Anti-Vista Marketing at Apple Stores

[Dont Hurt Me]

Apple should concentrate on Computers, they use to make all kinds of systems for all kinds of users, Today we have crippled Mini, integrated crapo graphics and its missing a keyboard & Mouse Then we have ALL in One ,terrific if you own a decent display or Large screen Then the only real computer MacPro starts at $2500 plus its a overkill workstation for the consumer. Then we get to hear about Pods, Pods ,Pods, next will be phones Whatever happened to Apple Computer? Also Apple uses the same componets that Dell uses and even cheaper ones at times like its Intel crap o graphics that cost $4. At least Dell has options for video for christs sakes. MAC OSX is great , Apples hardware line is a joke for the consumer. Vista can be crap and it still wins.

 

[uNext]

Ummm...kids...stay in school....M'Kay?

Yes, kids please do stay in school. And learn that NASA dont have their own operating system-there is no such thing.

Good advice Bobcat.

And also kids please learn that apple fanatics will deiscredit anything going against apple-even if the company is far superior then it. Their minds have been distoreted so much that they still feel like aqua is above aero in the gui dpt. And they still feel like apple is this innovative company with great ideas lol

 

[clevin]

This has nothing to do with smugness, it has to do with Apple capitalizing on an opportunity that is perfectly in line with its Get a Mac ad campaign. If you are a Windows user and you walk into an Apple store, nobody is going to say "you suck because you use Windoze". What this Windows user will see, however, are subtle messages all around him illustrating the shortcomings of Vista compared to MacOS X. God forbid this Windows user think to himself, "yah, I hadn't thought of that, good point." THAT is the purpose of this campaign, not to insult someone's choice of OS. If you take it that way, then you are a pretty insecure person with bigger problems.

lol, u can't be sure about that, and u speak like steve Jobs. which, forgive me, i doubt it, highly.

 

[guzhogi]

I voted negative because negative campaigns suck.

I totally agree! Negative ads often make you look like a jackass rather than actually making what you're talking about look bad. Unfortunately, it's often easier (or feels better) to point what's wrong w/ other people than what's right about yourself.

 

[BlackMax]

Since Apple are the little guys, they got nothing to lose by making puns at Vista, everyone knows Vista (good or bad). But Microsoft will have to either ignore them, or counter-attack by making puns at Leopard.

Absolutely Correct! Its a win/win situation for Apple. Ignore us and we get our message out. Counter-attack and we get our message out to an even wider audience.

 

[Digital Skunk]

Joke?????

Apple should concentrate on Computers, they use to make all kinds of systems for all kinds of users, Today we have crippled Mini, integrated crapo graphics and its missing a keyboard & Mouse Then we have ALL in One ,terrific if you own a decent display or Large screen Then the only real computer MacPro starts at $2500 plus its a overkill workstation for the consumer. Then we get to hear about Pods, Pods ,Pods, next will be phones Whatever happened to Apple Computer? Also Apple uses the same componets that Dell uses and even cheaper ones at times like its Intel crap o graphics that cost $4. At least Dell has options for video for christs sakes. MAC OSX is great , Apples hardware line is a joke for the consumer. Vista can be crap and it still wins.

Apples' hardware is not a joke for a consumer... What is that.... why even say that? People are buying the stuff, it works perfectly, and it is all they need. Most consumers are happy with the options Apple gives them. There is no way consumers are going to say,

"i am looking for an Nvidia FX 4500 to stick in my 17" iMac."

The hardware is fine. if you want a cheap box with good components then get a Dell.

There is no way that the 24" or 20" iMac is not enough computer for the average consumer. A visual arts professional.... maybe... then they would either get the MacPro or a customized iMac. What's the problem???

 

[nagromme]

I also see a number of people suggesting that Apple should be afraid to "upset" Microsoft.

Microsoft won't be "upset" into action for emotional reasons. MS will act (perhaps not always intelligently ) for profit and sales reasons.

In other words, style or "tone" (which is still an unknown for this store campaign!) will not provoke MS into taking action against Apple. Selling too many Macs, in theory, might.

So, is the argument that Apple should not sell TOO many Macs, or Microsoft will retaliate? Like canceling Office?

Well, they might--they have done such things before. However:

1. They would risk anti-trust action, and Bush's Department of Justice won't be in control forever.

2. They might cancel Office anyway, even if Apple DID keep Mac sales low on purpose.

3. There ARE alternatives to Office--even free ones. It would take time and money to polish them up, but Apple (and others) have both. I doubt Apple has an Office clone ready now, but I am sure they have considered various plans for surviving without Office.

4. Once upon a time, the Mac had little momentum and was highly dependent on Office. Not now. Now, the lack of new versions of Office would hurt a lot--but it would not be a death blow.

5. Things do change with time. Microsoft will not be able to bully the whole industry forever. They do NOT always get their way. I feel it's OK to risk making them scared.

I don't think Apple should hold back Mac sales on purpose. And I don't think anything BUT sales is going to "upset" MS enough to cancel Office.

 

[clevin]

Absolutely Correct! Its a win/win situation for Apple. Ignore us and we get our message out. Counter-attack and we get our message out to an even wider audience.

i do agree its effective, but... really low class

 

[direzz]

does apple think that they can get away with this forever?
i think its childish that a billion dollar corporation has resulted in lemonade stand marketing.

"my lemonade is better than yours."

apple. i love my mac. i love os x. but plese, SHUT UP.

 

[Freyqq]

OSX deserves better than the cheap $600 Dells you and your friends apparently buy. OSX runs well because it is made for certain hardware that is in a closed system, similar to why iTunes-iPod works. OSX WILL NEVER BE RELEASED FOR GENERIC PC's. EVER. GET OVER IT.

Apple's computers aren't more expensive, they just don't sell pieces of crap.

If you want a piece of crap, just extend your hand between your legs about an hour after dinner, or right after you wake up, whichever is your preference.

mac minis may look pretty..but they do use laptop components and core duos...

 

[nagromme]

Has anyone actually seen these store displays and t-shirts? How does anyone know whether the are smug or insulting?

To some people (who are vocal on forums but are NOT the average computer shopper), ANYTHING that makes OS X out to be better than Windows is insulting.

That says more about the person than about the OS however

 

[clevin]

does apple think that they can get away with this forever?
i think its childish that a billion dollar corporation has resulted in lemonade stand marketing.

"my lemonade is better than yours."

apple. i love my mac. i love os x. but plese, SHUT UP.

isn't childish is what Steve Jobs is proud of? he is age-insecure,

 

[sonnys]

BAD BAD BAD BAD BAD Marketing idea!

Never directly confront a competitor that is so much larger than you head-on. All Apple has to do is keep releasing hardware and OS's that are strong enough to speak for themselves.

Lets anger MS some more, maybe they will pull the plug on Office then, as they did with IE and Windoze Media. (which although I dont really like any of those products, they are necessary evils. If MS ever dropped Office, alot of us would be forced to become "switch-back-ers"

You need a lesson in marketing. A big reason to not attack a larger competitor is to stay off that competitor's radar -- if you're a startup company and are developing a solution that directly challenges the big boys, but you don't want to make waves until you're fully launched and have all your ducks in a row. Apple has been the underdog for a long time, and underdogs have nothing to lose by attacking their larger competitors. You can't change the status quo without educating those who are ultimately responsible for changing that status quo -- consumers.

Microsoft cannot "pull the plug" on Office on a whim, and companies don't respond in such a knee-jerk fashion as their more emotional customers. My understanding is that MS is under contractual obligation to continue developing and supporting Office through some date, but regardless, Microsoft's Mac BU is making money for Microsoft. Why would Microsoft disband a profitable venture because (wah!) it doesn't like Apple's ad campaign? Can we get a dose of reality here?

 

[steve_hill4]

Truthfully Vista isn't terrible as far as windows releases go. One company I do some work for upgraded right away so I've used their computers. In fact I'm on a Dell Latitude c600 right now. 1.0ghz, 768mb ram, probably 4 years old, Vista business. It's darn slow, they should have left XP on these old things, but the only problem they've had so far is that they got x64 for the executives C2D laptops, and the driver support is AWFUL. most execs are back on XP, some on 32bit vista. Apple is really on the ball with the integrated seamless 64bit support in Leopard, so much better thought out. Selling 64 and 32 bit versions of Vista...classic Microsoft.

Do we know yet how good the drivers will be for 64bit Leopard, or how well 64bit Leopard will be in general? My guess is it will be fantastic, but until launch day, you'll never be in a position to say that the 64bit install will work as well or better than the 32bit install. It appears people around here, myself included, think Leopard will have no problems whatsoever. It will be released, everyone will realise how much better and stable and secure it is over Vista and switch.

I don't like negative advertising, but yes it often works. There are strong laws against direct comparative advertising in the UK. You must make no mention of an actual competitor when talking about how much better your product is than the rest. I like it like this. We all know who they refer to, but they can't by name. This way, it forces companies more and more to advertise their product rather than criticise others. If your product really is that much better, sing it's virtues and let the people decide. How about Apple's ads busting more and more myths? I loved the Get A Mac ad where he tells him he's run office for years. I talk to people daily who still believe they won't be able to run office on a mac, or who are worried their music and photos won't be readable as it's a different system.

Mac. It's the same as any other computer, but it just works.

 

[sonnys]

If MS was as shortsighted as some people on this board and decided to cancel Mac Office, which is profitable for them, I am pretty sure Apple has a contingency plan and unreleased products it could bring to market to fill the void rather quickly. It doesn't right now because it doesn't need to -- Office is great -- but if Office went away, you can be sure Apple will have an Office replacement with 90% of the features and functionality right off the bat.

I also see a number of people suggesting that Apple should be afraid to "upset" Microsoft.

Microsoft won't be "upset" into action for emotional reasons. MS will act (perhaps not always intelligently ) for profit and sales reasons.

In other words, style or "tone" (which is still an unknown for this store campaign!) will not provoke MS into taking action against Apple. Selling too many Macs, in theory, might.

So, is the argument that Apple should not sell TOO many Macs, or Microsoft will retaliate? Like canceling Office?

Well, they might--they have done such things before. However:

1. They would risk anti-trust action, and Bush's Department of Justice won't be in control forever.

2. They might cancel Office anyway, even if Apple DID keep Mac sales low on purpose.

3. There ARE alternatives to Office--even free ones. It would take time and money to polish them up, but Apple (and others) have both. I doubt Apple has an Office clone ready now, but I am sure they have considered various plans for surviving without Office.

4. Once upon a time, the Mac had little momentum and was highly dependent on Office. Not now. Now, the lack of new versions of Office would hurt a lot--but it would not be a death blow.

5. Things do change with time. Microsoft will not be able to bully the whole industry forever. They do NOT always get their way. I feel it's OK to risk making them scared.

I don't think Apple should hold back Mac sales on purpose. And I don't think anything BUT sales is going to "upset" MS enough to cancel Office.

 

[PNW]

Oh come on the Mac/PC adds are starting to get a little old but they are still pretty funny. I use Windows from time to time and frankly am big enough to take it. Plus Vista looks to be pretty much a nightmare and Apple would be foolish not to point that out.

Why shouldn't Apple make it possible for OS X to run on a "Windows" box. Ever since OSX came out I've felt it was superior to Windows, but the last time I bought a box my Apple choices were an iMac that was priced right but not enough computer for my needs or 3K for a power mac that was more computer than I needed. So I built my own box and loaded it as a dual boot Windows/Suse system. I'm about ready for a new box and I find myself in the same place. iMac isn't enough (plus it comes with a monitor that I neither need nor wish to pay for and I can't add /remove components), while the power mac costs too much and has way more power than I need or want to pay for.

While Dell's $600 boxes may suck I have a box running openSuse in my kitchen that I put together 2 years ago for $400 that has a little less processor (single core 2.8G, 64 bit AMD) but much more RAM and video card than a mini and as such is an infinitely better box for my needs. Linux comes with it's own set of headaches that I would gladly trade for OSX, if I wasn't tied down to the hardware Apple feels I should be happy to buy

 

[sonnys]

does apple think that they can get away with this forever?
i think its childish that a billion dollar corporation has resulted in lemonade stand marketing.

"my lemonade is better than yours."

apple. i love my mac. i love os x. but plese, SHUT UP.

Maybe you're the only person who takes it that way because you are prone to those types of comparisons in your own life?

 

[clevin]

Maybe you're the only person who takes it that way because you are prone to those types of comparisons in your own life?

u are being very insulting, really

 

[sonnys]

Apple should concentrate on Computers, they use to make all kinds of systems for all kinds of users, Today we have crippled Mini, integrated crapo graphics and its missing a keyboard & Mouse Then we have ALL in One ,terrific if you own a decent display or Large screen Then the only real computer MacPro starts at $2500 plus its a overkill workstation for the consumer. Then we get to hear about Pods, Pods ,Pods, next will be phones Whatever happened to Apple Computer? Also Apple uses the same componets that Dell uses and even cheaper ones at times like its Intel crap o graphics that cost $4. At least Dell has options for video for christs sakes. MAC OSX is great , Apples hardware line is a joke for the consumer. Vista can be crap and it still wins.

Hmm, let's examine this. If you are an entry level Mac user, you don't need or want a high end graphics card -- chances are you don't even know what that is. Mac Mini is perfect. Perhaps there are those who don't want a Mac, but want to find a way to get their iTunes content onto their TV... oh wait, there's AppleTV! Then there are the mid-range computer users who want a nice screen and feature set, so they have the iMac which is as fast as anything in its price range. Those who want lots of expandability to do their own thing are high end users, and that's what the Mac Pro is all about.

People who make statements such as yours just sound like they are upset they can't afford the most power Mac system, so they bash Apple for not putting the Mac Pro's capabilities into a Mac Mini box for under $400. Your arguments have no basis and hold no water.

 

[Freyqq]

Hmm, let's examine this. If you are an entry level Mac user, you don't need or want a high end graphics card -- chances are you don't even know what that is. Mac Mini is perfect. Perhaps there are those who don't want a Mac, but want to find a way to get their iTunes content onto their TV... oh wait, there's AppleTV! Then there are the mid-range computer users who want a nice screen and feature set, so they have the iMac which is as fast as anything in its price range. Those who want lots of expandability to do their own thing are high end users, and that's what the Mac Pro is all about.

People who make statements such as yours just sound like they are upset they can't afford the most power Mac system, so they bash Apple for not putting the Mac Pro's capabilities into a Mac Mini box for under $400. Your arguments have no basis and hold no water.

PC manufactures do have a better price/component ratio because they use conroe chips...apple DOES need lik a 1000$ model with conroe

 

[sonnys]

u are being very insulting, really

I don't think so. It's a basic psychological tenet that people project their own shortcomings onto those around them, I don't see why this should be any different. I'm sorry you don't appreciate my pointing this out, but perhaps there is a reason for that as well.

 

[weitzner]

Funny how apple claims microsoft is nothing compared to them. But are spending millions on ads to make you believe it.

lol

Microsoft is up there and its not coming down. I DONT SEE
hospitals, nasa, goverment etc. Going with mac os x
at the end of the day microsoft is far superior on alot of stuff
apple lacks... and apple is great on what microsoft lacks they balance each other out.

All microsoft has that apple doesn't is a lot more software. That's about it. I can't think of anything that Windows does that is difficult to do in OS X let alone impossible. The real reason the government and all use windows is because they'd have to buy all of their software again, and that makes no sense.

Edit: Also, I'm pretty sure most people in my government drink the blood of virgins to live longer, which might have something to do with why they use windows.

 

[clevin]

All microsoft has that apple doesn't is a lot more software. That's about it. I can't think of anything that Windows does that is difficult to do in OS X let alone impossible. The real reason the government and all use windows is because they'd have to buy all of their software again, and that makes no sense.

Edit: Also, I'm pretty sure most people in my government drink the blood of virgins to live longer, which might have something to do with why they use windows.

a lot more softwares + alot more combination of hardwares, thats more accurate.

 

[ksgant]

Ok, I think these ads are childish and not warranted and I too think that Apple should show people they're strengths, and not try to put down the competition by showing their faults.

BUT. What is with the people here with comments like "I don't like Apple's smugness so I'm going to switch to Ubuntu Linux on my Mac" or "I'm not getting a Mac now because these ads are annoying". You mean to tell me that advertising actually influences what you use? Just because of an advertising campaign you're going to throw the baby out with the bathwater? Sorry, that's idiotic and just plain shallow. Hate to be blunt, but I think some of you need a little bluntness smacked across your face to wake you up out of a stupor.

 

[firebox]

Agreed..

Actually around half of Macs sold in Apple Stores are to FIRST-time Mac buyers: switchers from Windows. The Apple Stores have a big role to play in explaining why Mac is better than Windows.

I live and work in Jersey, Channel Islands. In our Premium Reseller store, according to last months figures around 70% of the macs we sold are to first time Apple buyers and it is amazing, as a switcher, to have watched the interest in the Apple OS escalate in the past 6 years. When i first switched i swear i though i had found the holy grail because people just didn't seem to be aware that there was an alternative to Windows. I switched because trying to produce music on a Windows machine was nothing less than a nightmare and after using my first Apple computer for no more than a week i was addicted to this "fridge-like" way of just getting things done!

I have NEVER been a salesman, and even now 90% of my work is in Networking Solutions and Training, but when i rarely get the chance to hang around on the shop floor for a while it is a pleasure talking to people about how the OS could really help them just get things done. I don't SELL customers Apple computers, i just strongly believe that any person, shown a tool that will suite them better than something they already have, will buy it. I know i certainly did!

The "Get a Mac" adverts merely place Apple in the public eye, and yes, they are very close to that imaginary line that we call "smug" or "snarky" but as some users have quite rightly pointed out if we merely just advertised the bare facts about viruses and software compatibility who would care? 90% of PC users already accept that there computing experience will be crippled by the constant intervention of anti-virus, anti-spyware, anti-[place unacceptable/forced to accept threat here] software. The fact is that these adverts, by treading so closely to this line, grab peoples attention... Hell, Ferrari owners are smug but that is because their cars rock!!!

I see it as the perfect time to grab the home users attention, and also the perfect time to show Windows users that there is a choice! Even if the publication of these adverts just makes them want to pop in for a look, they will at least start to acknowledge that there is an alternative to Windows, then, when they do buy that new Dell and get utterley frustrated at how things just don't work they will hopefully remember all of the wonderfull things that my collegues or myself had shown them!

We (myself included) are far to wrapped in this cult-like following to appreciate fully how general home users feel about the way computers should be according to them. Maybe we should stop being so hard on Apple's marketing team and just accept that this is a very good opportunity to make the point that OS X is an EXTEMELY good home user-orientated OS, and trust them to try their hardest to get that message out there. Besides, they are humorous!

My 2p..