Apple Officially Ends 'Get a Mac' Campaign, Revamps 'Why You'll Love a Mac' Feature

[TennisandMusic]

Sounds like Apple is exchanging one lying ad campaign for another. Seriously, just about everything on there, except maybe "better support" is a flat out falsehood. Better hardware, software, and OS? On what planet? This marketing preys on people's ignorance while appealing to their superiority complexes. A dangerous combination.

My experiences with Applecare (but I thought Macs just work?) have been great, but I have read plenty of horror stories on this site, so I suppose better support is hit or miss. Though it's better than offshore phone support either way I imagine.

But come on Apple...Your iMac is basically a defective product, your Mac Pros are ridiculously overpriced and "out of date" and your new MBP's are very expensive and like to freeze. start producing a better product. Results speak for themselves.

 

[alent1234]

Where are Dell machines made? Are they still being assembled in Ireland or have they moved to China like everyone else? I'm asking because something must be up with import duties, exchange rates etc that makes the difference between Dell and Apple pricing in the US so small. I see this "when you add all the options to a Dell machine it costs the same as a Mac" argument from time to time, but everytime I've checked dell.se vs. apple.se I find it impossible to make any Dell config cost roughly the same as an Apple config.

OK, before I try this... yes, we know about plastic vs. aluminum and cable-free vs. messy interior, but unless anyone can put a correct pricetag on that we can only go by specs. So...

Mac Pro quad 2.66 basic configuration
3 GB RAM (3x1)
1x 640 GB HD
1x GT120 512 MB
1x Superdrive
OS X, wired keyboard, wired mouse
AppleCare 3Y plan

26990 SEK incl VAT ($3408)

Dell Precision T3500
(that's a certified workstation from their professional series, not the flimsy plastic consumer garbage)

Quad Xeon 2.8 W3530 (they no longer have the 2.66 W3520 used in the Mac so I have to pick the closest)
750 GB HD (no 640 available option)
3 GB RAM (3x1)
1x NVidia Quadro FX580 512 MB
1x 16x DVD+/-RW
Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit, wired keyboard, wired mouse
3Y on-site support included

16388 SEK incl. VAT ($2069)

So that's a $1339 difference even with slightly better specs on processor and hard drive. The Dell has a bit of "pro tax" as well, for certification etc, which makes it much more expensive than the consumer models. Other than differences in enclosure and design, and OS, these really are comparable machines.

And I'll tell you where the bulk of this discrepancy comes from: The W35XX series is very dated. In the beginning, Dell charged much more for it, but the price dropped continuously over time, and now the W3540 2.8 GHz is sort of a "bargain bin option" when you configure a T3500. You can get it with spanking new Intels as well, but they cost much more, even with lower clock speeds. Apple doesn't do that (=adjust the prices to reflect the dropping cost of aging components), therefore Macs become relatively more expensive than comparable products for each passing day after the latest refresh by Apple.

I hope Apple isn't drawing the wrong conclusions from this, like "hey, we're not selling enough Mac Pros, let's discontinue them!" Well duhhhhh. If you make a model for the most specification-aware customer segment you can't really expect them to keep buying such a dated machine at such a high price. Update the Mac Pro *and* its price more frequently, problem solved.

I'm willing to pay the Apple tax myself, because I need both OS X and Windows and I'm not gonna buy two laptops and two desktops for that, but to say that the markup is a myth just isn't true. At least not in Europe, at least not when it comes to desktop models. As for the laptops and iMacs, those are more competitively priced and that's another story.

but you get GarageBand with a Mac Pro that you don't get with a Dell workstation

 

[DesmoPilot]

Those will definitely go down as classics. Right up there with "Where's the Beef!"

Where's the beef was cool though. "I'm a Mac/I'm a PC" were so very annoying.

 

[Anuba]

but you get GarageBand with a Mac Pro that you don't get with a Dell workstation

Right. I'm sure GarageBand is lovely and all, but... I use Cubase, Record and Reason, so G-band is mostly a waste of disk space (along with the rest of iLife, except iPhoto). Music is however the main reason why I reluctantly switched to Mac, it worked fine on PC back in the days of PCI soundcards but ever since firewire audio became the norm I always had trouble finding a glitch-free combination of audio device, PC and software. Firewire was always overlooked on PCs, both by Microsoft and the hardware vendors.

 

[satcomer]

Actually, all PCs have a piece of technology that originates form the 80s and hasnt changed much since.

*BIOS* Cough.

+1

 

[spillproof]

I kind of forgot about those ads. They were mildly funny at best but I never cared for them as I was a PC when they first started airing.


I know they are all on YouTube but I saved them all from the Canadian site in HD anyway.

 

[Anuba]

I kind of forgot about those ads. They were mildly funny at best but I never cared for them as I was a PC when they first started airing.

Many were mildly amusing, the one I found truly funny was the one where a secret service agent acted as Vista's User Access Control and kept pestering PC with "confirm or deny" after every sentence... that one was so true... But the ones that resorted to gratuitous "virus and malware FUD" were depressingly lame and felt 10 years old.

 

[wisty]

Yes I guess on could call it "taste" but from an esthetic point of of view I think it is hard to argue. One may be "used to it" but that does not make it better.

Here is an example:

WINDOWS

MAC

Hard to argue that Mac version is not cleaner, clearer and smoother and easier on the eyes.

Not really. Windows forces every pixel to be black or white, to make it cleaner.

Windows sucks for large fonts (like the title), as it creates jagged edges.

Windows is arguably better for body text, because it doesn't get fuzzy. This is the sweet spot for Windows, as the jagged edges aren't too noticeable, and the characters aren't yet horribly distorted. If you are used to Mac rendering (or if you really need to know what the printout will look like) then Mac may be better. But I still prefer Windows for body text fonts.

Mac is better for really small fonts though, because Windows distorts the characters too much.

 

[chewietobbacca]

Actually, all PCs have a piece of technology that originates form the 80s and hasnt changed much since.

*BIOS* Cough.

Yeah, damn those PC's using silicon transistors! Stupid outdated 1950's technoloy! What are they thinking!

 

[na1577]

Good riddance. These adds were terrible.

I hope that Apple focuses on what their products can do, like the iPhone, rather than what they claim their competitors do not.

 

[AidenShaw]

Not really. Windows forces every pixel to be black or white, to make it cleaner.

This is simply wrong. Microsoft's ClearType uses sub-pixel rendering.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ClearType

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/294851

It's also wrong because Windows allows the user to customize foreground and background colors - both systemwide and in many applications. If you prefer saffron type on a fuschia background - make it so.

My systems are set to use black text on a medium-light grey background.

Here is an example:

WINDOWS <img>
MAC <img>

Which version of Windows - since the implementations and defaults for font aliasing are quite different between versions.

I assume that you're comparing current versions (Win7 vs. 10.6) if you don't specify.

Actually, all PCs have a piece of technology that originates form the 80s and hasnt changed much since.

*BIOS* Cough.

And this matters because....???

The BIOS is needed to boot the operating system - after the OS has control the BIOS/UEFI has little relevance.

And, "all PCs" is not quite right. I'm booting one of my Win7 systems (DIY with a Kingsberg mobo) via UEFI - not BIOS.

"Most PCs have a piece of technology" would be accurate, but "all" is a FAIL. Especially since many Apples have that same technology.

 

[Eidorian]

The BIOS is needed to boot the operating system - after the OS has control the BIOS/UEFI has little relevance.

And, "all PCs" is not quite right. I'm booting one of my Win7 systems (DIY with a Kingsberg mobo) via UEFI - not BIOS.

"Most PCs have a piece of technology" would be accurate, but "all" is a FAIL. Especially since many Apples have that same technology.

I was somewhat surprised to see how many vendors used UEFI but you wouldn't notice it wasn't BIOS in most cases.

 

[AidenShaw]

I was somewhat surprised to see how many vendors used UEFI but you wouldn't notice it wasn't BIOS in most cases.

Since most Windows systems are shipping with the x64 version of the OS, UEFI is rapidly gaining traction.

But, like you said, there's little advantage that the user would notice. UEFI is like a "BIOS with plugins" - it looks like a BIOS, it walks like a BIOS, .... The plugins make it easier to extend hardware support (the "E" in "UEFI"), but don't change the fact that it's basically a BIOS.

I wonder what widespread UEFI adoption will mean for the Hackintosh folks - since Apple's used UEFI as kind of a "DRM" to make it harder to install OSX on BIOS-only systems.

 

[MorphingDragon]

And this matters because....???

The BIOS is needed to boot the operating system - after the OS has control the BIOS/UEFI has little relevance.

And, "all PCs" is not quite right. I'm booting one of my Win7 systems (DIY with a Kingsberg mobo) via UEFI - not BIOS.

"Most PCs have a piece of technology" would be accurate, but "all" is a FAIL. Especially since many Apples have that same technology.

The subsystem architecture has a lot to do with the drivers and mapping of devices. The BIOS just doesn't suddenly drop off when the OS takes primary control. THe BIOS is still in effect for power management and video type handling.

 

[AidenShaw]

The subsystem architecture has a lot to do with the drivers and mapping of devices. The BIOS just doesn't suddenly drop off when the OS takes primary control. THe BIOS is still in effect for power management and video type handling.

...and what are the advantages of UEFI that are visible to the end user?

For the most part, the BIOS/UEFI sets up data structures so that the OS can discover and manage the hardware components. There's nothing "magical" about UEFI that enhances the end user's experience.

In the Kingsberg mobo, for example - the same firmware implements both BIOS and UEFI functions. In the firmware setup (hit F2 early in booting) you can select "BIOS" or "UEFI".

Clearly, UEFI is a newer and more flexible standard than BIOS, and before long it will be the default (unless Igadgets kill the PC ). But - for the end user there's nothing about UEFI that would say "don't buy a BIOS-based PC, get a UEFI-based Apple".

UEFI is just a shinier BIOS, and shiny things sell well on the Internet.

 

[NSMonkey]

So Apple hasn't forgotten that they sell computers! With the news that iPad sales may beat those of all Mac computers combined, I thought talk of "traditional" computers had become quaint.

Maybe with the new campaign, they're just trying to get rid of their old stock so they have more room for iPads, iPods, and iPhones in the stores?

But seriously, I love the i-devices (my wife and I both have iPhones, we have an iPod), and I know they have been hugely successful. I just wish Apple would choose to spend a little more time on OS X and their computers, too. Maybe this is an indication that they're still interested in that market.

I think the nonstop development of OS X, constant updates of Mac hardware and ongoing development of high-end OS X apps like Final Cut and Logic are strong indicators that Apple is still quite interested in the PC market. And don't forget that just like the iPod and iPhone, the iPad has the potential to bring in millions of new customers and I'm sure Apple would love to sell each and every one of them a Mac!

 

[lPHONE]

who care

 

[MorphingDragon]

...and what are the advantages of UEFI that are visible to the end user?

For the most part, the BIOS/UEFI sets up data structures so that the OS can discover and manage the hardware components. There's nothing "magical" about UEFI that enhances the end user's experience.

In the Kingsberg mobo, for example - the same firmware implements both BIOS and UEFI functions. In the firmware setup (hit F2 early in booting) you can select "BIOS" or "UEFI".

Clearly, UEFI is a newer and more flexible standard than BIOS, and before long it will be the default (unless Igadgets kill the PC ). But - for the end user there's nothing about UEFI that would say "don't buy a BIOS-based PC, get a UEFI-based Apple".

UEFI is just a shinier BIOS, and shiny things sell well on the Internet.

EFI lets you have CPU and OS(I'm not sure, but I think this never got past whitepaper stage) agnostic drivers. Theres some big advantages for end users if this was utilised. A user could upgrade their OS and not have to worry about drivers as they are implemented at the firmware level. (Hell it would fix 50% of the problems with Linux)

I agree that most consumers won't know why or what. But any consumer can see an advantage, even if they dont know why it happens.

 

[NSMonkey]

The BIOS is needed to boot the operating system - after the OS has control the BIOS/UEFI has little relevance.

And, "all PCs" is not quite right. I'm booting one of my Win7 systems (DIY with a Kingsberg mobo) via UEFI - not BIOS.

"Most PCs have a piece of technology" would be accurate, but "all" is a FAIL. Especially since many Apples have that same technology.

"Many Apples have that same technology"? That's news to me. Name the models that use a PC BIOS, please.

Since most Windows systems are shipping with the x64 version of the OS, UEFI is rapidly gaining traction.

But, like you said, there's little advantage that the user would notice. UEFI is like a "BIOS with plugins" - it looks like a BIOS, it walks like a BIOS, .... The plugins make it easier to extend hardware support (the "E" in "UEFI"), but don't change the fact that it's basically a BIOS.

I wonder what widespread UEFI adoption will mean for the Hackintosh folks - since Apple's used UEFI as kind of a "DRM" to make it harder to install OSX on BIOS-only systems.

Yeah, EFI couldn't possibly have any real, technical advantages. That's why PC manufacturers are moving from BIOS to EFI en masse. More likely, this is just another example of Apple picking a superior technology and the rest of the PC industry finally catching up, many years later.

...and what are the advantages of UEFI that are visible to the end user?

For the most part, the BIOS/UEFI sets up data structures so that the OS can discover and manage the hardware components. There's nothing "magical" about UEFI that enhances the end user's experience.

In the Kingsberg mobo, for example - the same firmware implements both BIOS and UEFI functions. In the firmware setup (hit F2 early in booting) you can select "BIOS" or "UEFI".

Clearly, UEFI is a newer and more flexible standard than BIOS, and before long it will be the default (unless Igadgets kill the PC ). But - for the end user there's nothing about UEFI that would say "don't buy a BIOS-based PC, get a UEFI-based Apple".

UEFI is just a shinier BIOS, and shiny things sell well on the Internet.

So which is it, "more flexible" or "just shinier"? You can't have it both ways.

 

[NSMonkey]

Sounds like Apple is exchanging one lying ad campaign for another. Seriously, just about everything on there, except maybe "better support" is a flat out falsehood. Better hardware, software, and OS? On what planet? This marketing preys on people's ignorance while appealing to their superiority complexes. A dangerous combination.

On this planet, actually. Like millions of other people, I use both Windows PC's and Macs on a regular basis and I agree with Apple that their hardware, software and OS are better. Am I lying to you right now?

My experiences with Applecare (but I thought Macs just work?) have been great, but I have read plenty of horror stories on this site, so I suppose better support is hit or miss. Though it's better than offshore phone support either way I imagine.

Don't make a mistake and judge AppleCare by your own, firsthand experience. It's better to search out negative stories on the internet. Those are probably more accurate.

 

[AidenShaw]

EFI lets you have CPU and OS(I'm not sure, but I think this never got past whitepaper stage) agnostic drivers.

Wow - that's amazing. The drivers written for x64 Windows will work on OSX and x86 Windows and Linux and Solaris x86 and Solaris x64 and ....

Please do a little research on this "OS agnostic driver" topic and get back to us....

"Many Apples have that same technology"? That's news to me. Name the models that use a PC BIOS, please.

Any Apple that is dual booting with Windows has a BIOS emulation.

I think that Apple uses the cutesy name "boot camp" to describe the feature.

 

[MorphingDragon]

Wow - that's amazing. The drivers written for x64 Windows will work on OSX and x86 Windows and Linux and Solaris x86 and Solaris x64 and ....

Please do a little research on this "OS agnostic driver" topic and get back to us....

There was a white paper draft spec for EFI outlining an interface for OSes so they can do basic communication with the EFI Module. This interface would simply relay information but the EFI module would be controlling the hardware.

There is mentions of such a thing in here, but it still requires modules.

http://download.intel.com/technology/efi/docs/pdfs/EFIS005Fall06.pdf

 

[AidenShaw]

There was a white paper draft spec for EFI outlining an interface for OSes so they can do basic communication with the EFI Module. This interface would simply relay information but the EFI module would be controlling the hardware.

Those (rather old 2006 links) talk about the downstream (driver to hardware) links.

Nothing in there implies that the upstream (driver to OS) links are portable.

As one would expect - since any BIOS/UEFI driver by definition deals with mapping the downstream (hardware) interfaces with the upstream (OS software) interfaces.

There's no "univeral driver" magic in that presentation.

Meanwhile, work on pupils....

 

[barkmonster]

Why You'll Love a Mac.

You won't have to worry about which model of mini tower to buy.

doesn't that make you massively angry after all these years of "pretty" computers? Why don't they just sell laptops, they seem determined to sell you a closed single drive system for your desk either without a keyboard or with a laptop keyboard and a WAY too high DPI screen

I've always had either desktops or mini towers and currently chugging along on a dual G4. All desktop macs used to have user accessible drive bays, RAM and expansion slots and because the LE hardware for running Protools is all USB these days, it actually means I only really need a second hard drive that's either internal SATA or external Firewire with an Oxford chipset.

The ease at which you could access the internals of a mac mini tower was a selling feature in the PowerPC days but the Mac Pro, even second hand is beyond my budget and costing nearly £100 for 4Gb of Mac Mini RAM from Crucial means the only current mac I can get that's of any value and comes with almost everything I need is the 2.53ghz mac mini!

I'm going to get one eventually and have to make do with either a Voyager Q or some other kind of external FireWire drive but there really is a gaping hole in their range!

Why not a mini tower based on the Core i5 at the same price point as the core 2 duo iMac? I'd save till Christmas for one of those!

 

[redAPPLE]

I guess I'll be needing a new license plate too:

shouldn't it say "i'm a car"?