Apple Continues 'Get a Mac' Ad Campaign with 4 New Ads

[MacRumors]

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/04/20/apple-continues-get-a-mac-ad-campaign-with-4-new-ads/)

Apple has released the first new series of 'Get a Mac' ads since Microsoft began it's pointed ad campaign (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/04/10/microsoft-remains-on-offensive-with-apple-tax-report-and-latest-laptop-ad/) targeting Apple's prices.

Apple continues with the "Mac" and "PC" characters pointing out flaws in Windows with their latest series of ads. The new ads are titled: Biohazard Suit (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XiBLIGy_mpk), Legal Copy (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZrlj6SxN_w), Stacks (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9NW3jOALVM), and Time Traveler (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6YtHjfvn4Kw). All the videos are also available on Apple's site (http://www.apple.com/getamac/ads/).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZrlj6SxN_w

The ads cover "PC" problems such as Windows viruses, increased maintenance, and worse stability as compared to the "Mac". Meanwhile, the Stacks commercial highlights iPhoto's new facial recognition (http://www.apple.com/ilife/iphoto/) features that come included with the Mac.

Article Link: Apple Continues 'Get a Mac' Ad Campaign with 4 New Ads (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/04/20/apple-continues-get-a-mac-ad-campaign-with-4-new-ads/)

[puckhead193]

bio hazard is my favorite!


edit -woot i'm finally first only took a few years :rolleyes: :p

[natebookpro]

Time to fight back! lol

[tubbymac]

I thought the previous ad, the one where PC pushes all the money for fixing Vista to the advertising pile was hilarious. These new ads I found rather boring. Maybe Apple needs to change it up with something different.

[melchior]

The ads cover "PC" problems such as Windows viruses, increased maintenance, and worse stability as compared to the "Mac". Meanwhile, the Stacks commercial highlights iPhone's new facial recognition (http://www.apple.com/ilife/iphoto/) features that come included with the Mac.
[/url]

iPhone now has facial recognition? cool! :D

[dasikes]

I gotta say, it's a pretty weak response to the Windows ads. I really was kind of hoping for an ad war :D

While I am very sold on the "I'm a mac, and I'm a PC" style, I'm ready for something different.

[igazza]

Time Traveler ad sounds like the new imacs with ATI Radeon HD 4850

and the previous generation imacs were freezing

[Anonymous Freak]

Meanwhile, the Stacks commercial highlights iPhone's new facial recognition (http://www.apple.com/ilife/iphoto/) features that come included with the Mac.

I think you mean iPhoto, not iPhone...

[ziggyonice]

I gotta say, it's a pretty weak response to the Windows ads. I really was kind of hoping for an ad war :D

I disagree. This is exactly how Apple needs to address the Microsoft ads -- with the same tactic that been getting people to make the switch. If Apple were to respond to the accusation that Macs are "more expensive", it would work against Apple. Just as every time Microsoft mentions a Mac in their ads, it works for Apple. I think more of these ads are what is needed to keep going in the right direction.

Besides, I'm sure it just angers Ballmer even more knowing that Apple just isn't budging!

[applefan69]

i hate to say it but im dissapointed

the biohazard one really didnt repeat anything new... it just pretty much was saying "hey yeah, in case you guys forgot macs still have no viruses, just making sure you know"

time travelling one had to use the same old "ohh pc just froze" joke *rolling eyes*

the Stacks one was an obvious attempt brag about some feature macs have... which i guess works because apple should spend more time pointing out WHY macs are better instead of why PC's arent that great... but it still seemed like a bad ad.

the legal copy one was kinda funny, but again it was still just repeating same old same old "pcs arent perfect LAL!"

[Beric]

I thought the previous ad, the one where PC pushes all the money for fixing Vista to the advertising pile was hilarious.

Yeah, that was the absolute best "get a mac" ad ever. Even my friends who adore PC's loved that ad. I laughed harder than any previous ad, that's for sure.

[asdavis10]

LOL. Loved 'Legal Copy'!! At least Apple hires actors for their commercials that we all know are actors. While M$ is still trying to make everyone believe their "Laptop Hunters" aren't actors.

[trevpimp]

I Like The "Time Traveler"

Very well thought of in my opinion.

I still think the youtube ad (Homeless) that was made by fans is better than all of them.

haha "Im Poor, But I Ain't Retarded" lives on forever :rolleyes:

[zsears]

At the end of legal copy when all of the text pops up it says Power PC instead of just PC.

[sushi]

For me, I really enjoyed the "Time traveler" and thought that it was the best one of the four. :)

[arogge]

I like the one of the Biohazard Suit! :D I also liked the Legal Copy ad, and that really is how many software disclaimers read, basically saying that the software is unreliable and the company is not responsible for it.

[shipwrecked]

Pretty lackluster response considering the insane amount of attention the pc ads garnered. It doesn't quite effect me viscerally which good commercials should aspire to - the lemmings ad-yes! think different-yes! But what do I know, I'm not really into the PC vs. Mac ads.

[TheNoel]

I think these ads have jumped the shark. Apple needs a new angle.

The previous series of Mac vs. PC ads were a brilliant response to Microsoft's campaign, but these ads don't even acknowledge the legitimate criticism that Macs are too expensive.

I think these ads should have focused on the high quality of Apple computers, rather than the fallibility of other PCs.

[byke]

I gave it a negative this time, simply because these latest adverts do not compete well enough against the latest MS adverts.

Apple need to look for a new marketing campaign as I believe these have served there function (and time frame)

[SecurityTinker]

The time traveler one was cool. The rest weren't really innovative though. They didn't make me laugh or think like the past few ads have.

[Eidorian]

Time Traveler was the best out of all of these.

My previous favorites are still the Money Counter and the Time Machine Clone one. It'd be nice if Apple touched on more of its software features that I adore like Time Machine.

PC freezing is getting very, very old.

[appleguru1]

At the end of legal copy when all of the text pops up it says Power PC instead of just PC.

Where?

Oh, nvm... I see ;) I think they mean PC user that are "Power Users," and not anything related to Power PC users :D

[shipwrecked]

I think these ads have jumped the shark. Apple needs a new angle.

Exactly what I wanted to say but could not articulate in my post. Yeah, these ads are getting old.

[Undecided]

these ads don't even acknowledge the legitimate criticism that Macs are too expensive.

I think these ads should have focused on the high quality of Apple computers

Wait, what? Doesn't high quality justify a higher price?

[The Flashing Fi]

I've never really found the Mac ads really tasteful. I thought the recent PC ads were a lot better. I almost didn't get a Mac because of the comercials. It really is tiring to hear the same repetitive FUD. I've always felt the Mac commercials were good at saying nothing.

[Jimbo Slice]

I found the Time Traveller one to be the funniest, it actually garnered a "HA" out loud from me at 2 in the AM :)

[uaecasher]

nice ads apple keep it going :)

[cjm3113]

Microsoft releases a campaign of new ads attacking Apple, that receive tons of attention and start a lot of discussion.

Apple, in response, releases a series of ads that could easily be confused as being a few years old by the average consumer.

[TheNoel]

Wait, what? Doesn't high quality justify a higher price?

It does. That's why I think they should have justified the high price by explaining the benefits of switching to Mac--not the detriments of staying with Windows.

[appleguru1]

I've never really found the Mac ads really tasteful. I thought the recent PC ads were a lot better. I almost didn't get a Mac because of the comercials. It really is tiring to hear the same repetitive FUD. I've always felt the Mac commercials were good at saying nothing.

You're kidding right? You actually think the "You find it, you keep it" ads are good? You can say that with a straight face?

[Chadder]

Ha ha in legal copy it says that "Editing photos on a PC may be difficult for children under a certain age[...]" I guess this is apple's response to those child "i'm a PC" commercials. :rolleyes:

[Michael CM1]

I've never really found the Mac ads really tasteful. I thought the recent PC ads were a lot better. I almost didn't get a Mac because of the comercials. It really is tiring to hear the same repetitive FUD. I've always felt the Mac commercials were good at saying nothing.

First ad: Windows has to always wear a biohazard suit (anti-virus, internet security, anti-spyware) or it'll have a whole lotta problems. Mac doesn't need one.

Second ad: There sure is a lot of extra crap that you have to deal with (see above for starters) that adds to your cost like a drug habit. I can also attest to needing tech support for my Mac almost never. It's been in once for a battery issue that was part of a recall.

Third ad: iPhoto organizes photos MUCH better than Vista's built-in photo gallery. No, facial recognition isn't perfect, but it works extremely well for how much it costs.

Fourth ad: PCs freeze completely a lot more than Macs. I can almost always close a not-responding application and not have to restart the computer.

[InkMaster]

Aww, come on! I wanted them to destroy Microsoft's ad campaign, they all they deliver is some beating around the bush....

The Time Traveler one was pretty funny, so was the Legal Copy, the others were mediocre at best... :(

[BillyBobBongo]

It's just more of the same!

I think they need a new angle. What they need to do is become the 'bigger man' and stop the mud slinging, I'm sure that would have a better effect on both consumers and Mircosoft.

[Cynicalone]

I like the legal copy one the best. :)

[Undecided]

It does. That's why I think they should have justified the high price by explaining the benefits of switching to Mac--not the detriments of staying with Windows.

OK, but why do you think they're too expensive? Mind you, I'd rather pay less too but I don't see how they're too expensive. Sure, you pay a premium for memory and hard drive upgrades, but then again they install it for you and warrant it too. The iPhone so blew me away, that when it came out I would have gladly paid $1000 for it. Their stuff works so well in comparison that I'll happily pay more for it.

[Abstract]

I've never really found the Mac ads really tasteful. I thought the recent PC ads were a lot better. I almost didn't get a Mac because of the comercials. It really is tiring to hear the same repetitive FUD. I've always felt the Mac commercials were good at saying nothing.

I think all the Mac ads are bad, and I thought the 3rd MS ad (where the kid buys a Sony) to be pretty accurate of what people believe. It also contains a lot of truths, since the computer in the ad is really great, but I don't think it would matter, as long as Apple comes up with better ads. These ads have gone on for years, and people were calling them old and repetitive a year ago.

May as well bring Jeff Goldblum back while we're at it.

[jjahshik32]

Time traveler was my favorite one. :D

[macfan881]

atleast there advertising what you dont have to deal with when you get a mac i prefere that than the bashing although some of them have been pretty funny the vista wheel was classic but these new ads give strong points on why you want a mac no viruses no crashes simpler ways to organize. the Biohazard one was my fav too

[Demosthenes X]

I think these ads have long since run their course. These new ones are rehashing the same old party lines, and they're not even funny or clever anymore. I'm surprised people found Time Traveler good - I saw that "punchline" coming from miles away.

Stacks was the best of the bunch, and as others have said, it was the best because it focused on pointing out the benefits of owning a Mac. If the Microsoft campaign is telling people that Macs are more expensive, than Apple should be indicating why they're worth the premium.

These ads do not do that.

Apple needs to "think different" when it comes to its ad campaigns.

[Blue Fox]

I cracked up pretty good at the end of the "Time Traveler" one. :D

And I still think these ads are good and Apple should continue them, reason being is that people know these are Apple ads, and if they start changing their advertising when the new PC ads come out, that'll make Apple look like they're on the defense. Staying on the offense and ignoring the new Microsoft ads is the best way for Apple to keep their "we know we're better than PC" stance.

[Lone Deranger]

What I'd like for Apple to do is to put their money where their mouths are and get Snow Leopard out the door on time and in great shape. Action speaks louder than words. I'm fed up with seeing my software packages (PhotoShop, Maya and Mudbox to name a few) being upgraded in all their 64bit glory on Windows but still linger on in 32bit misery on OSX.

Ads are nothing but spin and a waste of time. An Apple vs. MS ad war is pointless and gets the consumer nothing.

Apple need to look for a new marketing campaign as I believe these have served there function (and time frame)

[koopa35]

y do people want apple to change THEIR ads. y change something that works. just because the people who visit these forums every day have grown tired of them.. dont mean the average customer has. if all the posters saying they are boring and need something different try and get a job at apple marketing dept and give fresh ideas. until then just hush if they work they work. if they dont they dont. who cares what you think.

[Pooshka]

i hate to say it but im dissapointed

the biohazard one really didnt repeat anything new... it just pretty much was saying "hey yeah, in case you guys forgot macs still have no viruses, just making sure you know"

time travelling one had to use the same old "ohh pc just froze" joke *rolling eyes*

the Stacks one was an obvious attempt brag about some feature macs have... which i guess works because apple should spend more time pointing out WHY macs are better instead of why PC's arent that great... but it still seemed like a bad ad.

the legal copy one was kinda funny, but again it was still just repeating same old same old "pcs arent perfect LAL!"
That's the whole point of advertising, dude!

[morphineseason]

I really think "Stacks" is a step in the right direction. Apple has been so busy pumping out the informative iPhone ads, that actually show you step-by-step, how easy it is to use some very useful features on the iPhone, but they never take a second to do the same for Macs.

Unfortunately, without any kind of visual showing how the facial recognition feature works, the ad will really only make sense to those of us with the latest iPhoto.

[Darth.Titan]

What I'd like for Apple to do is to put their money where their mouths are and get Snow Leopard out the door on time and in great shape. Action speaks louder than words. I'm fed up with seeing my software packages (PhotoShop, Maya and Mudbox to name a few) being upgraded in all their 64bit glory on Windows but still linger on in 32bit misery on OSX.

What does Apple's development of Snow Leopard have to do with the fact that not all major software companies have released 64 bit versions of their Mac apps? Leopard is fully 64 bit capable, so that complaint should be directed at the software devs, not Apple.

Adobe practically said, "We didn't feel like it this time, but we'll get you next version..." which is why I personally skipped CS4.

[kajitox]

I think that the recognition that comes with the "I'm a Mac" commercials is enough to keep them, but I also think that this set of ads was sub-par. IMO they were a bit childish and seemed to be more little attacks on Windows rather that pluses for the Mac (except for the iPhoto one).

[hachaboob]

The Legal Copy ad is the weakest one. They should scrap it.

[MacFly123]

I disagree. This is exactly how Apple needs to address the Microsoft ads -- with the same tactic that been getting people to make the switch. If Apple were to respond to the accusation that Macs are "more expensive", it would work against Apple. Just as every time Microsoft mentions a Mac in their ads, it works for Apple. I think more of these ads are what is needed to keep going in the right direction.

Besides, I'm sure it just angers Ballmer even more knowing that Apple just isn't budging!

I totally agree! I liked these ones, they made me laugh as there ads always do. :D

I think it would be cool to have more that talk about Macs cool features and iLife etc., kind of illustrating the cool software etc.

I do love these ads, but maybe when Snow Leopard comes out it would be time for something new.

[gathart]

I think all the Mac ads are bad, and I thought the 3rd MS ad (where the kid buys a Sony) to be pretty accurate of what people believe. It also contains a lot of truths, since the computer in the ad is really great, but I don't think it would matter, as long as Apple comes up with better ads. These ads have gone on for years, and people were calling them old and repetitive a year ago.

May as well bring Jeff Goldblum back while we're at it.

Agree. I love my apple macbook pro, but that smugg apple guy in the add, don't you just want to smack him?

[robanga]

Great ads. My favorite was the time traveler.

[teme]

These ads are getting old and repetitive. I wonder if Apple will recycle the same Windows Vista bashing ideas when Windows 7 is released...

[Abstract]

Agree. I love my apple macbook pro, but that smugg apple guy in the add, don't you just want to smack him?

Yes. Who doesn't?

However, Mac hasn't been as annoying as he was in the past. I don't know why.

[Lone Deranger]

It's more to do with the fact that a lot of developers got the rug pulled out from underneath their feet when Apple decided to cancel Carbon 64 Bit support at the eleventh hour despite initial promises to the contrary. Had Apple handled the situation better and in a more timely manner (say 2-3 years ago) we wouldn't be in this predicament.

What does Apple's development of Snow Leopard have to do with the fact that not all major software companies have released 64 bit versions of their Mac apps? Leopard is fully 64 bit capable, so that complaint should be directed at the software devs, not Apple.

Adobe practically said, "We didn't feel like it this time, but we'll get you next version..." which is why I personally skipped CS4.

[magamo]

I like the Time Traveler version but also think these ads are getting repetitive. I wonder if Apple will release totally new ads when Snow Leopard and Windows 7 are released.

[Cvstos]

It's more to do with the fact that a lot of developers got the rug pulled out from underneath their feet when Apple decided to cancel Carbon 64 Bit support at the eleventh hour despite initial promises to the contrary. Had Apple handled the situation better and in a more timely manner (say 2-3 years ago) we wouldn't be in this predicament.

Perhaps, but this short-term bump will lead to advantages long-term as this will force developers to finally move to the newer Cocoa. Personally I can't believe that Apple themselves hasn't moved everything of theirs to Cocoa.

[swagi]

What does Apple's development of Snow Leopard have to do with the fact that not all major software companies have released 64 bit versions of their Mac apps? Leopard is fully 64 bit capable, so that complaint should be directed at the software devs, not Apple.

Adobe practically said, "We didn't feel like it this time, but we'll get you next version..." which is why I personally skipped CS4.

AFAIK Apple said something like: "No, we just decided to pull the plug and stop developing 64bit-Carbon. Move to Cocoa and XCode, like we have been saying for years."

Suddenly Apple developers were left in the cold, and people over here don't seem to understand, that it's quite an effort, to move a language to a completely new environment. Btw: Check the Office 2008 thread and the Spaces problem. That's also an Apple API problem, not perfectly M$'s fault.

[The Flashing Fi]

You're kidding right? You actually think the "You find it, you keep it" ads are good? You can say that with a straight face?

I can, easily. Of course I don't expect you to be able to say that, because you're a Mac fanboy and your fanboyism doesn't allow you to say that. I think the "You find it, you keep it" ads promotes PCs strengths very well (although, they still have a few things they can hit that would really take aim at Apple). They don't try to bash Apple. They don't write off the computers as being bad, but overpriced or not capable of doing what they want at a reasonable price.

Take the first "You find it, you keep it" ad, where they start off with a 1000 dollar price point IIRC. That ad really targetted Apple's price. Apple really doesn't offer a laptop under 1000 bucks (ok, the Macbook, but after taxes, it's over 1000 bucks, and even before taxes, it's 1 dollar below the price point). You may not like that they criticized Apple's price, but it certainly is a valid point to bring up.

The second ad with the price point of 1500 bucks emphasized the variety of options you get with PCs. You have a multitude of sizes, from under 10" with netbooks to over 17" with PCs. There are many PC laptops that offer more power at a lower price than what Apple offers. ASUS offers a 15.4" notebook with a 9650M GT and I think a 2.5 Ghz C2D processor as well as 4 gigs of RAM at around 1300 USD, or for the same price, you can get all the same specs with a 9800M GS. For 900 bucks you can get a 2.0 Ghz C2D processor, 4 gigs of RAM and a 9650M GT, or for 1000 bucks you can get the same computer with a 2.4 Ghz C2D processor. And it's not like ASUS is a bad brand. If they were, would Apple use them as a ODM? It's that type of variety that I think the Windows commercial emphasized at that price point.

The third size was 2000 bucks IIRC, and again, the subject of price came up.

I really think the ads are capitalizing on the current economic situation, and unlike the Apple comercials, they're not stooping to Apple's level of running a smear campaign (which is what their commercials are). They do concede that their computers look nice. They don't try and say that Apple makes bad computers (because they don't).

My whole problem with Apple's campaign is that much of it is perpetuating a fear of viruses and that Mac OS X is flawless. The truth is, if you're smart, you won't get Viruses. All it takes is safe browsing (don't go to sites you don't trust) and running anti-virus software. There are many anti-virus suites that don't slow your computer up and there are quite a few that are free. Often times, people who get viruses aren't a victim of security holes and vulnerabilities, but rather a victim of themselves. They simply don't know any better.

Another part of their campaign is them slandering Vista, when in truth, it's not a bad OS and that, contrary to what Apple presents, the "problem" with Vista wasn't MS's fault, but rather hardware vendors slacking off and not providing drivers for Vista. The UAC was another source of criticism, and it's one of the few claims that Apple does have a valid point in making. It certainly can get annoying, but it's pretty easy to disable if you're one who doesn't want annoyances.

They also claim that Windows is a victim of frequent crashes and freezes. Honestly, the last time I think I had a BSOD was a year ago and it turned out to be a Nvidia driver for my network adapter caused the crash. I was alerted that there was an update available as well. And before that, I can't recall of any. Many of the claims weren't the fault of Microsoft, but rather the PC manufacturers who put a bunch of pre-loaded crap on the computer, but currently, that's gotten much better, and it's all really easy to remove. The Apple commercial that brought up the money it cost to "fix" Vista was really a bunch of bull crap, as there was nothing wrong with Vista. The same question could be asked about the money it took to fix Leopard, which still doesn't work right for me on my MBP because of Apple's crap drivers.

First ad: Windows has to always wear a biohazard suit (anti-virus, internet security, anti-spyware) or it'll have a whole lotta problems. Mac doesn't need one.

Which is the same rhetoric we've been hearing since day one. Nothing new there, and of course, they blow it out of proportion.

Second ad: There sure is a lot of extra crap that you have to deal with (see above for starters) that adds to your cost like a drug habit. I can also attest to needing tech support for my Mac almost never. It's been in once for a battery issue that was part of a recall.

Adds to the cost? You mean like free Anti-virus software that's easily found on the Internet (Avast, AVG, Avira, Win-Clam AV, and I'm sure there are a few others). The best spyware utility that I know of is spybot, which is free (and the only "spyware" that I ever get detected is tracing cookies, which affect all operating systems).

Third ad: iPhoto organizes photos MUCH better than Vista's built-in photo gallery. No, facial recognition isn't perfect, but it works extremely well for how much it costs.

This was probably the best commercial. This is one of the fews I didn't hate. It actually promoted something they offer and told the viewers what they do better than MS.

However, Microsoft does offer a lot of decent programs via their Live services that are good for the price (free). But I personally don't use any of that junk like iPhoto, Garageband, ect. In fact, I don't use any of the iLife suite, but that's just me personally.

Fourth ad: PCs freeze completely a lot more than Macs. I can almost always close a not-responding application and not have to restart the computer.

Hm... I've never had a computer freeze in the past or so years... Again, just more FUD from Apple's FUD department. Really, it shouldn't be a problem anymore for ANY OS now that they've ditched Coopertive multi-tasking (relies on the programs to give other programs controls, which can easily cause poorly programmed programs to hang). With Pre-emptive multi-tasking and its refinement, it's really not a problem any more. Early OSes that used Pre-emptive OSes weren't very good at it (like Windows 95), but it was still better than Coopertive multi-tasking.

[MacAndy74]

Love the new 'Get a Mac' Ad's :D Can't decide if 'Biohazard Suit' or 'Time Traveler' is my pick... (-: Clever and funny.

This Ad's will no doubt make many Micronerds really mad ;)
:rolleyes::apple:

[winmacuser]

I really think Apple should start a new campaign, and tell the people the reasons why a Mac is good, and not why a PC is such a crap.
It was fun to watch for quite a while, but now it is only stupid and boring.

[MacAndy74]

These ads are getting old and repetitive. I wonder if Apple will recycle the same Windows Vista bashing ideas when Windows 7 is released...

Might as well. Windows 7 is just Windows Vista with a personality transplant and a new pair of Nike's ;)

[shipwrecked]

Agree. I love my apple macbook pro, but that smugg apple guy in the add, don't you just want to smack him?

Agreed. I want to wipe that smug look off his face. The contrived cool thing really irks me.

[MacAndy74]

I can, easily. Of course I don't expect you to be able to say that, because you're a Mac fanboy and your fanboyism doesn't allow you to say that.

{hot air}

Again, just more FUD from Apple's FUD department.

And I suppose you troll Apple forums because you're not a Windows Fanboy?

Here's some advice. Go and join Neowin.net, you'll feel right at home there.

:rolleyes::apple:

[mishendr]

Bunch of grown up kids...

Buy a PC if you like a PC
Buy a Mac if you like a Mac
Buy both to compare, then decide.
I've got them both, both serve their purpose.

Stop doing this pissing contest, it is getting VERY old. Especially from Apple and Microsoft.

[thevofl]

I can, easily. Of course I don't expect you to be able to say that, because you're a Mac fanboy and your fanboyism doesn't allow you to say that. I think the "You find it, you keep it" ads promotes PCs strengths very well (although, they still have a few things they can hit that would really take aim at Apple). They don't try to bash Apple. They don't write off the computers as being bad, but overpriced or not capable of doing what they want at a reasonable price.

I agree that they are great commercials. From a marketing standpoint, it is quite ingenious. They do not mention how Vista sucks. (Yes, it does suck as a product.) They stress the hardware over the software while dismissing the competition, quite effectively and with subtlety.

I wish that Apple would have done something to have addressed this perception of the "apple tax". They could have done a Mac vs. PC commercial showing off the "pc discount" for having to deal with Viruses, the trial software, and Vista.

[Nero3000]

Standard fair from Apple again, which seems to be:

1) Attack the apparent detriments of windows (even though they are incorrect...and they are)

or

2) highlight some feature of a Mac and make it appear that Windows does not have it even though it had done years before.

[Eraserhead]

I agree that they are great commercials.

Except they aren't as especially the first two sum up issues that also affect the Mac. You can't avoid installing software updates on the Mac :rolleyes:.

Biohazard Suit: :rolleyes:
Legal Copy: :rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:
Stacks: :cool::cool::cool:
Time Traveller: meh

[Double J]

Very very tired. Same crap they've been saying for years that still isn't true. They make it sound like every single PC gets a virus the instant you turn on, when in reality I don't know very many people at all who've gotten a virus on a PC, even when they weren't running AV software (outside of a corporate setting, where you're always going to have to deal with idiots infecting an entire network). Macs aren't magical, they're just as vulnerable and actually easier to hack, but no one bothers messing with 7% of the market. Sure there are more stories of people having trouble with PCs, but that's because there's 20 times as many people using them.

And what is this "maintenance" cost that they always talk about? Doesn't almost everyone in the world know at least one PC geek who will fix your computer for free if you actually do have a problem? Maybe if you live in backwoods Idaho or something.

Faces (http://macphotographytips.wordpress.com/2009/01/29/does-iphotos-faces-really-work/) is a gimmick that doesn't work very well. It's something I guess, but a real highlight? If they hype it, people are just going to be disappointed. Bottom line, after being on the rise for a while, their market share is falling because overpriced merchandise + bad economy = lower sales. I always see a lot of people in Apple stores because they look so hip and trendy, but very few walk out with Macs -- if they have anything it's almost always an iPod or iPhone, or something small like a case. They play with the Macs, but one look at the price tag and they walk away.

[tubbymac]

2) highlight some feature of a Mac and make it appear that Windows does not have it even though it had done years before.

Hmm? This particular ad was talking about the face recognition in iPhoto. I can't recall Windows having anything like that before. iPhoto was the first photo management program to sort by faces, I think. Other programs could detect faces, but nothing else to my knowledge organized photos by faces.

[inkswamp]

I've never really found the Mac ads really tasteful.

I've never understood criticisms like this. I mean... they're ads, fer @#$%& sake, not high art. Since when are ads tasteful? There's no such thing as a tasteful ad and if you think otherwise, you've been spending too much time in front of the TV.

And anyway, Apple has gone the so-called tasteful route before and their market share didn't budge. I always bring up the airplane ad, the one where the two people on either side of the Mac user are just amazed at what iPhoto can do.

Bo-ring!

That just didn't work. Not at all. In fact, that was at a time when Apple's market share was even dipping a little and going under 2%. That was an ugly time. Apple found their groove with these ads and their market share has crept upward which means they're getting attention and people are buying the product. And that's the sole measure of success when it comes to advertising, tastefulness be damned.

Very very tired. Same crap they've been saying for years that still isn't true. They make it sound like every single PC gets a virus the instant you turn on, when in reality I don't know very many people at all who've gotten a virus on a PC, even when they weren't running AV software (outside of a corporate setting, where you're always going to have to deal with idiots infecting an entire network).

Please tell me you're being ironic with all this. Or is this the part where all the small print comes up?

Macs aren't magical, they're just as vulnerable and actually easier to hack, but no one bothers messing with 7% of the market. Sure there are more stories of people having trouble with PCs, but that's because there's 20 times as many people using them.

This "market share means more viruses" argument was buried ages ago. Give it up already. There's no supporting evidence for it. If you have some, cite it. The only example we have is Windows and that's mostly the result of Microsoft's sloppy attitude toward security ("Gee, let's have Outlook automatically open attachment... what could go wrong?") And people have been saying this about Macs since they were 2% of the market. And Macs are moving toward 10% now. I mean, what's the magic number? What market share percentage will precipitate this nightmare invasion of OS X viruses?

[Cvstos]

And I suppose you troll Apple forums because you're not a Windows Fanboy?

Here's some advice. Go and join Neowin.net, you'll feel right at home there.

:rolleyes::apple:

Quoted For Truth.

I'm always amazed at how people go to forums for the express purpose of saying things they know will get them in trouble. Is that really the best use of your time?

In any case, for the ads, I agree Stacks is the best of the bunch. Legal Copy is also pretty good, especially once you go and read the legal copy itself. But there needs to be more like Stacks.

[Nero3000]

Hmm? This particular ad was talking about the face recognition in iPhoto. I can't recall Windows having anything like that before. iPhoto was the first photo management program to sort by faces, I think. Other programs could detect faces, but nothing else to my knowledge organized photos by faces.

Windows live photo gallery, part of the live essentials suite.

[jgbhardy]

Bunch of grown up kids...

Buy a PC if you like a PC
Buy a Mac if you like a Mac
Buy both to compare, then decide.
I've got them both, both serve their purpose.

Stop doing this pissing contest, it is getting VERY old. Especially from Apple and Microsoft.

Haha first thing I imagined was PC and Mac being very little and hanging their heads in shame!!!:D

[Philberttheduck]

I loved "Legal Copy"

too funny

[hazza.jockel]

I can, easily. Of course I don't expect you to be able to say that, because you're a Mac fanboy and your fanboyism doesn't allow you to say that. I think the "You find it, you keep it" ads promotes PCs strengths very well (although, they still have a few things they can hit that would really take aim at Apple). They don't try to bash Apple. They don't write off the computers as being bad, but overpriced or not capable of doing what they want at a reasonable price.

Take the first "You find it, you keep it" ad, where they start off with a 1000 dollar price point IIRC. That ad really targetted Apple's price. Apple really doesn't offer a laptop under 1000 bucks (ok, the Macbook, but after taxes, it's over 1000 bucks, and even before taxes, it's 1 dollar below the price point). You may not like that they criticized Apple's price, but it certainly is a valid point to bring up.

The second ad with the price point of 1500 bucks emphasized the variety of options you get with PCs. You have a multitude of sizes, from under 10" with netbooks to over 17" with PCs. There are many PC laptops that offer more power at a lower price than what Apple offers. ASUS offers a 15.4" notebook with a 9650M GT and I think a 2.5 Ghz C2D processor as well as 4 gigs of RAM at around 1300 USD, or for the same price, you can get all the same specs with a 9800M GS. For 900 bucks you can get a 2.0 Ghz C2D processor, 4 gigs of RAM and a 9650M GT, or for 1000 bucks you can get the same computer with a 2.4 Ghz C2D processor. And it's not like ASUS is a bad brand. If they were, would Apple use them as a ODM? It's that type of variety that I think the Windows commercial emphasized at that price point.

The third size was 2000 bucks IIRC, and again, the subject of price came up.

I really think the ads are capitalizing on the current economic situation, and unlike the Apple comercials, they're not stooping to Apple's level of running a smear campaign (which is what their commercials are). They do concede that their computers look nice. They don't try and say that Apple makes bad computers (because they don't).

My whole problem with Apple's campaign is that much of it is perpetuating a fear of viruses and that Mac OS X is flawless. The truth is, if you're smart, you won't get Viruses. All it takes is safe browsing (don't go to sites you don't trust) and running anti-virus software. There are many anti-virus suites that don't slow your computer up and there are quite a few that are free. Often times, people who get viruses aren't a victim of security holes and vulnerabilities, but rather a victim of themselves. They simply don't know any better.

Another part of their campaign is them slandering Vista, when in truth, it's not a bad OS and that, contrary to what Apple presents, the "problem" with Vista wasn't MS's fault, but rather hardware vendors slacking off and not providing drivers for Vista. The UAC was another source of criticism, and it's one of the few claims that Apple does have a valid point in making. It certainly can get annoying, but it's pretty easy to disable if you're one who doesn't want annoyances.

They also claim that Windows is a victim of frequent crashes and freezes. Honestly, the last time I think I had a BSOD was a year ago and it turned out to be a Nvidia driver for my network adapter caused the crash. I was alerted that there was an update available as well. And before that, I can't recall of any. Many of the claims weren't the fault of Microsoft, but rather the PC manufacturers who put a bunch of pre-loaded crap on the computer, but currently, that's gotten much better, and it's all really easy to remove. The Apple commercial that brought up the money it cost to "fix" Vista was really a bunch of bull crap, as there was nothing wrong with Vista. The same question could be asked about the money it took to fix Leopard, which still doesn't work right for me on my MBP because of Apple's crap drivers.


I totally agree with you.

[Nero3000]

I also loved the hypocrisy of the legal ad considering their iphone ads were subjected to the same thing.

[tubbymac]

Windows live photo gallery, part of the live essentials suite.

What the heck, well I stand corrected. I've never installed any of the Windows Live stuff so I didn't know Microsoft even had that feature. I doubt most Windows users even know this exists.

Did this come before or after iPhoto's faces, do you know?

[The Flashing Fi]

And I suppose you troll Apple forums because you're not a Windows Fanboy?

Here's some advice. Go and join Neowin.net, you'll feel right at home there.

:rolleyes::apple:

Here's some more advice. Don't make assumptions. It only makes an ass out of you and me (moreso you than I). Believe it or not, I do have a Mac. I have had my Macbook Pro for a year and a half, and I love it.

Just because I don't go doting on Apple like a mindless idiot doesn't mean I'm a Windows Fanboy. I'm neither a Windows Fanboy, a Mac Fanboy or a Linux Fanboy. I use the tool that gets the job done, whether it be a Windows machine, a Mac machine or a Linux machine. I don't care, I'm proficient in either of them (at least enough to do what I need to do).

And just because my viewpoint doesn't match up with yours doesn't mean I'm a troll you dolt. It means I'm different than you. After all, I thought Apple's moto was "Think Different." What was it that I did that is considered "trolling." Not being a Mac fanboy? The fact that I have a Mac doesn't make me a Mac fanboy or a Mac lover. It makes me a Mac user. I'm also a Windows user. I'm happy being both.

And I don't suppose you care to point out where I was "trolling," and remember, areas where my opinion doesn't match up with yours doesn't count as trolliing.

And just some more helpful advice, if you don't like people having differing opinions from yourself, I suggest you not read what anyone says.

Quoted For Truth.

I'm always amazed at how people go to forums for the express purpose of saying things they know will get them in trouble. Is that really the best use of your time?

In any case, for the ads, I agree Stacks is the best of the bunch. Legal Copy is also pretty good, especially once you go and read the legal copy itself. But there needs to be more like Stacks.

Hmm... I've been a member here since September, 2007, around the time I got my MBP. What was it you were saying again? Something about me saying this that will get me in trouble? If having an opinion that doesn't constantly favor Apple gets you in trouble around here, then it's not me who has the problem...

[Nero3000]

What the heck, well I stand corrected. I've never installed any of the Windows Live stuff so I didn't know Microsoft even had that feature. I doubt most Windows users even know this exists.

Did this come before or after iPhoto's faces, do you know?

It came before, but not by years more like months. With windows 7 more consumers will be aware of this, and those that use windows live messenger probably have this program too when they updated.

If you have a PC you should give it a try, some of the stuff is pretty good.

[Wikinerd]

Transcription of "Legal Copy". From 9to5Mac. (http://www.9to5mac.com/biohazard-get-a-mac)

Please note that when you first receive your PC there is some suggested work that needs to be done before PCs can perform at their peak. These steps include, but are not limited to, downgrading and installing necessary drivers for peripherals. These drivers may include printers, scanners, cameras, storage devices, music players, and other media devices. There may be more depending on your needs. It is also recommended that first time users remove all unneeded bloatware and remove all optional components. To remove unwanted bloatware first open uninstaller, select applications to remove, and uninstall. To remove optional components, click start, go to all programs and open control panel, select remove components, select components you want to remove, select next, when done, select finish. Once initial prep is complete, PCs may then be easy to use under certain controlled conditions and when properly maintained. In order for PCs to achieve optimal performance on a regular basis and for long periods of time, routine maintenance should include (but is not limited to) the following: download and install updated anti-virus software, check for system updates, clean out registry, defragment hard drive, free up disk space, remove temporary Internet files, empty the recycle bin, remove unnecessary programs, run error check utility and fix file system errors. It is recommended that a maintenance schedule is developed and adhered to in order to make sure your PC is running safe and secure. Update your software, do a virus scan, and run error check utility once a week. Search for and download software and driver updates, free up disk space, and defragment hard drive at least once a month. Empty the recycle bin and remove unnecessary programs once every three months. Back up all your files once a year. Please see instruction manual for more details. Failure to perform these functions may result in the following: freezes, viruses, slow performance, and/or error messages. If problems persist after routine maintenance is performed, please contact your local IT professional who may or may not refer you to your software or hardware manager depending on where the problem originated. Important information about easy to use PCs: PCs may become more difficult to use if the following occurs: sluggish operating system, viruses, and error messages, crashing, and freezing. Unfortunately, freezing and/or crashing are sometimes unavoidable. To avoid sluggish operating systems, crashing and freezing, it is recommended that you clean up your system registry, defragment your hard drive, free up your disk space, and perform other routine maintenance tasks. To clean out your system registry, first backup your data, backup your registry, purchase, download, and install Registry Repair program, then quit all programs, scan registry, determine safe registry items to repair/delete/remove, select ok, and repeat if necessary. To defragment your hard drive, click start, and go to all programs>accessories>system tools>and open disk defragmenter, then select C: drive, select defragment and wait. To free up disk space on your PC, click start, go to all programs>accessories>system tools>and open disk cleanup. Scan will automatically start. From scan results, select files to be removed, select ok. Restarting your PC may then be necessary upon completion of system registry clean up, hard drive defragmentation, and disk space clean out. Please note: trying to remove registry items on your own is not recommended. It is often difficult to determine which items correspond to which applications, and by attempting to remove items yourself, you might accidentally remove a valid registry item, causing software crashes and errors. If a system registry becomes corrupt because you made a mistake when cleaning out the registry, follow these steps: back up data, back up registry, purchase, download, and install Registry Repair program, quit all programs, scan registry, determine safe registry items to repair/delete/remove, then select ok and repeat if necessary. Also, easy to use PCs can experience difficulty if malware, viruses, or spyware infect your PC’s system. There are 1.5 million signature-based malware detections with 20,000 new ones discovered everyday (based on 2008 reporting). Although some viruses are unavoidable, there are some preventative measures that you can take. When you first get your PC, configure your security settings (including things like Internet firewall, automatic updating, anti-virus, anti-spyware and other malware protection, other Internet security settings, and user account control). Eventually you may have to download and install security patches for your operating system and then as security updates become available download and install again. If your PC does get infected with malware talk with your IT professional first about the risks and benefits of treating the problem as your own. Do not try to remove a virus unless your IT professional has taught you and you understand everything. Ask them if you have any questions. Please see accompanying important information about virus protection on your hardware and software manufacturer’s website. Anyone can sit down and edit photos on their PC as long as their computer is running properly. Please note that proper maintenance, specifically disk defragmentation can take anywhere from minutes to hours to run depending on the size of your hard drive and how fragmented it is. Therefore, editing photos might be postponed if you choose to run maintenance on your computer prior to this act. Please note: your camera driver must be installed on your PC in order to review and edit your photos. Your camera will not work with your PC if the software/drivers are not downloaded first. Editing photos on a PC may be difficult for children under a certain age, or for people who are unfamiliar with how a PC works and how to download camera software and drivers. Also, no PC connected to the Internet is one hundred percent immune to viruses, spyware, adware, or other forms of malware. Once a year, PC users should back up a year’s worth of photos and files to a CD or DVD. Power PC users should start fresh and back up all their files and applications on an external hard drive, then use your original system installer disks to erase, rebuild, and reinstall your operating system from scratch. Therefore, if your PC is not one hundred percent trouble free at least you won’t lose all of your files. PC does not claim ownership of problems that occur from materials or software that you downloaded off the Internet. If your warranty has expired, and your PC is not one hundred percent trouble free, you are not eligible for a refund or replacement under the terms of the warranty. In addition, we cannot help you with software or hardware obtained without a warranty, such as software provided “as is” or for free.” Again, if problems persist, please contact your IT professional.

[tubbymac]

Just because I don't go doting on Apple like a mindless idiot doesn't mean I'm a Windows Fanboy. I'm neither a Windows Fanboy, a Mac Fanboy or a Linux Fanboy. I use the tool that gets the job done, whether it be a Windows machine, a Mac machine or a Linux machine. I don't care, I'm proficient in either of them (at least enough to do what I need to do).


Heh, I'm glad I'm not the only one. We're quite a rare breed. There's not many of us that use OSX, Windows, and Linux at the same time on a day to day basis. I agree with pretty much everything you said except for iPhoto and Garageband being junk. I think the iLife suite is great for beginners and newbies. It's one of the best selling features of a Mac. You get a lot of fun software to play with out of the box.

Obviously once you do some more serious stuff you'll quickly uninstall those introductory apps for some more powerful stuff like Aperture/Lightroom and Logic Studio.

It came before, but not by years more like months. With windows 7 more consumers will be aware of this, and those that use windows live messenger probably have this program too when they updated.

If you have a PC you should give it a try, some of the stuff is pretty good.

I already have a good workflow with Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Lightroom on my PC, so getting the Windows Live Photo stuff would actually be a downgrade for me. Thanks for the info though. It'll be good information for PC friends when they ask about introductory photo management programs.

[Nero3000]

Transcription of "Legal Copy". From 9to5Mac. (http://www.9to5mac.com/biohazard-get-a-mac)

How much of that applies to Mac aswell....on second thoughts when reading that they say one thing, then reword it multiple times after that.

And half of that is just good computer sense which i hope everyone does whether on a mac or PC, ie:
1) check for software updates
2) check for driver updates
4) defrag your hard drive
3) back up their stuff

also

Please note: your camera driver must be installed on your PC in order to review and edit your photos. Your camera will not work with your PC if the software/drivers are not downloaded first.

Thats just plain wrong, most....if not all camera drivers are just plug and play.

[tubbymac]

Transcription of "Legal Copy".

Alright the commercials I found boring but that transcription had me laughing in a few places, I'll admit. Half of it was inaccurate or wrong, but I still found it a funny read - especially the part about making sure to backup your files once a year, LOL.

[coolfactor]

I've never really found the Mac ads really tasteful. I thought the recent PC ads were a lot better. I almost didn't get a Mac because of the comercials. It really is tiring to hear the same repetitive FUD. I've always felt the Mac commercials were good at saying nothing.

How can they be repeating Fear, Uncertainty and Doubt when they tell the truth? Sure, not every Windows PC will have problems, some are more reliable than others, but generally across-the-board, there are valid concerns that all Windows users need to be aware of in order to keep their machines running effectively. Those that take the steps earn the right to brag their machine is problem-free, but how much time-currency are they spending taking those steps? That's where the value of computers come into play.

I think these ads are great. Apple needs to keep using the same advertising tactic while it's working. Just look at how Microsoft has been all over the map with their ad campaign, and they basically start over with each major change. Apple's ads are simple, consistent, and entertaining. Make a person chuckle, and you just got their attention. Keep doing that and you may get a customer.

[coolfactor]

How much of that applies to Mac aswell....on second thoughts when reading that they say one thing, then reword it multiple times after that.

And half of that is just good computer sense which i hope everyone does whether on a mac or PC, ie:
1) check for software updates
2) check for driver updates
4) defrag your hard drive
3) back up their stuff

also

Thats just plain wrong, most....if not all camera drivers are just plug and play.

1. Software Updates on a Mac are much simpler and less intrusive than on Windows.
2. Driver updates -- please list some.
3. Mac OS X auto-defrags the drive, no need for users to do anything.
4. Mac OS X comes with two built-in backup applications... Backup and Time Machine. What does every Windows computer come with that's easy to use and automatic?

[MadeTheSwitch]

My whole problem with Apple's campaign is that much of it is perpetuating a fear of viruses and that Mac OS X is flawless. The truth is, if you're smart, you won't get Viruses.

But don't all companies' ad campaigns show their products in the best light and make them sound flawless??? And the real truth of the matter is that your average computer user is NOT smart about how to avoid getting viruses.

They also claim that Windows is a victim of frequent crashes and freezes. Honestly, the last time I think I had a BSOD was a year ago

Perhaps BSOD are rare, but surely you have expereinced situations with windows where a program, like say IE or Firefox for instance, has gone wonky and it affected other parts of your computer forcing a reboot, have you not? I've had that issue on every windows machine I have ever used no matter what flavor of Windows it was running. On my Mac, it's a much different story. If something crashes, that problem is limited to just that problem. I don't have to reboot all the time. And since I tend to have a lot of projects open that I am working between, this is important to me. In fact, it's the biggest reason I made the switch....for more stability. And I got it.


Hm... I've never had a computer freeze in the past or so years... Again, just more FUD from Apple's FUD department.

No, that's not true either. Congratulations on not having a Windows machine freeze on you recently, however just because you haven't doesn't mean that others aren't or that Apple is spreading viscous rumors. In fact, they are spot on. The reasons are many (A single hardware vendor, Unix, a different thought process in the making of software that MS, etc.) but the bottom line is that Apple computers ARE more stable than their Windows counterparts. It's just a fact. Will Windows 7 (and then 8...etc.) change that? Maybe. We shall see. But they will always have the multiple hardware vendor albatross hanging around their neck and I don't see how you can mitigate all of that away. It's both the best thing and the worst thing about the Windows platform.

As for the commercials, I am ready to see something different from Apple as well. I'd prefer they pit the real life computer screens against each other. Show an actual Windows machine locking up, acting weird or having to have Windows reinstalled to clean up all the crap loading it down and making every Windows machine I have ever seen run slow eventually. Contrast that with a Mac not having those issues. And show the software that comes with it better. And promote iWork for crying out loud. Pages is a wonderful program. I use it everyday and couldn't be happier.

Whatever they end up doing, I think it should focus on the actual hardware/software more and not rely on these people mascots so much, if at all.

[gathart]

I totally agree with you.

Mate, you don't know what you are talking about. I came from the PC, and now with my perhaps over the top expensive macbook pro, life is soo much more easier. I actually enjoy using it. No more viruses/crashes/software just... working. It costs more, but it saves me all the agro.

On the subject of th adds: i think they are more for the apple users. Personally i think they are silly repetative and ... boring!. LOve my apple though....

[snowleopard48]

Time to fight back! lol

ya! lol,

i love the future pc one!:D:D

[coolfactor]

Bunch of grown up kids...

Buy a PC if you like a PC
Buy a Mac if you like a Mac
Buy both to compare, then decide.
I've got them both, both serve their purpose.

Stop doing this pissing contest, it is getting VERY old. Especially from Apple and Microsoft.

Dude, they are two top computer industry competitors across the entire world. Put yourself in their shoes. Apple needs to educate consumers that there is a difference between Macs and Windows PCs. Too many still think Macs are costly alien devices that don't do what they want. That is wrong, and it ends up costing a lot of people a lot of time.

[Nero3000]

1. Software Updates on a Mac are much simpler and less intrusive than on Windows.
2. Driver updates -- please list some.
3. Mac OS X auto-defrags the drive, no need for users to do anything.
4. Mac OS X comes with two built-in backup applications... Backup and Time Machine. What does every Windows computer come with that's easy to use and automatic?

1. Software update come through windows update
2. Drivers also come through windows update
3. Windows auto defrags your hard drive too
4. Windows provides back up with its inbuilt back up functionality as well as its previous versions function

All of the above is easy to use and automatic (back up needs to be set up first though but not previous versions).

[skwoytek]

It came before, but not by years more like months. With windows 7 more consumers will be aware of this, and those that use windows live messenger probably have this program too when they updated.

If you have a PC you should give it a try, some of the stuff is pretty good.


Windows Live Photo Gallery only recognizes that it is indeed a face - which you could then tag with a name.

iPhoto recognizes the face, who it belongs to and automatically puts that photo in the proper person's folder. If iPhoto ends up being wrong you reject it, but for he most part (after I tagged the first dozen faces of each person) iPhoto does all the work.

The face recognition feature (http://www.apple.com/findouthow/photos/#faces) is the feature that the ad is touting, not simply saying "there is a face in this photo." Windows Live Photo Gallery does not auto-tag faces nor does it compare to iPhoto in most regards... I have both.

[macmike22]

Hahah loved legal copy

[isoMorpheus]

"Future PC just froze". Classic.:apple:

[Lock51]

These ads are booorrrrinnggg. And they don't really fight back. The PC buyer ads have really brought the point of buying the PC - price. No Seinfeld needed for that.
And what about the points which are brought up in these ads anyway? PC froze - I use lots of PC, none of them freeze. May be it was the case with Windows 95, but these days are over. And the fact that there are many viruses for PC doesn't mean that I am always scared to get one. And the single feature of face recognition doesn't justify buying a Mac.

[Veri]

I guess I should congratulate Apple that their software engineering effort makes me still use Macs despite their advertising.

I was hoping that the time traveller would go 8 years back to OS 9 vs XP, or maybe just to Leopard 10.5.0 or 10.5.1. But then some genius in marketing obviously decided that a simple "You need to restart your computer" would be better than a BSOD that honestly tells the user that there's something wrong with the computer's hardware/software. Hey, it even reads like it might be the user's fault! Just like the scant notes in their bugfixes, never give the impression that anything went wrong. (Except MobileMe, but that's because Apple finally realised they were being laughed at for ignoring the Godzilla rampaging through their plastic Eden.)

The legal copy one reminded me of all the iPhone adverts with, "This is a simulation. Performance may vary - downwards!" footnotes. I was going to paste the whole OS X EULA here before typing "Now welcome to Mac", but, unlike the Apple marketing machine, I know what's annoying.

The biohazard suit - oh lolol another "PCs have viruses!" ad. But, sorry, how many thousands of new viruses per day? I'd like to see the creative accounting that produced that number. In other news, THE AIR IS FULL OF VIRUSES WHICH SPREAD IN A DENSE POPULATION, STAY INDOORS! So, while you do have the option of switching to a rarer species, you could just take basic precautions.

In conclusion, the year-on-year win by PC vs Mac is great evidence that, even if intelligent design did occur, it would be thrashed by organic evolution. Which sort of says that evolution is the most intelligent form of design.

(Irregardless, as our dear recently departed would say, Vista still sucks.)

[gathart]

1. Software update come through windows update
2. Drivers also come through windows update
3. Windows auto defrags your hard drive too
4. Windows provides back up with its inbuilt back up functionality as well as its previous versions function

All of the above is easy to use and automatic (back up needs to be set up first though but not previous versions).

Mate, have you tried a MAC? You notice the difference - it is so eay and nice.

[Rob0711]

LOL. Loved 'Legal Copy'!! At least Apple hires actors for their commercials that we all know are actors. While M$ is still trying to make everyone believe their "Laptop Hunters" aren't actors.

well they might have worse actors and the camera work is made too look amateur like (to get that testimonial type of look) still both are just movies with more or less well scripted content. i hardly believe anyone still believes ads to be real life situations... it´s just advertising. as goes with the mac vs. pc ads. they are made to push a certain thought. and do that pretty well. but those ads aren´t made for us. but for the people who havn´t seen a mac so far. ( how fast the laptop farmer spots grow boring is another topic ;) )

[opeter]

I've never understood criticisms like this. I mean... they're ads, fer @#$%& sake, not high art. Since when are ads tasteful?

About a century ago... or even 50-60 years ago.

[Evangelion]

I gotta say, it's a pretty weak response to the Windows ads.

It's not a "response", it's just continuation of the ads that they have been running for a long time now.

[richard.mac]

"PC's are now 100% trouble free" made me snort red wine out of my nose!

Apple have a sense of humour and know their product while Microsoft are all about marketing.

[Eraserhead]

It's not a "response", it's just continuation of the ads that they have been running for a long time now.

Really? Especially given the timing?

[linuxophile]

Time to fight back! lol

I thought it was MS who was fighting back. Apple's ads have been always at least as pointed as the MS ones (more, IMO).

[BongoBanger]

Mixed feelings about these. On one hand they were quite funny in parts on the other they were atrociously weak in terms of a response to Microsoft's ads plus, of course, they're opening themselves up to some heavy comeback if MS choose to pursue this.

[instaxgirl]

I laughed at the irony of the Faces advert.

[zarusoba]

Hey Mac! Stop mumbling! You need subtitles.

[MartiNZ]

Really? Especially given the timing?

Yep I was looking to post that this is not a 'response'; glad to see it's been taken care of. Timing-wise I can see the argument, but as has been said, nothing else in any way refers to the very recent MS ads (IMO these would have had to have been in planning since before Laptop Hunters started anyway), vis a vis the last lot where MS's advertising was directly referenced in one of the ads that seems to be considered one of the best Mac vs PC ones.

I enjoyed all four of the new ones, in fact I always look forward to seeing what they come up with; I don't see that there is any need to change the style. Of course none of the ads will ever be screened here so maybe I'm less over them due to that in part.

And I thought that the Bill Gates / Jerry Seinfeld ads were a lot better than these Laptop Hunters ones. The latter just have too many wtf moments given what the promotion they give Macs in the process.

[KnightWRX]

Really? Especially given the timing?

The MS ads have only been out about a month. It takes more than a month to plan, script, film, edit an ad, so yeah, Especially given the timing, this is no response to MS as it should be. If Apple ignores them, in the end, they come out on top.

[Rob0711]

Really? Especially given the timing?

the timing doesn´t matter since you don´t just run out and make another ad just based on what the competition does. they have a running campaign which will propably air some more mac vs. pc ads before they will phase that one out and move into a different direction. and besides. many people on either "front" (lol) seem to feel an urge to keep this battle going on, although it never was one from the start. just 2 competitors doing tv ads. nothing special actually

[macsmurf]

I was hoping that the time traveller would go 8 years back to OS 9 vs XP, or maybe just to Leopard 10.5.0 or 10.5.1. But then some genius in marketing obviously decided that a simple "You need to restart your computer" would be better than a BSOD that honestly tells the user that there's something wrong with the computer's hardware/software.

Some years ago a (I think rather famous) study was made on how people perceived computers based on the messages the computer gave the operator. It was concluded that even when things went horribly wrong, computers giving polite error messages were perceived as much better products than computers giving technically explicit messages.

OS X uses a concept known as a log file to write the technical details. Users don't really need to know who General Protection Fault is ;)

[yourstation]

Simply the best one yet, I couldn't stop laughing. It's funny because it's true.

[KnightWRX]

Users don't really need to know who General Protection Fault is ;)

Who is General Protection Fault and why is he reading my A: drive ?

[Nero3000]

Mate, have you tried a MAC? You notice the difference - it is so eay and nice.

Yes...i have used a mac.

Its different, not good or bad different but different.

Windows is easy and nice.

[flooce]

At the end of legal copy when all of the text pops up it says Power PC instead of just PC.
It says "Power PC users" and refers to the concept of a "power user" rather to the hardware "Power PC".

[DELLsFan]

My favorite was Stacks - because it better addresses how Mac is better than the PC, not JUST what's wrong with the PC.

These are fun ads, but I wish Apple would more directly rebut the new Microsoft ads.

:apple:

[AdeFowler]

I'm finding these a bit tiresome to be honest, but it's good to see features like Faces getting a plug. Banging on about viruses scares me…

[MacAndy74]

Banging on about viruses scares me…

I admit that I hope this doesn't change any time soon for Mac. As a Windows user since, Windows 3.1; I love the fact that I'm far safer with OS X and a Mac than Windows Vista or Windows 7 (even with ESET or Kaspersky installed). It's a point that isn't wasted on me and is one of my top 10 reasons to get a mac!

[*LTD*]

but these ads don't even acknowledge the legitimate criticism that Macs are too expensive.

Why should they? It's not too expensive for me. It's not too expensive for the premium end of the market, which they are targeting.

Why should Apple deal on the cheap? That certainly isn't their image. If I was worried about price I wouldn't have bought a Mac.

Apple is certainly not going to start compromising their image and industry/consumer perception simply because there is a recession. It is perfectly feasible for a company to offer a product at the same high price point as before - the only variable being what kind of (greater) value that product now offers.

The last thing Apple should do is cave in to the low-cost netbook market and compete on price. That's a losing game and pretty horrible in terms of differentiation over the long-term. If Apple does offer a "netbook" solution, it'll be a more robust product with a higher price tag, that differentiates via small form factor + software rather than via a "cheap" alternative to a notebook, which is what nearly all netbooks are these days.

Image is everything. Image determines what the consumer, over the long-term, wants to associate themelves with.

[the vj]

I still think the youtube ad (Homeless) that was made by fans is better than all of them.

haha "Im Poor, But I Ain't Retarded" lives on forever :rolleyes:

These new ads are boring and I believe as well the homeless guy is the best.

[iOrlando]

"you are most critical of the ones you love"


i knew when i would go on macrumors.com, all you haters would say how these commercials don't work or are boring ..etc. etc. To that end i was not disappointed. (sort of how everyone and their mother on this site was dissing the new ipod shuffle....meanwhile they are flying off the shelves...)

[gnasher729]

The previous series of Mac vs. PC ads were a brilliant response to Microsoft's campaign, but these ads don't even acknowledge the legitimate criticism that Macs are too expensive.

Do you think "Macs are too expensive" is a legitimate criticism? If it is, then these adverts actually counteract it very nicely: They tell the customer that for many, many reasons, a Macintosh is actually worth more money. That is exactly the way Apple has to do that: Hammer into people's minds that Macs are better. Then, if someone says "Macs are too expensive buahhh", then you just point them to all these adverts.

[Full of Win]

2007 called - they want their commercials back

Seriously, this style got old a while ago. Apple, take some of your own advice....think different.

[Bonte]

Time Traveler was the best out of all of these.

For me too but a much better ending would be that all PC's were turned into a Mac but that would require some legal text to be displayed. :D

[Lesser Evets]

haha "Future PC just froze."

That's brilliant. Even Mac calls PC, FUTURE PC.
Thank god the future PC wasn't talking or he would make that sick-ass warbly-whiney noise PCs often make when freezing while playing audio.

[gnasher729]

Except they aren't as especially the first two sum up issues that also affect the Mac. You can't avoid installing software updates on the Mac :rolleyes:.

There is a difference how you install software update. Some bloke posted here that he left his computer with four hours worth of Photoshop work unsaved, and came back to find that Windows Software Update had installed some fixes for some software that he was never using, and in the process rebooted the machine with the result that all his work was gone.

Apple doesn't do that. Mac Software Update puts up a window, which you can just put in the background and ignore, or you tell it that you don't want the upgrades. And it doesn't just quit applications with unsaved changes.

[F/reW/re]

And Apple has no License Agreements? Yeah right!
For the smallest iTunes update.. I’m suppose to read all this?

http://bildr.no/thumb/393479.jpeg (http://bildr.no/view/393479)

[dannyboi83]

Its nice to see these adverts, and I love them. Windows system is rubbish, and those stupid adverts about cost of Mac's is just ridiculous. I have had numerous problems with my Vista laptop that is only 6 months old, and had the blue screen of death many times, whereas my Mac is just great. :D

[AlexisV]

Sorry, but the MS ones are cringeworthy and highly patronising.

Going on that "actually, Windows doesn't crash often at all" doesn't matter. It's ingrained that Windows crashes and Apple just play on that, whether it's true or not.

MS have a multitude of problems - getting people to buy machines, telling them they don't crash, telling them they're more secure, telling them they're fun and there are new features. All without alienating existing users and bringing in new ones. All in some sort of coherant campaign.

Except they have a new campaign every week and have no clear strategy. One week it's Bill Gates, the next it's Laptop Hunters, the next it's "I'm a PC" and then we have 8 year old kids making slideshows.

Bizarre.

Apple have it easy - make you want one, and tell you that the other option is rubbish.

MS can go on that Apple is expensive, but that just makes you sound cheap.

[nplima]

I admit that I hope this doesn't change any time soon for Mac. As a Windows user since, Windows 3.1; I love the fact that I'm far safer with OS X and a Mac than Windows Vista or Windows 7 (even with ESET or Kaspersky installed). It's a point that isn't wasted on me and is one of my top 10 reasons to get a mac!

That is fine, but if the malware is developed for OS X, then it's back to square 1: a load of clueless users making things worse for everyone else.

The advantage of using OS X in relation to malware exists today, but it won't surprise me that one of these days we find on these forums "hey, it's not Apple's fault that users are clueless and click on anything shiny they find on the internet!" :rolleyes:

[Chupa Chupa]

Mixed feelings about these. On one hand they were quite funny in parts on the other they were atrociously weak in terms of a response to Microsoft's ads plus, of course, they're opening themselves up to some heavy comeback if MS choose to pursue this.

Sometimes the best response is no response, i.e., to not even acknowledge the attack. To make a direct attack then feeds M$ and gives their ads free publicity. Instead Apple avoids the pissing match by doing what its been doing w/ the "I'm a Mac" ads. They cut down PCs w/o acknowledging any of M$'s failed ad campaigns. That's good marketing.

I don't recall all of the "I'm a Mac" ads, but wasn't there a "productivity" spot where PC says he cost less but then kept crashing while the Mac kept on working? That is essentially the retort Apple would make to M$'s ads. Maybe they should just run that one again.

[*LTD*]

Going on that "actually, Windows doesn't crash often at all" doesn't matter. It's ingrained that Windows crashes and Apple just play on that, whether it's true or not.

I see you "get" it.

That's the whole point of the ads. They work because they reinforce what we already know and perceive, and doe it with lighhearted humour wrapped in slick and stylish visuals. Apple ads look like very polished products.

MS is their own worst enemy.

[*LTD*]

Sorry, but the MS ones are cringeworthy and highly patronising.

Going on that "actually, Windows doesn't crash often at all" doesn't matter. It's ingrained that Windows crashes and Apple just play on that, whether it's true or not.

MS have a multitude of problems - getting people to buy machines, telling them they don't crash, telling them they're more secure, telling them they're fun and there are new features. All without alienating existing users and bringing in new ones. All in some sort of coherant campaign.

Except they have a new campaign every week and have no clear strategy. One week it's Bill Gates, the next it's Laptop Hunters, the next it's "I'm a PC" and then we have 8 year old kids making slideshows.

Bizarre.

Apple have it easy - make you want one, and tell you that the other option is rubbish.

MS can go on that Apple is expensive, but that just makes you sound cheap.

I quoted your whole post because it should be read in its entireity. Very well put. It's really as simple as that.

[pwn247]

well they might have worse actors and the camera work is made too look amateur like (to get that testimonial type of look) still both are just movies with more or less well scripted content.
I think that's the issue. Microsoft is really into tricking the buyer into purchasing a product, and on the ads they're really into tricking the viewer into believing that this is real even though it's fake. At least Apple doesn't try to hide the fact that the people in their commercials are actors.


Yes...i have used a mac.

Its different, not good or bad different but different.

Windows is easy and nice.
I just lol'd. You're kidding, right? "Windows is easy and nice"? HAHA! April fools was a few weeks ago, kid.


It says "Power PC users" and refers to the concept of a "power user" rather to the hardware "Power PC".
I think that was a bit of comedy on Apple's part. "Power Users" would refer to a computer user who's really into getting things done fast and efficiently. So power users on a PC would be considered "Power PC Users" right? ;) Funny, Apple, very funny.

I have had numerous problems with my Vista laptop that is only 6 months old, and had the blue screen of death many times, whereas my Mac is just great. :D
Same here. Unfortunately my school buys PCs from Dell (if that isn't an epic fail in itself), and as if that isn't bad enough they don't pay for support. So when a computer bluescreens here they just put it in a pile with other BSOD'd PCs in a closet somewhere and replace the computer with a new one. What a ********** waste.


Except they have a new campaign every week and have no clear strategy. One week it's Bill Gates, the next it's Laptop Hunters, the next it's "I'm a PC" and then we have 8 year old kids making slideshows.

Apple have it easy - make you want one, and tell you that the other option is rubbish.
+1

Again, like I said, the new "Laptop Hunters" campaign, and pretty much everything covered my Microsoft's rent-a-marketing team, lies to the consumer market. Until Microsoft can compare Vista or Windows 7 to Mac OS X Leopard and have some valid points (other than "we have more games"), I don't see me buying any Microsoft computer products anytime in the future.

[Chupa Chupa]

That is fine, but if the malware is developed for OS X, then it's back to square 1: a load of clueless users making things worse for everyone else.

The advantage of using OS X in relation to malware exists today, but it won't surprise me that one of these days we find on these forums "hey, it's not Apple's fault that users are clueless and click on anything shiny they find on the internet!" :rolleyes:

True, but largely hypothetical. Mac will never come even close to PC level market share, at least if they intend to maintain a 25-30% profit margin. Without a large market share, and especially in government and business, the Mac just isn't a profitable target for serious malware proliferators.

[Veri]

It was concluded that even when things went horribly wrong, computers giving polite error messages were perceived as much better products than computers giving technically explicit messages.
And yet it's not a better product - a BSOD is a BSOD, even if it doesn't announce itself as one. Anyway, I'm not asking for a full memory dump, just a "polite" admission that the computer has in some way messed up, not the user, with perhaps a hint as to where the blame might lie (hardware/OS/third party software). I've been developing for long enough, and yet the first time I saw a post-10.2 BSOD I didn't even know what was up.

Had something just installed in the background and require a reset - if so, why can't I Command-Tab out and shut down cleanly? Can I get out of this thiing so I don't lose work? Had I accidentally pressed a quick restart combination of keys? Was there some hardware failure, e.g. a thermal event?

OS X uses a concept known as a log file to write the technical details. Users don't really need to know who General Protection Fault is ;)
Agreed. They shouldn't need to know what Activity Monitor or "force quitting" is, either, but the OS is fairly poor at keeping misbehaving apps in line. Mind you, this is a common problem of consumer operating systems.

[*LTD*]

True, but largely hypothetical. Mac will never come even close to PC level market share, at least if they intend to maintain a 25-30% profit margin. Without a large market share, and especially in government and business, the Mac just isn't a profitable target for serious malware proliferators.

Excellent. May it always remain this way.

[*LTD*]

Yes...i have used a mac.

Its different, not good or bad different but different.

Windows is easy and nice.

Your standards are obviously very, very low.

The difference between OS X and Windows is like night and day. Totally different user experience, with a totally different hardware/software ecosystem.

A system in which the hardware/software isn't closely mated, and in which the user experience isn't tightly controlled to ensure uniformity, familiarity, and stability across the board, will NEVER be as "easy and nice" as a closed system like Mac/OS X. It's literally impossible.

[Bubba Satori]

I disagree. This is exactly how Apple needs to address the Microsoft ads -- with the same tactic that been getting people to make the switch. If Apple were to respond to the accusation that Macs are "more expensive", it would work against Apple. Just as every time Microsoft mentions a Mac in their ads, it works for Apple. I think more of these ads are what is needed to keep going in the right direction.

Besides, I'm sure it just angers Ballmer even more knowing that Apple just isn't budging!

Agreed. Stay the course. If it ain't broke...

[*LTD*]

Agreed. Stay the course. If it ain't broke...

Agreed.

The ads work on so many levels. Mac and PC guy are the tech world's Odd Couple. They're well known and lovable. Stay the course, these ads are golden and intelligently done.

[BillyBobBongo]

T... but it won't surprise me that one of these days we find on these forums "hey, it's not Apple's fault that users are clueless and click on anything shiny they find on the internet!" :rolleyes:

LOL, I hear that!

It's not the fault of Windows that viruses exist. I use both Windows and Mac OSX every single day. Both have their advantages over the other.

I've never once got a single virus on my Windows system. It doesn't crash on me and everything I plug into it works. I'll admit that using a Mac is easier. I don't think I could live without iPhoto these days, I love that application ;) .

Perhaps it's the fact that I'm European, but all this finger-pointing at each other and petty bickering just seems a little juvenile to me. It's not a form of advertising that will ever appeal to me. I'd rather that they advertised the merit of their brand without having to belittle someone else to emphasise their point.

[*LTD*]

I disagree. This is exactly how Apple needs to address the Microsoft ads -- with the same tactic that been getting people to make the switch. If Apple were to respond to the accusation that Macs are "more expensive", it would work against Apple. Just as every time Microsoft mentions a Mac in their ads, it works for Apple. I think more of these ads are what is needed to keep going in the right direction.

Besides, I'm sure it just angers Ballmer even more knowing that Apple just isn't budging!

Well MS doesn't know how to brand anything, except their users as cheap losers. Which might be unintentional on their part (back to branding incompetence), but it's still unfortunate for the user base. Their ads portray their products, their partners' products, and their users as just plain ugly, both visually and in terms of taste.

SJ was right, so long ago. MS really has no taste.

[Chupa Chupa]

Apple have it easy - make you want one, and tell you that the other option is rubbish.

MS can go on that Apple is expensive, but that just makes you sound cheap.


I think Apple's ads are more nuanced than Mac just telling you PCs suck. There are ads where Mac says why he is better than PC.

M$ did have a brief Vista ad campaign last fall explaining why Vista was great, but then they drifted off to the "I'm a PC" ads which had no real impact, the Seinfeld ads which were incomprehensible, and the laptop hunter ads which don't even mention Windows other than the laptops run them, even though if you were buying a laptop you'd probably compare the OS above everything else. In the end the Laptop Hunter cheers the cheap PC, but everyone already knows PCs cost less than Macs.

I don't think those ads make you seem cheap for buying a PC though, just uninformed. Heck it was just a few weeks ago people here (rightly so to a degree) that the new Mac Pros were overpriced. A less expensive Mac would be nice, and I wouldn't feel cheap about buying one. By that same token, if Mac and Windows prices were flipped (just the prices, everything else remained the same), I wouldn't pay more for a Windows PC than a similarly equipped Mac. People could call me cheap for buying a Mac. I wouldn't care a bit.

[twoodcc]

alright. they are finally responding

[*LTD*]

I think Apple's ads are more nuanced.

Which again, shows some depth from Apple. Very clever.

[*LTD*]

alright. they are finally responding

Well, in their usual way. There's no real acknowledgement of MS' ads here.

There's really nothing to respond too, though. MS ads are butt ugly and make their users and products look the same.

[Goona]

Exactly what I wanted to say but could not articulate in my post. Yeah, these ads are getting old.

And I guess Microsoft's new buy our cheaper crap ads are really good? :rolleyes:

[Goona]

Microsoft releases a campaign of new ads attacking Apple, that receive tons of attention and start a lot of discussion.

Apple, in response, releases a series of ads that could easily be confused as being a few years old by the average consumer.

The latest Conflicker virus sure ain't old and these ads address that.

[djellison]

The difference between OS X and Windows is like night and day. Totally different user experience, with a totally different hardware/software ecosystem.

Different user experiences? Really?

Turn it one. Load a browser. Browse the net. Watch something on You Tube. Load email program. Check email. Send email. Load Word. Write document. Print document. Turn it off.

That's 90% of IT usage - and to be honest, Mac or PC - it would be the same experience.

Then again...

"MS ads are butt ugly and make their users and products look the same."

I wouldn't expect you to respond in a mature, valid way.

[Goona]

y do people want apple to change THEIR ads. y change something that works. just because the people who visit these forums every day have grown tired of them.. dont mean the average customer has. if all the posters saying they are boring and need something different try and get a job at apple marketing dept and give fresh ideas. until then just hush if they work they work. if they dont they dont. who cares what you think.

Well said and it's these same people people praising the Microsoft ads for being clever with their cheap crap. Meanwhile Apple keeps beating these PC companies in customer satisfaction, while theirs falls down the toilet. Apple responds and it's Apple being the bad guy.

[iParis]

Wow! These ads are great! Can't wait for more!:D

[*LTD*]

Then again...

"MS ads are butt ugly and make their users and products look the same."

I wouldn't expect you to respond in a mature, valid way.

Watch the MS ads.

They SCREAM cheap, low-budget, Wal Mart, lower-middle class. It really isn't something people would associate with willingly unless (economic) circumstances compelled them to.

It denigrates the product and the user. There's nothing to aspire to in those ads, and in fact, it gives the disinct image/impression that getting a PC/Windows box means trading down due to price.

Apple wouldn't be caught dead putting out such an ad.

[Goona]

Love the new 'Get a Mac' Ad's :D Can't decide if 'Biohazard Suit' or 'Time Traveler' is my pick... (-: Clever and funny.

This Ad's will no doubt make many Micronerds really mad ;)
:rolleyes::apple:

They sure are mad, Microsoft says Macs are overpriced and can't do much and they are praised as being geniuses. Apple says PC's are virus ridden and crash and they get bashed, WTF.

I agree that they are great commercials. From a marketing standpoint, it is quite ingenious. They do not mention how Vista sucks. (Yes, it does suck as a product.) They stress the hardware over the software while dismissing the competition, quite effectively and with subtlety.

I wish that Apple would have done something to have addressed this perception of the "apple tax". They could have done a Mac vs. PC commercial showing off the "pc discount" for having to deal with Viruses, the trial software, and Vista.

LOL at this dude, you want Microsoft to mention how Vista sucks in their own ad.


Very very tired. Same crap they've been saying for years that still isn't true. They make it sound like every single PC gets a virus the instant you turn on, when in reality I don't know very many people at all who've gotten a virus on a PC, even when they weren't running AV software (outside of a corporate setting, where you're always going to have to deal with idiots infecting an entire network). Macs aren't magical, they're just as vulnerable and actually easier to hack, but no one bothers messing with 7% of the market. Sure there are more stories of people having trouble with PCs, but that's because there's 20 times as many people using them.

And what is this "maintenance" cost that they always talk about? Doesn't almost everyone in the world know at least one PC geek who will fix your computer for free if you actually do have a problem? Maybe if you live in backwoods Idaho or something.

Faces is a gimmick that doesn't work very well. It's something I guess, but a real highlight? If they hype it, people are just going to be disappointed. Bottom line, after being on the rise for a while, their market share is falling because overpriced merchandise + bad economy = lower sales. I always see a lot of people in Apple stores because they look so hip and trendy, but very few walk out with Macs -- if they have anything it's almost always an iPod or iPhone, or something small like a case. They play with the Macs, but one look at the price tag and they walk away.


LOL at the PC fanboys crying because Apple hurt their feelings, want a tissue.

[AidenShaw]

alright. they are finally responding

You call more lame, inaccurate stuff with lovable PC and smug, arrogant Apple jerk a response? LOL.

[macsmurf]

And yet it's not a better product - a BSOD is a BSOD, even if it doesn't announce itself as one. Anyway, I'm not asking for a full memory dump, just a "polite" admission that the computer has in some way messed up, not the user, with perhaps a hint as to where the blame might lie (hardware/OS/third party software). I've been developing for long enough, and yet the first time I saw a post-10.2 BSOD I didn't even know what was up.


What would you like the message to be? The BSOD/GSOD means that something entirely unexpected happened. At this point all the kernel can do is dump the memory and bail out. I've seen my share of BSOD's and I have never gotten anything more useful out of them than: "Something went wrong. Restart and cross your fingers".


Had something just installed in the background and require a reset - if so, why can't I Command-Tab out and shut down cleanly? Can I get out of this thiing so I don't lose work? Had I accidentally pressed a quick restart combination of keys? Was there some hardware failure, e.g. a thermal event?


So, what would you suggest? Given that the OS can most probably tell you nothing specific about the error.


Agreed. They shouldn't need to know what Activity Monitor or "force quitting" is, either, but the OS is fairly poor at keeping misbehaving apps in line. Mind you, this is a common problem of consumer operating systems.

Sure, but that is a different issue. At least they don't need to know "killall -9"

[Goona]

I've never understood criticisms like this. I mean... they're ads, fer @#$%& sake, not high art. Since when are ads tasteful? There's no such thing as a tasteful ad and if you think otherwise, you've been spending too much time in front of the TV.

And anyway, Apple has gone the so-called tasteful route before and their market share didn't budge. I always bring up the airplane ad, the one where the two people on either side of the Mac user are just amazed at what iPhoto can do.

Bo-ring!

That just didn't work. Not at all. In fact, that was at a time when Apple's market share was even dipping a little and going under 2%. That was an ugly time. Apple found their groove with these ads and their market share has crept upward which means they're getting attention and people are buying the product. And that's the sole measure of success when it comes to advertising, tastefulness be damned.



Please tell me you're being ironic with all this. Or is this the part where all the small print comes up?



This "market share means more viruses" argument was buried ages ago. Give it up already. There's no supporting evidence for it. If you have some, cite it. The only example we have is Windows and that's mostly the result of Microsoft's sloppy attitude toward security ("Gee, let's have Outlook automatically open attachment... what could go wrong?") And people have been saying this about Macs since they were 2% of the market. And Macs are moving toward 10% now. I mean, what's the magic number? What market share percentage will precipitate this nightmare invasion of OS X viruses?

Well said, we've been waiting for the invasion of viruses for years.

[Saladinos]

Microsoft releases a campaign of new ads attacking Apple, that receive tons of attention and start a lot of discussion.

Apple, in response, releases a series of ads that could easily be confused as being a few years old by the average consumer.

The 'ad war' isn't with the consumer - it exists in the minds of people like you. Microsoft can keep on saying their products are cheaper; these ads make the point that PCs are less reliable and don't work as well. The combination makes PCs seem like cheap rubbish, which is what Apple would like people to recognise.

It puts Apple's message across. Maybe they are more expensive, but there are benefits. That's all Apple needs to say.

[AidenShaw]

Leopard is fully 64 bit capable, so that complaint should be directed at the software devs, not Apple.

Leopard is a 32-bit operating system, with support for 64-bit application virtual memory.

Snow Leopard is a 64-bit operating system - Apple is realizing that Windows did 64-bit right the first time, and 10.6 is a scramble to do it right in OSX.


Adobe practically said, "We didn't feel like it this time, but we'll get you next version..." which is why I personally skipped CS4.

Perhaps, but this short-term bump will lead to advantages long-term as this will force developers to finally move to the newer Cocoa. Personally I can't believe that Apple themselves hasn't moved everything of theirs to Cocoa.

Apple shafted their third party partners by the last minute cancellation of 64-bit Carbon.

This forces the partners to do a lot of re-engineering just to stay in the same place. This is expensive, and can lead to new bugs in the re-engineered code.

Software houses prefer to put their effort into adding features for their customers, not to make the effort just respond to the operating system removing features.


Might as well. Windows 7 is just Windows Vista with a personality transplant and a new pair of Nike's ;)

Actually, that's a good thing. Vista is a solid, stable system with some UI issues.

Microsoft listened to the feedback on the UI, and Windows 7 is a nice, new personality on top of the solid Vista foundation.

Apple is going to looke even more stupid than the PC vs. Mac ads if they try to push the "personality transplant" angle....



2. Driver updates -- please list some.
3. Mac OS X auto-defrags the drive, no need for users to do anything.

Wait until 10.6 when Apple users have the problem with 32-bit and 64-bit drivers.... Every existing driver will need to be re-written in 64-bit.

[Goona]

http://www.9to5mac.com/microsoft-windows-7-three-3-applications

Apple could use this to attack Windows 7 when its released.

[Veri]

Watch the MS ads.

They SCREAM cheap, low-budget, Wal Mart, lower-middle class. It really isn't something people would associate with willingly unless (economic) circumstances compelled them to.

Meanwhile, outside of small pockets of bounty, everyone is "lower-middle class". What's to be ashamed of? Not everyone either follows the American Dream, or believes that the American Dream is necessarily about material wealth.

I'm proud to fashion something together myself that works. I'm happy when I've selected something satisfactory that uses the minimum of resources. There's a strong legacy of puritanism and protestant work ethic in the US that fosters both these feelings. These ideals, not over-consumption, built America.

(on BSODs) So, what would you suggest? Given that the OS can most probably tell you nothing specific about the error.
1. That there was an unexpected problem.
2. That it's not the user's fault, but perhaps hardware or software fault.
3. That the system cannot continue operating.
4. What Apple or (identified) third party code executing during crash.

e.g.

"The system encountered an unexpected problem and cannot continue without being reset. Unfortunately, unsaved work may have been lost."

"It is unlikely that you did anything to cause this. There may be an issue with (VMware Fusion/Mac OS X/the hardware), so (a report has been created that you can send to its author after reset/ditto to Apple/you may wish to call Applecare quoting reference BLAH)."

[djellison]

http://www.9to5mac.com/microsoft-windows-7-three-3-applications

Apple could use this to attack Windows 7 when its released.

Only if they released a Netbook to compete with the Netbooks for SOME of which, that MAY be the OS with which it is distributed.

Until Apple get off their high horse and produce a Netbook for £300 - then they have nothing to compare to the machines for which that Windows 7 verison is intended.

[daneoni]

very meh...

[Goona]

Only if they released a Netbook to compete with the Netbooks for SOME of which, that MAY be the OS with which it is distributed.

Until Apple get off their high horse and produce a Netbook for £300 - then they have nothing to compare to the machines for which that Windows 7 verison is intended.

Dude I'm sure if Apple released a netbook with Mac OSX it wont be limited to running 3 apps at a time.

[MrShoehorn]

i hate to say it but im dissapointed

the biohazard one really didnt repeat anything new... it just pretty much was saying "hey yeah, in case you guys forgot macs still have no viruses, just making sure you know"

time travelling one had to use the same old "ohh pc just froze" joke *rolling eyes*

the Stacks one was an obvious attempt brag about some feature macs have... which i guess works because apple should spend more time pointing out WHY macs are better instead of why PC's arent that great... but it still seemed like a bad ad.

the legal copy one was kinda funny, but again it was still just repeating same old same old "pcs arent perfect LAL!"


And the Microsoft ads said what was new? Oh yeah I forgot that they didn't. They said the same things pc users have been saying all along.

Note: Yes, both sets of ad's do repeat, but that's advertising, and it works.

~ Shoe

[Goona]

Why should they? It's not too expensive for me. It's not too expensive for the premium end of the market, which they are targeting.

Why should Apple deal on the cheap? That certainly isn't their image. If I was worried about price I wouldn't have bought a Mac.

Apple is certainly not going to start compromising their image and industry/consumer perception simply because there is a recession. It is perfectly feasible for a company to offer a product at the same high price point as before - the only variable being what kind of (greater) value that product now offers.

The last thing Apple should do is cave in to the low-cost netbook market and compete on price. That's a losing game and pretty horrible in terms of differentiation over the long-term. If Apple does offer a "netbook" solution, it'll be a more robust product with a higher price tag, that differentiates via small form factor + software rather than via a "cheap" alternative to a notebook, which is what nearly all netbooks are these days.

Image is everything. Image determines what the consumer, over the long-term, wants to associate themelves with.

I've seen some Hyundai ads attacking BMW and Mercedes saying you can can get one for cheaper, I guess BMW and Mercedes should start airing adds addressing Hyundai and why you should get one of their cars instead.

[JayMan8081]

Woohoo! Glad Apple released some more of these ads finally. I saw MS ads all weekend and it ticked me off to no end.

[organerito]

It is sad that the cannot do something different with their ads.

[Goona]

True, but largely hypothetical. Mac will never come even close to PC level market share, at least if they intend to maintain a 25-30% profit margin. Without a large market share, and especially in government and business, the Mac just isn't a profitable target for serious malware proliferators.

Who cares, right now Macs don't have a virus problem. Meanwhile in PC land they are dealing with Conflicker.

[*LTD*]

You call more lame, inaccurate stuff with lovable PC and smug, arrogant Apple jerk a response? LOL.

You don't "get" the ads, do you?

[Goona]

The 'ad war' isn't with the consumer - it exists in the minds of people like you. Microsoft can keep on saying their products are cheaper; these ads make the point that PCs are less reliable and don't work as well. The combination makes PCs seem like cheap rubbish, which is what Apple would like people to recognise.

It puts Apple's message across. Maybe they are more expensive, but there are benefits. That's all Apple needs to say.

All the recent customer satisfaction reports have Apple on top with all the PC companies dropping the ball. You buy cheap crap, you get a bad experience. This is the message Microsoft wants you to buy into when you buy on price.

[powers74]

I disagree. This is exactly how Apple needs to address the Microsoft ads -- with the same tactic that been getting people to make the switch.

I agree.

If Apple were to respond to the accusation that Macs are "more expensive", it would work against Apple.

They did, they just did it the Apple way
PC: "That sounds expensive"
Mac: "Not really"

Just as every time Microsoft mentions a Mac in their ads, it works for Apple. I think more of these ads are what is needed to keep going in the right direction.

Truely.

Besides, I'm sure it just angers Ballmer even more knowing that Apple just isn't budging!


It's like Steve has a new toy to play with up in Redmond. A pet gorilla or something. Ballmer must really put a spring in his step.

[diamond.g]

Dude I'm sure if Apple released a netbook with Mac OSX it wont be limited to running 3 apps at a time.

Good thing for us Apple has said that the netbook market is a nascent one they wont be competing in. Something about their inability to make a good computer for under 500USD...

[sreehemanth]

I thought the previous ad, the one where PC pushes all the money for fixing Vista to the advertising pile was hilarious. These new ads I found rather boring. Maybe Apple needs to change it up with something different.

I second with tubbymac... although the biohazard ad was good... the rest seemed to a bit hurried up, as if they were racing up to a deadline...

may be some more change is needed, to the way they make these "I am a Mac, I am a PC" ads....

[powers74]

Well said, we've been dreading the invasion of viruses for years.

At least this is how I feel about it!

[flopticalcube]

Time to move on from these ads. One of them is very poorly timed. The Time Machine one has PC freezing, just like some of the 4850-based iMacs do. :rolleyes:

[powers74]

You don't "get" the ads, do you?


I started skipping over his posts a long time ago.

[Goona]

At least this is how I feel about it!

When is this invasion coming, I've been waiting for awhile, getting kinda old.

[The Flashing Fi]

http://www.9to5mac.com/microsoft-windows-7-three-3-applications

Apple could use this to attack Windows 7 when its released.

Microsoft has had a Starter edition since XP, and there's even a starter edition for Vista. In the end it will be the manufacturer's decision on what they want to offer on their netbooks.

But then again, I don't expect a Mac site to actually report that. I also don't expect them to report that the Starter editions are typically reserved for emerging markets (like Africa, China, ect).

[AidenShaw]

Originally Posted by AidenShaw
You call more lame, inaccurate stuff with lovable PC and smug, arrogant Apple jerk a response? LOL.

You don't "get" the ads, do you?

No - and I'd think that if only Apple fans "get" the ads, Apple is wasting money preaching to the choir.

Justin Long's character is an arrogant jerk, and merely reinforces the stereotype of Apple users as self-important, arrogant, jerks.

Why does Apple want us to think that Apple users are smug jerks?

[Goona]

Microsoft has had a Starter edition since XP, and there's even a starter edition for Vista. In the end it will be the manufacturer's decision on what they want to offer on their netbooks.

But then again, I don't expect a Mac site to actually report that. I also don't expect them to report that the Starter editions are typically reserved for emerging markets (like Africa, China, ect).

So I guess running 3 apps at a time is a genius idea? :rolleyes:

[Consultant]

They are all pretty funny.

The legal copy ad actually has real text, if you get the HD version you can read it.

At the end of legal copy when all of the text pops up it says Power PC instead of just PC.

Where? Take a screenshot and highlight it. I don't see it.

[JavaWizKid]

The time machine one is soo true lol!!!

[*LTD*]

No - and I'd think that if only Apple fans "get" the ads, Apple is wasting money preaching to the choir.

Justin Long's character is an arrogant jerk, and merely reinforces the stereotype of Apple users as self-important, arrogant, jerks.

Why does Apple want us to think that Apple users are smug jerks?

So what?

Probably because we have plenty to be smug about, when it comes to Apple. Viewers of these ads simply want to get in on the fun. They've been quite successful so far.

Who doesn't want to feel smug and satisfied???

[kdarling]

The Legal Copy ad is pretty ironic, considering that Apple specifically denies any warranty on its own software.

Worse is the ridiculous assertion by Apple that iPhone jailbreaking should somehow negate its hardware warranty.... especially since the iPhone hardware warranty (http://www.apple.com/legal/warranty/iphone.pdf) specifically denies any connection with software, even Apple's own iPhone OS:

"Software distributed by Apple with or without the Apple brand name (including, but not limited to system software) is not covered under this Limited Warranty."

So much for fine print. Ignorance is bliss.

[Veri]

Probably because we have plenty to be smug about, when it comes to Apple.
Just because you have a bigger fist it doesn't mean you have to punch your weaker neighbour with it.

Viewers of these ads simply want to get in on the fun.
This viewer wishes Apple would target those who don't prioritize "smugness" as a reason to choose a particular product, or a reason to do anything. When I come away from some challenge judging I've done better than others, the last thing on my mind is, "aww yeah, I am so much better than you!" I mean, really, unless Apple's primary market is the set of know-it-all college freshm.. oh wait...

[mishendr]

Dude, they are two top computer industry competitors across the entire world. Put yourself in their shoes. Apple needs to educate consumers that there is a difference between Macs and Windows PCs. Too many still think Macs are costly alien devices that don't do what they want. That is wrong, and it ends up costing a lot of people a lot of time.

Euh..? Apple NEEDS to educate...? Eh... and why exactly? Are we all to stupid to decide for ourselves? Come on man.

If people think Apple is too expensive, then there is a reason. Smoke <-> fire thing..? If people think a PC with Microsoft is a virus magnet, there's also a reason.

I personally disagree with both statements. But I do think it is very childish to try to sell your product by comparing it to another product while saying that one is inferior. Let me, or independent reviewers, decide that.

[rwilliams]

Tag a face only once in iPhoto? LOLOLOLOLOLOLOL. Um, no. Faces does not work nearly as well as one would think.

[pwn247]

Tag a face only once in iPhoto? LOLOLOLOLOLOLOL. Um, no. Faces does not work nearly as well as one would think.
It only takes about two or three tags before iPhoto can fluently recognize the face, so that's not too bad at all. It even manages to automatically tag my dog :D


It's still the best face recognition technology available on a consumer market.

[zombitronic]

The "Laptop Hunters" ads try to take the focus away from the Windows OS.

Microsoft hopes to sell their software, which is what the "Laptop Hunters" ads are discreetly about, by dissuading the consumer from buying hardware which runs competing software, i.e., OS X. (Most of us know about Linux but both Microsoft and Apple campaign in a Mac or PC world.)

Apple, in response, as they've always done, is telling us why we don't want Windows (Biohazard Suit, Legal Copy, and Time Traveler) and why we do want OS X (Stacks).

[MH01]

Apple is really taking the Environment seriously... First "Greener" macbooks ...mac minis etc , now even their ads are "recycled"!

Apple is all about new, cool, trendy etc.... These ads are just getting way too predictable and boring. If these ads were a response to the M$ ones, lame.

[zombitronic]

Apple NEEDS to educate...? And why exactly? Are we all to stupid to decide for ourselves?

You don't learn about something without being taught.

I do think it is very childish to try to sell your product by comparing it to another product while saying that one is inferior. Let me, or independent reviewers, decide that.

Welcome to capitalism.

[Goona]

Apple is really taking the Environment seriously... First "Greener" macbooks ...mac minis etc , now even their ads are "recycled"!

Apple is all about new, cool, trendy etc.... These ads are just getting way too predictable and boring. If these ads were a response to the M$ ones, lame.

Oh its lame because Apple is talking about the strong points of their computers instead of come buy us because we're cheaper than the cooler alternative.

[Rob0711]

Apple is really taking the Environment seriously... First "Greener" macbooks ...mac minis etc , now even their ads are "recycled"!

Apple is all about new, cool, trendy etc.... These ads are just getting way too predictable and boring. If these ads were a response to the M$ ones, lame.

it simply is the same ad campaign as before. since only the freaks waited for an official response to the ms ads, for the rest of the world it´s just an ad. and least people watch all 4 in rapid succession. ,most will see them over the next weeks from time to time as they get aired. besides, why should anyone do a followup ad to the laptophunter ads ? frank already did that and made a way cooler one than the originals :)

[rwilliams]

It only takes about two or three tags before iPhoto can fluently recognize the face, so that's not too bad at all. It even manages to automatically tag my dog :D


It's still the best face recognition technology available on a consumer market.

Then you've had far better success with Faces than I have. And Windows Live Photo Gallery's facial recognition has worked better for me than iPhoto's. I'll give iPhoto one more shot before I just give up on the Faces feature.

[rwilliams]

The "Laptop Hunters" ads try to take the focus away from the Windows OS.

Microsoft hopes to sell their software, which is what the "Laptop Hunters" ads are discreetly about, by dissuading the consumer from buying hardware which runs competing software, i.e., OS X. (Most of us know about Linux but both Microsoft and Apple campaign in a Mac or PC world.)

Apple, in response, as they've always done, is telling us why we don't want Windows (Biohazard Suit, Legal Copy, and Time Traveler) and why we do want OS X (Stacks).

But if "Stacks" is the best they can come up with as a reason to want OS X, they need to really go back to the drawing board. I agree with the others - this ad campaign is really, really tired and Apple needs something fresh.

[Eidorian]

Meanwhile, outside of small pockets of bounty, everyone is "lower-middle class". What's to be ashamed of? Not everyone either follows the American Dream, or believes that the American Dream is necessarily about material wealth.

I'm proud to fashion something together myself that works. I'm happy when I've selected something satisfactory that uses the minimum of resources. There's a strong legacy of puritanism and protestant work ethic in the US that fosters both these feelings. These ideals, not over-consumption, built America.I'd be careful there. You might be singled out as a tasteless Windows peon that is completely incapable of understanding and unworthy of Apple's artistry and design.

Then again we are just talking about a computer. Do I have to be an artist to understand Apple and OS X? It might be time to turn in my Mac user badge.

[BTW]

Very nice. I think Microsoft's ads work well too. It all depends on what's important to you. All of my friends and relatives complain about viruses, slow performance, incompatibilites etc with XP and Vista.

The Mac OS has issues too but at least I don't have to deal with malware and slowness issues.

There is a botnet made-up of Macs out there but that is made up of people that pirated software. A similar scheme using adware to subsidize shareware software had been used in the past. I guess we can call the pirated software with the botnet extras "botware". You get what you pay for (You stole so now you're getting ripped!). :p

[MH01]

Oh its lame because Apple is talking about the strong points of their computers instead of come buy us because we're cheaper than the cooler alternative.

frankly, the Get a Mac is now over 50 ads (since 2006)..... yeah getting lame. Time for something new.

[yorkshire]

I love the legal copy one. Especially what PC says at the end and how much text pops up.

Would have loved to have seen a counter ad to the Windows ads though.

[Goona]

frankly, the Get a Mac is now over 50 ads (since 2006)..... yeah getting lame. Time for something new.

Yeah and I'm sure they'll bring out something new when they bring out their new OS, and these ads have been working, you just dont go changing something thats working.

[cjm3113]

The latest Conflicker virus sure ain't old and these ads address that.

The people who would mistake these ads for being old probably could not tell you what Conflicker was.

The 'ad war' isn't with the consumer - it exists in the minds of people like you. Microsoft can keep on saying their products are cheaper; these ads make the point that PCs are less reliable and don't work as well. The combination makes PCs seem like cheap rubbish, which is what Apple would like people to recognise.

It puts Apple's message across. Maybe they are more expensive, but there are benefits. That's all Apple needs to say.

My point is these ads no long grab attention. These ads are no longer something to look forward to. They do not get Apple's message across if they are not viewed.

I just think Apple needs to change it up.

[Goona]

How do you know these ads are boring the public, just because they might be boring to you doesn't mean its true.

[Gyrferret]

You know what's funny. I bought a MacBook less than a month ago, and yes, it out performs my PC. Only on certain tasks though. And that's not saying much because my PC is a FIVE YEAR OLD DELL!

Seriously, there's a lot of bias in this fandom....

And the Mac vs. PC ads got boring a long time ago.

[Goona]

You know what's funny. I bought a MacBook less than a month ago, and yes, it out performs my PC. Only on certain tasks though. And that's not saying much because my PC is a FIVE YEAR OLD DELL!

Seriously, there's a lot of bias in this fandom....

And the Mac vs. PC ads got boring a long time ago.

Yeah but Microsoft's lame "I'm a PC'' ain't boring right.

[dextertangocci]

I've never really found the Mac ads really tasteful. I thought the recent PC ads were a lot better. I almost didn't get a Mac because of the comercials. It really is tiring to hear the same repetitive FUD. I've always felt the Mac commercials were good at saying nothing.

It doesn't matter. Microsoft doesn't like them;)

[rwilliams]

Yeah but Microsoft's lame "I'm a PC'' ain't boring right.

They're not great ads, but they're not nearly as boring as Apple's ads have become.

[cjm3113]

Yeah but Microsoft's lame "I'm a PC'' ain't boring right.

It was new. It was new people on each ad. And it was a great campaign. Apple made "PC" into the fat, nerdy, bonehead. Microsoft was separating itself from that characterization. Made perfect sense.

[djellison]

Yeah but Microsoft's lame "I'm a PC'' ain't boring right.

So what?

Microsoft make boring ads, so Apple can as well?

What sort of argument is that?

[polaris20]

You know what's funny. I bought a MacBook less than a month ago, and yes, it out performs my PC. Only on certain tasks though. And that's not saying much because my PC is a FIVE YEAR OLD DELL!

Seriously, there's a lot of bias in this fandom....


Wow, that's such a scientific study of one laptop and one desktop.

[mikeinternet]

I think these ads have run their course.

Sure they are fun, but I think they should be more informative, their are many features that non-mac users still have no idea about.

[mikeinternet]

So what?

Microsoft make boring ads, so Apple can as well?

What sort of argument is that?

Maybe they're agreeing. Most commercials are just disruptions from what you really want to see anyways right?

How funny is it that the only time I watch commercials is when I follow links to them on youtube?

[pohl]

Aww, come on! I wanted them to destroy Microsoft's ad campaign, they all they deliver is some beating around the bush....

I thought the fact that Apple is willing to mention Microsoft's product in their ads (but Microsoft isn't willing to mention it in their own) is pretty aggressive and direct.

[Rob0711]

They're not great ads, but they're not nearly as boring as Apple's ads have become.

actually the laptop hunters are horrible. but they can´t get their ad strategy right either way. with this being the 4th different attempt (including the boygroup win7 viral) and they just can´t make their product desireable. the mac vs pc ads go the humorous way and do just what they intend. tell alot of people out there that there is competition to the normal ms way. since many don´t even know there is an alternative. if anyone really buys stuff based on ads... then this discussion really makes sense. all the others get informed that there is something out there. which makes you go to a shop and try it.

[Goona]

At least Apple's ad campaign has been consistent for the past few years. Microsoft on the other hand is a confused wreck, they seem to change their strategy every week. They started with Bill Gates and Seinfield, then try to copy Apple with their I'm a PC commercial and the Hodgeman lookalike, then they started showing little kids using PC's, and now they want to advertise cheap laptops, what a bunch of joker. What will we have next week? Idiots.

[MH01]

actually the laptop hunters are horrible. but they can´t get their ad strategy right either way. with this being the 4th different attempt (including the boygroup win7 viral) and they just can´t make their product desireable. the mac vs pc ads go the humorous way and do just what they intend. tell alot of people out there that there is competition to the normal ms way. since many don´t even know there is an alternative. if anyone really buys stuff based on ads... then this discussion really makes sense. all the others get informed that there is something out there. which makes you go to a shop and try it.

The problem is that the Apple ads do nothing for promoting the features of os x, they just take the piss out of PCs.

The M$ ads are good, because they timed them at the perfect time, during a recession.

[aethelbert]

Present-day Mac just froze while trying to load the freezing of future PC. yay for garbage advertising!

[MH01]

At least Apple's ad campaign has been consistent for the past few years. Microsoft on the other hand is a confused wreck, they seem to change their strategy every week. They started with Bill Gates and Seinfield, then try to copy Apple with their I'm a PC commercial and the Hodgeman lookalike, then they started showing little kids using PC's, and now they want to advertise cheap laptops, what a bunch of joker. What will we have next week? Idiots.

Yeah cause everyone can afford a MB or MBP. You must feel so much better then all those poor people that can only afford a cheap laptop, relate to the smug Apple guy from the ad by chance?

[Rob0711]

The problem is that the Apple ads do nothing for promoting the features of os x, they just take the piss out of PCs.

The M$ ads are good, because they timed them at the perfect time, during a recession.

actually the world works a bit more complicated than that. the apple ads do promote the old credo "it just works" in an abstract form. while the ms hunter ad just promotes the thought that you can get the pc´s for little money. which might or might not make an impact in our dwindling economy (from an advertising morale point of view that approach is though questionable since they try to make cash out of many peoples problems, which actually is the bad rich mans approach). but the point is. people already knew that macs are expensive. they only fostered apple´s it just works claim by doing that. since the average person always thinks it pays premium for premium. what you think about that doesn´t matter i didn´t want to start another this is true no that is true thing. since there is little point to do so anyway. most of the people writing and reading here are sort of educated users. we know what we have and why we've got it. it´s not about me or you but about the masses out there. that´s advertising.

edit: besides the ms ad agency not noticing that as well. did you see that the mac vs. pc ads have personified machines talking ? not persons ?

[adamw]

Excellent! I really enjoyed these new Apple Get A Mac ads.

[Bye Bye Baby]

Quite funny. I like these adds.

[rish]

I disagree. This is exactly how Apple needs to address the Microsoft ads -- with the same tactic that been getting people to make the switch. If Apple were to respond to the accusation that Macs are "more expensive", it would work against Apple. Just as every time Microsoft mentions a Mac in their ads, it works for Apple. I think more of these ads are what is needed to keep going in the right direction.

Besides, I'm sure it just angers Ballmer even more knowing that Apple just isn't budging!

Absolutely! I could not agree more. Apple needs to remain resolute and ultimately focussed. The MS ads came about as a result of the impact of the Apple ads and although not everyone will agree (and certainly you're entitled not to!) the Apple ads have made an impact. Apple need not respond to the MS ads directly or indirectly, to do so would be a serious flaw in the marketing strategy.

[thejadedmonkey]

I've never really found the Mac ads really tasteful. I thought the recent PC ads were a lot better. I almost didn't get a Mac because of the comercials. It really is tiring to hear the same repetitive FUD. I've always felt the Mac commercials were good at saying nothing.

What they fail to mention is that Windows has facial recognition, macs have trojans, about 50% of all new iMacs with the ATI card in them freeze (per MR stats), and that Apple computers have legal text too (http://www.apple.com/legal/sla/macosx.html).

All in all, I hope Microsoft BASHES Apple with Windows 7, because, frankly, Apple deserves it for such underhanded tactics.

[Winni]

I think these ads should have focused on the high quality of Apple computers, rather than the fallibility of other PCs.

Does this "fallibility of other PCs" explain why my Macs freeze so much more often than my Windows machines (which actually never freeze)?

The marketing department at Apple is still comparing their FreeBSD-based operating system with Microsoft's Windows 3.x/95. The folks in Cupertino should catch up with reality.

And if you really want to compare the "high quality" of Apple computers with PCs, you should be willing to also compare the high quality of the business and on-site service of various PC manufacturers with Apple's service (which must be purchased separately and does NOT include on-site service).

And on a related note, when people compare the prices of a Mac Pro with a Dell Precision Workstation and claim that the Macs are cheaper, they usually forget that the Dell comes with a three-year warranty AND a workstation-class graphics card. Add that to your Mac Pro and then compare the price again.

Anyway and whatever. Those ads are getting old and they're no longer as funny as they were. Especially because their message is simply not true at all and far from reality.

Besides that, the PC guy is still much cooler than the Mac guy. After watching those ads, most people will buy a PC just because the PC guy is the friendlier and funnier character.

[spritelyjim]

As advertising goes, Apple really makes its mark by heavy branding practices, meaning that while its advertisements get old they are still recognizable, and that might be enough for now. Think of how almost all of their commercials for each product line has stayed relatively the same for a long time, especially the iPod commercials. Tiring, yes, but well branded. Plus, the market they are targeting is probably people who aren't always on the pc vs. mac battle front, so using stereotypical arguments won't seem quite as tiring.

Microsoft is having quite a bit of trouble maintaining their branding, especially as they've needed to downplay the Vista style, and they've spent too much money on short lived campaigns. While their campaigns may seem more fresh, they're definitely not as easily recognizable. This practice alone has made the amazing HP "Hands" ads and especially the beautifully crafted Zune ads much less effective. Now, considering Microsoft's market-share, this isn't as much of a problem, but even Microsoft has admitted that the Mac vs. PC ads have taken their toll.

And as far as not being honest in their ads (Microsoft using actors in a documentary-like presentation, and Apple claiming to be the first to have a certain feature), unfortunately, like politics, that's the game you play. I hate it, but it's true.



As far as Macs vs. PCs, I grew up with PCs but now work almost exclusively with Macs. I run XP on my current Mac Pro. Even though that's not a balanced experience, I can say that from that experience that I've learned quite a bit:

It seems both systems run pretty darn well when you first buy them. Both systems get more clunky and crashy as time passes, unless well maintained. Both systems require quite a bit of updating when you first buy them, too. Neither come with anti-virus software, but only Windows requires it because of its proportionate market share. On both systems, I've had to use my savvy search abilities to find fixes for the most unexpected problems. Apple runs a tight ship by limiting it's options, while Microsoft tries to accommodate almost everything and becomes somewhat messy and complicated as a result.

By now you're saying: "Duh." Obviously the two companies are based on two different paradigms. But the paradigms don't stop there. I believe Apple's premium could be to pay people what they believe they are worth and not simply catering to the fastest and the cheapest. If that's true, I respect them for that, and am happy to pay what people believe they are worth, as long as it's reasonable and I'm happy enough with a good product that's up to date with today's standards. However, I believe that if market shares were reversed, we'd hate Steve Jobs' iron fist (think iPhone limitations) as much as we hate Bill Gates' disorder. I don't care if crappy video will make your iPhone look bad, I want crappy video, okay?



I don't want to just be the guy who says: "can't we all just get along?" Competition is healthy. I do think, however, that it's a good idea to leave the fanaticism to the commercials and instead bring real discussions of pros and cons to these forums. That way, neither Apple nor Microsoft could think they could dupe us just by being disingenuous in their ads.

[MadCow42]

I disagree. This is exactly how Apple needs to address the Microsoft ads -- with the same tactic that been getting people to make the switch. If Apple were to respond to the accusation that Macs are "more expensive", it would work against Apple. Just as every time Microsoft mentions a Mac in their ads, it works for Apple. I think more of these ads are what is needed to keep going in the right direction.

Besides, I'm sure it just angers Ballmer even more knowing that Apple just isn't budging!

I'm sure they could spin it well... I'd really like to see them directly combat the pricing myth: sure you can get a cheaper PC, but it's missing a lot of stuff that comes free with the Mac. Add up the extras (the most useful ones at least), anti-virus software, etc., and it's more neutral.

You could end with the two of them bumping into each other, and the PC guy falling into pieces and/or going up in smoke. You get what you pay for!

MadCow.

[Double J]

Very very tired. Same crap they've been saying for years that still isn't true. They make it sound like every single PC gets a virus the instant you turn it on, when in reality I don't know very many people at all who've gotten a virus on a PC, even when they weren't running AV software (outside of a corporate setting, where you're always going to have to deal with idiots infecting an entire network). Macs aren't magical, they're just as vulnerable and actually easier to hack, but no one bothers messing with 7% of the market. Sure there are more stories of people having trouble with PCs, but that's because there's 20 times as many people using them.

And what is this "maintenance" cost that they always talk about? Doesn't almost everyone in the world know at least one PC geek who will fix your computer for free if you actually do have a problem? Maybe if you live in backwoods Idaho or something.

Faces (http://macphotographytips.wordpress.com/2009/01/29/does-iphotos-faces-really-work/) is a gimmick that doesn't work very well. It's something I guess, but a real highlight? If they hype it, people are just going to be disappointed. Bottom line, after being on the rise for a while, their market share is falling because overpriced merchandise + bad economy = lower sales. I always see a lot of people in Apple stores because they look so hip and trendy, but very few walk out with Macs -- if they have anything it's almost always an iPod or iPhone, or something small like a case. They play with the Macs, but one look at the price tag and they walk away.

LOL at the PC fanboys crying because Apple hurt their feelings, want a tissue.

Who's crying? I'm just pointing out that Apple's ads are plain inaccurate. The laptop hunter ads were not great, but at least they're true -- a PC that does everything you need it to will cost half as much as a Mac. I'm no fanboy; a fanboy tries to justify spending 1000 extra dollars on their laptop because it *might* recognize someone's face in a picture.

[Goona]

The problem is that the Apple ads do nothing for promoting the features of os x, they just take the piss out of PCs.

The M$ ads are good, because they timed them at the perfect time, during a recession.

And these Microsoft ads are promoting the features of Vista their operating system right? :rolleyes:

[Goona]

Yeah cause everyone can afford a MB or MBP. You must feel so much better then all those poor people that can only afford a cheap laptop, relate to the smug Apple guy from the ad by chance?

So what about those who can't even afford a cheap laptop, I guess those with cheap laptops feel better than them right, get another point, your point is useless.

[cjm3113]

And these Microsoft ads are promoting the features of Vista their operating system right? :rolleyes:

They don't need to. You can buy it for half of the cost. Apple needs to show why they are worth twice as much.

[Goona]

What they fail to mention is that Windows has facial recognition, macs have trojans, about 50% of all new iMacs with the ATI card in them freeze (per MR stats), and that Apple computers have legal text too (http://www.apple.com/legal/sla/macosx.html).

All in all, I hope Microsoft BASHES Apple with Windows 7, because, frankly, Apple deserves it for such underhanded tactics.

The same Windows 7 with editions only allowing 3 apps to run at time, damn Apple will have a field day with that one, lol.

[rwilliams]

Who's crying? I'm just pointing out that Apple's ads are plain inaccurate. The laptop hunter ads were not great, but at least they're true -- a PC that does everything you need it to will cost half as much as a Mac. I'm no fanboy; a fanboy tries to justify spending 1000 extra dollars on their laptop because it *might* recognize someone's face in a picture.

I have to agree. There are many, many reasons why someone would want a Mac. I love mine. But that Faces commercial is the single dumbest excuse of a selling point I've ever seen. Just in case you're a big enough idiot to not be able to find your own pictures, buy a Mac because iPhoto has an unreliable feature that will find people by their facial features. Apple can and has done SO much better than that ad.

[Goona]

Who's crying? I'm just pointing out that Apple's ads are plain inaccurate. The laptop hunter ads were not great, but at least they're true -- a PC that does everything you need it to will cost half as much as a Mac. I'm no fanboy; a fanboy tries to justify spending 1000 extra dollars on their laptop because it *might* recognize someone's face in a picture.

Yeah and a 90 000 dollar Mercedes does the same thing as a 15 000 Kia, get you from point A to B, what is your bloody point.

[weaksauce]

While I agree with some of you that the current ad campaign is getting a bit old, it still get the job done. Any consumer who has seen this campaign can recall their favorite and think "Apple" and isn't that the point of advertising? The team over at TBWA\Chiat have done a great job with branding Apple products as the sleeker, albeit cooler alternative while maintaining a strong point of being user friendly. I will confess that every PC owner I know who argues that PCs are just as stable and MORE capable than a Mac are not average users by any means but are instead highly technical and knowledgeable in both the arenas of Software and Hardware. Just how many consumers are like that? Most of us on this forum I would argue are professionals who use Macs for work or are the technical geniuses who thoroughly know they're way around a computer no matter what OS it runs so I would say that we are not the average demographic these ads are targeting.

Nonetheless I would think the guys down in LA should stay away from addressing the price difference in Macs and PCs solely because in a cost vs cost campaign, the PC wins. Consumers could care less about "hidden costs" as all they see is the price tag at the store. I think they should continue to focus on Apple's image branding, user friendliness (for average consumers), reliability and quality of engineering. I mean, I would pay more for a BMW over a Ford despite both companies making something i can sit in with four wheels and a steering wheel to take me from point A to point B simply because the engineering mindset behind a BMW is more appealing to me vs. Ford. People will often buy what is more appealing, now what defines appealing is different to everyone.

Even in these rough economic times, I believe Apple products can be marketed effectively simply by showing how much more you get with a Mac and these ads do that. Legal copy and stacks especially.

[alhedges]

I think these ads have run their course.

Sure they are fun, but I think they should be more informative, their are many features that non-mac users still have no idea about.

I agree with this. The new MS ads are effective for 3 reasons:

1. They are tightly focused. Specifically, on people in the market for a new laptop who are curious about Macs.

2. They are concrete. This is the most effective part of the ad: they talk about money, screen size, memory, specific brands...even Blu-Ray. And all in the context about what you get with a PC that you don't get with a Mac. (And while there have been 1000's of posts here quibbling with the quality of the PC equipment, the ad is not demonstrably false, and these quibbles don't appear in the ad).

3. They discount the Apple premium as being purely for "flash" (not the program :). That's the subtext to the "Macs are cool/Macs are sexy" bit in the ads; the idea that you pay $100s more for a Mac only to look cool, even though, as a computer, it's not as good. In the last ad, the mother said that "Macs are popular among kids his age" - which suggests that people who can afford their own computer might like something more serious.

Conceptually, to counter these ads all Apple needs to do is to show that the extra money spent on a Mac is worthwhile. Apple should focus the ads on people who are either PC users thinking of switching, or on Mac users wondering if they should buy a PC next time. Ad money spent on people who would: (1) buy your product anyway; or (2) never buy your product; is wasted.

Thus, Apple should focus on the benefits that OSX brings - with a specific focus on usability and integration, and less focus on stability and viruses. In other words, the idea is to show you, the user, using OSX to do things easily. And not so much "Here I am, not getting viruses..."

Of course *how* you show something like this is the big question...one for which I don't have an answer. But I think that this would be an appropriate response.

But if there's not a way to do this effectively, then its best to not respond.

[djellison]

Yeah and a 90 000 dollar Mercedes does the same thing as a 15 000 Kia, get you from point A to B, what is your bloody point.

What's YOUR point? The utterly false car analogy?

How about if the 15000 Kia had the same engine, the same gearbox, the same chassis, the same suspension, the same steering wheel, the same bodywork....but lacked the AMG alloys and leather interior.

Which, then, offers better value.

[philips]

LOL. Hodgman is unstoppable.

Wonder why MSFT hadn't try to get him for their ads. I heard he's Mac user - I'm sure he can be as witty about Macs as he's about PCs. Or probably even wittier.

[Ubuntu]

bio hazard is my favorite!


edit -woot i'm finally first only took a few years :rolleyes: :p

Haha, grats.

I like these adverts, they're pretty funny, and true. I'm not quite sure which one is my favourite, I can't decide.

[weaksauce]

What's YOUR point? The utterly false car analogy?

How about if the 15000 Kia had the same engine, the same gearbox, the same chassis, the same suspension, the same steering wheel, the same bodywork....but lacked the AMG alloys and leather interior.

Which, then, offers better value.

Then the Kia would actually be a Mercedes. Please.

[Double J]

Yeah and a 90 000 dollar Mercedes does the same thing as a 15 000 Kia, get you from point A to B, what is your bloody point.

God the car analogy is SOOOOOOOOO STUUUUUUUUUUUPID.

[ikramerica]

I've never really found the Mac ads really tasteful. I thought the recent PC ads were a lot better. I almost didn't get a Mac because of the comercials.

And I "almost" believed you were serious.

Because nobody who knows anything buys or doesn't buy a computer because of a commercial...

[weaksauce]

God the car analogy is SOOOOOOOOO STUUUUUUUUUUUPID.

Among car enthusiasts, its the best way to argue price differences. I've gotten many if my car club members to understand why Macs are more expensive vs a PC using this analogy so please don't claim it as being "SOOOOOOOOO STUUUUUUUUUUUPID" I think that perhaps a more appropriate way to phrase your opinion on this would be to post "I don't understand the car analogy"

Believe it or not, I now have some people referring to Macs as "The German of computers" Whether that's good or bad, I don't know.

[philips]

I have to agree. There are many, many reasons why someone would want a Mac. I love mine. But that Faces commercial is the single dumbest excuse of a selling point I've ever seen.

Probably it's stupid. But to me the ad stroke accord with my personal Mac experience.

I started using WinXP (~2005, I went from WinNT4 to Linux ~1999, missed Win2K completely) shortly after I have bought my first Mac (iBook G4). The difference in first experience was quite interesting. On both systems, I have tried as much as possible resist installing 3rd party software. But with WinXP I had to wave a flag rather soon and pretty much every other week I had to install something to fill a gap in Windows functionality (image viewer, archiver, keyboard shortcuts, etc). With Mac that experience was opposite: every other week, faced with a new problem, I was digging up some new feature in Mac OS X to solve the problem at hand.

So my point here is that while Wintel PCs generally have very long feature lists (and that's why we use them), they also have numerous gaping feature-holes. Adding extra software doesn't always close the gaps, as new software at times create their own unique problems. With Macs it's opposite: Mac OS, right after fresh install, is well prepared to take on majority of tasks and problems most users are facing. Macs do not have killer features, they are strong with little tiny gems seeded all over the place - the tiny gems which make daily routine much more palatable. (My quote of the old days is that Mac OS X is just like *nix shell, but visual and with mouse support.)

Faces is just one of many such simple gems. It's nothing major, yet with proliferation of digital photography it's a bonus nice to have. Especially considering that P&S users rarely good at organizing their photos.

[djellison]

Then the Kia would actually be a Mercedes. Please.

Exactly...

So, Mac's are actually PC's.

It's not a Kia vs Merc issue.

PC's and Mac's are the same components, just with a different body kit.

That's the truth.

They just run a different OS.

[gkarris]

Conceptually, to counter these ads all Apple needs to do is to show that the extra money spent on a Mac is worthwhile. Apple should focus the ads on people who are either PC users thinking of switching, or on Mac users wondering if they should buy a PC next time. Ad money spent on people who would: (1) buy your product anyway; or (2) never buy your product; is wasted.


How about Apple, especially in today's economy, lower it's prices (or make it's products more value-added)?

Mini 2.0 1/160 = $549, 2/320 = $649

Drop the White MacBook, make a "basic Aluminum" one for $999. The middle for $1,199, high end for $1,399.

Drop prices on their other computers as well....

They probably won't as it'll look like they're caving in to MS's new ads...

[rwilliams]

So my point here is that while Wintel PCs generally have very long feature lists (and that's why we use them), they also have numerous gaping feature-holes. Adding extra software doesn't always close the gaps, as new software at times create their own unique problems. With Macs it's opposite: Mac OS, right after fresh install, is well prepared to take on majority of tasks and problems most users are facing. Macs do not have killer features, they are strong with little tiny gems seeded all over the place - the tiny gems which make daily routine much more palatable. (My quote of the old days is that Mac OS X is just like *nix shell, but visual and with mouse support.)

Faces is just one of many such simple gems. It's nothing major, yet with proliferation of digital photography it's a bonus nice to have. Especially considering that P&S users rarely good at organizing their photos.

I still wonder why Apple is able to include iLife on every new Mac, but Microsoft is forced to remove their equivalent, the Windows Live Essentials suite (Mail, Photo Gallery, Movie Maker, Messenger, Writer, etc.), and offer it as a free download.

[cjm3113]

iPhone commercials = great because they show you what a great product it is. Why don't they do the same with their computers?

[rwilliams]

iPhone commercials = great because they show you what a great product it is. Why don't they do the same with their computers?

You're spot on with that post. I love the iPhone ads and even go get my wife to show them to her. "Look at what this app or that app can do on the iPhone and the iPod touch." The Mac commercials, in comparison, are just dull, and fall far short of the iPhone commercials.

[djellison]

I still wonder why Apple is able to include iLife on every new Mac, but Microsoft is forced to remove their equivalent, the Windows Live Essentials suite (Mail, Photo Gallery, Movie Maker, Messenger, Writer, etc.), and offer it as a free download.


Ditto the hard link between iTunes and iPods. I don't mind it - but I fail to see how it is not guilty of the same things as Microsoft supposedly are. How come they can bundle Safari....but MS not IE. It's the same sort of thing surly?

[weaksauce]

Exactly...

So, Mac's are actually PC's.

It's not a Kia vs Merc issue.

PC's and Mac's are the same components, just with a different body kit.

That's the truth.

They just run a different OS.

*sigh*

Have you driven a Kia? Have a you driven a Mercedes? If you say yes and you still don't get it, then I suggest you stay away from car analogies.

[cjm3113]

*sigh*

Have you driven a Kia? Have a you driven a Mercedes? If you say yes and you still don't get it, then I suggest you stay away from car analogies.

You really do not get it do you?

Kias and Mercedes have all different parts made by all different manufacturers. PCs and Macs have all the same parts made by the same manufacturers. The analogy makes no sense.

[djellison]

*sigh*

Have you driven a Kia? Have a you driven a Mercedes? .

As it happens - yes. A Kia Rio, and Kia Picanto (both owned by my other half's mum at various points). And most recently, a Merc C180 (rented for a weekend for a long trip to Kendal)

But the analogy is totally false. Mac's are not a Merc compared to a Kia PC.

Merc's are made of better parts, more powerfull engines, cunning suspension, trick differentials, an amazing stereo,

Mac's and PC's are built with the same parts, from the same manufacturers, and even built by the same people in the same factories.

So - if you want to use a car analogy - you need to find two cars with all the same components, with a different label on the bonnet, and massively difference price tags.

The car analogy is utterly utterly false in every way. Every time anyone uses it in this place, it should be a palm-to-forehead moment for EVERYONE. I suggest YOU stay away from it.

[cwwilson]

I thought the previous ad, the one where PC pushes all the money for fixing Vista to the advertising pile was hilarious. These new ads I found rather boring. Maybe Apple needs to change it up with something different.

That was by far the best of all of them.