Microsoft Enlists Jerry Seinfeld in Ad War Against Apple

[Gray-Wolf]

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,407702,00.html

Microsoft Corp., weary of being cast as a stodgy oldster by Apple Inc.'s advertising, is turning for help to Jerry Seinfeld.

The software giant's new $300 million advertising campaign, devised by a newly hired ad agency, has been closely guarded. But Mr. Seinfeld will be one of the key celebrity pitchmen, say people close to the situation. He will appear with Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates in ads and receive about $10 million for the work, they say.

[Kashchei]

This is a bit ironic since Seinfeld proudly displayed his latest Mac in practically every episode of his sitcom. I guess "B-Movie" didn't bring in the paycheck the way he wanted.

[GSMiller]

I'm just waiting for this to fail. $10 million for an ad campaign?! People do feature films and don't get paid as much! I like Jerry Seinfeld but he's not exactly the youngest and hippest stand up comedian out there, I think Microsoft is about 15 years too late.

[NC MacGuy]

This is a bit ironic since Seinfeld proudly displayed his latest Mac in practically every episode of his sitcom. I guess "B-Movie" didn't bring in the paycheck the way he wanted.

Exactly! He was a mac user when mac's weren't cool. How are they going to play that off?

[Porco]

"The new ad effort is expected to use some variation of the slogan "Windows, Not Walls,""

'Fire Windows, Not Firewalls!' ? :D

Maybe not.

[nanofrog]

Exactly! He was a mac user when mac's weren't cool. How are they going to play that off?
Throw cash around, and pretend it never happened. :p

[iJohnHenry]

And all those old pics will come to the fore.

They need someone like Jeff Dunham.

Bill could be played by Achmed the dead terrorist.

Job's?? Why Peanut, of course. :D

[NC MacGuy]

Maybe play a switcher in reverse?

"I used to be Mac now I'm a Windows guy...."

[swingerofbirch]

http://www.youtube.com/v/vNDEwsIGJKI&hl=en&fs=1 (seinfeld in apple ad)

I have an instinctive dislike for Jerry Seinfeld. I think it was when I heard him criticizing the person suing his wife on Letterman in a very uncomfortable way. Then I was annoyed that he was so smug with Oprah. Then I was annoyed that he had these really annoying promos for the bee movie during each commercial break of the office one week. And then I've heard him be quite an apologist for scientology. And he's into cars, which is always a turn off to me.

[Randman]

Maybe he can share some with Michael Richards.

[notjustjay]

Microsoft Corp., weary of being cast as a stodgy oldster by Apple Inc.'s advertising, is turning for help to Jerry Seinfeld.


Right, because Jerry Seinfeld is far from being a stodgy oldster. :rolleyes:

Seinfeld was hip and cool in... what, 1995?

[sushi]

They need someone like Jeff Dunham.

Bill could be played by Achmed the dead terrorist.

Job's?? Why Peanut, of course. :D
That would be funny! :)

I have an instinctive dislike for Jerry Seinfeld.
Same here.

[dukebound85]

aww

owell seinfeld is still one of my favorite actors of all time. best. show. ever. made.

[ShaneR]

This is possibly the most pathetic attempt (and I use that loosely) to compete with the 'I'm a Mac' ads by microsoft

I don't think I would be persuaded to buy anything promoted by someone who's career/life is barely existant.

[iJohnHenry]

Jerry has more money than Croesus, so why in the Hell is he stooping to this level? :confused:

It does make one go "Mmmmm".

[NC MacGuy]

Christopher Lloyd reprising Doc Brown character using Vista would have been a good move.;)

[soberbrain]

Jerry has more money than Croesus, so why in the Hell is he stooping to this level? :confused:

It does make one go "Mmmmm".

Millions + Millions = More Millions!

I do find it strange since I thought he was a big Mac guy like Kashchei said, he displayed Macs right on his show, even had a TAM!

[sushi]

I do find it strange since I thought he was a big Mac guy like Kashchei said, he displayed Macs right on his show, even had a TAM!
An indicator of character, perhaps?

Some folks are easily swayed by money.

It does seem strange that he would be pro Apple, including having a TAM, then work for Microsoft in their ad campaign.

[arkitect]

It does seem strange that he would be pro Apple, including having a TAM, then work for Microsoft in their ad campaign.

OK.
Here is my palm to face moment… But wtf is a TAM?
:o

EDIT: Never mind. Found it…

[GGJstudios]

Microsoft Corp., ... is turning for help to Jerry Seinfeld.
...

Well, Apple's in big trouble now! Might as well close the doors and go home! After all, we know what an expert and authority Jerry Seinfeld is on computer technology! LOL :rolleyes:

It's altogether fitting and proper, though. Who would be better than a comedian to help sell software that's a joke!!

[dukebound85]

An indicator of character, perhaps?

Some folks are easily swayed by money.

It does seem strange that he would be pro Apple, including having a TAM, then work for Microsoft in their ad campaign.

lol its not like apple is a religion. id advertise for MS if I was offered 10 million without hesitation

[arkitect]

Who would be better than a comedian to help sell software that's a joke!!

Ahem… and Apple of course would never do such a thing?:rolleyes:
;)

lol its not like apple is a religion. id advertise for MS if I was offered 10 million without hesitation
Hear, hear!

[costabunny]

Wait...We're at WAR??? when did this happen..... whats next Pepsi anexing Chicago and throwing all the Coke in a stockade?

OMG wake up MS - all you need to do to sell more of your product is to FIX IT! thats why people are switching, not because of Trendy, Hip Macvertising or style.....

oh dear

[xUKHCx]

OK.
Here is my palm to face moment… But wtf is a TAM?
:o

Twentieth Anniversary Macintosh (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twentieth_Anniversary_Macintosh)

[rdowns]

The master of Microsoft's domain. Good luck with that.

[MacRumors]

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

The Wall Street Journal reports (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121928939429159525.html?mod=googlenews_wsj) that Microsoft is hiring comedian Jerry Seinfeld for a series of new ads in which he will appear alongside Microsoft's Bill Gates.The new ad effort is expected to use some variation of the slogan "Windows, Not Walls," according to several people familiar with the matter. Those people say the point is to stress breaking down barriers that prevent people and ideas from connecting.The first ads are scheduled air starting on September 4th. Seinfeld is reported being paid $10 million for his work.

The ads are part of a $300 million advertising campaign from Microsoft in an attempt to overhaul their image. Specifically, one Microsoft executive has stated (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/07/08/microsoft-to-respond-to-apples-get-a-mac-ads/ ) that Apple's 'Get a Mac' ad campaign has had a damaging effect on Vista's image.
"We've got a pretty noisy competitor out there," Brooks said of Apple whose "I'm a Mac... and I'm a PC," commercials criticize Windows Vista. "You know it. I know it. It's caused some impact. We're going to start countering it. They tell us it's the iWay or the highway. We think that's a sad message. Software out there is made to be compatible with your whole life."








Article Link (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/08/21/microsoft-hiring-seinfeld-for-major-ad-campaign/)

[tjcampbell]

Another celebrity whore endorsement. Like Seinfeld needs the cash.

[soberbrain]

It would be sweet, if after the commercials aired, Jerry was spotted at the Apple Cubestore getting a new Mac!

Then, people would know where the MS money went :D

[byke]

If your company is a "has been" , why pay 10million for another "has been" actor?

No wonder MS is in decline based on these type of spending habits to reach a younger audience and image revival.

[Full of Win]

So let me guess... Apple = OS Nazi

Apple: You want different hardware? No computer for you!!

[FJ218700]

Seinfeld. really? What has he done in the last 10 years? I guess 18-25 yr olds are not part of Microsoft's target audience.

ironically, Jerry always had a Mac in is apartment on the show.

[tmelvin]

"They tell us it's the iWay or the highway. We think that's a sad message. Software out there is made to be compatible with your whole life."

LMAO. Yes, MS is so much more user friendly, and allows for all kinds of open standards...LOL...

Kind of grasping at straws really. It's sad...but funny.

[~Shard~]

It will be interesting to see what the approach of these ads will be. Utilizing Seinfeld has the potential to be quite successful, but if implemented incorrectly this campaign could really fall flat on its face. ;)

[plumbingandtech]

A hack has been for a hack has been OS.

Yah. That will work.

[Abstract]

If Jerry Seinfeld is one of the headlining stars, who's below him? I'd love to see an ad with Jerry Seinfeld, John Stamos, and the guy who played Erkel, but I'd love it for all the reasons Microsoft doesn't want me to love it. ;)


And it's crazy that HP can get Jay-Z, Pharrell, Gwen Stefani, and even Mark Cuban to do an ad for them, but Microsoft decides to go with him.

[dukebound85]

So let me guess... Apple = OS Nazi

Apple: You want different hardware? No computer for you!!

haha they should use that angle. i would laugh so hard

[rhomsy]

Didn't Seinfeld have a Mac on his desk on his tv show? I think he originally had a Mac Classic, and then he had one of those Duo Docking setups.

[FJ218700]

If Jerry Seinfeld is one of the headlining stars, who's below him? I'd love to see an ad with Jerry Seinfeld, John Stamos, and the guy who played Erkel, but I'd love it for all the reasons Microsoft doesn't want me to love it. ;)

you forgot about ALF

[~Shard~]

Seinfeld. really? What has he done in the last 10 years? I guess 18-25 yr olds are not part of Microsoft's target audience.

Good point - he hasn't really done much lately. You'd think Microsoft would want to partner with a more current star to appeal to the younger demographic. But then again, it's Microsoft, so perhaps not... :p ;)

[Sky Blue]

Tired, overrated comedian for a tired overrated product.

nice

[olliebraves20]

Unless he has become a work class programmer he isn't going to help Vista in the least.....

[FJ218700]

Good point - he hasn't really done much lately. You'd think Microsoft would want to partner with a more current star to appeal to the younger demographic. But then again, it's Microsoft, so perhaps not... :p ;)

"Seinfeld" was probably Ballmer's favorite show

[Shasterball]

Now it's going to get fun!

[Abstract]

you forgot about ALF

What you talkin' about, Willis?

[dukebound85]

Tired, overrated comedian for a tired overrated product.

nice

and i bet if apple were to hire him instead, people would be praising the decision :cool:

[goinskiing]

Wow, Microsoft REALLY needs a new advertising team. If you that Mojave was bad, oy, this could be embarrassing for M$.

[~Shard~]

Didn't Seinfeld have a Mac on his desk on his tv show? I think he originally had a Mac Classic, and then he had one of those Duo Docking setups.

You are correct, he always had a Mac in his show. Of course that was just his character, not necessarily in real life - and plus, $10M might make someone consider changing their platform regardless. :p ;)

[goinskiing]

and i bet if apple were to hire him instead, people would be praising the decision :cool:

No, I would think that it would be a terrible idea for Apple.

[samh004]

"Software out there is made to be compatible with your whole life."

How can anything ever be compatible when the mac version is always released much later than the windows version. Microsoft is still all talk, as seen by their latest 3D-photo idea that's still only compatible with windows.

[mr.light]

and i bet if apple were to hire him instead, people would be praising the decision :cool:

Not really. No. Not me anyway.:cool:

[theheadguy]

Wow, Microsoft REALLY needs a new advertising team. If you that Mojave was bad, oy, this could be embarrassing for M$.
Well they kind of REALLY got a new team. Seinfeld is awesome. Everyone who is up in arms about this needs to walk out and take a breather. This should at least be entertaining.

[tk421]

I'm surprised by all the dislike for Seinfeld. Is he really that much of a has-been? He hasn't done much since the TV show in the 90's, but that was by choice.

And is he really that unknown by the 18-25s? I'm 26 and my wife's 24 (so I guess we're at the top of the bracket) but all our friends know Seinfeld. The DVD's sell like crazy.

As much as I like shows like The Office and Arrested Development, I think Seinfeld is minute for minute the funniest show ever.

[FJ218700]

. . . - and plus, $10M might make someone consider changing their platform regardless. :p ;)

I'd build a $10M Hackintosh :rolleyes:

[~Shard~]

and i bet if apple were to hire him instead, people would be praising the decision :cool:

It's funny, the same thought crossed my mind. :p Doesn't change the fact though that I don't have a great deal of confidence in Microsoft's ad team to make this campaign a success. But, I will reserve judgment until I see the ads myself - that's only fair. :cool:

[Sky Blue]

and i bet if apple were to hire him instead, people would be praising the decision :cool:

I wouldn't.

[fleshman03]

This answered my question of the day.

Q:What is the price of a soul?
A: $10m.

[dukebound85]

No, I would think that it would be a terrible idea for Apple.

well if he was doing that Justin kid's role in apple's commercials, i would have liked them more personally as seinfeld would bring some humour to the add in a sense

[Achiever]

"Hey Bill, this PC I am using is an absolute piece of crap! What is the deal with that????"

[~Shard~]

I'd build a $10M Hackintosh :rolleyes:

This is probably one of the reasons why you don't have $10M. :p ;) :D

[dukebound85]

I'm surprised by all the dislike for Seinfeld. Is he really that much of a has-been? He hasn't done much since the TV show in the 90's, but that was by choice.

And is he really that unknown by the 18-25s? I'm 26 and my wife's 24 (so I guess we're at the top of the bracket) but all our friends know Seinfeld. The DVD's sell like crazy.

As much as I like shows like The Office and Arrested Development, I think Seinfeld is minute for minute the funniest show ever.

seinfeld and curb your enthusiasm are my two fav shows in that order

and im 23 lol

all of my friends love seinfeld as alot of situations are those i can see happeneing in real life. thats the funny part lol

[sjsutton]

I'm guessing Microsoft is targeting the 30 and over demographic here. The college kids and those under 25 (Apple targets) will be like, "Jerry Who?"

They should have went with Chris Rock.

[Small White Car]

I don't think these commercials will be good either, but much of the critisizm in this thread so far has been amazingly inane.

I believe I even saw someone critisize the idea simply because Jerry is a comedian. Really, and what do you think this guy is? (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Hodgman)

Frankly, the ads will fail because Microsoft is in charge and they just don't know how to be popular. That's really all there is to it. But all the critisizm of WHO is in the ad is misplaced and beside the point.

[decimortis]

You are correct, he always had a Mac in his show. Of course that was just his character, not necessarily in real life - and plus, $10M might make someone consider changing their platform regardless. :p ;)

Actually, he decorated his set apartment with items from his real home, but I get what you mean.

[GGJstudios]

http://blog.wired.com/cultofmac/1996-macaddict-mac-vs-pc.jpg

[~Shard~]

I really enjoyed Seinfeld as well, it was a great show. Regardless, I think Microsoft would have been smarter to go with a more current celebrity. It all depends on their plans for the ad campaign though - perhaps based on the theme and so forth, Seinfeld makes the most sense to bring on board. Guess we'll just have to wait and see.

[bbydon]

Its funny because Seinfeld actually uses macs... or so he says in his stand up act.

[Bubba Satori]

Jerry has more money than Croesus, so why in the Hell is he stooping to this level? :confused:

It does make one go "Mmmmm".

No matter how much money they have, they can still be bought. Maybe it makes them feel needed. :confused:

[~Shard~]

Actually, he decorated his set apartment with items from his real home, but I get what you mean.

I knew that was true regarding the Superman statue but didn't realize it applied to other things in the apartment as well. Interesting.

[Bubba Satori]

I'm guessing Microsoft is targeting the 30 and over demographic here. The college kids and those under 25 (Apple targets) will be like, "Jerry Who?"

They should have went with Chris Rock.

Chris who ? :D

[Lancetx]

Wow, now this is a typical Microsoft move. They are obviously so stuck in the '90s that it's ridiculous. We didn't really need any more proof of that, but here we are with even more.

[sushi]

Who would be better than a comedian to help sell software that's a joke!!
:)

lol its not like apple is a religion. id advertise for MS if I was offered 10 million without hesitation
Not a religion. I guess I am old fashioned here. I would not advertise for any product that I do not use and like regardless of how much was offered.

Twentieth Anniversary Macintosh (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twentieth_Anniversary_Macintosh)
Have one! :)

Another celebrity whore endorsement. Like Seinfeld needs the cash.
:)

Who knows, he just might need the cash. But I doubt it.

It will be interesting to see what the approach of these ads will be. Utilizing Seinfeld has the potential to be quite successful, but if implemented incorrectly this campaign could really fall flat on its face. ;)
I have many friends and family who really liked his show.

I was never a fan of his. His comments and voice remind me of nails on a chalkboard. Something you don't want to listen to if you don't have to.

"Seinfeld" was probably Ballmer's favorite show
:)

and i bet if apple were to hire him instead, people would be praising the decision :cool:
No, instead I would be pissed.

I am glad he is on the Microsoft team. Better there than on Apple's team.

No, I would think that it would be a terrible idea for Apple.
Agree.

I think Seinfeld is minute for minute the funniest show ever.
I guess some of us are on the other end of the spectrum and think that it is one of the worst shows. Obviously I am in the minority here. But so be it.

This answered my question of the day.

Q:What is the price of a soul?
A: $10m.
Had to laugh at this.

"Hey Bill, this PC I am using is an absolute piece of crap! What is the deal with that????"
:)

Anyhow, it will be interesting to see the ads. I am sure that the Seinfeld fans will be happy.

I am just very glad that he is not on Apple's team. :D

[tk421]

I don't think these commercials will be good either, but much of the critisizm in this thread so far has been amazingly inane.

I believe I even saw someone critisize the idea simply because Jerry is a comedian. Really, and what do you think this guy is? (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Hodgman)

Frankly, the ads will fail because Microsoft is in charge and they just don't know how to be popular. That's really all there is to it. But all the critisizm of WHO is in the ad is misplaced and beside the point.

Exactly right. Microsoft sucks because they're Microsoft. Jerry Seinfeld has nothing to do with it.

[O and A]

I thought they already made this "awesome" apple crushing commercial. Didn't they already show it to microsoft employees?

Unless all those employees were talking about the MOJAVE EXPERIMENT. In which case. EPIC FAIL.

[Antares]

I'll take a "wait and see" on the ads. I have no problem with Seinfeld and absolutely loved his show....but it was more about the ensemble cast rather than just him.

Anyway, I'll comment on the ads once I see them. ...But I do find it deliciously ironic that he had so many Macs and is now doing MS spots. Then again, throw that kind of money at me and I'd promote MS as well (and I'm a Mac fanatic).

[pit29]

wall??

[bytethese]

In the words of Seinfeld, "What is with...these people?!?"

I love Seinfeld and all, but I doubt he's cool enough to get people to buy Vista. :)

[Rojo]

I can't think of any comedian who is less funny than Seinfeld is right now. Every time he makes an appearance these days, I cringe. He almost ruined one of my favorite TV shows, when he showed up on 30 Rock. MS is making a terrible move using him, and once again I feel sorry for the company that just can't seem to ever be hip, no matter how hard they try. Poor MS.

As for Seinfeld always using a Mac on his show -- I can't decide if this will just make him look like a money-grubbing celebrity whore, or if it will be the one thing that actually works in MS's favor (former Mac guy switches to PC). Although will anyone care? Actually, if I was a PC-user, and then suddenly Seinfeld endorsed PC's, I would give them a second-thought after that...

[slapppy]

10 million! Pretty sure he's going to spend some of that money for new iPhone and iPod Touch for his friends and family. Plus update his Mac computers also. :p

[BenRoethig]

So, the star of the show about nothing is being the spokesman for the operating system that has nothing to offer.

[~Shard~]

Then again, throw that kind of money at me and I'd promote MS as well (and I'm a Mac fanatic).

Yeah, you can make the argument about "selling out" and so forth, but really, for $10M I'd probably do it as well. :p ;) I'd have a hard time promoting a company I dislike but if it set me up for the rest of my life and allowed me to make the lives of my friends, family and others better, then I'd do it. :) Now as for Seinfeld, I don't know what his excuse is as he doesn't really need the money. :p

[Small White Car]

I can't think of any comedian who is less funny than Seinfeld is right now.

Dane Cook.

Oops, sorry. You were probably pretty happy to not be thinking of him and I had to go and ruin it. Well, you did ask.

[dwd3885]

This is cool news. most of you guys are apple fanboys. If Apple hired Seinfeld for something, you would say this is the greatest thing ever!!

It'll be interesting to see how this plays out.

[thecartoonguy]

This is cool news. most of you guys are apple fanboys. If Apple hired Seinfeld for something, you would say this is the greatest thing ever!!

It'll be interesting to see how this plays out.

Considering he IS an Apple user, yes we would.

[dukebound85]

I can't think of any comedian who is less funny than Seinfeld is right now.

Kenny Bania of course! haha

[agentphish]

This is a bit ironic since Seinfeld proudly displayed his latest Mac in practically every episode of his sitcom. I guess "B-Movie" didn't bring in the paycheck the way he wanted.

Well put. You beat me to saying this in the first post of the thread...

MS = FAIL
SEINFELD = SELLOUT because he always had a Mac.

[Rojo]

Dane Cook.

Oops, sorry. You were probably pretty happy to not be thinking of him and I had to go and ruin it. Well, you did ask.

I've managed to avoid everything Dane Cook's ever been in, so I wouldn't really know. I've heard terrible things, so he's quite possibly more worse -- though I would think he would at least be more relevant to today than Seinfeld, no?

[mr.light]

This is cool news. most of you guys are apple fanboys. If Apple hired Seinfeld for something, you would say this is the greatest thing ever!!

It'll be interesting to see how this plays out.

Hmm. I may be in the minority here, but I have never thought of Seinfeld as funny. I always thought of the show as rather sad actually.
It may indeed turn out to be good for M$. However, don't call people fanboys because they don't like Seinfeld. Not everyone does.

[Wie Gehts]

A misanthropic narcissistic character shilling for Microflaccid, perfect.

"weary of being cast as a stodgy oldster by Apple Inc.'s advertising, is turning for help to Jerry Seinfeld."

A 54 year old isn't a stodgy oldster??!!

[dwd3885]

Hmm. I may be in the minority here, but I have never thought of Seinfeld as funny. I always thought of the show as rather sad actually.
It may indeed turn out to be good for M$. However, don't call people fanboys because they don't like Seinfeld. Not everyone does.

I'm calling people fanboys not because they love seinfeld and he's with microsoft, but because no matter WHO microsoft would have hired to do this, most people on here would have criticized it.

[bigmc6000]

An indicator of character, perhaps?

Some folks are easily swayed by money.

It does seem strange that he would be pro Apple, including having a TAM, then work for Microsoft in their ad campaign.

Call me shallow but for $10 million I'd never touch a Mac again...

[Hooka]

Jerry has more money than Croesus, so why in the Hell is he stooping to this level? :confused:

It does make one go "Mmmmm".


I think it's great that Bill and Jerry are doing a spot for Microsoft. I bet they are really funny and help Microsoft out. You know just because we use Apple products does not mean that we can't enjoy a funny ad every once and a while.

[cheekybobcat]

I'm just waiting for this to fail. $10 million for an ad campaign?! People do feature films and don't get paid as much! I like Jerry Seinfeld but he's not exactly the youngest and hippest stand up comedian out there, I think Microsoft is about 15 years too late.

Hey, look at the $90 million contract Nike gave LeBron James...

[HLdan]

I'm surprised by all the dislike for Seinfeld. Is he really that much of a has-been? He hasn't done much since the TV show in the 90's, but that was by choice.

And is he really that unknown by the 18-25s? I'm 26 and my wife's 24 (so I guess we're at the top of the bracket) but all our friends know Seinfeld. The DVD's sell like crazy.

As much as I like shows like The Office and Arrested Development, I think Seinfeld is minute for minute the funniest show ever.

You shouldn't be surprised. Remember he's only a comedian, although a very wealthy one but only because his TV show was a big hit. Jerry Seinfeld is not a very iconic figure anymore. It's not like he's Michael Jackson or Michael Jordan.

[bigmc6000]

10 million! Pretty sure he's going to spend some of that money for new iPhone and iPod Touch for his friends and family. Plus update his Mac computers also. :p

So like 5 suped up Mac Pros then... ;) hehe

[dukebound85]

I'm calling people fanboys not because they love seinfeld and he's with microsoft, but because no matter WHO microsoft would have hired to do this, most people on here would have criticized it.

that is true. MS can do no right apparently on here

[mr.light]

I'm calling people fanboys not because they love seinfeld and he's with microsoft, but because no matter WHO microsoft would have hired to do this, most people on here would have criticized it.

Maybe some would, but not all. Judging from some of the posts, there are a few who fit in that category. I, and many others I am sure, do not.

[bigmc6000]

Hey, look at the $90 million contract Nike gave LeBron James...

Both he and Kobe get mobbed when they go to another country, as evidenced by the love from the Chinese crowd. I'd say Nike is making quite a bit a money off of having the best international basketball player in the world sporting Nike everything...

[Fidgetyrat]

I wonder why Microsoft is so sore that Apple is tarnishing their image. I think the release of Vista did that wonderfully already.

Apples adds wouldn't work so well if Vista wasn't a piece of garbage to begin with.

[jamesnajera]

I am predicting a failure on this, just like everything Seinfeld has done since his show ended. Microsoft should have hired Larry David, the real talent behind Seinfeld.

[Rojo]

I'm calling people fanboys not because they love seinfeld and he's with microsoft, but because no matter WHO microsoft would have hired to do this, most people on here would have criticized it.

Sorry, you're wrong. There are tons of people they could have gotten that would have impressed me -- and I would have gladly said "good for them!" There are also tons of people I don't even personally like, but I would have still thought "wow, smart move."

Seinfeld doesn't fit into any of those categories...

[Ericatomars]

Vista is nothing but problems... They are the reason why i refuse to get another windows computer because though it might look some what appealing, half the programs still dont work on it and its nothing except a pain in my a$$... Vista has been out for a while now and there is no reason why they shouldn't have already addressed these problems. My mom has to buy a new printer if she wants to use it with vista and when she called to try and fix it they gave her the run around and pretty much told her there in no hurry to fix it and you'll be better off buying a new one....:confused:

[MacTheSpoon]

How about all the people who are dropping Vista and going back to XP, how are they going to blame that on Apple's ad campaign?

They need to take responsibility for the crapware they've unleashed, not pretend that it's awesome and blame Apple's advertising. Maybe OSX is actually better than Vista, and it's not about the ad campaigns, did they ever think of that??

[dwd3885]

Sorry, you're wrong. There are tons of people they could have gotten that would have impressed me -- and I would have gladly said "good for them!" There are also tons of people I don't even personally like, but I would have still thought "wow, smart move."

Seinfeld doesn't fit into any of those categories...

I said MOST, not ALL. So my friend, you might be right, but I'm not wrong. Calm down

[DaBrain]

I'm calling people fanboys not because they love seinfeld and he's with microsoft, but because no matter WHO microsoft would have hired to do this, most people on here would have criticized it.

You May be right, BUT do ya think it might have something to do with the fact that this is an Apple/Mac forum?---)))) :eek::rolleyes::p

[AlexisV]

They tell us it's the iWay or the highway. We think that's a sad message.

Er, it's called advertising. It's effectiveness is measured by how much money it makes the company. Nothing else matters.

Software out there is made to be compatible with your whole life."

I have no idea how this has anything to do with the previous sentence. Weird.

[UnSainted]

Apple should now play on this and do "Mac vs PC" using clones of characters from the Seinfeld Show, like Kramer, George, and Elaine all trying to use Vista.

Now that would be funny.

[dwd3885]

You May be right, BUT do ya think it might have something to do with the fact that this is an Apple/Mac forum?---)))) :eek::rolleyes::p

well of course!! ha. but you know, it'd be nice to have a discussion, like the forums should be, not a flaming forum of fanatics who pi$$ no microsoft

[bigmc6000]

Sorry, you're wrong. There are tons of people they could have gotten that would have impressed me -- and I would have gladly said "good for them!" There are also tons of people I don't even personally like, but I would have still thought "wow, smart move."

Seinfeld doesn't fit into any of those categories...

Combine that with MS's amazing track record with advertising and most people are, rightfully so, skeptical that even with a good choice (Je-fafa Done-Ham .com) would be met with a "I'm not sure MS is going to be able to do this very well but I guess we'll see"

[sushi]

This is cool news. most of you guys are apple fanboys. If Apple hired Seinfeld for something, you would say this is the greatest thing ever!!

It'll be interesting to see how this plays out.
Nope. Not at all.

I simply do not like Seinfeld or his shows. I know I am in the minority.

But I can take solace in that he works with Microsoft and not Apple. :)

[daddywags214]

Seinfeld was "in" in the 90s. So was Windows.

[darthraige]

Microsoft will never be at Apples level ever again. I am sure Microsoft's Ads will suck severely. lol

[Unspeaked]

This thread is a classic example of Apple fanboy hypocrisy.

I have little doubt that if the article were about Apple having hired Seinfeld to do new "Get a Mac" spots for them, you'd all be drooling over the idea and talking about how he's brilliant is and how timeless his comedy is.

I actually think these ads will turn out to be some of Microsoft's best, since Mr. Seinfeld is still a pretty funny guy, and think he's a great choice to refresh Microsoft's image. They've never been about going after the Adult Swim crowd, people - Seinfeld's broad fan appeal (remember, he had one of the most popular TV shows in history and still routinely sells out arenas doing stand up) is exactly the same base Microsoft covets.

[batchtaster]

While it's true nobody here would be overly impressed by any choice of representative Microsoft happened to choose, there are heaps of ppl they could have gotten that were less unimpressive. eg: it was reasonably impressive that they got the Rolling Stones to agree to having their song used for Win95, even if the product itself was rancid.

Seinfeld has long since been relegated to the C List; he was always on my C List to begin with. I wouldn't want him on an Apple ad either. Even if Apple announced he'd had a change of heart and would be appearing in their ads for 1/10th of the money, I'd still switch over when his ads came on.

So, AFAIC, go for it Microsoft. You got the right man for the job.

*Click*

P.S. "Bee Movie" had precious little to do with bees. It was like an episode of Law & Order told in cartoon form. It could have used any animal or inanimate object. Dull.

[Unspeaked]

I am predicting a failure on this, just like everything Seinfeld has done since his show ended. Microsoft should have hired Larry David, the real talent behind Seinfeld.

You do realize Bee Movie, the only major project he's done since the show ended, earned nearly $300 million, right?

[Flobber88]

This answered my question of the day.

Q:What is the price of a soul?
A: $10m.

Give me a break:rolleyes:. Not one person in this discussion would turn down that kind of money just to do a MS ad. Like one person stated earlier, Apple isn't a religion.

[53399]

---

[gkarris]

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 2_0_1 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/525.18.1 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/3.1.1 Mobile/5B108 Safari/525.20)

Seinfeld. really? What has he done in the last 10 years? I guess 18-25 yr olds are not part of Microsoft's target audience.

Good point - he hasn't really done much lately. You'd think Microsoft would want to partner with a more current star to appeal to the younger demographic. But then again, it's Microsoft, so perhaps not... :p ;)

Big Sci-Fi fan here.

Who is Seinfeld? :eek:

[Fuchal]

Hi ladies and gents, I'm Jerry Seinfeld. What's the deal with Vista???

[Snowcat001]

Wouldn't it be more logical if the ads would be of the same type 'mac vs pc'?
So Gates would be Gates of course and Seinfeld would represent apple (after all he's been known to have macs in his show.
Seinfield would then try to make a point (in a comedians way à la mac-vs-pc) about why vista s*cks and then Gates would counter him.

So I don't think Seinfield will be doing the talking about how good vista is!

This would be the funny way and: an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.

Or they could just talk about vista and not about apple or mac os x at all. Thus doing the more positive thing (in contrast with what apple is doing).

I like the mac vs pc ads but I think it's the wrong way to go.

[batchtaster]

You do realize Bee Movie, the only major project he's done since the show ended, earned nearly $300 million, right?

I think we discussed quality vs quantity in the 90s. About the time Seinfeld was relevant.

That $300 million ($287 million (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bee_Movie)) was worldwide. Not that impressive really. And it didn't get a very favorable critical response either.

[Westside guy]

I've known a few old-school Mac fans that, for one reason or another, HATE OS X - maybe Seinfeld is one of them? Or maybe he has switched to Windows. He did a commercial for HP that touted Vista (and made a couple references to his Bee Movie) a while back.

Or, maybe he just wants the money.

Anyway, who cares? I think he's a funny guy, and think his show was great. But I'm not going to take tech advice from him anymore than I'm going to listen to Governor Ah-nold or Paris Hilton trying to tell me how to vote. It's just not relevant (and still wouldn't be, even if he were an ardent Mac fan).

[bergmef]

As soon as his contract is up, apple should hire him and put him in a get a mac add. That would be funny. He could hand pc the 10 million and say no thanks, I can't believe I did that, what's up with that? and the start button to log off ... what's up with that? I feel like I'm home again, thanks mac.

or show him finishing the microsoft commercial and run into the mac guy at the new york store.

'Hi Jerry, getting a new mac?'
'Sure am, just came into some money'

I would pee myself.

[gkarris]

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 2_0_1 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/525.18.1 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/3.1.1 Mobile/5B108 Safari/525.20)

I don't think these commercials will be good either, but much of the critisizm in this thread so far has been amazingly inane.

I believe I even saw someone critisize the idea simply because Jerry is a comedian. Really, and what do you think this guy is? (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Hodgman)

Frankly, the ads will fail because Microsoft is in charge and they just don't know how to be popular. That's really all there is to it. But all the critisizm of WHO is in the ad is misplaced and beside the point.

MS is the psuedo-standard. They don't have to know how to be popular...

[tgildred]

lol its not like apple is a religion. id advertise for MS if I was offered 10 million without hesitation

Me too! I'd even give two big thumbs up on camera while nodding my head enthusiastically. And I can't stand Windows.

[ChrisA]

I'm just waiting for this to fail. $10 million for an ad campaign?! People do feature films and don't get paid as much! I like Jerry Seinfeld but he's not exactly the youngest and hippest stand up comedian out there, I think Microsoft is about 15 years too late.

Exactly what I was thinking. With Seinfeld and Gates on camera. It's like it Apple made an ad that went "Hi, I'm a PC, And I'm a PC too.."

This can't work for Microsoft. Not because the ads are bad, heck, they might even be good. But it just the numbers that don't work for them. Microsoft simply has nothing to gain. It's as if you made and ad that said "Air is good. Breath air" well how many non-breathers are there? Air can't increase it's market share. What has Microsoft to gain even of a quarter the Linux and Mac users switched to Windows, Microsoft would gain only less than 2%.

The numbers work in Apple's favor because Apple only needs a 2 percent of Microsoft's user base to switch and Apple sales go up by 50%. Microsoft simply can't increase sales any more no matter how good the ad.

[-Alan-]

An advertising campaign about nothing? Sounds fantastic.

[Unspeaked]

I think we discussed quality vs quantity in the 90s. About the time Seinfeld was relevant.

That $300 million ($287 million (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bee_Movie)) was worldwide. Not that impressive really. And it didn't get a very favorable critical response either.

I wasn't saying it was the greatest movie ever (I didn't see it) nor the most successful, I was just pointing out it wasn't the flop that some of the folks in this thread seem to be suggesting it was...

And it made well over $100 million domestically. Again, not a blockbuster, but certainly a success.

[Bubba Satori]

Give me a break:rolleyes:. Not one person in this discussion would turn down that kind of money just to do a MS ad. Like one person stated earlier, Apple isn't a religion.


http://www.sillypages.org/blg/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/jobs_christ.jpg

[tsice19]

I'm 14 and it's one of my favorite shows. A lot of my friends watch it too.

It's still being aired on TBS. I think that while Seinfeld is still popular, MS should've have gone with someone younger.

MS needs a mid-life crisis.

[chadmacd]

Correct me if I am wrong, but didn't Apple do a Think Different Ad as a tribute to him in the final episode?

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

-C

[tsice19]

Exactly what I was thinking. With Seinfeld and Gates on camera. It's like it Apple made an ad that went "Hi, I'm a PC, And I'm a PC too.."

This can't work for Microsoft. Not because the ads are bad, heck, they might even be good. But it just the numbers that don't work for them. Microsoft simply has nothing to gain. It's as if you made and ad that said "Air is good. Breath air" well how many non-breathers are there? Air can't increase it's market share. What has Microsoft to gain even of a quarter the Linux and Mac users switched to Windows, Microsoft would gain only less than 2%.

The numbers work in Apple's favor because Apple only needs a 2 percent of Microsoft's user base to switch and Apple sales go up by 50%. Microsoft simply can't increase sales any more no matter how good the ad.

I think they are targeting younger people who use Mac and Linux, but more importantly, people who use XP and Office 2003 who don't want to upgrade to MS's new stuff.

[tgildred]

I'm guessing Microsoft is targeting the 30 and over demographic here. The college kids and those under 25 (Apple targets) will be like, "Jerry Who?"

They should have went with Chris Rock.

Right, because he's relevant. :rolleyes: ;)

[yetanotherdave]

When a comedian does an advert he sells his words and his opinion, that's all a comedian has. He now has zero integrity as a comedian, his opinion is tainted with money.
But he was never any good as a comedian, so it's not like it's any big loss to the world or anything.

[Apple Ink]

Apple isn't a religion.

Actually it is keeping in mind the modern day definition of religion! And in that regard... its probably one of the most mighty!:apple:

[thecartoonguy]

http://www.sillypages.org/blg/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/jobs_christ.jpg

LAUGHING.... THAT WAS AWESOME

[weg]

Exactly! He was a mac user when mac's weren't cool. How are they going to play that off?

In fact, I never saw him actually using his Mac. In the Seinfeld sitcom, it was always just sitting there on the table, never switched on..

[Unspeaked]

When a comedian does an advert he sells his words and his opinion, that's all a comedian has. He now has zero integrity as a comedian, his opinion is tainted with money.
But he was never any good as a comedian, so it's not like it's any big loss to the world or anything.

Yeah, because after he did all those American Express commercials, he had plenty of integrity left...

I honestly don't think anyone cares about people doing commercials and "selling out" anymore. Maybe 10 or 20 years ago, you lost your cool. Now, everyone does it.

[yetanotherdave]

Yeah, because after he did all those American Express commercials, he had plenty of integrity left...

I honestly don't think anyone cares about people doing commercials and "selling out" anymore. Maybe 10 or 20 years ago, you lost your cool. Now, everyone does it.

I don't live in america, never saw those or knew about them.
I still like my comedians to be able to rant about what they want and take on whoever they want without upsetting their advertisers.

[slapppy]

So like 5 suped up Mac Pros then... ;) hehe

Yeah and a boatload of iPod Touch gifts for Hanukkah. :p

[tgildred]

Actyally it is keeping in mind the modern day definition of religion! And in that regard... its probably one of the most mighty!:apple:

I'll take it over Scientology....

[Unspeaked]

I don't live in america, never saw those or knew about them.
I still like my comedians to be able to rant about what they want and take on whoever they want without upsetting their advertisers.

That's good in theory, but I'd love to see the comedian who'd turn down $10million from Microsoft to do some ads.

I don't think he or she exists.

[yetanotherdave]

That's good in theory, but I'd love to see the comedian who'd turn down $10million from Microsoft to do some ads.

I don't think he or she exists.

I would like to think that Bill Hicks would have laughed in their faces.

[jessem]

The mac ads are hard to watch if you know anything about both windows and osx (and one of the many reasons I dislike apple as a company even though I enjoy their products) but they have been doing a great job so I can see why Microsoft is following suite.

I do think however that Microsoft's issue is not necessarily with it's ads but its presentations of its products. Windows XP came out, had plenty of updates and revisions up until Vista but Microsoft squandered them in "Service Packs" and the like. OS X came out and has had plenty of updates and revisions but they are always met by a new name (the cat thing is genius), months of circle jerks, some visual stylings and a price tag. Now Vista is out, it has plenty of issues, the same issues XP had and OSX had when they first came out but instead of renaming Vista to something else in a new revision they will probably hide the changes in a service pack and continue to ride the bad reputation they currently have even if the product is more functional and stable. It's really a shame.

[joeconvert]

The "Get a Mac" ads are a bit overblown..... If i were MS I would have asked for a tone down or told Apple they risked losing Office.

[Unspeaked]

I would like to think that Bill Hicks would have laughed in their faces.

You're probably right, and there's probably more dead ones that would have refused, but I doubt any of the current crop would think twice.

[lgoodlove]

i can't wait to see it. I love the mac ads and would be great to have some competition directly from Microsoft and not just there hardware makers

:apple:

[thejadedmonkey]

I think they are targeting younger people who use Mac and Linux, but more importantly, people who use XP and Office 2003 who don't want to upgrade to MS's new stuff.

Quite right. Even if 98% of the world uses MS Windows, 30% of any college campus uses OS X.

[G4DP]

Whilst, I doubt anyone would actually turn down that amount of money. Surely it would be better spent on Windows 7 or Vista SP2?

I just got hired for a part time job in an insurance office. The boss is slowly turning all the machines over to Linux and Open Office. The only machines that will remain MicroSoft based will be those relating to the Halifax Building Society.

His reason - MicroSoft have become to greedy for poor workmanship.

Maybe they should concentrate on keeping the customers they have instead of trying to get even more.

[weg]

http://blog.wired.com/cultofmac/1996-macaddict-mac-vs-pc.jpg

Windows users think that Bill Gates is god, but Mac users would never be so uncool to idealize the boss of the company that produces their computers? Oh, the irony..

[tmelvin]

I'll take it over Scientology....

Scientology = Cult

They're the biggest bunch of crackpots...just look at some of the members...


Tom Cruise = Weirdo
John Travolta = Weirdo #2
Issac Hayes = RIP Weirdo


Brainwashing screwballs...

[G4DP]

The "Get a Mac" ads are a bit overblown..... If i were MS I would have asked for a tone down or told Apple they risked losing Office.

How will Apple lose Office. I doubt very much Steve Jobs asked Microsoft to make Office for Mac. As you can run Windows via Bootcamp you can still use Office.

So Office will always be on a mac.

Scientology = Cult

They're the biggest bunch of crackpots...just look at some of the members...


Tom Cruise = Weirdo
John Travolta = Weirdo #2
Issac Hayes = RIP Weirdo


Brainwashing screwballs...

How do you explain Michael Jackson then?
:p:p:p

[Mac21ND]

Scientology = Cult

They're the biggest bunch of crackpots...just look at some of the members...


Tom Cruise = Weirdo
John Travolta = Weirdo #2
Issac Hayes = RIP Weirdo


Brainwashing screwballs...

Hahaha, thanks for the laugh. I'm now remembering the South Park episode when they killed off Chef as child molester.

[macenforcer]

Fact is this.

EVERYONE knows Vista sucks. I have really tried to use it myself and just give up because its so bad. I still order PCs with XP. We only use XP at our offices. Vista is an utter failure. They need to take all the money they are putting into ad campaigns and put it into Windows 7. This is just an utter waste of time and money.

Oh and Seinfeld is an idiot. Not funny anymore. The real genius was Larry David anyhow. Seinfeld was and is a jerk.

[Apple Ink]

I'll take it over Scientology....

I bet anyone who sees the following site will take any religion over scientology!

http://theunfunnytruth.ytmnd.com/

P.S.: We're kinda ... er..... breaking forum rules here discussing this! Anyone care to start a thread about this in the Religion forum?

[BRLawyer]

http://www.youtube.com/v/vNDEwsIGJKI&hl=en&fs=1 (seinfeld in apple ad)

I have an instinctive dislike for Jerry Seinfeld. I think it was when I heard him criticizing the person suing his wife on Letterman in a very uncomfortable way. Then I was annoyed that he was so smug with Oprah. Then I was annoyed that he had these really annoying promos for the bee movie during each commercial break of the office one week. And then I've heard him be quite an apologist for scientology. And he's into cars, which is always a turn off to me.

You can add to that the fact that the famous TV series bearing his family name is, despite some funny moments, one of the most contemptuous and discriminatory ever against "unfavored" groups or communities that don't have the same amount of influence that he enjoys in the showbiz. A really disgusting display of racism that few people seem to realize anyway.

[Vulpinemac]

Exactly what I was thinking. With Seinfeld and Gates on camera. It's like it Apple made an ad that went "Hi, I'm a PC, And I'm a PC too.."
... What has Microsoft to gain even of a quarter the Linux and Mac users switched to Windows, Microsoft would gain only less than 2%.
The numbers work in Apple's favor because Apple only needs a 2 percent of Microsoft's user base to switch and Apple sales go up by 50%. Microsoft simply can't increase sales any more no matter how good the ad.

Except that your numbers are significantly outdated, your point is quite valid. A 2% boost in overall market share for Apple in the US would only equate to about a 25% growth. Interestingly, however, is that Apple is seeing over 40% growth while the other machines are only looking at about 5% each, meaning that Apple should break the 10% market barrier before the end of the year.

[AidenShaw]

:rolleyes:Microsoft is still all talk, as seen by their latest 3D-photo idea that's still only compatible with windows.

Right, Apple never ties software to its OS or hardware, never. :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

[JayMan8081]

Yeah Seinfeld is exactly who they need to rid themselves of that stodgy, old image. Or maybe they need to unbloat their OS. Nah, that couldn't be it!

[macenforcer]

Oh and by the way Bill Gates himself said that Vista was the biggest mistake he had ever made in his history at microsoft. Right there in an interview when he was leaving. HOW is he going to battle that?

[NAG]

Who cares about Seinfeld. Ballmer is the real problem here. Funny memo comparison between Ballmer and Jobs. (http://daringfireball.net/2008/08/memoranda) Microsoft would be much better off without Ballmer. I mean, who else would okay an ad campaign that basically calls its user base a bunch of morons (ie: the Vista demo ad campaign)?

[Rot'nApple]

This is cool news. most of you guys are apple fanboys. If Apple hired Seinfeld for something, you would say this is the greatest thing ever!!

It'll be interesting to see how this plays out.

Apple already had a tv ad that incorporated Jerry Seinfeld in their "Think Different" ad campaign. :rolleyes:

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

But it would be interesting to see this play out...

Jerry and Bill Gates go into a 'soup' restaurant and "The Soup Nazi" instead of saying, "No soup for you!", says 'No working OS for you!' :cool:

[Chicagomac08]

Maybe Apple should hire Larry David to counter them.

He could call Windows users "Shmohawks" or tell everyone why Leopard is "Pretty, Pretty, Pretty, pretty Good"
:)

I love Seinfeld but I think most of us know that LD was the brains behind that show.

should be fun to watch this campaign tank....

[miamialley]

I will withhold my judgment until I see the ads. If done properly I could see the ads being effective. Up to this point MS has had almost no response at all to the Apple vs PC ads. People understand Seinfeld's humor. It could work if done well. We'll see.

[inkswamp]

How will Apple lose Office. I doubt very much Steve Jobs asked Microsoft to make Office for Mac. As you can run Windows via Bootcamp you can still use Office.

So Office will always be on a mac.

Plus, as we've seen now, Apple is big on having a Plan B. I suspect Bootcamp is the tip of the iceberg for a current Plan B which would be full-blown Windows virtualization within OS X (a la Parallels or VMWare--only built right in.) I also suspect there may be a Plan B version of iWork locked away that has plenty of extra features to make it a suitable MS Office replacement.

Still, I think the threat of Office going away is vastly overblown for many reasons. First, Microsoft would once again be in the position of explaining how such a move is not illegally monopolistic, something I doubt they want to deal with again. Second, last time there were rumors of MS selling off their Mac division, there was no shortage of potential buyers (meaning, it's clearly a profitable venture for them.) Third, Apple has shown that they can compete with Microsoft and not be destroyed in the process. Remember all that doom-and-gloom that came along when Apple unveiled Safari and IE for Mac was discontinued? That wasn't the end of the world. In fact, I'd say we're all better off for it.

[Diomedes]

I love "Seinfeld"...THE SHOW. I have all the seasons on DVD. But "Seinfeld" was really a "period" sitcom -- very 1990's. When I see episodes, there are a LOT of lines that simply aren't relevant in the 21st century, and some that border on offensive in the post-9/11 world. For example, in one episode he jokes about firemen, "Yeah those first responders who risk their lives really have it made", dripping with sarcasm. Or all the innuendo about sex, like "The Contest"; sitcoms today regularly say masturbate. I could go on. Additionally, I daresay people watched "Seinfeld" to see Jerry the character, not Jerry the stand-up comic. The show certainly never made me want to see Jerry doing stand-up, even on TV. People will initially tune to the commericals expecting to see Jerry the character, or a "Seinfeld" (the show) styled commerical, and will be disappointed to see Jerry the (mediocre) comedian. Finally, "Seinfeld" was successful because of the sum of its other parts -- Larry David, Jason Alexander, Michael Richards, and Julia Louise-Dreyfus.

Much as I still love "Seinfeld", Jerry himself is not really a relevant or hip celebrity. Apple did the same thing once, when they used Alan Alda to promote Macs. Once sitcoms end, they usually pass from the public's mind very quickly, with some exceptions. (It might be funnier if someone used George and Weezy Jefferson.) If Microsoft really wanted to appeal to a younger base, they should have used "Family Guy" or "The Simpsons", or John Stewart. (Or hire Wayne Knight (Newman) to appear with Jerry...then it might be interesting to watch!)

But in the end, does it really matter who the spokesperson is? I mean really...has anyone really gone out and bought a PC because HP has Gwen Stefani or Jay-Z in its commercials? I would doubt it.

[Mister Snitch]

This is a bit ironic since Seinfeld proudly displayed his latest Mac in practically every episode of his sitcom. I guess "B-Movie" didn't bring in the paycheck the way he wanted.

You hit the nail square on the head. So, with that in mind, Gilbert Gottfried does a devastating impersonation of Seinfeld. I say, let's up the ante. Let's see a Get a Mac commercial with Gottfried pointing out that Seinfeld had a current-model Mac during the entire run of the show. Hear Gottfried's voice: "But I guess ten million dollars could make you forget a little thing like that." [Goes into mumbly mock-Seinfeld voice] "Mac? What's a Mac? I don't know what a Mac is. I don't know what Vista is, either. But I know what ten million dollars is. What's the deal, with that?"

[Yuppi]

Microsofts problem is Vista. Not a noisy competitor...
You can always look around and blame others. But Vista is not even close to what everyone wanted/expected it to be. And those Ad campaigns like Mojave experiment are pathetic.

[tmelvin]

How do you explain Michael Jackson then?
:p:p:p

Michael Jackson = Twisted Pedophile

[morespce54]

you forgot about ALF

And what about the red-haired guy from Family Ties???

Never mind, that was Micheal J Fox...

What was the name of the show with they 1985 hyped-red-haired guy again? Damn memory...

Okay, I was refering to Kirk Cameron in Growing Pains, thanks to Wikipedia!

[tmelvin]

Hahaha, thanks for the laugh. I'm now remembering the South Park episode when they killed off Chef as child molester.

That was classic. "He's not dead yet. Dude, he's dead...No, when you die you crap yourself......ppppphhhhrraaappppp....Now he's dead"...LOL

[jordo]

Last time I checked, it is Apple who specializes in creativity, keeping ideas flowing and integrating your entire life. Right? So what, is Bill Gates going to be PC, and Seinfeld the Mac? Ha, I know which one is cooler already! Couldn't Microsoft get Will Ferrell? At least Apple knows they're doing serious damage to the fumbling giant.

[mustang_dvs]

I still love the fact that MS blames the low opinion of Vista on the 'Get a Mac' campaign, and not on Vista, itself.

And it's crazy that HP can get Jay-Z, Pharrell, Gwen Stefani, and even Mark Cuban to do an ad for them, but Microsoft decides to go with him.

HP also got Jerry Seinfeld.
131099 131098 131100

He almost ruined one of my favorite TV shows, when he showed up on 30 Rock.

I think 30 Rock was taking a shot at how Seinfeld is no longer culturally contemporary, but executives keep tapping him, in an attempt to be hip.

Microsoft should have hired Larry David, the real talent behind Seinfeld.

Somehow, using a pitchman most recently associated with a show entitled Curb Your Enthusiasm is the best way to turn around negative product perceptions.

I've known a few old-school Mac fans that, for one reason or another, HATE OS X - maybe Seinfeld is one of them?...

Or, maybe he just wants the money.

I doubt it's anything personal -- it's all about the money and media exposure.

The "Get a Mac" ads are a bit overblown... If i were MS I would have asked for a tone down or told Apple they risked losing Office.

The 'Get a Mac' ads work -- just stand near the front of an Apple Store for a few minutes and listen to the comments prospective 'switchers' make -- they're not overblown.

If M$ attempted to so blatantly strong-arm its competition, the FTC/SEC/US Attorneys would be all over Balmer like white on rice, faster than you can say, "Goodbye 'Ma Software'"

[alphaod]

What is needed a Get Linux ads.

[Mister Snitch]

Still, I think the threat of Office going away is vastly overblown for many reasons.

I also think that, with Macs holding a MUCH greater share of the market these days, if Office were discontinued it makes business sense for someone to create an MS Office-like product that reads and writes files that open as MS Office files on a PC. I know there are already many products out there that do this to a certain degree. This would simply be 100% compatible.

Aside from that - MS just wants to sell products. If they can sell Office to Mac users, they will. I don't see them trying to stop the Mac's inroads into the PC market by ceasing production of Office. They know a competitor would step in, and they also know they cannot stop the increasing switching that's going on. The whole thing with hiring Seinfeld is, in the best Ballmer tradition, all about APPEARING to confront the problem by spending some dough and putting on a show.

[mustang_dvs]

Couldn't Microsoft get Will Ferrell?

Apple already did:

131102
iPod (http://www.benmcgann-is-a-geek.com/applesswitchads/will-ferrell-ipod.html)

131103
Santa (http://www.benmcgann-is-a-geek.com/applesswitchads/will-ferrell-santa-switch.html)

131104
Parfait Switch (http://www.benmcgann-is-a-geek.com/applesswitchads/will-ferrell-switch.html)

[Macsterguy]

I love and use Mac's everyday but this should be FUN TO WATCH! The "I'm a Mac" campaign" has been fun but is getting a little stale for me...

Apple has been poking MS in the eye for sometime without a response... Now it's pay back time (if the ad campaign is any good). 10 Mil should be enough money to be good with a lot of air time...

Besides, a strong MS is good for the world in every way. Like it or not, we need MS to be good since every dollar in every countries economy depends on them. They outsell Mac's like 100:1 don't they?

Apple needs to focus and keep doing what they do best (not MobileMessing around). This leaves them wide open to get knocked their high horse.

Competition is good, there is room for everyone to play here....

[o9ski]

So much negativity form Apple fans suggests otherwise.
MS made a very good move and you guys are just scared.:p

As to MS Office for mac and running a bootcamp I can say the following.
Keep in mind that MS is primarily a software company, while Apple is hardware company.
In fact, Apple have been moving closer to PC, not other way around.
At the end, I think that Apple will become a fancy and overpriced PC running Windows and making MS even more rich.
Hello Bootcamp and Windows.


If Apple stuff was so good thay could have talked about it's good sides, not bash PC. I know negative advertising works, but having both PC and iMsc I know that my iMac freezes all the time and fans spin like helicopter.

Prove me wrong with facts not by your pro-apple religious emotions.

[tmelvin]

Actually, after seeing all the Seinfeld episodes, he was never really that funny. I think someone else mentioned that the show was successful because of the supporting cast, and that is sooooo true. Kramer, Newman, George, etc. are the characters that were actually funny. I laughed the hardest at Kramer and George, and Newman...Jerry's character really didn't do much for me...

[mustang_dvs]

...if Office were discontinued it makes business sense for someone to create an MS Office-like product that reads and writes files that open as MS Office files on a PC.

You mean like iWork 08? It could open Office 07 docs before Office 2008 was released.

[tmelvin]

So much negativity form Apple fans suggests otherwise.
MS made a very good move and you guys are just scared.:p

As to MS Office for mac and running a bootcamp I can say the following.
Keep in mind that MS is primarily a software company, while Apple is hardware company.
In fact, Apple have been moving closer to PC, not other way around.
At the end, I think that Apple will become a fancy and overpriced PC running Windows and making MS even more rich.
Hello Bootcamp and Windows.


If Apple stuff was so good thay could have talked about it's good sides, not bash PC. I know negative advertising works, but having both PC and iMsc I know that my iMac freezes all the time and fans spin like helicopter.

Prove me wrong with facts not by your pro-apple religious emotions.

Funny...you say "Prove me wrong with facts" yet you didn't do any of that in your post. I've had far greater lock ups and freezes with MS products than any Mac I've used [both iMac and Macbook at the moment].

Did you actually see the ads? They poke fun at MS, because their OS is a failure, and subjected to lock ups, freezes, viruses, etc. The ads also focus on the reason Mac is better, because they're not subjected to those failings, and they're generally easier to use.

Get your facts straight before posting...moron.

[BigD58]

Yea umm I dont know about you but personally if I saw Jerry Seinfeld in a commercial that would make me NOT want to buy the product. Jerry is just not popular anymore.

[ariza910]

http://www.youtube.com/v/vNDEwsIGJKI&hl=en&fs=1 (seinfeld in apple ad)



Yeah totally forgot about that Apple commercial with Seinfeld in it. It was the Think Different ad (here's to the crazy ones) and they added a clip of a young Seinfeld doing stand up at the very end. I think the ad only ran once during the very last Seinfeld episode and it was a tribute to Seinfeld and everything he had accomplished. Pretty damn cool of Apple to do that.

Not sure where Microsoft is going with this but it's hard to imagine Seinfeld as a good fit. Hes not really techy, a lot of what he says can be miss interpreted as sarcastic (hes a comedian after all) and hes been out of the spot light for a few years now so a lot of 25 and younger crowd wont really know why he's such a big deal. I think he even struggled on camera to sell his own Bee Movie/

[milo]

Seinfeld? After the overhyped and disappointing Bee Movie and practically nothing else over the last decade, isn't the guy pretty much washed up at this point?

I guess he's a perfect personification for Microsoft - once hugely dominant and relevant, but years later nobody cares.

[NAG]

So much negativity form Apple fans suggests otherwise.
MS made a very good move and you guys are just scared.:p
You have a very weird view of reality. Yes, you're not the only one with a weird view on reality but to call everyone scared over some people being weird is kind of childish. Shall I call you scared and say you're blindly defending MS before you've even seen the ad? Street goes both ways.

As to MS Office for mac and running a bootcamp I can say the following.
Keep in mind that MS is primarily a software company, while Apple is hardware company.
In fact, Apple have been moving closer to PC, not other way around.
At the end, I think that Apple will become a fancy and overpriced PC running Windows and making MS even more rich.
Hello Bootcamp and Windows.
You just proved you have no idea what Apple does. Is the iPhone a glorified Windows Mobile phone because it runs on the same network and uses a lot of the same chips?

You're basically taking a very very simplistic view of both companies by looking at what the end products have in common instead of how the different companies go about their business.

If Apple stuff was so good thay could have talked about it's good sides, not bash PC. I know negative advertising works, but having both PC and iMsc I know that my iMac freezes all the time and fans spin like helicopter.
So what better way than to lead by example? Oh wait, you're just bashing as well. And if you want help with your iMsc (sic) then feel free to post a thread in the tech help forum here or at Apple.com/support . There was an extended warranty for some iMacs due to faulty power supplies.

Prove me wrong with facts not by your pro-apple religious emotions.
I would ask the same of you. Set the example. (I await you to call me a pro-apple religious zealot while ignoring my post history.)

[TwinCities Dan]

Maybe play a switcher in reverse?

"I used to be Mac now I'm a Windows guy...."

Now THAT would be funny, I almost hope you're right! ;) :)

[Full of Win]

I'm too lazy to read all this - but has anyone even addressed the central thesis that Microsoft has against Apple? It sounds as if they are going to hit at the weakest point in the OS X strategy, in making a point about their "our hardware or the highway" model, which might be very effective if done correctly.

[milo]

MS made a very good move and you guys are just scared.:p

What exactly is there to be scared about with a comedian who hasn't had anything that people paid any attention to in the last decade?

You're kidding, right?

[o9ski]

Funny...you say "Prove me wrong with facts" yet you didn't do any of that in your post. I've had far greater lock ups and freezes with MS products than any Mac I've used .

Did you actually see the ads? They poke fun at MS, because their OS is a failure, and subjected to lock ups, freezes, viruses, etc. The ads also focus on the reason Mac is better, because they're not subjected to those failings, and they're generally easier to use.

Get your facts straight before posting...[B]moron.

I guess you don't have any facts if you insult me just because I disagree with you.
The fact is that I had:
1. iMac G4 that for the most time wouldnt wake up
2. then I bought Powerbook G4 in which slot loading combo drive failed.
3. then I had MDD Powermac G4 Dual. The one that had crazy heating and fan noise issue. That Apple finally acknowledged after 6 month outrage by consumers;
4. then I had Powerbook 12 inch. It's battery has died in two days and I had to get a replacement.
5. then I had PowerMac G5 dual that would shut down all the time because someone at factory put too much grease b/w the processor and heat sink
6. then I have witnessed my colleagues sending back all of their first edition iMac for motherboard replacement;
7. now I have intel iMac 24 inch that crashes everytime I am trying to update my iTunes library.

These are facts. I am not masochistic, my girlfriend is a graphic artist. this is why i have to keep buying this stuff.
I have nicely working and more powerful PC for a fraction of Mac's price for myself.
So please, be reasonable and stop calling names when somebody expresses ones opinion.

What exactly is there to be scared about with a comedian who hasn't had anything that people paid any attention to in the last decade?

You're kidding, right?

I don't know. But look at the ratings for the topic. :)

[macindork]

I can't think of any comedian who is less funny than Seinfeld is right now.

Norm MacDonald?

[Trajectory]

Jerry Seinfeld was very funny on Seinfeld (thanks in large part to Larry David). But since then, everything he has done has fallen flat. Plus, a friend of a friend in Los Angeles has worked with him, and apparently in real life he's a complete a**hole. So, the role of Microsoft's new spokesperson couldn't have been cast more perfectly (and he and Ballmer should get along swimmingly).

You are correct, he always had a Mac in his show. Of course that was just his character, not necessarily in real life - and plus, $10M might make someone consider changing their platform regardless. :p ;)

Hell yea, I'd switch to Windows if Bill Gates gave me $10 million (while secretly using a Mac in private).

[tcphoto1]

Funny, during the first couple of seasons Jerry had an Anniversary Mac on his desk. Perhaps after the Bee Movie he is doing a Castanza and doing the opposite of what you thinks is correct. Isn't that when George got a job with the Yankee's, got engaged and his fiance died after licking the toxic envelopes:D

[(L)]

I respect some people that like Seinfeld, but I find most of his viewers to be rather vulgar and regrettable people. Perhaps this is just a case of advertising, with a comedian who appeals to the not-so-discriminating masses, a product (Windows) accepted by the not-so-perspicacious masses. Most people are pathetically content with deluding themselves; they willfully laugh at what is not funny and work with tools that fail them.

[AppleNewton]

Jerry: It's an OS about Nothing

...nothing to offer... :p



Apple already did:

131102
iPod (http://www.benmcgann-is-a-geek.com/applesswitchads/will-ferrell-ipod.html)

131103
Santa (http://www.benmcgann-is-a-geek.com/applesswitchads/will-ferrell-santa-switch.html)

131104
Parfait Switch (http://www.benmcgann-is-a-geek.com/applesswitchads/will-ferrell-switch.html)


Lol....apple sponsored? so hilarious.

[o9ski]

You just proved you have no idea what Apple does. Is the iPhone a glorified Windows Mobile phone because it runs on the same network and uses a lot of the same chips?



I do talk simplistic.
I agree Apple does great stuff (when it works).
And I think I know what I am talking about.
Apple is primary a hardware company. Check there revenue records.
It became even so when it finally made iTunes for MS and iPod sales skyrockeret after couple of years mac only version.
Am I being wrong here?
Check the AAPL shares price records.

[Trajectory]

So much negativity form Apple fans suggests otherwise. MS made a very good move and you guys are just scared.

Scared of what?? Why are you here if you love Windows so much??

Prove me wrong with facts not by your pro-apple religious emotions.

Prove who/what wrong? People are just posting their OPINIONS, not fact-based scientific studies like the Mohave Project. :rolleyes:

[whooleytoo]

You'd never know, maybe if they poke fun at themselves in a playful manner, this might work for them.
.
.
Nah, this is going to backfire badly. Not even Michael Phelps in a Xbox Live T-shirt could make a Microsoft commercial cool.

[o9ski]

I respect some people that like Seinfeld, but I find most of his viewers to be rather vulgar and regrettable people. Perhaps this is just a case of advertising, with a comedian who appeals to the not-so-discriminating masses, a product (Windows) accepted by the not-so-perspicacious masses. Most people are pathetically content with deluding themselves; they willfully laugh at what is not funny and work with tools that fail them.

I think this is not about liking Seinfeld.
It is about his celebrity status and that people know him.
When you see Seinfeld on the screen, you remember how show was funny, not just how Seinfeld funny himself.
He is a BRAND.

Scared of what?? Why are you here if you love Windows so much??
:rolleyes:

I see.
Are you suggesting this site is only for people who hates Windows.
Is that all about. :eek:
It makes me think that this is why Apple ads hitting home runs with people like you.

[Flowbee]

I think this is not about liking Seinfeld.
It is about his celebrity status and that people know him.
When you see Seinfeld on the screen, you remember how show was funny, not just how Seinfeld funny himself.
He is a BRAND.

Just like Ovaltine, Ex-Lax, and Depends.

[happydude]

This is a bit ironic since Seinfeld proudly displayed his latest Mac in practically every episode of his sitcom. I guess "B-Movie" didn't bring in the paycheck the way he wanted.

exactly. he even had the 20th anniversary super expensive monstrosity in the background of shows. i guess a little money goes a long way to realigning your allegiance . . .

[NAG]

I do talk simplistic.
I agree Apple does great stuff (when it works).
And I think I know what I am talking about.
Apple is primary a hardware company. Check there revenue records.
It became even so when it finally made iTunes for MS and iPod sales skyrockeret after couple of years mac only version.
Am I being wrong here?
Check the AAPL shares price records.

Again, simplistic thinking. You can twist around those numbers to say anything. How do you reconcile the iPod/iPhone OS not running Windows Mobile yet the intel Macs are able to run Windows (and actually having one of the best laptops to run Vista for a while - PCMag). Is it hardware? Is it software? How do you reconcile this completely arbitrary distinction? How do you reconcile services like iTunes Music store and MobileMe? Are they shipping hardware? Are they shipping software?

Oh, and a correction, the iPod gained Windows compatibility less than a year after launch. iTunes for Windows came just over a year after the original iPod launch. The later happened around the same time as the 3G iPod, which also introduced price cuts. But lets just ignore price cuts and a more mature device as being factors. It is all about windows users getting iTunes. That proves Apple is going to switch to Windows 7 for their main operating system and switch the iPhone to Windows Mobile.

Now, I understand you're just doing the normal Troll routine so I'm going to go back to the original topic, as stimulating as this talking point rehash is.

About Seinfeld. He was tired as a shill even 3 years ago. link (http://www.slate.com/id/2125904/) All of the stars of Seinfeld haven't done too well after the show ended.

[(L)]

I guess you don't have any facts if you insult me just because I disagree with you.
The fact is that I had:
1. iMac G4 that for the most time wouldnt wake up
2. then I bought Powerbook G4 in which slot loading combo drive failed.
3. then I had MDD Powermac G4 Dual. The one that had crazy heating and fan noise issue. That Apple finally acknowledged after 6 month outrage by consumers;
4. then I had Powerbook 12 inch. It's battery has died in two days and I had to get a replacement.
5. then I had PowerMac G5 dual that would shut down all the time because someone at factory put too much grease b/w the processor and heat sink
6. then I have witnessed my colleagues sending back all of their first edition iMac for motherboard replacement;
7. now I have intel iMac 24 inch that crashes everytime I am trying to update my iTunes library.

These are facts. I am not masochistic, my girlfriend is a graphic artist. this is why i have to keep buying this stuff.
I have nicely working and more powerful PC for a fraction of Mac's price for myself.
So please, be reasonable and stop calling names when somebody expresses ones opinion.

I don't care at all for you and whomever's argument -- even though I would side with you if I didn't think this whole thing was juvenile. I just wanted to point out to you that except for #7, all your issues are hardware problems. As for #7, you might find a simple solution if the problem is something like a corrupt file you can delete and have replaced -- you might want to ask around about that on a Mac help site.

To conclude, you have extremely bad luck with Mac hardware, but I wonder if you don't have extremely bad luck with PC software, especially Windows. See, for me Windows doesn't get the job done, so I really couldn't care if the PC box worked or not -- just like if I were to hire an invincible assassin that unfortunately can't kill anyone. I'd rather have one that gets the job done or dies trying.

Lastly, I'm not sure about your not being a masochist. After all, you voluntarily chose to submit to a girlfriend who would put you in such an otherwise masochistic situation. Aren't you still a masochist, if you effectively wish it upon yourself?

In my case, I like to have a serv... I mean, "girlfriend" that pays me to torture her while I look for others that will pay more, withstand more pain, or both.

[Lord Blackadder]

These are facts. I am not masochistic, my girlfriend is a graphic artist. this is why i have to keep buying this stuff.

To be fair, your experience is phenomenally uncommon - do you honestly think that people would buying Apples at the current rate if Macs suffered an 80%+ failure rate? of course not. I've had 2 hardware failures with Macs in 15 years, and one of those was the Sony battery recall, which wasn't really Apples' fault.

The only new PC I've ever bought suffered a motherboard failure within 6 months of purchase, but that doesn't make me think PCs are universally junk.

[Trajectory]

I see.
Are you suggesting this site is only for people who hates Windows.
Is that all about. :eek:
It makes me think that this is why Apple ads hitting home runs with people like you.

All one has to do is look at your posting history so far to see that your comments are meant only to bash Apple products and prop up poor defenseless Microsoft.

[lodenmuse]

"Seinfeld" was probably Ballmer's favorite show

OMFG! You are probably right! This is how hip they are!

When they really should be getting the slu+$, stud$ and ho$ from Gossip Girl.

(Hmmm, guess I'm dated though too--I'd buy anything from John Stamos)

:D

[whooleytoo]

To be fair, your experience is phenomenally uncommon - do you honestly think that people would buying Apples at the current rate if Macs suffered an 80%+ failure rate?

We've bought 3 MBPs in our office, and have had 4 battery failures and 5 power adaptor failures. What I wouldn't give for a mere 80% failure rate!

[mr.light]

We've bought 3 MBPs in our office, and have had 4 battery failures and 5 power adaptor failures. What I wouldn't give for a mere 80% failure rate!

I would say that you are exceedingly unlucky. We run almost 50 iMacs, iBooks, MacBooks and MacBook Pro's. In the past 5 years we have lost 1 hard drive and 3 batteries. Oh and 1 iBook that some one stepped on. :rolleyes:

[Trajectory]

To be fair, your experience is phenomenally uncommon - do you honestly think that people would buying Apples at the current rate if Macs suffered an 80%+ failure rate? of course not.

It's likely that his story is pure fiction, a common tactic used by those trolling for attention.

[CaptainScarlet]

We've bought 3 MBPs in our office, and have had 4 battery failures and 5 power adaptor failures. What I wouldn't give for a mere 80% failure rate!

We have 34 MBP in deployment, 3 battery replacements.

We have 42 MP in deployment, 3 hard drive replacements.

We have 154 Dell's Desktops in deployment, 110 motherboard replacements.

We have 54 Dell and Toshiba Laptops in Deployment, 14 replacements.


Our Mac farm rocks...

[o9ski]

I don't care at all for you and whomever's argument -- even though I would side with you if I didn't think this whole thing was juvenile. I just wanted to point out to you that except for #7, all your issues are hardware problems. As for #7, you might find a simple solution if the problem is something like a corrupt file you can delete and have replaced -- you might want to ask around about that on a Mac help site.

To conclude, you have extremely bad luck with Mac hardware, but I wonder if you don't have extremely bad luck with PC software, especially Windows. See, for me Windows doesn't get the job done, so I really couldn't care if the PC box worked or not -- just like if I were to hire an invincible assassin that unfortunately can't kill anyone. I'd rather have one that gets the job done or dies trying.

Lastly, I'm not sure about your not being a masochist. After all, you voluntarily chose to submit to a girlfriend who would put you in such an otherwise masochistic situation. Aren't you still a masochist, if you effectively wish it upon yourself?

In my case, I like to have a serv... I mean, "girlfriend" that pays me to torture her while I look for others that will pay more, withstand more pain, or both.

I am pretty good with Macs and PCs (IMHO) and is capable of fixing some software issues by cleaning prefs and verifying permissions (or just simply running ONYX).
However, this just proves that macs DO have problems that mac bashes Windows for in their ads.
Let's just be reasonable.

In term of Vista. Have you tried running Leopard on PowerMac G3?
People who have problems with Vista try to run it either old or on $300 PC.
Vista runs very well on $1500+ machine.

About masochistic. I just love my girlfriend. In addition, I know how to deal with mac issues too. :)

[ohbrilliance]

An indicator of character, perhaps?


Macs are computers, PCs are computers. One is a helluva lot better than the other, but at the end of the day, they're still computers. It's not something philosphical or religious and nothing to get your knickers in a knot about when ten million big ones are on the line.

[lodenmuse]

You're probably right, and there's probably more dead ones that would have refused, but I doubt any of the current crop would think twice.

OMG, This thread is the best thing in my day! I hear voices in my head:

Jackie Mason: "HI! I'm a MAC!"
Rodney Dangerfield: "And I'M A PC!"

Justin Long: "Hi... I'm a Mac."
ALF: "AND I'M A PC!"

:apple::p

[o9ski]

It's likely that his story is pure fiction, a common tactic used by those trolling for attention.

Well, I guess you could check my ebay history and see all macs I sold before moving to another one.
I am not saying that macs are bad. They are not flawless as you guys claim.
They have their problems, too.

[(L)]

If Apple stuff was so good thay could have talked about it's good sides, not bash PC. I know negative advertising works, but having both PC and iMsc I know that my iMac freezes all the time and fans spin like helicopter.

Prove me wrong with facts not by your pro-apple religious emotions.

I just... don't have as much emotion regarding my tools as you do, but I couldn't help commenting because this one was funny too.

Anyway, what I found funny was your comment that iMac fans spin like helicopter. I don't mean to make fun of your English skills. It's funny because:

(1) Helicopters don't typically spin. If one was spinning above your house, you should run away! A helicopter's blades do spin, of course, when it is off the ground.
(2) Anything that spins spins like anything else that spins. This is tautologically true by definition of "spin." Helicopter blades spin like fans, and fans spin like tops, and tops spin like revolving doors at high speed, so on. Did you expect the fan not to spin? Maybe you should get your PC fans checked, then.

So if the fan spins like a helicopter, or walks like a treadmill, or jumps like a trampoline, yes, you are right, your Mac is broken and Apple should have made better fans. But if your complaint is that the fan actually does spin, good! That's what's supposed to happen!

[whooleytoo]

Yeah, I've no doubt our failure rate is unusual, but it's funny all the machines having the same problems, even though they were from very different batches.

- bulging batteries (battery recalled)
- random shutdowns (before recall, and now again recently)
- Fraying & melting through cable near Magsafe connector
- Failure of wallsocket to power adaptor cable.

[Trajectory]

Well, I guess you could check my ebay history and see all macs I sold before moving to another one.

Sure, let's see it! Post the link.

[o9ski]

I would say that you are exceedingly unlucky. We run almost 50 iMacs, iBooks, MacBooks and MacBook Pro's. In the past 5 years we have lost 1 hard drive and 3 batteries. Oh and 1 iBook that some one stepped on. :rolleyes:

I think you are very lucky. iMac were notorious for falures.
How about spots on displays on Powermacs? How about ecsessive heating in MacBook Pros.
Check discussion board about all that thermal paste problems and heating.
Are you supposed to be getting it for $2500 machine.
Maybe for $500.

Sure, let's see it! Post the link.

I need to sell my PowerMac G5 dual first. It's being auctioned as we speak.
Do not want ot get a bad rep. Mac fans are very sensitive. :p
Just bought iMac 24 inch for replacement.

:D

I just... don't have as much emotion regarding my tools as you do, but I couldn't help commenting because this one was funny too.

Anyway, what I found funny was your comment that iMac fans spin like helicopter. I don't mean to make fun of your English skills. It's funny because:

(1) Helicopters don't typically spin. If one was spinning above your house, you should run away! A helicopter's blades do spin, of course, when it is off the ground.
(2) Anything that spins spins like anything else that spins. This is tautologically true by definition of "spin." Helicopter blades spin like fans, and fans spin like tops, and tops spin like revolving doors at high speed, so on. Did you expect the fan not to spin? Maybe you should get your PC fans checked, then.

So if the fan spins like a helicopter, or walks like a treadmill, or jumps like a trampoline, yes, you are right, your Mac is broken and Apple should have made better fans. But if your complaint is that the fan actually does spin, good! That's what's supposed to happen!

I am sorry. You are right. I learned English when I was 26.
:)

That Power Mac G4 dual MDD was sold about 3 years ago. The issue was power supply fans. Apple was forced to recall.
Still I had to pay 29 for shipping. At the end it was still spinning and humming like things that spin and hum.
:)

[Trajectory]

Just bought iMac 24 inch for replacement.

Why do you keep buying Macs if you hate them so much and claim they always break on you? Wouldn't you be happier with a Windows PC?

[corinhorn]

What I find funny:

Bill Gates who once said "Television is not real life—in real life people actually have to leave the coffee shop and go to jobs" is going to be on television with a comedian who's sitcom had the characters sitting around in a coffee shop. And the comedian is a Mac user.

[rumplestiltskin]

Seinfeld...great...as lame as Gates. This should be priceless YouTube fodder.

There's nothing that can help Microsoft. It's on deathwatch.

[(L)]

I am pretty good with Macs and PCs (IMHO) and is capable of fixing some software issues by cleaning prefs and verifying permissions (or just simply running ONYX).
However, this just proves that macs DO have problems that mac bashes Windows for in their ads.
Let's just be reasonable.

In term of Vista. Have you tried running Leopard on PowerMac G3?
People who have problems with Vista try to run it either old or on $300 PC.
Vista runs very well on $1500+ machine.

About masochistic. I just love my girlfriend. In addition, I know how to deal with mac issues too. :)

I uhhh... you might have me confused with some other guy. I have absolutely no interest in running Vista, which is worse than XP, and consequently, I don't need you to sell me on that idea. At least, I'm not drunk enough for it right now. But, as a matter of fact, both Mac OS X and Vista represent computing requiring more and more hardware (like RAM) rather than just making things really snappier. Fancy visuals are nice, but they should be limited by, rather than require more, hardware upgrades.

About your masochism -- love and masochism are not mutually exclusive. Most masochists do or bear things out of love. It is rare, but EXCITING! to find a person who just likes to suffer for the sake of suffering.

Well, I guess you could check my ebay history and see all macs I sold before moving to another one.
I am not saying that macs are bad. They are not flawless as you guys claim.
They have their problems, too.

Not everybody on MacRumors is a fanboy. Macs have tons of problems, but they do usually just work. Windows has more problems and is rude and obnoxious even when it does work. You might disagree on which is worse, depending on matters of taste and matters of not understanding what it means to be better. At any rate, I dare say I have higher standards than you, or any fanboy for that matter, because to me the question is which one is less of a failure against my standards.

Windows FAILS, Macs FAIL, Ballmer's an UNSIGHTLY FAILURE, Seinfeld FAILS, you FAIL, your girlfriend FAILS, masochism DOES OKAY, I FAIL, we ALL FAIL for the gold at the FAILIMPICS.

[deannnnn]

Jerry always had Apple computers in his apartment on Seinfeld ;)

[NuMan]

How about all the people who are dropping Vista and going back to XP, how are they going to blame that on Apple's ad campaign?

I agree. So if they do come up with some great ads that create 5 million more Vista users, that will make 5 million more people cursing their computers and Vista every day, and remembering the two comics that convinced them to buy Vista. There is also the possibility that many of the 5 million new users might then switch to Macs.

I think the $10-300 million would be better spent fixing Vista.

[o9ski]

Why do you keep buying Macs if you hate them so much and claim they always break on you? Wouldn't you be happier with a Windows PC?

I did not say I hate them.
I said they also break. Am I wrong here?
And it is not right to compare $2500 ac to $300 PC.
Take Alienware (which design I don't like).

[skottichan]

I wasn't saying it was the greatest movie ever (I didn't see it) nor the most successful, I was just pointing out it wasn't the flop that some of the folks in this thread seem to be suggesting it was...

And it made well over $100 million domestically. Again, not a blockbuster, but certainly a success.

Yes, well over.

"As of July 6, 2008, it has grossed $126,631,277 domestically"

and it cost $150 million to make. Huge success.


Personally, I can't get worked up one way or the other over this ad campaign. So he is/was a Mac user doing a windows commercial, big deal. I buy what I like, not what some talking head tells me to, and after working for Microsoft for 6 years, and as a PC techgirl for 15, I rather enjoy my Intel iMac and my G4 iBook, I didn't need the Mac v PC commercials to tell me this.



I uhhh... you might have me confused with some other guy. I have absolutely no interest in running Vista, which is worse than XP, and consequently, I don't need you to sell me on that idea. At least, I'm not drunk enough for it right now. But, as a matter of fact, both Mac OS X and Vista represent computing requiring more and more hardware (like RAM) rather than just making things really snappier. Fancy visuals are nice, but they should be limited by, rather than require more, hardware upgrades.

About your masochism -- love and masochism are not mutually exclusive. Most masochists do or bear things out of love. It is rare, but EXCITING! to find a person who just likes to suffer for the sake of suffering.



Not everybody on MacRumors is a fanboy. Macs have tons of problems, but they do usually just work. Windows has more problems and is rude and obnoxious even when it does work. You might disagree on which is worse, depending on matters of taste and matters of not understanding what it means to be better. At any rate, I dare say I have higher standards than you, or any fanboy for that matter, because to me the question is which one is less of a failure against my standards.

Windows FAILS, Macs FAIL, Ballmer's an UNSIGHTLY FAILURE, Seinfeld FAILS, you FAIL, your girlfriend FAILS, masochism DOES OKAY, I FAIL, we ALL FAIL for the gold at the FAILIMPICS.


HAHAHA!!! I agree with every single word you've said.

[(L)]

I am sorry. You are right. I learned English when I was 26.
:)

That Power Mac G4 dual MDD was sold about 3 years ago. The issue was power supply fans. Apple was forced to recall.
Still I had to pay 29 for shipping. At the end it was still spinning and humming like things that spin and hum.
:)

Yeah, you know, Apple (and almost every other company) makes me ticked off when they make me pay for their problems. I've actually never had to pay Apple for injury (they replaced my battery for free once), but I know they sometimes choose to add insult to injury. Not with MobileMe, apparently, though.

{EDIT} By the way, spinning and humming are also normal symptoms of a working fan. I think you mean you can hear it loudly, but that's problematic since it means you can hear it well, which is good because to ventilate and to cool it needs to be that way. If a fan is running but you can't hear it, the fan's too small, the construction is too closed, and so on. I totally agree that it's bothersome, but I actually think Windows fans (esp on laptops) are louder and more obnoxious. What's more, that's good, since that means they're working better.

[X5-452]

Coming from someone who is 21, I, and most of my close friends, have nothing but the utmost respect for Jerry Seinfeld. I can't help but think that maybe the reason Microsoft is using him is because they know that those in the 18-24 range grew up with the show and it influenced a lot of our perceptions, thus resulting in adoration and respect for all the people involved in it. (Well, all but Michael Richards...)

[jpine]

I'd build a $10M Hackintosh :rolleyes:

I'd go without any computer for life for $10 mil!!! :D

[Prof.]

Oooooo Seinfeld. Has-been:rolleyes:

[o9ski]

Windows FAILS, Macs FAIL, Ballmer's an UNSIGHTLY FAILURE, Seinfeld FAILS, you FAIL, your girlfriend FAILS, masochism DOES OKAY, I FAIL, we ALL FAIL for the gold at the FAILIMPICS.

You lost me here.
I think Ballmer (as did Jobs) has made it quite well not to be called a Failure.
At least based on my own standards.

[ktemkin]

Slightly off topic . . .

. . . Does anyone know why the PC/Mac ad titled "Networking" was removed from the Apple website?

It featured a Japanese "camera" (a Japanese actress) communicating with the Mac in Japanese, with the PC left out, unable to communicate.

It hasn't been on Apple's site for years.

I can't remember any other ads that were taken out of circulation.

[poundsmack]

I dont see him as being a terribly effective person for portraying that Vista is ok and safe. personaly i would feel better if they got Chuck Norris to do it and all he did was come on screen with a t-shirt on that says "windows Vista" and then he gave that chuck noris smile and a reasuring thumbs up, aned then the cammera just fades out. that way people affraid of change will feel right at home.

the alternative would be to have morgan freeman just narate the comercial and the whole time show a windows vista pc and someone easily navigating it. morgan freeman goes on to say how easy it is to use and his incredibly soothing and arithmicly pleasing voice bistills confidence upon all who hear it... then for no reason chuck noris comes on and give a big thumbs up.

alternate ending 3: (the guy from all the "hello, i'm a mac adds is standing center stage and says his clasic line)
Justin: "Hello I'm a Mac"
(suddenly cuck norris comes on and round house kicks Justin Long)
Chuck Norris: "And I'm a PC" (thumbs up)

But i guess they could have done worse than choosing Jerry Seinfeld, they could have picked garry colman.
Justin: Hi I'm a Mac"
Garry: "...this is a paying gig right?"...

[stainlessliquid]

MS better have a 3rd party to do their ads for them instead of coming up with another talentless corporate thinktank failure like what always happens.

[slackpacker]

This is a bit ironic since Seinfeld proudly displayed his latest Mac in practically every episode of his sitcom. I guess "B-Movie" didn't bring in the paycheck the way he wanted.

My thoughts exactly.... Money makes us all do the strangest things.

Lets say this.... if Microsoft offered you 20 Million Bucks switch to Windows....What would you do?

[Trajectory]

personaly i would feel better if they got Chuck Norris to do it and all he did was come on screen with a t-shirt on that says "windows Vista" and then he gave that chuck noris smile and a reasuring thumbs up, aned then the cammera just fades out. that way people affraid of change will feel right at home.

They will? As Chuck Norris is now associated with a failed Presidential campaign, he might not be the best spokesperson for any product.

[mr.light]

My thoughts exactly.... Money makes us all do the strangest things.

Lets say this.... if Microsoft offered you 20 Million Bucks switch to Windows....What would you do?

Gee I don't know. That's a tough one! 20 mill you say? Hmm. OK. I'll do it! ( I can buy a REALLY nice Mac for that!) :D;):):eek::apple:

[~Shard~]

Lets say this.... if Microsoft offered you 20 Million Bucks switch to Windows....What would you do?

Duh, take the money. :rolleyes: Look at the big picture, it's a no-brainer. :cool:

[Chappers]

Jerry and Bill are two middle aged guys trying to sell single glazing - that's funny.

[(L)]

Following post refers to user <o9ski> (not me). (At least, I like to think not me.) (But what if!)

All one has to do is look at your posting history so far to see that your comments are meant only to bash Apple products and prop up poor defenseless Microsoft.

That's not true. He (or potentially she) might just be genuinely disappointed with Macs. o9ski also posited a few very interesting points about how he's not a masochist, but his girlfriend is a graphic artist. We can conclude that some of the following is conceivable:

(1) Her art involves him suffering Mac hardware failures.
(2) Something about having a graphic artist for a girlfriend leads to buying faulty hardware.
(3) He is a masochist.
(4) He's really a sadist going for a BIG SURPRISE.
(5) His girlfriend isn't good at using Windows for graphic art, even though Windows is capable of doing just as well, if not much, much, worse.
(6) His girlfriend had a childhood traumatic experience involving windows, window panes, window washers, or Bill Gates.
(7) His girlfriend is relatively more masochistic, so he often has to assume a role he's not naturally inclined towards.
(8) Drawing the previous 7 conclusions was a waste of my time while I badly, badly needed to go to the bathroom. :(

[Trajectory]

Lets say this.... if Microsoft offered you 20 Million Bucks switch to Windows....What would you do?

Um...take it and start trolling Macrumors to bash Apple products?? ;)

[o9ski]

Following post refers to user <o9ski> (not me). (At least, I like to think not me.) (But what if!)



That's not true. He (or potentially she) might just be genuinely disappointed with Macs. o9ski also posited a few very interesting points about how he's not a masochist, but his girlfriend is a graphic artist. We can conclude that some of the following is conceivable:

(1) Her art involves him suffering Mac hardware failures.
(2) Something about having a graphic artist for a girlfriend leads to buying faulty hardware.
(3) He is a masochist.
(4) He's really a sadist going for a BIG SURPRISE.
(5) His girlfriend isn't good at using Windows for graphic art, even though Windows is capable of doing just as well, if not much, much, worse.
(6) His girlfriend had a childhood traumatic experience involving windows, window panes, window washers, or Bill Gates.
(7) His girlfriend is relatively more masochistic, so he often has to assume a role he's not naturally inclined towards.
(8) Drawing the previous 7 conclusions was a waste of my time while I badly, badly needed to go to the bathroom. :(

Great art demands suffering!
In your case: one gets more pleasure for going to bathroom if one waits a little longer.
Be careful, don't wait too long. :D

Well I guess having a PC made me like having a girlfriend.
It looks like that you just fine with your Mac and a mighty mouse and...
a trip to bathroom.

[(L)]

Slightly off topic . . .

. . . Does anyone know why the PC/Mac ad titled "Networking" was removed from the Apple website?

It featured a Japanese "camera" (a Japanese actress) communicating with the Mac in Japanese, with the PC left out, unable to communicate.

It hasn't been on Apple's site for years.

I can't remember any other ads that were taken out of circulation.

This is off-topic, but I'm just... off, mentally, so that's awesome.

That ad was hilarious. I thought they just removed the older ones, but I could be wrong.

Great art demands suffering!
In your case: one gets more pleasure for going to bathroom if one waits a little longer.
Be careful, don't wait too long. :D

Yes, my goal in life is to destroy the urinal.

[shen]

"Apple's 'Get a Mac' ad campaign has had a damaging effect on Vista's image"

nothing could do more damage to vista's image than simply using the damn thing......

[mashny]

So, it seems that "one Microsoft executive has stated that Apple's 'Get a Mac' ad campaign has had a damaging effect on Vista's image." No, Vista has had a damaging effect on Vista's image. It's like the woman who says, "Does this dress make me look fat?" To which the correct—if not wise—answer is, "No, it's the fat that makes you look fat."

If Microsoft wants to waste $300 million, they should give the money to me because it will have about the same effect on Vista sales.

[shen]

alternate ending 3: (the guy from all the "hello, i'm a mac adds is standing center stage and says his clasic line)
Justin: "Hello I'm a Mac"
(suddenly chuck norris comes on

and starts to round house kicks Justin Long, but crashes and reboots before the kick connects. this repeats 2 more times before Long sighs and walks away. one more repeat with target.)

there. fixed it for you.

[RRutter]

Exactly! He was a mac user when mac's weren't cool. How are they going to play that off?

Did he really used to be a Mac user?

:apple:

[jca666us]

Seinfeld in a MS commercial is great news!

Apple, please put together another MAC/PC ad and have Gilbert Gottfried do his annoying Jerry Seinfeld impression!!!

[(L)]

HAHAHA!!! I agree with every single word you've said.

Every word? Including the part about how exciting it is to find a person who suffers for the sake of suffering? If you agreed on me with everything, it's quite possible that you are me, or perhaps an impostor out to deceive me. In any case, I'll get to the bottom of this, even if it means arresting myself. Or if we just happen to share the same tastes, I hope you don't live near me -- there's a woman I've seen at a park down the street who likes to torture herself in public, and if you touch her, I'll have to "reprogram" you.:(

[econoline06]

lol. Listen to Micro$oft telling us about compatible software....

[econoline06]

My thoughts exactly.... Money makes us all do the strangest things.

Lets say this.... if Microsoft offered you 20 Million Bucks switch to Windows....What would you do?

Yes publicly, but at night I would secretly get on my MacBook ;)

[rdowns]

We can joke all we want but $300 million will sell a lot of Vista and take some wind out of Apple's sales regardless of how bad it may be. (Hey, I used it for 3 weeks before upgrading my work laptop to XP). Not to mention they'll now be bundling their new iGetaLife apps with Vista. :D