 9, 2006, 12:38 AM

The ads amplified what PC users already think of Mac users; as lounging, bohemian, creative types.
Oh. You mean weird. ;)

airboss1971

Nov 9, 2006, 12:38 AM

twoodcc

Nov 9, 2006, 12:40 AM

my guess is that PC will switch

ha, that's probably a good guess.

i personally kinda liked Justin Long, but oh well, i'm sure i'll like the upcoming ones also

mactonight

Nov 9, 2006, 12:59 AM

He's been replaced by a C2D model, obviously. ;)

countach

Nov 9, 2006, 01:15 AM

I never thought he was smug. In fact I thought he was casted extremely laid back specifically to avoid that.

bretm

Nov 9, 2006, 01:16 AM

superleccy

Nov 9, 2006, 01:32 AM

Meh. I think the ads are beginning to get a little long in the tooth.
Agreed.

SL

SeaFox

Nov 9, 2006, 01:39 AM

The ads amplified what PC users already think of Mac users; as lounging, bohemian, creative types.

Yeah, it sucks to be thought of as interesting. :rolleyes:

I liked the thread over at AppleInsider about this.

They should replace Justin Long with Dennis Haysbert:

PC: I'm a PC.
DH: And I'm a Mac.
~look of shock from PC for why the Mac has changed~
DH: Ya, we come in black now.

This is an easy one: Leopard comes out. New commercial.

PC: "Um. Excuse me? Have you seen my friend, Mac?"
Leopard: "Oh, hey PC. It's me. I got an upgrade."

*cue Vista joke*

EricNau

Nov 9, 2006, 01:43 AM

my guess is that PC will switch
He can't. PC (John Hodgman) already uses Mac. ;)

Cybix

Nov 9, 2006, 01:52 AM

PC will become the new MAC..

the old MAC will return, in much later episodes, after the new PC also switches to MAC..

loads of them will switch to MAC, over a year or two, then in a big finale to the whole campaign, there will be all the switches on the right side, and the last PC ever on the left side, and he/her will also switch, and become MAC, then there will be no PC.

the end.

i can visualise it.. (picture 10 'macs' on the right side, and no one standing on the left side)..

nice, very nice.

I'm in the wrong industry. :cool:

OH, let me go on.

then, with all the 'MACS' on the right side, apple starts to advertise the communications abilities of the MAC, bluetooth, wifi, eth, etc ... they like, start talking french to each other... (cue bonjour product/abilities)..

and... .?

someone else fill in the blanks :)

iMeowbot

Nov 9, 2006, 01:53 AM

They could get a whole slew of actors to play the different Mac models. It might give them an opportunity to explain their strange product mix.

robertnq

Nov 9, 2006, 01:53 AM

maybe...the mac will get upgraded...and the pc will be the same old guy....pc's will be the same as last year and the mac is oh i dont know....:cool:

redAPPLE

Nov 9, 2006, 01:57 AM

my guess is that PC will switch

he is going to do "parallel" :p

edit: no one has even suggested, that they only planned to do, let us say, 20-25 ads?

steebu

Nov 9, 2006, 02:14 AM

I predict that Justin Long 'Mac' will be present in the form of a cardboard replica, but introduced as Vista.

adamw

Nov 9, 2006, 02:14 AM

Unfortunately, as a result of my participating over at Justin Long's web site (www.JustingLong.net), I believe one of the reasons he can no longer do new ads for Apple is that he is currently very busy tied up doing an extensive movie shoot starring as Bruce Willis' sidekick in the currently filming new Die Hard 4 movie "Live Free Or Die Hard" set for a 4th of July weekend release next year about Internet hackers who terrorize America. Justin plays a good computer hacker who teams up with Bruce Willis ("John McClane") to save America from the "bad hackers"/terrorists.

There is much action to shoot and he is on location with Bruce in many of the scenes. Also he likely is trying to use his "Mac recognition" from the ads to leapfrog into big movies, like "Live Free or Die Hard" and his upcoming starring role to do the voice of Despereaux in the animated movie "The Tale Of Despereaux". Justin has the starring role in "Patriotville" which just wrapped up shooting, plus he is in the new Adam Sandler movie "Strange Wilderness" due out in the spring. Since he has several new movies coming out this year and early next year to promote, that likely will further tie him up and make him unavailable to take time out to do an extensive series of Apple "Get A Mac" ads.

I don't think Bruce Willis would appreciate Justin holding up filming by taking a week off the set of Die Hard 4 to "go play the Mac Guy" for some new Apple ads. For more about Justin's movie career and credits see:
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0519043/

For more about the movie he is currently shooting with Bruce Willis, Die Hard 4 aka "Live Free Or Die Hard" see:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0337978/

Our "Mac" is currently quite busy in Hollywood. Hope they feature shots of Macs in the movies, especially the new Die Hard movie.

Perhaps Steve Jobs didn't like the idea of the "Mac Guy" playing a hacker in the Die Hard movie, which might tarnish people to think the Mac was for hackers/hacking. Maybe Steve gave Justin an ultimatum -- It's either Bruce or us -- your choice. Justin chose to morph into the hacker role...

Dr Jerkyll

Nov 9, 2006, 02:25 AM

My guess is that Justins gona be replaced with a women, or a a black guy...
Anyone wanna bet!? :p

adamw

Nov 9, 2006, 02:29 AM

Or Maybe by Bruce Willis - can anyone say "Yippe Kai Yay!" PC?

nagromme

Nov 9, 2006, 02:29 AM

Those ads made me cringe. The Mac Guy most of all.

Doesn't mean they didn't work, but I for one won't be sorry to see him go.

Gonzo75

Nov 9, 2006, 02:33 AM

What they should really do is just put an end to those damn pretentious ads. I've said this before...I use a Mac and love it. I doesn't make me any more creative, smart, cool, etc than someone who uses a PC. It just means I use a different computer. There's got to be another way that Apple can make ads that showcase their strengths.

PBGPowerbook

Nov 9, 2006, 02:39 AM

those ads were *no good*, the macintosh looked like a smug bitch.

apple ads should be very easy: black screen, macintosh startup chime, fade in to low key lighting and circle the camera around a mbp, or mac pro, or ipod or whatver, fade to black, apple logo in white, good enough.

hell with all this pandering to windows users, they arent even a part of the game as far as i know.

1984

Nov 9, 2006, 02:48 AM

Maybe they should do a commercial where they actually show some aspects of OS X in action. Remember when they used to make those promotional videos whenever they announced new hardware at Macworld? I always thought those would have made better commercials than the actual commercials.

iAlan

Nov 9, 2006, 03:13 AM

Hopefully this means a new case designs as well -- thus a new actor! While poor old PC is the same boring old 'box'

Don't think they will switch PC to Mac, but it could work (after PC goes on a diet and looses a chunk of weight) -- show one of the original comercials in black and white, and all grainy, then pan to PC in a nice pinstripe suite and a way bit slimmer. Have PC look at the old commercial and have him say something along the lines of 'What was I thinking?'. Fade to Apple logo and 'Switch' written underneath.

Or better yet, keep 'Mac' and have him swing in Tarzan style wielding a MacBook Pro while debugging Vista from viruses Die Hard 4 style and then say something alongthe lines of 'Not only do I do iLife -- I clean windows too!'

And PC guy implodes in horror....

Multimedia

Nov 9, 2006, 05:09 AM

Everybody knows Justin Long was a Core Duo Mac and has accordingly been discontinued along with the rest of the Core Duo Macs, notwithstanding the mini for one more week.

Mac Heretic

Nov 9, 2006, 05:19 AM

I hope that this is not apocalyptic. Only PC:s around.

They could still make a maccentric ad even without a Mac, though.

- Hi I'm a PC. Just came back. But... where's everybody else? Anyone?
(waiting)
- Anybody here? I wanted to talk about the new, incoming OS. With brand new features. Things that make me up to date, so to speak.
(waiting, checking his tie.)
- Damn. Seems that I've already got some soup on my new tie.
(waiting. Then walks out of the picture)
- Anyone?

iMikeT

Nov 9, 2006, 06:52 AM

This should make some people happy.

ro2nie

Nov 9, 2006, 08:11 AM

The PC guy could dress as Justin Long, and try to imitate him (Vista copy of Mac OS X Tiger)
The new Mac guy could be a completely different and smarter person being Leopard...more advanced than Tiger, and therefore more advanced than Vista.

SilentPanda

Nov 9, 2006, 08:15 AM

Maybe with most of the systems being Core 2's now they need to get some conjoined twins to be Mac.

pilotzen

Nov 9, 2006, 08:18 AM

It may just be me but I always find the ads condescending to the PC market it's hoping to crossover.

Maybe the only market who really enjoy these ads are those who already own a mac and those who dont own one might not feel tempted to crossover after being portrayed as a joker!

Its a bit "we want your business but we think your a fool in the first place"

Im not sure if thats a good angle. It might be though. :confused:

eric_n_dfw

Nov 9, 2006, 08:34 AM

I work with a lot of Windows and Linux users (software engineers) and none of them have ever mentioned anything negative about the commercials. In fact, one guy just bought a MacBook and specifically sighted the latest adwith the two "movies" as a catalyst. (He's been trying to do a lot of home movies with a PC and got sick of it.)

Reverend Wally

Nov 9, 2006, 08:39 AM

Let's try this....

All of the girls from last year Playboy centerfolds as Macs, and a bunch of toothless overweight hillbilly girls with a bunch of uncontrollable brats running around as PCs

:D

ready2switch

Nov 9, 2006, 08:40 AM

maybe...the mac will get upgraded...and the pc will be the same old guy....pc's will be the same as last year and the mac is oh i dont know....:cool:

That is kind of what I was thinking. Maybe Justin was the Core Duo Mac, and now that *most* of the Mac lineup is Core 2 Duo, we'll get a "new" Mac. I can especially see this if they boost the mini to C2D (though maybe not soon).

Mac Heretic

Nov 9, 2006, 08:57 AM

Yes, those ads are quite mean and for PC people, quite annoying and one-eyed really.

But it seems that things were not so "different" in the 90's after all:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QHKXijxnLs4

and "internally" it got even worse:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUON96jcy2s

But as far as I am concerned, they should hire David Hasselhoff to say in a Baywatch-like scene: "Hi. I'm a PC, and I just love Macs with their Core 2 Duo processors."

mac-er

Nov 9, 2006, 09:08 AM

sushi

Nov 9, 2006, 09:11 AM

But it seems that things were not so "different" in the 90's after all:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QHKXijxnLs4

Pretty funny! :D

lord patton

Nov 9, 2006, 09:13 AM

I liked the ads, and didn't find them particularly condescending. That said, a change is good. People, if they even watch commercials anymore (I love Tivo), don't watch the ones they think they've already seen.

If you can build on the brand, but keep it novel, the ad campaign will have new life. This is a good move.

I think they should cast some 80 year old grandma who, after talking about how easy it is to do everything she wants, smacks PC upside the head and says, "Life's too short to bother with crashing computers—stop being a stubborn ass and switch."

Then she can turn to the camera and deadpan, "PCs are bu11*****."

mdntcallr

Nov 9, 2006, 09:49 AM

He can't. PC (John Hodgman) already uses Mac. ;)

naw i bet he will be a full on switcher

macintologist

Nov 9, 2006, 10:09 AM

Why can't Steve Jobs be in a couple of Apple Ad's and stand by his products, sort of like The Video Professor

http://www.adreporting.com/img-bin/ban/35/johncd.jpg

usasalazar

Nov 9, 2006, 10:17 AM

He can't be in any more commercials because he has to stay at home and wait for the -- yet again delayed -- shipment of his MBP C2D:p

peharri

Nov 9, 2006, 10:36 AM

The reason Justin Long is gone is because of a change of emphasis at Apple. In January, Steve Jobs will go on stage... and announce they're dropping the Mac and will be selling PCs running Windows from now on.

Wait. No! That's not good news. That's not good at all!

omcorp

Nov 9, 2006, 11:26 AM

Time to bring back Ellen Feiss...

dpaanlka

Nov 9, 2006, 11:31 AM

I'll wager a bet and say Get a Mac is over. They already have like 20 commercials... that was quite a fun campaign but time to move on. Perhaps maybe, like, talk about the individual products.

The last commercial that really did that was the Power Mac G5 "blown away" commercial... which was awesome.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4iDbHeuRACU

ChrisA

Nov 9, 2006, 11:44 AM

I think a great set of adds would be if they used a different person in each ad, so you would not know (for sure) who was the mac and who was the PC until they got going in to the story. Let the viewer figure it out.

What about using two female actors? Would that work?

macenforcer

Nov 9, 2006, 01:08 PM

Good show Justin. Those ads are lame lame lame. All apple's ads are stupid. Why can't they do some high tech cool looking ads. I will never understand apple marketing. Bunch of idiots.

twoodcc

Nov 9, 2006, 01:13 PM

Why can't Steve Jobs be in a couple of Apple Ad's and stand by his products, sort of like The Video Professor

http://www.adreporting.com/img-bin/ban/35/johncd.jpg

i've always felt sorry for that guy...no one ever buys his stuff (i'm guessing, since he gives it away for free now)

bousozoku

Nov 9, 2006, 02:15 PM

Good show Justin. Those ads are lame lame lame. All apple's ads are stupid. Why can't they do some high tech cool looking ads. I will never understand apple marketing. Bunch of idiots.

They're trying to sell to the general public, not to you. If they created ads that targeted technology, it's likely that they'd have fewer buyers, because the advertisements wouldn't tell them anything they wanted to know.

People understand creating web pages, handling photos, and making home movies. They don't want to know about typing on a command line to build an application to eventually let them create web pages, handle photos, or make home movies. ;)

pbook15

Nov 9, 2006, 02:27 PM

Advertising is a way to reassure people they made the right purchase

It may just be me but I always find the ads condescending to the PC market it's hoping to crossover.

Maybe the only market who really enjoy these ads are those who already own a mac and those who dont own one might not feel tempted to crossover after being portrayed as a joker!

Its a bit "we want your business but we think your a fool in the first place"

Im not sure if thats a good angle. It might be though. :confused:

macenforcer

Nov 9, 2006, 02:28 PM

They're trying to sell to the general public, not to you. If they created ads that targeted technology, it's likely that they'd have fewer buyers, because the advertisements wouldn't tell them anything they wanted to know.

People understand creating web pages, handling photos, and making home movies. They don't want to know about typing on a command line to build an application to eventually let them create web pages, handle photos, or make home movies. ;)

Whatev. Everyone knows that apple ads suck. Look at the switcher campaign. Went down in history as the worst tv spots EVER!

bousozoku

Nov 9, 2006, 03:02 PM

Whatev. Everyone knows that apple ads suck. Look at the switcher campaign. Went down in history as the worst tv spots EVER!

"Everyone" knows that Apple's sales are up and the latest advertisements have been helping make Apple visible.

rtdunham

Nov 9, 2006, 04:14 PM

Let's try this....All of the girls from last year Playboy centerfolds as Macs, and a bunch of toothless overweight hillbilly girls with a bunch of uncontrollable brats running around as PCs:D

yeah! nobody could accuse us of being shallow for that! Barbies rule, moms drool, and all that! :p

iMeowbot

Nov 9, 2006, 04:35 PM

I think a great set of adds would be if they used a different person in each ad, so you would not know (for sure) who was the mac and who was the PC until they got going in to the story. Let the viewer figure it out.
This guy (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xtba2GkVOII) would be perfect for the role!

p0intblank

Nov 9, 2006, 05:23 PM

Nooo! :( I love his character and how he plays it... I thought he did it very well. But oh well, change can be good. I do like PC's character more, though. He's just so funny. :p

But who can fill Justin's shoes?

Porco

Nov 9, 2006, 05:27 PM

So Long, farewell, auf wiedersehn, goodbye...

[sorry]

backsidetailsli

Nov 9, 2006, 05:30 PM

i didnt like him too much anyways

ksz

Nov 9, 2006, 05:45 PM

bousozoku

Nov 9, 2006, 05:59 PM

I also liked the poise and articulation that Justin brought to the role. But the scruffy, neo-hippie look turned me off. Is that supposed to be the stereotypical Mac user? Hence, I just didn't think that the look was either representative of Mac users or something that Mac users should be aspiring to look like. I simply could not identify.

John Hodgman, on the other hand, looks neutral, is clean shaven and smartly dressed. And he's a lot more charming.

They're trying to get new users, not show current users. A lot of potential money is not owned by the clean-shaven. If I were Apple, I would want to distance myself as far as I could from the Mac-o-lytes because they just don't represent reality, either.

richard4339

Nov 9, 2006, 06:02 PM

Wow, I had no idea the Mac Guy was in Dodgeball. It all makes sense now...

dpaanlka

Nov 9, 2006, 06:10 PM

Whatev. Everyone knows that apple ads suck. Look at the switcher campaign. Went down in history as the worst tv spots EVER!

Ahem... and the "Think different." campaign? Did that also suck?

What about "The power to be your best." campaign? Did that go down terribly in history too?

Quboid

Nov 9, 2006, 06:10 PM

I actually liked "the Mac" guy, seen him in a few movies before and i'm pretty sure his leaving due to questions of his acting career. He cant be known as "the mac" forever, plus i'm sure he missed some auditions and/or award shows over it.

Priceless qoute " Uh, everything kinda just runs on a mac" (digital cmera from japan).

Curious, what ever happened to the "Dude, you're getting a dell" guy?

ksz

Nov 9, 2006, 06:24 PM

A lot of potential money is not owned by the clean-shaven.
What are you basing this on?
If I were Apple, I would want to distance myself as far as I could from the Mac-o-lytes because they just don't represent reality, either.
What does a Mac-o-lyte look like? And how do you know?

It's much more reasonable to assert that the demographics are basically the same between Mac users and PC users (and quite a few people use both). Given the number of units sold, I don't think the demographics are particularly skewed towards any particular character trait.

TheBobcat

Nov 9, 2006, 06:34 PM

It's much more reasonable to assert that the demographics are basically the same between Mac users and PC users (and quite a few people use both). Given the number of units sold, I don't think the demographics are particularly skewed towards any particular character trait.

What are you basing this on? And how do you know?

ksz

Nov 9, 2006, 07:44 PM

What are you basing this on? And how do you know?
I don't know. That's my point. I said it's more reasonable to "assert" that the demographics are basically the same based on the number of units sold.

There are Mac users from all walks of life, all ethnic backgrounds, all income levels, and all ages. Is there really a stereotypical Mac user anymore? I am asking.

gekko513

Nov 9, 2006, 07:55 PM

Just for the record, I liked the Mac guy.

AppliedVisual

Nov 9, 2006, 11:07 PM

i've always felt sorry for that guy...no one ever buys his stuff (i'm guessing, since he gives it away for free now)

He (the Video Professor) is based here local to me and my sister in-law used to work for his company. She worked in customer service and said that the return rate on his product is so high that were they make money is on the shipping/handling charges and she would get bonuses by talking customers into keeping the product they were trying to return and often by offering additional discs for only $1 to $2. Anyway, after about a year or so working there she had enough and decided to move on with her life and find a better crappy job.

0010101

Nov 9, 2006, 11:19 PM

The 'Mac Guy' was what some marketing person thought would appeal to the commercials target audience.

The PC character was intended to represent the 'WinTel' computers as the 'stuffy' prim and proper 'adult' type computer, and the Mac character was intended to represent the Mac as the young, 'hip', easy going, and perhaps most importantly, trendy computer.

In short, the ads were targeted to appeal to the new office culture where everyday is casual day.. where a jacket and tie isn't a requirement, as well as typical high school and college students.

It seems to have been an effective campaign, if the numerous parodies are any indication.. but Apple would be well advised to end that series of commercials while they're at their peak, and not drag them out for another dozen or more 'episodes'.

A 30 second spot isn't nearly enough time to demo the OS, or go into any great detail about the technical differences between Mac's and PC's as some have suggested.

No.. think of all the commercials that people still remember decades later.. like the 'Wheres the Beef?!' lady from the Wendys commercials.

An effective commercial gives the perspective customer just enough information to wet their proverbial appetite and encourages them to investigate the subject further.. generally by getting a catch phrase related to the product stuck in their head.

Head on.. apply directly to the forehead! Head on.. apply directly to th forehead!

Or in Apples case.. 'Hi. I'm a Mac. And i'm a PC".

The problem with Apples 'Think Different' campaign is that while most people like to think that they 'Think Different'.. not many people want to BE different.

I mean, really.. think about how consumer trends work. A person sees another person driving a cool SUV thing, or wearing a flannel shirt, and next thing you know, L.L. Bean is selling record numbers and Ford can't build SUV's fast enough.

It's probably the main reason 'MacAddict' is changing its name.. since Apple in general (especially since the commercial success of the iPod) is trying to shake that long standing public belief that Mac users are quirky, strange artsy type people.

Which is why the 'get a mac' commercials tapped a young, hip, everyday 18 to 34 year old to play the role of 'Mac'.

bousozoku

Nov 9, 2006, 11:33 PM

What are you basing this on?

What does a Mac-o-lyte look like? And how do you know?

It's much more reasonable to assert that the demographics are basically the same between Mac users and PC users (and quite a few people use both). Given the number of units sold, I don't think the demographics are particularly skewed towards any particular character trait.

I don't know. That's my point. I said it's more reasonable to "assert" that the demographics are basically the same based on the number of units sold.

There are Mac users from all walks of life, all ethnic backgrounds, all income levels, and all ages. Is there really a stereotypical Mac user anymore? I am asking.

Actually, you weren't asking me about stereotypical Mac users, though you might have assumed that. You were asking me about Mac fanatics. They are who I've been calling Mac-o-lytes for the past 10 or so years. While they're interesting, they're not exactly what Apple should be showing to get mainstream users. We've seen more than a few on MacRumors but thankfully, they're not the majority.

benthewraith

Nov 9, 2006, 11:40 PM

My guess is that Justins gona be replaced with a women, or a a black guy...
Anyone wanna bet!? :p

No, he's going to be replaced with Gary.

ksz

Nov 9, 2006, 11:53 PM

Actually, you weren't asking me about stereotypical Mac users, though you might have assumed that. You were asking me about Mac fanatics. They are who I've been calling Mac-o-lytes for the past 10 or so years.
Well not exactly. I have never before seen the term Mac-o-lyte, and equated it with 'stereotypical'. You've just defined Mac-o-lyte for me and apparently it carries a different meaning.
While they're interesting, they're not exactly what Apple should be showing to get mainstream users. We've seen more than a few on MacRumors but thankfully, they're not the majority.
Actually I agree. Any type of fanaticism presents a cause for concern.

None Such

Nov 10, 2006, 12:34 AM

From his point of view, though, he doesn't want to be stereotyped, especially if he wants to be a serious actor. :(

Did you see him in "The Break Up"? hahaha

210

Nov 10, 2006, 12:10 PM

Justin Long is fit - he will be missed! The problem with these commercials is that the PC had all the jokes while the Mac didn't.

soleluna

Nov 10, 2006, 12:30 PM

a long shot - but let's just hope beyond hope that Apple is on track for a brand new case design (post perfed metal look) and are retiring the human equivalent of the current case (Justin Long) until the new case design is revealed and then reintroducing Mr. Long's replacement who still says he's a mac etc. If they do it really right, they would have Justin come out and talk with the other 2 people and perhaps even introduce a new PC persona for Vista in the event that it ever really ships.

Squonk

Nov 10, 2006, 12:56 PM

Seasought

Nov 10, 2006, 01:13 PM

They should do the ads with Dvorak and Leo.

Now that's a good idea. You have my vote. :D

dpaanlka

Nov 10, 2006, 02:21 PM

Yes, those ads are quite mean and for PC people, quite annoying and one-eyed really.

But it seems that things were not so "different" in the 90's after all:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QHKXijxnLs4

It was like that always, not just the 90s, and not just now.

a long shot - but let's just hope beyond hope that Apple is on track for a brand new case design

Why? Is it because Mac Pro and MacBook Pro cases are so incredibly inferior to PC cases?

MrFirework

Nov 10, 2006, 02:44 PM

This is a huge opportunity for Apple. It's not that they needed to get rid of Long, it's that they could. All of the ideas about PC "switching", or a new Mac being introduced or a new PC for Vista or a combination for all of these are evidence of this.

Apple is smart. They've let everyone know he's gone (it's even on msn.com), and now everyone is wondering what's next. The people who thought Long was smug are happy he's gone, and anticipating who's next. The people who liked him are interested to see if Apple can find a good, if not better, replacement.

Removing Long, and letting the world hear about it, is the smartest marketing move Apple could have come up with.

Bravo.

Swarmlord

Nov 10, 2006, 02:48 PM

I thought he came across as an all-round pleasant guy and I don't really understand the 'smug' label he's got. From his point of view, though, he doesn't want to be stereotyped, especially if he wants to be a serious actor. Maybe the ads henceforth will use only the PC guy and instead of comparing Mac and PC side-by-side they'll just go for an all out attack on PC. :(

That's the camp I'm in on this also. I thought he was perfect for the role and contrasted nicely with the PC guy. I personally think that he was concerned for him movie role future if he did these commercials too long.

benpatient

Nov 10, 2006, 03:34 PM

while i enjoyed the ads, it was the PC that I really enjoyed. He was funny and interesting. The opposite of what they were going for.

I could do without the snotty little brat they had playing the Mac.

I often found myself rolling my eyes at the commercials because of that guy. take off the hoodie and get your hands out of your pockets. wanker.

iW00t

Nov 10, 2006, 03:39 PM

Good show Justin. Those ads are lame lame lame. All apple's ads are stupid. Why can't they do some high tech cool looking ads. I will never understand apple marketing. Bunch of idiots.

High tech cool looking?

I think the current Apple ads are brilliant. In a way they did create a strong response in you, the viewer, no? The response may be bad for some, but Apple doesn't need more switcheurs. Much of the PC using crowd will probably relate to the same problems highlighted by the "PC" and find Apple's ads funny.

The ads must be so not working, because Apple has never sold more computers ever before.

Mac-Addict

Nov 10, 2006, 03:51 PM

"Hey I'm iPod" "And I'm Zune" "You know we are very much the same" "Yeah we both play music and video but we retain a lot of what makes us, us.."
:)

HowEver

Nov 10, 2006, 04:47 PM

The shock of the new always perplexes some people, even if it's just in the sense that there is "no more of the same."

Once upon a time, there was no Justin Long. And now again, there is none. Life goes on (at least for the rest of us).

AidenShaw

Nov 10, 2006, 10:04 PM

http://www.radaronline.com/exclusives/2006/11/apple-ditches-mac-guy-in-new-ads.php

Apple's "I'm a Mac" campaign is almost perfect: It's funny, memorable, and efficiently lays out the advantages of Macs over PCs.

Its only defect: Virtually everyone who watches it comes away liking the "PC guy" while wanting to push the "Mac guy" under a bus.

'nuff said....

bertyee

Nov 12, 2006, 10:09 AM

Whether you like Justin Long's Mac character or not, you have to admit that the Apple commercials are much better than the old boring Jeff Goldblum voice-over ones.

adamw

Nov 13, 2006, 11:01 AM

The rumours of Justin Long's demise as "Apple guy" in the Apple Get A Mac ads are WRONG according to Justin Long:

This just in (from Justin Log himself on his official web site (http://www.justinlong.net/)), he states in a post today entitled "Just To Clarify" on the main Portal page... Justin is quoted as saying:

"as for the mac commercials, i don't know where that report came from that said i wasn't going to do anymore - i literally setting my alarm right now to wake up for a mac shoot tomorrow - if i'm not doing anymore i guess i can sleep in on my day off - that'd be nice. but yeah, we're doing some holiday spots now which i think will be pretty funny - not nearly funny enough to justifiy the money they're paying me though, i'll be honest with you. as for the future, i really don't know what i'm going to do - i'm surprised, frankly, that the campaign hasn't become tired and they've just ended it on their own - but i try to live as much in the present as i can considering the future doesn't exist, i'm not really sure. they're easy to do, i love john (the pc guy) and working with him is so effortless and fun that i definitely wouldn't rule out doing some more - and, as i said, they pay us nicely."
- Justin Long wrote on 11/13/2006.