Microsoft Releases Second 'Laptop Hunters' Commercial [Archive]

Schtumple

Apr 4, 2009, 02:20 PM

Inb4 endless BAWWW...

In all seriousness, I think these adverts are a bit pathetic, Microsoft has no need to target Apple, they already have the #1 spot for marketshare, is 3% really worth a large marketing campaign? Saying that the responces some people were giving over the first advert, seriously... Some people need to remember that Apple is a company, nothing more. If Apple was really bothered by these adverts, they'd release cheaper machines.

I did like the line "I don't buy my laptops for the brand", really? Does anyone have that mentality? Before I built my PC from parts I had preconceptions about what brands I didn't want to buy, and what ones I did, based on reliability.

fpbecker

Apr 4, 2009, 02:21 PM

The ad on YouTube:

Click here. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mRF9-5itZA4)

Tallest Skil

Apr 4, 2009, 02:23 PM

Inb4 endless BAWWW...

In all seriousness, I think these adverts are a bit pathetic, Microsoft has no need to target Apple, they already have the #1 spot for marketshare, is 3% really worth a large marketing campaign?

My biggest qualm with these ads is...

MICROSOFT DOESN'T MAKE HARDWARE.

If the PC manufacturers wanted to compare prices, they would. The software people in Redmond need to be concerned about what they actually do for a living.

Or perhaps they've simply given up on Vista, are acknowledging that they can't even come up with a campaign to have it even compare to OS X, and are forced to resort to sell OEMs computers FOR them... even though they INCLUDE Vista.

dukebound85

Apr 4, 2009, 02:23 PM

i think these ads have some merit

not gonna lie, i envy the hardware selection with windows immensly

r.j.s

Apr 4, 2009, 02:25 PM

MICROSOFT DOESN'T MAKE HARDWARE.

Looking at both these ads, they only ever consider HPs ... strikes me as kinda odd.

dukebound85

Apr 4, 2009, 02:27 PM

Looking at both these ads, they only ever consider HPs ... strikes me as kinda odd.

maybe MS gets a cut from HP advertising HP in their ads lol

r.j.s

Apr 4, 2009, 02:29 PM

maybe MS gets a cut from HP advertising HP in their ads lol

Maybe, but watching them both you'll see that it really is an Apple vs. HP hardware ad. The only other computers they ever show the actors touching are HPs.

clyde2801

Apr 4, 2009, 02:30 PM

It sounds better than: "Windows 7. We'll do better this time. Honest."

Abstract

Apr 4, 2009, 02:31 PM

Well they have the largest marketshare in the world. Dell is second, although first in the US.

Neither are a bad choice.

I don't know what MS are thinking though. I don't mind these ads, but these should have been released several months before the release of Win 7. Rather than working on their defence, they could also work on a bit of offense. These ads are good at explaining why Windows laptops do make sense for a lot of people, but if they advertised Win 7, they could brag as well.

flopticalcube

Apr 4, 2009, 02:35 PM

Not as good as the last one.

kastenbrust

Apr 4, 2009, 02:43 PM

HAHA!! i have sliverlight installed and the video is still giving me a headache to get it working!! :p

Great.....Another advert in which Microsoft advertises how poor its customers are, except this time they went worse and suggested their customers are blind because they purposely choose ugly laptops!!

Here it is for those of you without Shiterlight:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mRF9-5itZA4&feature=channel

coronel mustard

Apr 4, 2009, 02:48 PM

Does anyone else think that these adverts promotes Hp laptops more than Microsoft? 2 adverts down and another actor gets coaxed into getting a hp laptop and not one mention of the V word. Interesting...

Abstract

Apr 4, 2009, 02:54 PM

Great.....Another advert in which Microsoft advertises how poor its customers are, except this time they went worse and suggested their customers are blind because they purposely choose ugly laptops!!

What are you babbling on about?

neiltc13

Apr 4, 2009, 02:56 PM

I don't understand why you are all saying that Microsoft doesn't make the hardware. Of course they don't.

But when HP sells a laptop, Microsoft also gets a sale of their OS. I'd bet that a huge portion of Microsoft's income from its OSs comes from them being sold pre-loaded on machines in this way, rather than in a box on their own.

Does anyone know what model the computer was that he eventually bought?

Mintin8

Apr 4, 2009, 02:58 PM

They underestimate the power of macs. He didn't even try it lol.

fpbecker

Apr 4, 2009, 03:00 PM

neiltc13

Apr 4, 2009, 03:04 PM

He bought this laptop. (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=9190038&st=HDX&type=product&id=1218052535546)

I thought it looked like it had a number pad in the ad, and I was right. Wow, he wanted portability and went for a 16" laptop? Interesting.

But really, that looks like great value for money. It's $1099, which is $100 cheaper than a regular MacBook. It comes with vastly superior graphics (which match the second level MacBook Pro :eek:), faster processor, double the RAM, 3x the hard drive space, larger, higher resolution display...

And it has FIREWIRE, unlike the MacBook. This dude got a good deal.

r.j.s

Apr 4, 2009, 03:05 PM

^^^1366 x 768 resolution on a 16". That's really pathetic.

Jack Flash

Apr 4, 2009, 03:05 PM

Cue another 3,200 post thread... :D

Hmm. It requires Silverlight to view. Not going to happen. Do you have another link?

Must not be a Netflix Steamer!

neiltc13

Apr 4, 2009, 03:07 PM

^^^1366 x 768 resolution on a 16". That's really pathetic.

The 17" iMac has 1440x900 resolution. It's not really much different.

Hmm. It requires Silverlight to view. Not going to happen. Do you have another link?

I've never had any problems with Silverlight. They use it on ITV.com and it works flawlessly there. Try installing it.

flopticalcube

Apr 4, 2009, 03:09 PM

I thought it looked like it had a number pad in the ad, and I was right. Wow, he wanted portability and went for a 16" laptop? Interesting.

But really, that looks like great value for money. It's $1099, which is $100 cheaper than a regular MacBook. It comes with vastly superior graphics (which match the second level MacBook Pro :eek:), faster processor, double the RAM, 3x the hard drive space, larger, higher resolution display...

And it has FIREWIRE, unlike the MacBook. This dude got a good deal.
Looks like value until you realize that HP is pretty much the bottom of the barrel in reliability. Not such a bargain then.

http://www.pcworld.com/zoom?id=156450&page=1&zoomIdx=1

Although for some reason people trust them. :eek:

http://press.pcworld.al/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=40:hp-voted-most-trusted-brand-in-readers-digest-2009-survey&catid=4:other&Itemid=16

dukebound85

Apr 4, 2009, 03:10 PM

Not really. The 17" iMac has 1440x900 resolution. It's not really much different.

I've never had any problems with Silverlight. They use it on ITV.com and it works flawlessly there. Try installing it.

the macbook has a 1200x 800 so a 16 at 1366 x 768 isnt that impressive. though i will say my 19inch monitor at 1440 x 900 is just dandy

neiltc13

Apr 4, 2009, 03:11 PM

the macbook has a 1200x 800 so a 16 at 1366 x 768 isnt that impressive. though i will say my 19inch monitor at 1440 x 900 is just dandy

Unless you've got something side by side to compare it with I don't think there will be any noticeable poor quality to the HP laptop's display.

r.j.s

Apr 4, 2009, 03:13 PM

The 17" iMac has 1440x900 resolution. It's not really much different.

Isn't that only for education use now, and not a current model.

the macbook has a 1200x 800 so a 16 at 1366 x 768 isnt that impressive. though i will say my 19inch monitor at 1440 x 900 is just dandy

I personally think there is quite a visible difference between the two resolutions. Maybe that's just me.

js81

Apr 4, 2009, 03:14 PM

He bought this laptop. (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=9190038&st=HDX&type=product&id=1218052535546)

7.1lbs and 1.7" thick? LOL. :D Sometimes one must bay just a wee bit more for a good design. That's the whole reason my wife would love to trade her Mitsubishi (a perfectly good car) for a Mercedes. And its the whole reason I sold her HP laptop to buy a white Macbook a year ago. :)

neiltc13

Apr 4, 2009, 03:14 PM

Isn't that only for education use now, and not a current model.

Well I had one and I never thought the display was lacking at the time.

r.j.s

Apr 4, 2009, 03:16 PM

Well I had one and I never thought the display was lacking at the time.

At the time I'm sure it was fine. Today however, you should expect higher resolution, not lower.

Demosthenes X

Apr 4, 2009, 03:17 PM

The 17" iMac has 1440x900 resolution. It's not really much different.

I've never had any problems with Silverlight. They use it on ITV.com and it works flawlessly there. Try installing it.

The 17" iMac is also old technology. My 13" MacBook has 1280 x 800 resolution. So yeah, 1366 x 768 on a 16" screen is sad.

You've made it very clear you're anti-Apple, which is fine. But at least try to present logical arguments. :rolleyes:

The computer he went with doesn't seem to fit his needs very well. I wouldn't exactly call it portable... not like a MacBook or Dell 13" model.

dsnort

Apr 4, 2009, 03:17 PM

I did like the line "I don't buy my laptops for the brand", really? Does anyone have that mentality?

Lot's of people that I know do. In fact, for everybody I know that bought a PC in the last 3 years price was a major factor in which comp they bought.

Face it, an HP "beige box" running Vista on ABC chip set is pretty much the same as a Dell "beige box" running Vista on ABC chip set. That's kind of why PC's cost less, more price competition.

dukebound85

Apr 4, 2009, 03:18 PM

I personally think there is quite a visible difference between the two resolutions. Maybe that's just me.

oh there is but they are both fine imo

r.j.s

Apr 4, 2009, 03:22 PM

oh there is but they are both fine imo

Yes they are both fine. But when he is concerned about getting the most from it, and the size of the GPU memory, you want a monitor that is worth something. Especially a 16" laptop.

*LTD*

Apr 4, 2009, 03:32 PM

Another budget-baby perspective.

I don't think the premium end of the market cares that people like this will cut a penny in half if given the opportunity.

It simply reinforces the notion that these people aren't getting what they want, they're getting what they can afford. We all know that most of his kind are still lusting after the Mac/OS X brass ring.

At least he doesn't look as much of a loser as "Lauren" did. I see they've decided to ditch the Salvation Army/Goodwill duds in favour of something more presentable on this guy.

L0s7man

Apr 4, 2009, 03:34 PM

OllyW

Apr 4, 2009, 03:37 PM

With Apple education discount in UK, baseline Macbook is CHEAP; I mean seriously CHEAP. There's hardly any laptop that can compare!

That's only of any help if you are a bloody student. :p

neiltc13

Apr 4, 2009, 03:48 PM

They've got a point, but...

They twist the facts a bit! Think about this: Apple Macbook; who can be a contender?

1. Similar specs.
2. NOT made of plactic; repeat: NOT made of plastic

What's left outside Apple? Sony Vaio Z/TT/something of this series; Thinkpad X301, don't know about any others. I guess Voodoo Envy would qualify -> isn't it from carbon fibre? Oh, and Dell Adamo, and probably some more.

All those computers are very expensive. With Apple education discount in UK, baseline Macbook is CHEAP; I mean seriously CHEAP. There's hardly any laptop that can compare!

Baseline MacBook is also made of plastic. Unless you mean the baseline aluminium one, which is £799 after the biggest education discount you can get. For a 2GHz C2D with integrated graphics, terrible screen and weak battery? That is not cheap.

And anyway, what difference does it make if it's metal or plastic? There are drawbacks to both, except one of them is much, much cheaper.

ZunePod

Apr 4, 2009, 03:49 PM

A few points:

1) That guy looks like he's in Uni, so he gets an Apple discount of 15%
2) Portability, he got a 16"
3) The nVidia 9600 in the HP becomes irrelevant because of the crap resolution of the screen and because he wants "Potability"
4) Aluminium is more stable
5) Apple are more reliable and make quality products

If I was him, I'd go with a 13" MacBook with 4GB RAM and then upgrade the HDD to 500GB.

OllyW

Apr 4, 2009, 03:51 PM

If I was him, I'd go with a 13" MacBook with 4GB RAM and then upgrade the HDD to 500GB.

But that wouldn't make a very good Microsoft commercial. ;)

*LTD*

Apr 4, 2009, 03:53 PM

Hehe, on a lighter note, I see that my friends over at Neowin have found me:

http://www.neowin.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=755448&view=findpost&p=590806740

Cheers to you guys, Mac or PC, I miss ya. ;)

Vulcan

Apr 4, 2009, 03:54 PM

A few points:

1) That guy looks like he's in Uni, so he gets an Apple discount of 15%

$50 off of an aluminum MacBook. Woot. Does it give the computer a dedicated graphics card or 4GB of RAM?

2) Portability, he got a 16"

So? You can still take a 16" computer with you, it's just a little big.

3) The nVidia 9600 in the HP becomes irrelevant because of the crap resolution of the screen and because he wants "Potability"

External display? Because we all know gaming is so awesome a 13" display and you wouldn't need one there either...

4) Aluminium is more stable

Aluminum and a worse speced computer that costs more or power... hmm... this is a tough one...

5) Apple are more reliable and make quality products

Nope. They use the same exact parts as every computer manufacturer.

If I was him, I'd go with a 13" MacBook with 4GB RAM and then upgrade the HDD to 500GB.

...

ZunePod

Apr 4, 2009, 03:58 PM

It's actually Aluminium in the UK, the place where it was discovered.

And You're "Points" are just silly.

Vulcan

Apr 4, 2009, 04:02 PM

It's actually Aluminium in the UK, the place where it was discovered.

And You're "Points" are just silly.

Mind offering some sort of justification as to why my points are "silly?"

KingYaba

Apr 4, 2009, 04:31 PM

It requires Silverlight to view. Not going to happen. Do you have another link?

What's wrong with Silverlight?

Tallest Skil

Apr 4, 2009, 04:34 PM

What's wrong with Silverlight?

Microsoft made it, it's clunky, it doesn't work, even when properly updated, and there are better alternatives.

fpbecker

Apr 4, 2009, 04:38 PM

Microsoft made it, it's clunky, it doesn't work, even when properly updated, and there are better alternatives.

I don't know... Silverlight videos don't make my CPU sweat as much as Flash videos do. 'Doesn't work even when properly updated' - err, no? It works.

MacRumors

Apr 4, 2009, 04:39 PM

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/04/04/microsoft-releases-second-laptop-hunters-commercial/)

Microsoft has released a second commercial in their new "Laptop Hunters" ad campaign targeting Mac prices. In the new commercial, "Giampaolo" is given a budget of $1500 with which to find to a laptop with his desired features of portability, battery life, and power. After browsing several PC's, Giampaolo takes a look at Apple's notebook offerings, but ultimately decides against them.This is so sexy, but Macs to me are about aesthetics more than they are the computing power. I don't want to pay for the brand. I want to pay for the computer.Giampaolo eventually settles on an HP HDX 16t (http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/shopping/computer_series.do?storeName=computer_store&category=notebooks&series_name=HDX16t_series&a1=Category&v1=Performance%20and%20entertainment), closing the commercial with the comment "I'm a PC because I'm really picky."

In the first commercial in the campaign (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/03/27/new-microsoft-ad-campaign-targets-mac-prices/), "Lauren" purchased a $699 17" HP laptop, noting that Apple does not offer a laptop of that size within her price limit of $1000.

Article Link: Microsoft Releases Second 'Laptop Hunters' Commercial (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/04/04/microsoft-releases-second-laptop-hunters-commercial/)

macintosh.apple

Apr 4, 2009, 04:40 PM

haha, these are soo stupid.

Kardashian

Apr 4, 2009, 04:41 PM

Oh goodness..

How much do we think HP are paying Microsoft?

2/2 times its been a HP. They're supposed to be 'picky'?

apunkrockmonk

Apr 4, 2009, 04:42 PM

And I'm a Mac cause I'm even more picky.

greenbreadmmm

Apr 4, 2009, 04:42 PM

mac is sexy

utazdevl

Apr 4, 2009, 04:42 PM

He bought the laptop at Fry's. Good luck with that.

Aldaris

Apr 4, 2009, 04:42 PM

Wirelessly posted (iPhone: Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 2_2_1 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/525.18.1 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/3.1.1 Mobile/5H11 Safari/525.20)

Hah, bring back the mac elitists!

mogzieee

Apr 4, 2009, 04:43 PM

Jeeesus Christ. Well, at least he admits that a Mac looks sexy. :D

Tallest Skil

Apr 4, 2009, 04:44 PM

Once again, Microsoft makes a commercial for a product they don't sell, from the same company that isn't them, and doesn't mention the product that they do sell, that you are forced to have on the computer they don't sell, that public opinion has deemed broken.

vvebsta

Apr 4, 2009, 04:44 PM

Wow, these are probably the best microsoft has come up with in a while. Which is still sad.

FrancoZ

Apr 4, 2009, 04:44 PM

well my macbook serves my needs
apart from
4 keyboard and mouse top cases
3 superdrives
2 batteries
2 power supplies
3 hard drives
2 memory sets
2 logic boards

but apart from that I love my Mac, i think they just sold me a broken one (all thats happened in 24 months) thank god I bought Applecare

Abstract

Apr 4, 2009, 04:45 PM

The 1st commercial made a lot more sense.

This one.....well.....it gets the point across, and it's true if he wants power. I tried configuring the HP 16t the way I want, and in terms of hardware, I could get better hardware than a 15" MBP, but for around $600 less. In fact, I can configure on as good as a 17" MBP (or better) in terms of hardware specs, for around half the price ($1530)

However, he basically said, "I don't care about looks. I want the ugly HP." They could have said the HP looks good too, but no, they said it was the fugs. :p :rolleyes: I'd consider that a blunder. HP probably doesn't appreciate it.

Oh-es-Ten

Apr 4, 2009, 04:45 PM

Sigh....

I pay for the brand because it is a brand based on stability, integration, reliability and innovation.

Comparing a Mac to PC on a spec sheet is always going to favour a PC - but once again they miss the point (which is even more staggering for Microsoft) - it's the software, stupid!

zcor

Apr 4, 2009, 04:46 PM

mac is sexy

Am I the only one totally creeped out when someone calls a computer "sexy"?

Kardashian

Apr 4, 2009, 04:47 PM

This is so sexy, but Macs to me are about aesthetics more than they are the computing power. I don't want to pay for the brand. I want to pay for the computer.

Maybe someone a few years ago, who was unfamiliar with Macs could think this - the fact that Macs were lower in Ghz than the PC equivalents.

Since Mac has been on Intel, they're getting more computing 'power' faster than some of the Dell/HP/whatever PC's out there.

He's clearly just an idiot.

stevearm

Apr 4, 2009, 04:47 PM

JonHimself

Apr 4, 2009, 04:48 PM

Sadly, these commercials will work for the same reasons that mac ads have - they pander to the uninformed (or those that are informed from second-hand knowledge). The kinds of people that believe everything they hear. ie "macs don't run any programs" "pcs crash a lot" "macs are overpriced" "pcs are confusing" etc etc

Just incase it comes up, I own a macbook pro, used to an ibook g4 AND g3, have appletv, an iphone, etc etc so i am an apple guy and would only buy their products. I just think these ads will be/are effective.

Trix

Apr 4, 2009, 04:48 PM

Wow. Just....wow.

macfan881

Apr 4, 2009, 04:48 PM

HP has become garbage really t here stupid restore thing is the dumbest idea on the earth basicly they partion 5-6 gigs i think it was as a restore disk so if you wanna replace that hard drive you have to pay hp 12 bucks to get a set of restore cd's. i said it over in the last topic for the adds ive come to learn over the last 3 cheap pcs that were crap i would gladly pay what the macs cost i had 3 macs and no problems with all of them i had Imac DV+ Emac and Imac intel

Lesser Evets

Apr 4, 2009, 04:48 PM

Microsoft is now undeniably SEXIST.

They give $1500 to the man, but only $1000 to the girl.
And then they gave him cash in the parking lot for some illicit acts.

Twylo

Apr 4, 2009, 04:49 PM

Wait... is that the Fry's Electronics in Campbell, CA?

Creeeeeeeeeeepy. I shop at that Fry's all the time. I wonder if the Door Nazis made him show them his Microsoft Receipt on the way out.

Sehnsucht

Apr 4, 2009, 04:49 PM

"...I have really big hands..."

"...This thing is gigantic..."

THAT'S WHAT SHE SAID!!! :D :D :D :D

Kardashian

Apr 4, 2009, 04:49 PM

Am I the only one totally creeped out when someone calls a computer "sexy"?

No. It's ridiculous.

macfan881

Apr 4, 2009, 04:49 PM

Sadly, these commercials will work for the same reasons that mac ads have - they pander to the uninformed (or those that are informed from second-hand knowledge). The kinds of people that believe everything they hear. ie "macs don't run any programs" "pcs crash a lot" "macs are overpriced" "pcs are confusing" etc etc

this is why i think apple needs to advertise the bootcamp and parralles and VM more i have my fastest XP on my mac

Tallest Skil

Apr 4, 2009, 04:50 PM

this is why i think apple needs to advertise the bootcamp and parralles and VM more i have my fastest XP on my mac

Yeah, let's have them advertise for MICROSOFT. THAT'S what we need.

Parky

Apr 4, 2009, 04:50 PM

Clearly this guy has no taste, look at the clothes and the car.

I can only assume he does not buy any 'Brands', as he would then be paying for the badge.

Clothes, Food, Cars, etc, etc. Does he buy all the cheapest of these or is he a hypocrite?

Again MS plug the Apple - it's sexy and aesthetically pleasing.
Great those things are important to me AS WELL as being a great computer.

Stupid ads.

Jimmery

Apr 4, 2009, 04:50 PM

The 1st commercial was better, but this one still makes a point... the Apple Tax sucks. I wouldn't recommend a Mac to any price conscious person. :(

Lesser Evets

Apr 4, 2009, 04:51 PM

If that was me, I would have gotten the $1500 and put in my own $300 to get the Air. F' PC... I wouldn't buy one even with other peoples' money. Too time consuming, even out of the box. Especially out of the box.

"...I have really big hands..."

"...This thing is gigantic..."

THAT'S WHAT SHE SAID!!! :D :D :D :D

So that's what he did after the parking lot payoff.

Sky Blue

Apr 4, 2009, 04:51 PM

Why is this news? Who cares?

EmperorDarius

Apr 4, 2009, 04:51 PM

Great purchase 'Giampaolo'! You'll hope you had paid for that less powerful Mac when your PC starts doing what it does best...crashing and getting infected. Oh, I forgot you're not really gonna use that computer.

Ghibli

Apr 4, 2009, 04:51 PM

Oh my God... this one is even worst then the previous one...

If the first one had (at least) a bit of possibility that Laureen wasn't a paid actress, this one is absolutely a (bad) actor...

iphonematt

Apr 4, 2009, 04:51 PM

Why does he seem to think macs are more about the looks than power? Last i checked my Mac was pretty powerful....

Sehnsucht

Apr 4, 2009, 04:51 PM

Kardashian

Apr 4, 2009, 04:52 PM

Also amazing how Microsoft have in one campaign completely ruined Apple's "I'm a mac, I'm a PC" slogan.

I don't think they've ruined it at all.

They are a little late in the game, so I think they're being extra bitchy ;)

But like someone else said, these ads are directed at people who know little or nothing about computers and just think of the £ sign.

iMpathetic

Apr 4, 2009, 04:52 PM

I think it's funny how he seemed to REALLY want that Mac.

swissmann

Apr 4, 2009, 04:52 PM

I'm still not buying a PC until it can legally run OS X, Final Cut, and Aperture. I'm also not buying another Mac until they lower their prices considerably. If either one wants my business they better make an adjustment.

queshy

Apr 4, 2009, 04:52 PM

keep putting hte pressure on Apple, microsoft! i think these are great for the Mac market.

michael.lauden

Apr 4, 2009, 04:52 PM

you know.. i guess this is pretty low of Microsoft... but then again Apple did destroy Vista not too long ago at a keynote if i'm not mistaken :)

Parky

Apr 4, 2009, 04:53 PM

Great ad.

Apple fanboys up in arms because Microsoft have DARED to do exactly what Apple have been doing for years and years. Only Microsoft are actually basing their ads on real-world, consumer facts and don't sugar coat it with pretentious nonsense like the I'm a mac, I'm a pc ad.

Also amazing how Microsoft have in one campaign completely ruined Apple's "I'm a mac, I'm a PC" slogan.

The apple fanboys bitching and moaning is fun to watch though

You are so wrong.

People don't buy based on price, they buy what they want by saving up.

These ads will not put off people from buying Macs, if you want a Mac then you have no alternative than to buy a Mac, simple.

If Windows users think 'I want a Mac' then they will buy one, they won't by another PC.

macfan881

Apr 4, 2009, 04:53 PM

I think it's funny how he seemed to REALLY want that Mac.

he probally returned it and got a mac after the commercial was done with :D

iLunar

Apr 4, 2009, 04:53 PM

Isn't HP going to be pissed at not being called a "brand"? Why would they even bother existing if there was no HP brand? They didn't just spend millions of dollars on their own marketing with celebrities endorsing all that HP can do, no? (Btw, the HP commercials were fantastic)

Lesser Evets

Apr 4, 2009, 04:54 PM

Microsoft--Life without Balls.

rosalindavenue

Apr 4, 2009, 04:56 PM

That HP is kind of an oddball-- a 16" screen? 7 pounds? Thick, too. I'm sure HP makes a better form factor than that. Not nearly as compelling as the 17" HP to mac comparision in the commercial with the red-headed actress, which to a consumer probably looks pretty good at $699 as opposed to $2799.

Mjmar

Apr 4, 2009, 04:57 PM

Why would the guy want to see the Macs if he already knew he didn't want one. This commercial makes no sense. Just because one person thinks that Macs are all about aesthetics doesn't mean they are. I'm disappointed at Microsoft... Why do they insist on false advertising to promote their product?:confused:

Michael CM1

Apr 4, 2009, 04:58 PM

These budgets sure are convenient. Give the woman $1,000 and she might get the MacBook White. Give the dude $2,000 and he may buy a MacBook Pro. But Microsoft chickens out when they know HP has the McDonald's Grade D-quality laptops out there.

Why buy a Camry or Accord when you can buy a Pinto for less?

Parky

Apr 4, 2009, 04:58 PM

...

Why do you come here?

brop52

Apr 4, 2009, 05:00 PM

At least he was correct about everything this time. Still don't see what it has to do with Microsoft but whatever.

Also, unless he got a faster processor he overpaid for that machine. The machine isn't that bad. Has blu-ray, firewire, esata, and tv tuner. You can configure it at HP for $25 for bluetooth and $50 for a backlit keyboard. It's 6.8lbs, which isn't that bad considering. He could have bought from HP directly and upgraded to a GT130M 1GB VRAM for $100 extra. Two bad things about the machine is the 6 cell battery that is only going to last about 2 hours and the poor resolution for 16". You can upgrade to a 12 cell, but then you add unnecessary weight and it sticks out of the back.

ironfrost

Apr 4, 2009, 05:00 PM

Let me guess...

the next Microcrap commercial that comes out it will be for $2000 to spend and targeting desktops and their new quote will be...

... "the money left over I can buy myself a dildo! Thanks PC's for giving me a bigger hole i can see!!"

Do only thing you need to do is watch this..... perfect example of Microcrap's advertising...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MimCZikP8cY

ucfgrad93

Apr 4, 2009, 05:01 PM

Looking at both these ads, they only ever consider HPs ... strikes me as kinda odd.

My thoughts exactly, funny how HP was the winner in both ads. Makes me wonder if this is advertising for Microsoft or HP?

kzin

Apr 4, 2009, 05:01 PM

He can't be that picky, he's running Windows.

Sure, if he said he was buying it to run some flavor of Linux ... but if that was the case, MS sure as hell wouldn't have put him in their commercial.

definitive

Apr 4, 2009, 05:03 PM

Giampaolo is several sandwiches short of a picnic, but then again what can you expect from a guy with a name like that? To his credit though, the system's only weakness compared to MBP was the weaker screen, and probably the battery life (which is really a personal preference if you have it plugged in 24/7).

He could have gotten a much better system for that price if he was smart enough to shop around on the internet.

zcor

Apr 4, 2009, 05:03 PM

KnightWRX

Apr 4, 2009, 05:04 PM

his desired features of portability, battery life, and power.

Funny, the MacBook is superior in 2 of those vs that HP. So in the end, it didn't actually get what he wanted.

LagunaSol

Apr 4, 2009, 05:04 PM

Of course "Giampaolo" is forbidden by NDA from discussing what he thinks about his new HP laptop post-purchase (and the "wonderful" Windows experience it provides). Why so scared, Microsoft?

Newsflash: Top Ramen is cheaper than a steak at a good restaurant. Hence, everyone should eat Top Ramen and shun good restaurants. Right Winbots who are trolling this forum?

My money goes for Apple hardware. Because I'm worth it.

OasisNYK

Apr 4, 2009, 05:06 PM

The bias in this forum comes as no surprise, after all this is MacRumors but....

I think the campaign is a winner - it is light years beyond the Seinfeld snafu and it hits where Apple is vulnerable. Will it make a difference in terms of sales? That remains to be seen but right now is a good time to be pointing this out.

The first ad was much better than the second ad so ultimately the campaign might be a dud but I found the first ad to be effective.

A lot of people have been asking why MSFT would do this since they don't make hardware - it is possible MSFT is doing this in conjunction with PC makers (notice HP's are the big sellers in the ads, hard to imagine they haven't paid some $$$ for that). Also, it is a direct response to Apples ads about Vista. They had to do it eventually. At first MSFT tried to ignore the ads hoping they wouldn't do any damage, but the Vista bashing seriously hurt sales of the OS and they came to the realization that they had to do something.

This reminds me of the cola wars and Sega versus Nintendo back in the 80's and 90's. Ultimately I think both companies are better off focusing on what they do well and not pointing out each others short comings, but they will probably spend a few hundred million on ads before they realize this.

KnightWRX

Apr 4, 2009, 05:06 PM

If the first one had (at least) a bit of possibility that Laureen wasn't a paid actress, this one is absolutely a (bad) actor...

How can you be sure she wasn't a paid actress ? She was part of an actor's guild after all.

Abstract

Apr 4, 2009, 05:07 PM

Clearly this guy has no taste, look at the clothes and the car.

I can only assume he does not buy any 'Brands', as he would then be paying for the badge.

You make Mac users look bad.

Courtaj

Apr 4, 2009, 05:07 PM

Come back Lauren, all is forgiven.

LagunaSol

Apr 4, 2009, 05:09 PM

Also amazing how Microsoft have in one campaign completely ruined Apple's "I'm a mac, I'm a PC" slogan.

Says...you???

"I'm a PC. And I'm currently running a spyware and virus scan." LOL!

Enjoy your ghetto OS, Steve. I assume your bitterness and rage from the Windows world is what drives you to troll the Mac boards.

sushi

Apr 4, 2009, 05:09 PM

It does point out that there is more options on the PC side of the house. But the old adage, you get what you pay for holds true most of the time. There are exceptions of course.

Apple has two good offerings in the under $1,400 category: the White MB and the low end MB. Guess he wanted a faster processor.

I wonder if these ads are working?

word385

Apr 4, 2009, 05:10 PM

definitive

Apr 4, 2009, 05:10 PM

Pika

Apr 4, 2009, 05:11 PM

So Microsoft is HP now ??? :confused:

BRLawyer

Apr 4, 2009, 05:14 PM

Cue another 3,200 post thread... :D

Hmm. It requires Silverlight to view. Not going to happen. Do you have another link?

Silverlight? Sorry, won't install another MS piece of crap on my computer to watch another fake loser commercial from a company that desperately needs media attention to survive...GO APPLE!

*LTD*

Apr 4, 2009, 05:14 PM

I cannot possibly fathom how some of you guys think this is good advertising.

Microsoft is spending millions on an ad and what do they do with the airplay? Call Macs sexy.

I think it borders on the surreal.

This is the way MS has been doing things for a while now: unintended consequences.

coolfactor

Apr 4, 2009, 05:14 PM

I'm a Mac, because it's about the OS and integration. Sure, I could "get by" with a cheaper Windows laptop, but my productivity would drop. I ran that experiment a few years ago where I solely used Windows for a year, and it was painful, let me tell you.

Doju

Apr 4, 2009, 05:14 PM

Why is this news? Who cares?Hmm, Apple's biggest competitor makes a series of public commercial attacking them and their prices on their laptops, imploring us to buy theirs. No, you're right, this isn't news.

Of course we care, stop trolling. Your e-rep didn't go up any because you act cynical.

Skil, you're wrong, MS does make hardware. They just don't make computers. Never seen a Microsoft Mouse, I assume?

In regards to the commercial, you can't argue with their price, I'll give them that. That computer can be specced significantly higher than the 17" MBP for well over $1,000 less. Sure, you and I gladly pay more for the sleek design and stability, but is stable software (that costs $129 max to the consumer) and a nice design worth well over $1,000 more?

Again, don't get me wrong. I'll still pay for Apple just because they have the best operating system by far, and the most stable products. But there's no doubt they could drop the price significantly. We're tarnished there.

But, if you want to debate over anything other than price, Macs destroy PCs in every other category.

*LTD*

Apr 4, 2009, 05:15 PM

So Microsoft is HP now ??? :confused:

What runs on HP?

Windows.

Buy an HP and you get Windows. Plus headaches.

LagunaSol

Apr 4, 2009, 05:15 PM

I wonder if these ads are working?

Based on the friends and work associates who have recently told me they are sick of Windows and are looking at Macs, no.

People are sick and tired of Windows crap. They realize that the "bargain" pricing just isn't worth the grief and pain. The days of Microsoft shoving their garbage down people's throats are over. And no number of misleading cost comparison ads are going to change that.

Sorry Winbots and Redmond astroturfers. Your days in the sun are coming to an end.

coolfactor

Apr 4, 2009, 05:16 PM

Why is this news? Who cares?

Macs have always been pitted against PCs. The war is on. That's why.

BRLawyer

Apr 4, 2009, 05:16 PM

I cannot possibly fathom how some of you guys think this is good advertising.

Microsoft is spending millions on an ad and what do they do with the airplay? Call Macs sexy.

I think it borders on the surreal.

Absolutely, this is the best gratuitous publicity ever...worry not, it's gonna get even better when SJ chips in and decides to launch Apple's newest ads...MS IS DEAD.

dwsolberg

Apr 4, 2009, 05:16 PM

These commercials highlight a specific misunderstanding of most gadget makers: Most people buy things for reasons other than quantity.

I'm at a Starbucks right now, and the drive-up line stretches out past the street. Surely these people realize that they could make enough coffee for a week for the price of the triple mocha whatever with flavor shot, and they wouldn't even need to waste gas. Yet somehow these people attach an importance to something than the raw value of what they could get.

Windows has a lock on the marketplace, but it's only because people need compatibility with their programs and workplaces. It's not because they *want* them (for the most part, ubergeeks and gamers excepted). In an odd way, Microsoft is showing its vulnerable underbelly: sort of admitting that people would get a Mac if they could, but they're settling for a PC to save money. I doubt this is a winning strategy.

Price matters, of course, particularly in this economy, but I think a lot of people are more likely to delay and purchase an Apple they can afford rather than buy a "value" PC. In the end, I think Microsoft will lose market share with these commercials.

*LTD*

Apr 4, 2009, 05:16 PM

Says...you???

"I'm a PC. And I'm currently running a spyware and virus scan." LOL!

Enjoy your ghetto OS.

And THAT is the reality. The reality that everyone knows about. But I guess for the right price people will put up with all kinds of garbage.

KnightWRX

Apr 4, 2009, 05:17 PM

Do you complain when ATT advertises for the iPhone?

ATT directly sells the iPhone to customers. Why wouldn't they advertise it ?

Ghibli

Apr 4, 2009, 05:17 PM

How can you be sure she wasn't a paid actress ? She was part of an actor's guild after all.

I'm sure that she WAS a paid actress, but the commercial plot was that all these are not supposed to be paid actors but "COMMON PEOPLE". If the laureen one leaves sone (very little, I must admit) doubt, this one leaves no doubt he is a paid actor. And so misses the point of the plot in the commercial.

*LTD*

Apr 4, 2009, 05:17 PM

Come back Lauren, all is forgiven.

But this time lose the rags. Please.

Fraghax

Apr 4, 2009, 05:18 PM

I thought it looked like it had a number pad in the ad, and I was right. Wow, he wanted portability and went for a 16" laptop? Interesting.

But really, that looks like great value for money. It's $1099, which is $100 cheaper than a regular MacBook. It comes with vastly superior graphics (which match the second level MacBook Pro :eek:), faster processor, double the RAM, 3x the hard drive space, larger, higher resolution display...

And it has FIREWIRE, unlike the MacBook. This dude got a good deal.

Well, Vista (that'ss enough for me not to buy it) on that laptop is 32-bit. The RAM is DDR2. The Hp is thicker. Heavier. and as far as the Screen Resolution goes, it's a 1366x768 on a 16" screen...not a 13" (1280x800 i think). The HP also only has a 6 cell battery. IT'S 7.06 lbs!!!!!! :p I do not want that for portability.

LagunaSol

Apr 4, 2009, 05:18 PM

Oh, and perhaps my brother can star in Microsoft's next commercial, since he's on his 3rd Xbox 360 now (thank you, RROD). Now that's quality you can trust!

Doju

Apr 4, 2009, 05:18 PM

So it's better than this? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834220503... You're kidding, right? I thought you'd link to an actual competitor, taking two glances at it and I'm saying, "Of course that's better".

It's well over twice as thick as a MacBook Pro. It's almost twice as heavy. It's made of flimsy plastic. It's a Windows laptop. Asus is an unreliable company with poor customer support.

Yes, in this scenario "better" isn't a strong enough word.

coolfactor

Apr 4, 2009, 05:18 PM

This is the way MS has been doing things for a while now: unintended consequences.

Exactly. Actually since they started. They don't care about user experience. It's always about getting the job done and making sure they've got you hooked on their way of doing things so you keep coming back. So many of my clients think that they couldn't get by without their precious Outlook, it's so amusing.

polaris20

Apr 4, 2009, 05:18 PM

This just in: there are fewer choices with Apple than other brands.

Wow, thanks for filling us all in Microsoft. We didn't realize that's how it's been for the last 10 years. :rolleyes:

I know HP is probably chipping in for these ads, but for crying out loud do one with a good Windows PC for once, like a Thinkpad. Something that doesn't feel like a cheap toy.

daneoni

Apr 4, 2009, 05:19 PM

The first ad is a better one and felt more 'real' in the message it was communicating. After watching i thought 'yup...thats true'. This one just seems 'fake' and my first response was 'wait...what?'

The guy said he wanted a portable laptop and then plonks down for a 16" 7 lbs beast

Doju

Apr 4, 2009, 05:19 PM

Says...you???

"I'm a PC. And I'm currently running a spyware and virus scan." LOL!

Enjoy your ghetto OS, Steve. I assume your bitterness and rage from the Windows world is what drives you to troll the Mac boards.Well played. xD

moutian

Apr 4, 2009, 05:20 PM

I guess after he got the laptop, he will be browsing for info to install hackintosh ...

Fraghax

Apr 4, 2009, 05:20 PM

Oh, and perhaps my brother can star in Microsoft's next commercial, since he's on his 3rd Xbox 360 now (thank you, RROD). Now that's quality you can trust!

LMAO thanks. a lot of people are on their 3rd or even 4th 360.

iMaggot

Apr 4, 2009, 05:20 PM

brop52

Apr 4, 2009, 05:20 PM

So it is a Pavilion HDX X16-1140us (http://www.shopping.hp.com/product/computers/notebooks/HDX16t_series/rts/4/computer_store/NB129UA%2523ABA).

KnightWRX

Apr 4, 2009, 05:22 PM

I'm sure that she WAS a paid actress, but the commercial plot was that all these are not supposed to be paid actors but "COMMON PEOPLE". If the laureen one leaves sone (very little, I must admit) doubt, this one leaves no doubt he is a paid actor. And so misses the point of the plot in the commercial.

It's ok. Most people think BangBus isn't a setup either. If the WWE wasn't publicly admitting it was a setup, they wouldn't know either.

Microsoft caters to dumb people...

QCassidy352

Apr 4, 2009, 05:24 PM

not gonna lie, i envy the hardware selection with windows immensly

Two points on that. First, of course there are more choices with windows - look at how many companies you're talking about! HP, Dell, Sony, Toshiba, etc. Now if you want to say that HP by itself has more hardware choices than apple then fine.

But that brings me to my second point, which is that apple gets more sales than it loses with its streamlined lineup. Have you ever tried to configure a computer at HP or Dell? Even as a tech-savvy person, it's enough to make your head spin. And a while back I helped my grandmother do it, and while she's pretty darn good for her age, the number of options and screens you have to go through at Dell is staggering. I don't think the average consumer has any idea which one of Dell or HP's 1,000 configurations are right for them.

The 17" iMac has 1440x900 resolution. It's not really much different.

lol... desktop/laptop comparison with screen resolution? seriously?

Sometimes one must bay just a wee bit more for a good design.

I really don't get why people don't get this. You pay for good design with clothes, furniture, cars, and just about everything else. Good design costs money. Now may some don't care about that. Maybe some just want a shirt that keeps you warm, a bookcase that holds your books off the ground, and a computer that runs Crysis with as many fps as possible. If so, fine. A mac is not for you, and that's fine. But many humans actually value a superior design. Weird, I know.

Also amazing how Microsoft have in one campaign completely ruined Apple's "I'm a mac, I'm a PC" slogan.

Um... how? That campaign is about the ease of use of OS X and the frustrations of Vista. This campaign is about price. They really don't have much to do with each other except that they're put out by rival companies.

I cannot possibly fathom how some of you guys think this is good advertising.

Microsoft is spending millions on an ad and what do they do with the airplay? Call Macs sexy.

I think it borders on the surreal.

Post of the thread. :)

fastbite

Apr 4, 2009, 05:24 PM

He could buy a tea bag for much less.

jaw04005

Apr 4, 2009, 05:24 PM

I'd bet that a huge portion of Microsoft's income from its OSs comes from them being sold pre-loaded on machines in this way, rather than in a box on their own.

According to Microsoft, 9 out of 10 copies of Windows are sold pre-installed on new computers.

As of 2008, Windows makes up 28 percent of Microsoft's annual revenue, roughly $60.4 billion and is its most profitable division.

http://www.tomshardware.com/news/windows-7-microsoft-revenue-netbook,7246.html

BlackLight

Apr 4, 2009, 05:24 PM

Is this a HP ad now.....they are not bad pcs my prior laptop before i got my mac was a HP ..plus my bro own the HP in the ad and i must say the graphic card is awesome..:apple::apple:

johnhope

Apr 4, 2009, 05:24 PM

again LIES LIES LIES LIES!!!

Macs are NOT about aesthetics!
Mac are about OPERATING SYSTEM and SOFTWARE

I'm really SICK of all the m$ lies!:mad:

Tallest Skil

Apr 4, 2009, 05:25 PM

Do you complain when ATT advertises for the iPhone?

Having absolutely nothing to DO with this scenario... :confused:

Your analogy makes no sense. Here's one that does:

Verizon advertises their phones by having customers choose a nondescript phone (running Verizon's craptacular OS) over the iPhone.

I would complain about that.

You need two COMPLETELY different softwares, one of which isn't being talked about, and two completely different companies, one of which is SELLING THE OTHER'S PRODUCT.

definitive

Apr 4, 2009, 05:27 PM

word385

Apr 4, 2009, 05:27 PM

ATT directly sells the iPhone to customers. Why wouldn't they advertise it ?
ATT doesn't really sell phones, they sell mobile telephony. In both cases the companies in question (ATT and Microsoft) are indirectly advertising for themselves by using another company's complementary product. There's nothing wrong with it.

Damballah

Apr 4, 2009, 05:28 PM

The problem that MS just does not get, is that specs for the vast majority of users, do not matter past a certain point. The only thing that matters, is which machine is going to provide a superior experience for the user. For what that guy wanted, I'll bet my last paycheck the 1299 macbook would have provided a better all around experience.

The average customer does not give 2 ***** about gigahertz, DDR3, etc. All they care about is the experience they have with the machine, and which is going to be the most positive.

definitive

Apr 4, 2009, 05:29 PM

... You're kidding, right? I thought you'd link to an actual competitor, taking two glances at it and I'm saying, "Of course that's better".

It's well over twice as thick as a MacBook Pro. It's almost twice as heavy. It's made of flimsy plastic. It's a Windows laptop. Asus is an unreliable company with poor customer support.

Yes, in this scenario "better" isn't a strong enough word.

lol your reply was exactly what Gwhateverhisname was saying - Macs are only about looks, and not performance. You were quick to point out what the Asus looked like, and threw out a personal opinion saying it's unreliable and a Windows system, but ignored the fact that you get better hardware for equal price point.

Go troll somewhere else, buddy.

LagunaSol

Apr 4, 2009, 05:29 PM

Um... how? That campaign is about the ease of use of OS X and the frustrations of Vista. This campaign is about price.

Heh. So ultimately to stevearm's dismay, here's the bottom line of each campaign:

Apple: "Windows sucks."
Microsoft: "But Windows is cheaper!"

Great counterattack, Redmond. LOL!

jackjason

Apr 4, 2009, 05:29 PM

according this dude's facial expression.
he's lying when he said he's picky.haha

Ansuz

Apr 4, 2009, 05:30 PM

again LIES LIES LIES LIES!!!

Macs are NOT about aesthetics!
Mac are about OPERATING SYSTEM and SOFTWARE

I'm really SICK of all the m$ lies!:mad:

Thats partially true, but a big part of what sells macs to a lot of users IS the aesthetics. When I purchased my Apple Cinema display, I knew I could get an similar display from another company for less money but I wanted one that looked good in my living room along side the Mac Pro (which is, IMHO, the best looking desktop computer available). I bought the bluetooth keyboard and mouse because I think it looks better without the wires.

I know there are a lot of people out there like me. I care about the way my apartment looks and put time in to the selection of all my furnishings; why shouldn't my computer be held the the same standards?

johnhope

Apr 4, 2009, 05:30 PM

The problem is the best PC with windows can't beat the cheapest Mac.
The difference between pc and mac is just a matter of operating system.
Yes many people just switch for the design, but they will only after realize that they had luck

kk1ro

Apr 4, 2009, 05:31 PM

I think this ad can probably be MS's worst move EVER.
It would be extremely pleasing if Apple cut down their prices and started getting hardware out there at the same price as the laptop that actor held in his hands.
We would see a boom in Apple hardware and software sales and MS would wish this fckin' ad never aired.

We can only hope.

Meanwhile...
Why are MS not advertising the product that they're actually selling with that laptop (Vista Basic/Home Premium OEM) and are, instead, focusing on the HP laptops?
They should compare Vista Ultimate (full price retail version) to Leopard in price, features, reliability, speed, software choices, etc. That would be completely fair!
But comparing a laptop they don't even make with an Apple Macbook is pure stupidity. It's like saying "You grow oranges but I have a toilet seat, so I'm the man".

codo

Apr 4, 2009, 05:31 PM

I really dislike these adverts - they are, for want of a better word, cheap! It is misleading - like a fake testimonial or lying on your CV.

Microsoft really needs to change advertising agencies - they could and should be doing something original and creative instead of this drivel.

ibook4113

Apr 4, 2009, 05:31 PM

Maybe, but watching them both you'll see that it really is an Apple vs. HP hardware ad. The only other computers they ever show the actors touching are HPs.

Someone mentioned this in the discussion from the last advert.... and i agree... seems like it could be more than coincidence

daneoni

Apr 4, 2009, 05:32 PM

Lol that's what i was going to say, is more like an HP ad then a MS ad.

Whichever hardware vendor it is Microsoft will still get paid. HP laptops are popular with average consumers now.

Its clever tactics. Sony is viewed as high end hardware i.e. similar to Mac pricing and Dell is viewed as corporate/institutional/boring. HP however is relatively decent in both price and design which is why a lot of people tend to go with them

GenNovE

Apr 4, 2009, 05:32 PM

My biggest qualm with these ads is...

MICROSOFT DOESN'T MAKE HARDWARE.

If the PC manufacturers wanted to compare prices, they would. The software retards in Redmond need to be concerned about what they actually do for a living.

Or perhaps they've simply given up on Vista, are acknowledging that they can't even come up with a campaign to have it even compare to OS X, and are forced to resort to sell OEMs computers FOR them... even though they INCLUDE Vista.

HMM last time I checked apple makes cases for to enclose 3rd party vendors hardware.

Do apple make their video cards,processors,motherboards,memory,hard drive etc?

Neither company make hardware they both depend on other vendors so whats your point?

i MEAN IF YOU CONSIDER APPLE MAKING THEIR CASES THE WHOLE ASPECT OF RUNNING A COMPUTER THEN BY ALL MEANS BELIEVE WHAT MAKES YOU SLEEP AT NIGHT.

But the apple never falls far from the tree.

chas0001

Apr 4, 2009, 05:32 PM

As Microsoft do not sell PC's surely the adverts should be comparing Vista to Leopard. They must be really desperate.

word385

Apr 4, 2009, 05:32 PM

Having absolutely nothing to DO with this scenario... :confused:

Your analogy makes no sense. Here's one that does:

Verizon advertises their phones by having customers choose a nondescript phone (running Verizon's craptacular OS) over the iPhone.

I would complain about that.

You need two COMPLETELY different softwares, one of which isn't being talked about, and two completely different companies, one of which is SELLING THE OTHER'S PRODUCT.
Well done for mastering the use of the bold function.

It actually does make sense. As I said earlier, both companies are indirectly advertising for themselves by using another company's complementary product.

Courtaj

Apr 4, 2009, 05:32 PM

Come back Seinfeld, all is forgiven.

KnightWRX

Apr 4, 2009, 05:33 PM

ATT doesn't really sell phones, they sell mobile telephony. In both cases the companies in question (ATT and Microsoft) are indirectly advertising for themselves by using another company's complementary product. There's nothing wrong with it.

No, ATT sells you the iPhone. You have a ATT bill and on there is a price (usually 199$) for the 8 GB iPhone. Of course, they link it to a AT&T contract too.

Here in Canada, I walk into a Rogers store, and I'm offered the iPhone and a contract. They advertise this and especially the fact that "You can't get an iPhone without Rogers" (they own Fido, the only other company offering the iPhone) because this draws customers to them.

Your analogy would only work if Apple was advertising AT&T's telephony service without ever mentionning the iPhone once. This is what Microsoft is doing right now. "I, we're Apple computers. Did you know you could get a good voice and data plan with AT&T ? Only 39,99$ per month for unlimited weekend minutes, please contact them!".

KnightWRX

Apr 4, 2009, 05:34 PM

Well done for mastering the use of the bold function.

It actually does make sense. As I said earlier, both companies are indirectly advertising for themselves by using another company's complementary product.

Microsoft doesn't mention Windows, Vista or any other of its product in this ad. Microsoft is not directly or indirectly advertising themselves at all in these ads. For all we know, these laptops come with Ubuntu pre-installed.

johnhope

Apr 4, 2009, 05:34 PM

My boss said that Samsung are equal to Mac screens. That's a lie.
move your head up and down in front of both monitors. Apple's will retain the luminosity, Samsung will become darker in the upper part of the screen.

So before comparing things, one sould be more accurate at CHECKING them!

monke

Apr 4, 2009, 05:34 PM

Cue another 3,200 post thread... :D

I'm thinking by time Microsoft rolls out all these ads, MacRumors will have easily passed 10,000,000 posts. ;)

I can see where this "G" is coming from though. He's picky, and he prefers to choose which viruses he wants his computer to get, and which ones he doesn't want it to get. :p

I'm not really going to help Apple's side and back them up by saying their computers are cheap. Yes, you get what you pay for, but in the mean time it sure would be nice to pay less for that package.

Apple iKid

Apr 4, 2009, 05:34 PM

The thing that bugs me about these ads is that they are mostly advertising HP. I understand that Windows gets a good share of profit when HP's are sold, but they really should focus more on their OS in their ads. After all, it is a Microsoft ad! (Oh wait... maybe they dont have anything good to say?)

This is like taking a box of Cheese Its, and then advertising the cardboard company.

Tallest Skil

Apr 4, 2009, 05:35 PM

Heh. So ultimately to stevearm's dismay, here's the bottom line of each campaign:

Apple: "Windows sucks."
Microsoft: "But Windows is cheaper!"

Great counterattack, Redmond. LOL!

Since they're not even bothering to sell their own product, it goes more like this:

Apple: "We have great integration of our custom hardware and software."
Microsoft: "The guys who sell the hardware that not Apple's software runs on sell it more cheaply!"

("not Apple's software" because Microsoft refuses to talk about Windows)

neil1980

Apr 4, 2009, 05:35 PM

So from Microsofts adverts we can conclude...

That Macs are sexy
That Macs are cool (too cool for bad actresses)

And that if you cant afford a mac then you're going to have to settle for a HP

I still don't get why Microsoft aren't advertising stuff that they are selling (Vista/Office etc) and instead is advertising hardware which they don't sell?

I can only assume that HP are paying quite a large % for these adverts (and maybe any other company that ends up a "winner" or should that read "second best"?

word385

Apr 4, 2009, 05:35 PM

No, ATT sells you the iPhone. You have a ATT bill and on there is a price (usually 199$) for the 8 GB iPhone. Of course, they link it to a AT&T contract too.

Here in Canada, I walk into a Rogers store, and I'm offered the iPhone and a contract. They advertise this and especially the fact that "You can't get an iPhone without Rogers" (they own Fido, the only other company offering the iPhone) because this draws customers to them.

Your analogy would only work if Apple was advertising AT&T's telephony service without ever mentionning the iPhone once. This is what Microsoft is doing right now. "I, we're Apple computers. Did you know you could get a good voice and data plan with AT&T ? Only 39,99$ per month for unlimited weekend minutes, please contact them!".
ATT sells you the phone because they need a reason for you to use the service. Do you really think their core business is selling phones, most of which they sell at a loss?

You are trying to force a direct comparison instead of looking at the big picture. Again, if you take a step back, you'll see that it's one company using another company's complementary product to sell their own.

Fraghax

Apr 4, 2009, 05:35 PM

Brianstorm91

Apr 4, 2009, 05:36 PM

I'm sure HP are financially involved in these ads...

guzhogi

Apr 4, 2009, 05:36 PM

Looking at both these ads, they only ever consider HPs ... strikes me as kinda odd.

And considering that these PCs can run OTHER operating systems, not just Windows, what's the point. Ever hear of Linux?

KnightWRX

Apr 4, 2009, 05:37 PM

ATT sells you the phone because they need a reason for you to use the service. Do you really think their core business is selling phones, most of which they sell at a loss?

Doesn't matter what their core business is. They sell the iPhone, Microsoft doesn't sell HP laptops. Your analogy was flawed, just quit trying to say it wasn't.

It's ok to come up with a flawed analogy. Most of them are in these forum discussions. Insisting you're right in the face of being explained the flaws though just shows you're too immature to accept criticism and shines a bad light on you as a poster.

Tallest Skil

Apr 4, 2009, 05:37 PM

It actually does make sense. As I said earlier, both companies are indirectly advertising for themselves by using another company's complementary product.

As has been said, there might not even be Windows on this laptop. They're not selling their own products.

HMM last time I checked apple makes cases for to enclose 3rd party vendors hardware.

Do apple make their video cards,processors,motherboards,memory,hard drive etc?

Neither company make hardware they both depend on other vendors so whats your point?

i MEAN IF YOU CONSIDER APPLE MAKING THEIR CASES THE WHOLE ASPECT OF RUNNING A COMPUTER THEN BY ALL MEANS BELIEVE WHAT MAKES YOU SLEEP AT NIGHT.

Apple makes computers. Microsoft doesn't. Apple makes software. Microsoft makes software.

Microsoft is marketing computers that they don't make. Apple is marketing computers that they do make.

If we're using semantics, absolutely no one in the world makes computers. It is all third party hardware. Your argument is worthless.

definitive

Apr 4, 2009, 05:38 PM

Microsoft doesn't mention Windows, Vista or any other of its product in this ad. Microsoft is not directly or indirectly advertising themselves at all in these ads. For all we know, these laptops come with Ubuntu pre-installed.

x2

Doju

Apr 4, 2009, 05:38 PM

lol your reply was exactly what Gwhateverhisname was saying - Macs are only about looks, and not performance. You were quick to point out what the Asus looked like, and threw out a personal opinion saying it's unreliable and a Windows system, but ignored the fact that you get better hardware for equal price point.

Go troll somewhere else, buddy.Wow, are you kidding me? Yes, I'm trolling because I'm supporting Apple on Apple boards. How old are you? :confused:

My post had nothing to do with looks. I pointed out that I could practically carry two MBPs, and it still wouldn't be as heavy and awkward as that laptop? Is that looks? No, that's convenience to the user. I don't want to carry around a massive laptop when I could be carrying a lighter, slimmer one, it only makes sense.

Plastic? Nope, not looks either. Flimsy plastic that creaks and bends whenever you put your wrists on it versus aluminium that stays sturdy is not looks. It's simply better build quality.

And customer support? Oh, I'm sorry, that's definitely looks. Gosh, you're foolish. Apple is the top company in customer support, I'd love to pay for that.

No, YOU troll elsewhere. I'd much rather a portable, sleek, stable MacBook over a flimsy, plastic piece of crap that crashes on me, and when I need to fix it I talk to an answering machine.

word385

Apr 4, 2009, 05:38 PM

Doesn't matter what their core business is. They sell the iPhone, Microsoft doesn't sell HP laptops. Your analogy was flawed, just quit trying to say it wasn't.

It's ok to come up with a flawed analogy. Most of them are in these forum discussions. Insisting you're right in the face of being explained the flaws though just shows you're too immature to accept criticism and shines a bad light on you as a poster.
I really don't think it's flawed. But anyway, how about this: do you complain when other companies advertise complementary products to sell their own?

paolo-

Apr 4, 2009, 05:38 PM

The add is okay, just as misleading as the apple ones. At least, the adds don't make the consumers look as dumb as apple's.

Apple iKid

Apr 4, 2009, 05:39 PM

HMM last time I checked apple makes cases for to enclose 3rd party vendors hardware.

Do apple make their video cards,processors,motherboards,memory,hard drive etc?

Neither company make hardware they both depend on other vendors so whats your point?

i MEAN IF YOU CONSIDER APPLE MAKING THEIR CASES THE WHOLE ASPECT OF RUNNING A COMPUTER THEN BY ALL MEANS BELIEVE WHAT MAKES YOU SLEEP AT NIGHT.

But the apple never falls far from the tree.

No company makes all the hardware as well as the software. But when you buy a PC you get the parts from one company, put together by another company, running an operating system from another company, and programs from other companies.

When you buy a Mac you get hardware from other companies put together by mac, running on a mac operating system, running mac programs.

Which sounds better?

rdowns

Apr 4, 2009, 05:39 PM

Ok guys. Relax and let your sphincters return to their normal states. It's only a friggin' ad.

maclover001

Apr 4, 2009, 05:40 PM

Macs are about aesthetics, AND power.

I still find is abysmal that manufacturers can still get away with making uglyass laptops.
Has anyone seen that Toshiba with the black stripe running across the palmrest? It's just disgusting.

Also, look at the size of most trackpads (http://www.notebookreview.com/assets/2460.jpg) on PCs.

ibook4113

Apr 4, 2009, 05:40 PM

That's only of any help if you are a bloody student. :p

Still worth considering though.... the people in the adverts seemed to be early 20s, which is student age

dwsolberg

Apr 4, 2009, 05:41 PM

And considering that these PCs can run OTHER operating systems, not just Windows, what's the point. Ever hear of Linux?

Apple is a competitor. Microsoft doesn't think Linux is.

Also, Microsoft doesn't have a lot of good things to say about Windows, particularly Vista, so they advertise the only good points they have -- it comes on cheap computers.

Expect this to change if Windows 7 is as good as people say.

definitive

Apr 4, 2009, 05:41 PM

Wow, are you kidding me? Yes, I'm trolling because I'm supporting Apple on Apple boards. How old are you? :confused:

My post had nothing to do with looks. I pointed out that I could practically carry two MBPs, and it still wouldn't be as heavy and awkward as that laptop? Is that looks? No, that's convenience to the user. I don't want to carry around a massive laptop when I could be carrying a lighter, slimmer one, it only makes sense.

Plastic? Nope, not looks either. Flimsy plastic that creaks and bends whenever you put your wrists on it versus aluminium that stays sturdy is not looks. It's simply better build quality.

And customer support? Oh, I'm sorry, that's definitely looks. Gosh, you're foolish. Apple is the top company in customer support, I'd love to pay for that.

No, YOU troll elsewhere. I'd much rather a portable, sleek, stable MacBook over a flimsy, plastic piece of crap that crashes on me, and when I need to fix it I talk to an answering machine.

asus' hardware performance > mbp's hardware for equal amount of price. want a tissue, troll? seriously, i think you need a tissue, you have a snot running down to your chin now.

Tallest Skil

Apr 4, 2009, 05:41 PM

Ok guys. Relax and let your sphincters return to their normal states. It's only a friggin' ad.

Here's an idea: MacRumors no longer creates posts on these commercials and locks all threads created related to all future Microsoft commercials in this campaign.

Didn't 3,000 posts–the latter 2,500 of which being nothing but repeats of what was already said–teach us anything?

KnightWRX

Apr 4, 2009, 05:42 PM

I really don't think it's flawed. But anyway, how about this: do you complain when other companies advertise complementary products to sell their own?

Like all those commercials that compare Bounty's to the other brand's paper ? Of course not, they are advertising strong points of their own product over another brands.

Again, if you don't see the flaw in a Microsoft ad that doesn't even 1 mention of Windows, Vista, Office or any Microsoft products vs any other company's ad that does mention products they have in stock or sell, then I don't know what to do at this point.

Just admit you were wrong and move on.

maclover001

Apr 4, 2009, 05:43 PM

Ok guys. Relax and let your sphincters return to their normal states. It's only a friggin' ad.

Are you new to the internet?

word385

Apr 4, 2009, 05:43 PM

Like all those commercials that compare Bounty's to the other brand's paper ? Of course not, they are advertising strong points of their own product over another brands.

Again, if you don't see the flaw in a Microsoft ad that doesn't even 1 mention of Windows, Vista, Office or any Microsoft products vs any other company's ad that does mention products they have in stock or sell, then I don't know what to do at this point.

Just admit you were wrong and move on.
What about the iPhone Shazam ad?

k2spitfire88

Apr 4, 2009, 05:44 PM

Wow, this was even worse than Lauren's commercial. At least she was cute. Way to totally not advertise your own product M$.

Newsflash: Top Ramen is cheaper than a steak at a good restaurant. Hence, everyone should eat Top Ramen and shun good restaurants. Right Winbots who are trolling this forum?

My money goes for Apple hardware. Because I'm worth it.

+1. That is the exactly what they are trying to say.

ivladster

Apr 4, 2009, 05:45 PM

what a sad ad. Majority of public doesn't understand half of what he's sahying. Ghs, MBs, GBs, processor, speed. WTF?

Apple should made an ad:
MAC-no headache
PC-headache

lol

Tallest Skil

Apr 4, 2009, 05:45 PM

What about the iPhone Shazam ad?

Advertising software that runs on hardware sold by the company doing the advertising. Not the same scenario.

KnightWRX

Apr 4, 2009, 05:45 PM

Here's an idea: MacRumors no longer creates posts on these commercials and locks all threads created related to all future Microsoft commercials in this campaign.

Didn't 3,000 posts–the latter 2,500 of which being nothing but repeats of what was already said–teach us anything?

Exactly. Discussion is happening on a discussion forum. Nothing to see here.

Apple iKid

Apr 4, 2009, 05:46 PM

what a sad ad. Majority of public doesn't understand half of what he's sahying. Ghs, MBs, GBs, processor, speed. WTF?

Apple should made an ad:
MAC-no headache
PC-headache

lol

Sweet, simple, to the point, and easy. Just like Apple Products. =]

word385

Apr 4, 2009, 05:46 PM

Advertising software that runs on hardware sold by the company doing the advertising. Not the same scenario.
Umm, but it's not OK to advertise hardware that exclusively (at the time of sale, for all intents and purposes) runs on the software sold by the company?

techpr

Apr 4, 2009, 05:46 PM

I think it's funny how he seemed to REALLY want that Mac.

He is dying for a Mac. Thanks Microsoft to push ever more advertising for Mac.

Mars478

Apr 4, 2009, 05:46 PM

Worst. Commercial. Ever.

dornoforpyros

Apr 4, 2009, 05:47 PM

Bash microsoft all ya want, these ads are great because they leverage PC's greatest advantages. Bang for your buck PC's are better. You can argue till your blue in the face about lack of virus and cost of ownership, but the fact is at the end of the day when you walk into a store like this you walk out with a lot more computer for your cash.

Ansuz

Apr 4, 2009, 05:47 PM

what a sad ad. Majority of public doesn't understand half of what he's sahying. Ghs, MBs, GBs, processor, speed. WTF?

True, but those people were the ones targeted for the first ad.

Lauren's ad came out and this forum blew up with quotes about "The Specs! The Specs! You have to take into account the specs!"

This ad does exactly that. The two ads now cover both sides of the spectrum.

Mind you, I still think M$ is crap and wouldn't be caught dead with anything but my MBP.

EvryDayImShufln

Apr 4, 2009, 05:47 PM

I found that commercial at least entertaining. Better than the pointless seinfeld ones. These ones will probably actually increase PC sales

KnightWRX

Apr 4, 2009, 05:47 PM

What about the iPhone Shazam ad?

From that ad, you can hear the words iPhone, App Store, Apple. Apple is basically advertising the possibilities created by its products when put in the hand of developpers.

Hence, they are advertising the iPhone.

Tallest Skil

Apr 4, 2009, 05:47 PM

Umm, but it's not OK to advertise hardware that exclusively (at the time of sale, for all intents and purposes) runs on the software sold by the company?

Not when the ad has absolutely nothing to do with the software, and can't possibly be proven to be running on the machine, when other software by a different company CAN run on the hardware.

johnhope

Apr 4, 2009, 05:48 PM

KnightWRX

Apr 4, 2009, 05:48 PM

Umm, but it's not OK to advertise hardware that exclusively (at the time of sale, for all intents and purposes) runs on the software sold by the company?

How do we know what software it runs, it's not mentionned in the ad at all ? That's the flaw.

If Microsoft had any advertising sense, the paid actor would've said something along the lines : "I'm going to take this model, running Windows Vista Home Premium".

ibook4113

Apr 4, 2009, 05:49 PM

Yeah, let's have them advertise for MICROSOFT. THAT'S what we need.
These adverts are obviously about hardware, mac adverts have been about OS and software bundled with it.

And this would advertise the power Mac's have and get some windows users to see that windwos can run on (as much as i hate to say it) a "sexy" mac laptop/computer

LagunaSol

Apr 4, 2009, 05:49 PM

asus' hardware performance > mbp's hardware for equal amount of price

And you get more horsepower per dollar from a Ford Mustang than a BMW M3.

What's your point exactly?

Enjoy your Mustang...

kk1ro

Apr 4, 2009, 05:49 PM

asus' hardware performance > mbp's hardware for equal amount of price. want a tissue, troll? seriously, i think you need a tissue, you have a snot running down to your chin now.

I'm currently in film school and we use Macs 24/7.
A friend of mine got an ASUS and a DSLR instead of a Macbook Pro. People need to make certain choices when money's tight and I understand that.
However, two months later, he already formatted his HDD 2 or 3 times because his computer gets slow and sometimes becomes unresponsive after ± 1 month of intense usage. He's using Kaspersky and regularly backs up and clears HDD space. He's now waiting for a good time to sell his ASUS and buy a MBP.
Your hardware is only as good as your OS allows it to be. Vista, unfortunately, is a strong enough reason to save up and buy a Mac.

ibook4113

Apr 4, 2009, 05:49 PM

Great ad.

Apple fanboys up in arms because Microsoft have DARED to do exactly what Apple have been doing for years and years. Only Microsoft are actually basing their ads on real-world, consumer facts and don't sugar coat it with pretentious nonsense like the I'm a mac, I'm a pc ad.

Also amazing how Microsoft have in one campaign completely ruined Apple's "I'm a mac, I'm a PC" slogan.

The apple fanboys bitching and moaning is fun to watch though

These adverts are obviously about hardware, mac adverts have been about OS and software bundled with it.

word385

Apr 4, 2009, 05:49 PM

Not when the ad has absolutely nothing to do with the software, and can't possibly be proven to be running on the machine, when other software by a different company CAN run on the hardware.
You're really splitting hairs there. I mean really, how many PC notebooks are sold with Linux at retail locations?

sushi

Apr 4, 2009, 05:50 PM

Looking at both these ads, they only ever consider HPs ... strikes me as kinda odd.
Also found that interesting.

The bias in this forum comes as no surprise, after all this is MacRumors but....
That much is certain. :)

I think the campaign is a winner - it is light years beyond the Seinfeld snafu
Yes, these are much better than the Seinfeld ads. Although it wouldn't have taken much to do that. :rolleyes:

Skil, you're wrong, MS does make hardware. They just don't make computers. Never seen a Microsoft Mouse, I assume?
Snort! :)

Yes, Microsoft does make keyboards and mice. While true that is technically hardware, it is not in the context of this thread.

k2spitfire88

Apr 4, 2009, 05:50 PM

Has anyone seen that Toshiba with the black stripe running across the palmrest? It's just disgusting.

Also, look at the size of most trackpads (http://www.notebookreview.com/assets/2460.jpg) on PCs.

How can people work with a trackpad that size? Plus, the Toshiba in the pic is real ugly.

KnightWRX

Apr 4, 2009, 05:50 PM

Hardware wise, Macs are identical to PC's!!! they are just assembled by smart people with nice designer.
so stop comparing hardware.
Apple IS a software company (which sells hardware to pay software engineers instead of selling crap to IT to make easy cash like M$ does)
The only difference between a Mac and a PC is the OS (and consequently the software)

No, Apple is very much a hardware company. If they were a software company, they wouldn't give 2 craps about Psystar selling Mac compatible hardware and they would've made it so OS X boots of computers with BIOS without hacks a long time ago to sell it to a larger audience.

Apple sells you a computer that's vertically integrated, an experience. Most of their money comes from the hardware sales.

o0samotech0o

Apr 4, 2009, 05:51 PM

All i can say is:

If you have these to circumstances put together.
You give Mac OS X to hardware manufacturers, Mac Wins.

You give Windows to hardware manufacturers, Windows Looses.

It's the whole fact that MS distributes their own software to hardware manufacturers who can get veeerry cheap parts.

They don't make the hardware, so they shouldn't make ads on it.

(basically, it's the hardware manufacturers that make windows win in the current situation, if Apple were to do the same, they would win, but they won't and i hope they won't.)
-Sam

Berzerker

Apr 4, 2009, 05:51 PM

Mind offering some sort of justification as to why my points are "silly?"

1. You actually get $100 off it.

2. I sold my 15" Alu-MBP because it was heavy and hard to take around. Anything bigger was only worse.

3. Yes because spending more money on an External display is always the answer. He might as well get a different laptop with higher resolution than to drop another 200-400 on an external monitor with higher resolution than that.

4. The specs aren't that much worse. The graphics card will do fine for the things he needs to do, I'm sure, and the processor is essentially the same, all he needs to do is drop another $50 and upgrade the RAM to 4GB and he's done.

5. No. They don't. They design every part themselves and license companies like Samsung and Taiwanese companies to produce it. Ever wonder what they do in Apple's HARDWARE department?

You should really get your facts straight before you try to refute another person's argument.

On a side note: If he wanted portability and power, he should have spent his $1500 on a desktop and an EeePC, which is exactly what I did. Upgraded my old desktop to a Core i7 920, GTX 260 and 12GB RAM for only $600. EeePC was $400. Now I have an extra $700 profit.

word385

Apr 4, 2009, 05:51 PM

How do we know what software it runs, it's not mentionned in the ad at all ? That's the flaw.

If Microsoft had any advertising sense, the paid actor would've said something along the lines : "I'm going to take this model, running Windows Vista Home Premium".
You are being way too literal in this. If they say "HP Laptop", with 99% probability, it is running Windows. That means it's putting money in their pocket. Job done. It's an effective ad. I'm sorry that seems to bother you.

synth3tik

Apr 4, 2009, 05:52 PM

Ha, I am all for dissing on Apple, but come on, aesthetics? Personally I find the entire line of Apple computers to be rather ugly. So, why do I use them? Performance.

Red-red

Apr 4, 2009, 05:52 PM

Microsoft should really concentrate on promoting what Windows does, the benefits and how it can be used. Educating people on what they can actually do on a computer baring facebook and MSN messenger.

As much as some would like to believe the Mac vs PC ads were designed just to bash PC's they weren't. You learnt an alternative, you learnt what a Mac can do to you, your life and how you use a computer.

Microsoft, again miss the ball. What exactly are they promoting? That a HP laptop, regardless of numerous factors is cheaper than a Mac? Weak.

The Advertising, Advertising, Advertising.... Fix Vista still applies.

Cabbit

Apr 4, 2009, 05:52 PM

They (Microsoft) would be better served attacking linux on the netbook front where they are loosing a much bigger percentage of lost Windows sales.

Tallest Skil

Apr 4, 2009, 05:52 PM

You're really splitting hairs there. I mean really, how many PC notebooks are sold with Linux at retail locations?

So let's not talk about software, then. Let's talk about the fact that Microsoft is marketing something that they don't sell. Hardware. Software is irrelevant. Software isn't talked about at all in these ads. The fact that this hardware runs software is coincidental.

It. Isn't. The. Point.

Microsoft is selling something for someone else.

KnightWRX

Apr 4, 2009, 05:52 PM

You're really splitting hairs there. I mean really, how many PC notebooks are sold with Linux at retail locations?

We'd have to ask Wal Mart, they have been selling PCs and laptops with Linux for a couple of years now.

brasscat

Apr 4, 2009, 05:53 PM

again, microsoft buys someone else another free computer. i don' t get it

ibook4113

Apr 4, 2009, 05:53 PM

you know.. i guess this is pretty low of Microsoft... but then again Apple did destroy Vista not too long ago at a keynote if i'm not mistaken :)
At the beginning, Vista didn't need any help to destroy its reputation, it did it itself

Doju

Apr 4, 2009, 05:53 PM

Hardware wise, Macs are identical to PC's!!! they are just assembled by smart people and good designers.
so stop comparing hardware.
Apple IS a software company (which sells hardware to pay software engineers instead of selling crap to IT to make easy cash like M$ does)
The only difference between a Mac and a PC is the OS (and consequently the software)Wrong, build quality.

Not to mention massive hardware differences. Magsafe adapter, massive glass, multi-touch, buttonless trackpad, battery indicatory, aluminium enclosure. I could go on.

Goona

Apr 4, 2009, 05:53 PM

Great ad.

Apple fanboys up in arms because Microsoft have DARED to do exactly what Apple have been doing for years and years. Only Microsoft are actually basing their ads on real-world, consumer facts and don't sugar coat it with pretentious nonsense like the I'm a mac, I'm a pc ad.

Also amazing how Microsoft have in one campaign completely ruined Apple's "I'm a mac, I'm a PC" slogan.

The apple fanboys bitching and moaning is fun to watch thoughAnd the Microsoft lovers who come on Apple sites to post are equally fun to watch.

MyDesktopBroke

Apr 4, 2009, 05:54 PM

The only reason I go for Apple computers is the Mac OS. It's that simple. Apple over prices low-end hard ware. Everyone knows that, but as long as OSX continues to be the far superior, easier, safer OS, it won't matter.
Some one said the difference between Mac users & Windows users is this:
Apple: OS
Windows: Hardware
I think that sums it up. No one would buy Macs w/o OSX, and no (sane) person would go PC if they didn't do more for much less.

KnightWRX

Apr 4, 2009, 05:54 PM

You are being way too literal in this. If they say "HP Laptop", with 99% probability, it is running Windows. That means it's putting money in their pocket. Job done. It's an effective ad. I'm sorry that seems to bother you.

It's not bothering me at all, the only thing bothering me is that you can't admit your analogy was flawed. I don't really care about the ad itself, more about you thinking this is Microsoft advertising something they do sell. Your AT&T analogy was flawed and that's all I'm saying.

maclover001

Apr 4, 2009, 05:54 PM

How can people work with a trackpad that size? Plus, the Toshiba in the pic is real ugly.

Another example: http://www.notebookcheck.net/uploads/pics/touchpad_38.jpg
That could have EASILY been larger.

Microsoft would do better if PC manufacturers actually tried.

Goona

Apr 4, 2009, 05:54 PM

kk1ro

Apr 4, 2009, 05:55 PM

You are being way too literal in this. If they say "HP Laptop", with 99% probability, it is running Windows. That means it's putting money in their pocket. Job done. It's an effective ad. I'm sorry that seems to bother you.

Effective?
It's a Microsoft Windows ad that NEVER mentions the Windows OS.
It only mentions hardware and only shows HP laptops. It would be efficient if it were a HP ad.
This is false advertising. Pure and simple.

Mr Skills

Apr 4, 2009, 05:55 PM

So in that entire ad the only brand name mentioned out loud is "Mac".

Advertising fail.

NamJangNamJa

Apr 4, 2009, 05:55 PM

Goona

Apr 4, 2009, 05:56 PM

Why does he seem to think macs are more about the looks than power? Last i checked my Mac was pretty powerful....He should have gotten a Celeron computer, that's pretty powerful in the PC world.

MacCurry

Apr 4, 2009, 05:57 PM

I wish these forums would stick to a technical analysis. The comparison for this individual would be the basic 2.4 GHz MacBook Pro 15.4. If the fellow is so picky and "knowledgeable" he would know better, but strikes me as an idiot.

1. The HP HDX 16t uses DDR2 RAM and has an FSB of 800 MHz. Adding more than 3 GB to Vista is of no use and wasted RAM. The MacBook Pro uses DDR3 and will benefit in performance upto 6 GB of RAM; it also has a FSB of 1066 MHz. Performance on the MacBook Pro should be at least 10% better.

2. The HP HDX 16t uses standard display with CCFL back lighting. The MacBook Pro offers a smaller screen, but its improved battery life is due to the LED back lighting for the display. Further, the MacBook Pro offers superior color accuracy due to its LED back lighting and can easily reproduce 90%+ of the NTSC color gamut. The HP can't.

3. Ergonomics. The MacBook Pro 17" is 0.98 inches in height. Very compact. The HP HDX 16t is 1.31 inches in height. The HP is 1/3 more thick! Its weight is 7.06 pounds and the MacBook Pro 17" is 6.6 pounds, the 15.4" MacBook Pro is 5.5 pounds. Further, the aluminum case on the MacBook Pro serves as a large heat sink. So heat dissipation is superior on the MacBook Pro.

4. Finally, MS Vista is a crippled OS. Period. If you could apply various coupons and get the HP HDX 16t on-line for ~$900 and then load OSX 10.5.6 on it, it might be a good idea.

ibook4113

Apr 4, 2009, 05:57 PM

Do you complain when ATT advertises for the iPhone?

This is a clear partnership and to do with contracts. Apple iPhone only works with ATT in US because they are the only phone provider using it.....

HP is not the only contracted Windows Vista/XP supplier.

sushi

Apr 4, 2009, 05:57 PM

Are you new to the internet?
I suppose that you are joking.

But let's see. He's been here on MR since July 2003 and has over 12,000 posts. I would say that he had been around a while.

These adverts are obviously about hardware, mac adverts have been about OS and software bundled with it.
True.

And that is one area that these ads do not address is the ease of operation of various systems that are considered.

They (Microsoft) would be better served attacking linux on the netbook front where they are loosing a much bigger percentage of lost Windows sales.
Linux is definitely becoming more popular. Ubuntu is a good Linux build that is constantly updated.

Fraghax

Apr 4, 2009, 05:57 PM

Reach

Apr 4, 2009, 05:57 PM

IT really doesn't make sense that he clearly mentions portability, and then ends up getting a big laptop. He even starts looking at netbooks, so the ad kinda confused me. Like, how aware of his priorities was he really when we get the impression that he wanted portability, and then didn't get that..

It would have been a better ad if it attacked Apple from the other end of their product-range, the ultraportable and cheap computers that Apple doesn't have at all, but many of them run linux don't they..

Oh well, good for MS that they're making some decent ads for once! I really don't see the big deal though, most mac-users should know that if you want ram and graphics cheap without caring about size and usability you should get a pc.

Cassie

Apr 4, 2009, 05:58 PM

I love the people who are bashing the machines "low" resolution. :rolleyes:

Have any of you ever considered that most people don't even know what a resolution is? Most of them keep the default that came with their computer. And most of them couldn't give a crap either.

Then there are the few like me who like lower resolutions. All of my computers are set to 1024x768. Monitor sizes range from 10" to 21". And that's the way I like it, I'm sure there are others who do as well.

Ansuz

Apr 4, 2009, 05:58 PM

The western world is built on brands but I guess to these clowns, they only buy "no name" things.

I'm willing to bet that this bozo in the ad has a six pack of Coca-cola in his fridge right now.

We all buy things because of branding. Thats why the companies spend so much on advertising.

NoSmokingBandit

Apr 4, 2009, 05:58 PM

My biggest qualm with these ads is...

MICROSOFT DOESN'T MAKE HARDWARE.

If the PC manufacturers wanted to compare prices, they would. The software retards in Redmond need to be concerned about what they actually do for a living.

Or perhaps they've simply given up on Vista, are acknowledging that they can't even come up with a campaign to have it even compare to OS X, and are forced to resort to sell OEMs computers FOR them... even though they INCLUDE Vista.
You are missing the point. The point of the commercial is to show that if you want a laptop there are hundreds, nay thousands of hardware choices out there on the pc side and about 4 choices on the mac side. Since the general public sees "windows" and "pc" as synonymous its a valid ad. That and the fact that windows works on all of these thousands of configs whereas OSX works on 4 different laptops.

Tallest Skil

Apr 4, 2009, 05:58 PM

Apple! Please take this ad seriously and drop the price! This advertisement shows the only reason I buy PCs instead of Mac!! Come on!!! My next purchase is more likely to be a PC! The biggest reason I hate PC less is the price, otherwise I would hate Mac less.

Aaaaand:

"You get what you pay for."

Apple will never lower their prices. Apple will not take this ad "seriously".

The INTERNET isn't taking these ads seriously.

Goona

Apr 4, 2009, 05:58 PM

My thoughts exactly, funny how HP was the winner in both ads. Makes me wonder if this is advertising for Microsoft or HP?

I wonder how the other PC companies feel about getting left out of all this.

dornoforpyros

Apr 4, 2009, 05:58 PM

Why all the backlash here? Hopefully these ads will have some effect on apple and they'll be able to start offering some more bang for your buck.

gsmumbo

Apr 4, 2009, 05:58 PM

So here is what I see.

The actor looks at HP's. Cool. Nothing wrong. Then it happens...

He goes to the macs, doesn't do so much as look at specs or touch the keyboard trackpad. He just spouts off a line about aesthetics, then walks away. Why even go to macs if he already has a preconceived notion in his head about them?

He wanted portability, battery life and power.

Portability - 16" is not portable. Yes, someone earlier claimed it is portable, just bigger and heavier. Technically the 21"-23" laptops I have seen every now and then fit your definition of "portability", but you know they aren't portable. Portable means light and small, easy to carry. Bigger, heavier, etc goes against that.

Battery Life - Macs have the best battery life I have seen in a laptop these days. They have amazing battery life, and that is WHILE using wifi, with brightness on, etc. How the heck did he go with an HP over a mac when looking at battery life?

Power - Macbook unibodies come with a dedicated graphics card. That still fits in his limit. They come with powerful intel cards, 2 gigs of ram, upgradable, DDR3 ram. I don't see the HP having DDR3. The macbook wins here too.

So for his lifestyle, a 13" Macbook Unibody would have been the ideal purchase. Not to mention that thanks to the setup microsoft made, it doesn't matter if he got a $900 or a $1500 computer because M$ would comp him for it. And for the guy trying to defend the HP earlier, yes, an external monitor would help with the screen. That's more $$$ and would put him past his limit. I don't remember the rest that was said in that post, but it all cost more $$$ over the original price of the computer.

Cabbit

Apr 4, 2009, 05:59 PM

Apple! Please take this ad seriously and drop the price! This advertisement shows the only reason I buy PCs instead of Mac!! Come on!!! My next purchase is more likely to be a PC! The biggest reason I hate PC less is the price, otherwise I would hate Mac less.

Apple drops the price then they show they are bowing down to presser from the advertising of a competitor and it would price them out of the market they are in and compete successfully with the like of Sony and are on a par with in terms of specs and price.

harry20larry

Apr 4, 2009, 06:00 PM

Another thing, it doesn't mention what they actually want to do with their computer (OS), only mentions the hardware requirements. I'm pretty sure if he said he wants to do spreadsheets, gaming and presentations he would go for windows. But he says he wants a powerhouse of a laptop, he needs it to run vista. Anyway apple will also be better in aesthetics and software, because they define what is the best, no manufacturer will ever catch up.

Howmanoid

Apr 4, 2009, 06:00 PM

This whole campaign stinks of desperate marketing. Of course MSFT are knocking Apple on hardware cost it's the ONLY area they can make a point in their favor even thought they don't sell it!. I'd love to see them try to win the same argument based on a comparison of the OS or the bundled apps that come with Winblows.

They're also going after the uneducated user. If you were to try to find WinTel hardware that matched the specs and performance of Apple's laptops you'd either be disappoint coz it isn't available or you'd find it actually cost more.

I guess they must to onto something and that's why the Apple stores are packed solid whenever you visit them..

Pathetic.

Goona

Apr 4, 2009, 06:00 PM

Do you complain when ATT advertises for the iPhone?
Last time I checked AT&T doesn't advertise for the iphone.

sushi

Apr 4, 2009, 06:00 PM

Then there are the few like me who like lower resolutions. All of my computers are set to 1024x768. Monitor sizes range from 10" to 21". And that's the way I like it, I'm sure there are others who do as well.
With Windows XP, generally set for 1024x768.

Although I must say that Windows XP looks great on my 22 inch ACD at native resolution. :)

GA84

Apr 4, 2009, 06:00 PM

Let me guess...
Do only thing you need to do is watch this..... perfect example of Microcrap's advertising...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MimCZikP8cY

Spot on!

kk1ro

Apr 4, 2009, 06:01 PM

maclover001

Apr 4, 2009, 06:02 PM

I suppose that you are joking.

His comment was unnecessary.

Goona

Apr 4, 2009, 06:02 PM

GenNovE

Apr 4, 2009, 06:03 PM

No company makes all the hardware as well as the software. But when you buy a PC you get the parts from one company, put together by another company, running an operating system from another company, and programs from other companies.

When you buy a Mac you get hardware from other companies put together by mac, running on a mac operating system, running mac programs.

Which sounds better?

MacBook:
Designed by Apple in California - Assembled in China.

iPod Shuffle:
Designed by Apple in California - Assembled in China.

BT Mighty Mouse:
Designed by Apple in California - Assembled in Malaysia.

iPod charger:
Designed by Apple in California - Assembled in China.

Designed & Assembled is completely different.

Where do all computers get assembled? the answer is above 3-1.

Apple makes the cases code their own software then buy from 3rd party vendors and their hardware is assembled by another company.

Windows sells their software to OEM'S who then buy from 3rd party vendors and their hardware is assembled by another company.

The difference between the 2....One makes pretty enclosures the other one relies on other vendors easthetic ideas. PERFECT BUSINESS SENSE.

I give it to apple though.
You know companies like dell, hp etc will forever back microsoft thats why microsoft will not loose. They have the biggest companies backing them.

And here is apple with a closed business idea no backing at all. but yet somehow make big corporations shake in their boots.

APPLAUD APPLE. Now that is power.

word385

Apr 4, 2009, 06:04 PM

It's not bothering me at all, the only thing bothering me is that you can't admit your analogy was flawed. I don't really care about the ad itself, more about you thinking this is Microsoft advertising something they do sell. Your AT&T analogy was flawed and that's all I'm saying.
An analogy (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/analogy) is a comparison of certain similarities between things which are otherwise unlike.

So yes, ATT and Microsoft are not exactly alike in the product they make or they way they advertise it. But the similarity I am pointing out is that they both use complementary products to advertise their own.

So I do not think the analogy is wrong. That's all I'm saying.