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Apple Targets Windows 7 With Three New 'Get a Mac' Ads

I have to admit these ads are pretty funny, but their finishing points don't exactly wow you when it comes out.

I mean, the only thing they say is Number 1 in customer satisfaction. Don't they think it'd be better if they said, Number 1 in speed, value, and last but not least, customer satisfaction.
 
VenusianSky said:
One of the problems with a straight upgrade from XP to Vista/7 is that too many software/hardware companies can't write good code. There are many that can, but far more that can't. Upgrading the OS directly without reinstallation of [newer] drivers and applications would be a disaster in most situations. Applications and hardware would just fail.

Another explanation for no in-place upgrade ability is going from 32-bit to 64-bit. In that case, it is not much different than the OS9 to OS X upgrade. The system is being changed to a 64-bit kernel with a 32-bit subsystem.
Click to expand...

The 64 bit problem only exists because Microsoft couldn't provide a 64 bit user space on a 32 bit kernel. Most SL users only think they're running a full 64 bit OS, and while they are only a preference setting and reboot away (something windows cannot say) most are still running a 32 bit kernel.

64 bit drivers for everything are hard to come by for an OS. Windows has been slowly building up their portfolio over the course of years, and they still aren't all the way there (although most users could move to 64 bit Windows 7 and be OK). OS/X allows users to run 32 versions of drivers, etc while supporting 64 bit user space apps. Those users who want full 64 bit can have it, but at a risk that are likely some peripheral drivers that simply won't work right now.

Since you are only a reboot away, however, it is less of a problem.
 
dernhelm said:
It doesn't have to be easier to migrate to for Apple to have an opening.
;)
Click to expand...

Nor did I imply anything one way or the other. I simply asked for (what would be a major change) Apple to be honest and not make people believe that it will be as easy to switch to OSX as to use the Windows migration tools to move to Windows 7.l
 
dernhelm said:
64 bit drivers for everything are hard to come by for an OS. Windows has been slowly building up their portfolio over the course of years, and they still aren't all the way there (although most users could move to 64 bit Windows 7 and be OK).
Click to expand...

"Everything" is a very difficult goal. "Everything that you're likely to need" is much easier. Note that for nearly 3 years the "Vista logo" program has required 64-bit support to get the logo endorsement on the package.

I'm glad that you recognize the effects of this with "(although most users could move to 64 bit Windows 7 and be OK)".

I've been running Vista/Win7 x64 on all of my x64 hardware (which means everything but my Atom Netbook) for more than a year. I have exactly two problems:
  • My 6 or 7 year old home HP network inkjet printer doesn't have 64-bit drivers. HP supports a similar driver on x64, but it doesn't expose all of the features of my higher end printer. I get by, and use an XP virtual machine to print when I need the extra features.
  • My company uses an obsolete version of the Cisco VPN, and Cisco EOL'd support and will not make Vista/Win7 x64 drivers. I've installed Office 2007/Cisco VPN on an x86 Win7 VM for these tasks. (Actually, this is a wonderful way to keep corporate IT off my laptop. If they need to remote in to update/fix something, they can only update the VM - they can't screw with my laptop. I'd do this again even if every corporate IT thing were supported on my base system.)
 
AidenShaw said:
Nor did I imply anything one way or the other. I simply asked for (what would be a major change) Apple to be honest and not make people believe that it will be as easy to switch to OSX as to use the Windows migration tools to move to Windows 7.l
Click to expand...

Right, in other words Apple's W7 ad should say, "If you have to move your stuff by reformatting to from XP to W7, you might just as well buy a Mac, it will be just as difficult". :rolleyes:


How much longer do we have to tolerate.......?
 
Eidorian said:
Just a minor nitpick. Bloomfield != Gainestown

On those single socket systems you're only getting a single QPI link. Otherwise quite a few people have made the mistake of getting a dual processor capable Xeon 55xx but only getting a single processor. That's quite a bit of extra money there and no improvement to show over the single QPI/socket machines.
Click to expand...
Sorry, I should have differentiated more between Bloomfield and Gainestown :p I was looking at it more from the consumer desktop perspective, but yeah, you are completely right.

In regards to the QPI link, I was under the impression that even the X58-i7 9** series combo technically features 2x QPI links, with one disabled, but that for all Nehalem Xeon-based systems, all QPI links are active (so for the 920-equivalent Xeon 5550, it has two active QPI links). That's why, when it is a single-socket system, it feels like you're paying ~$900 (I think) for the Xeon 5550 which is performing at the level of the $300 920 (albeit, with noticeably lower power consumption).

You'd be surprised how many threads discuss this.
Click to expand...
Oh yeah, lol. I definitely think that ECC has its place, but I've always had this feeling that a lot of those who purchase and use a Mac Pro, may not be doing anything that truly benefits from it. It probably just comes down to each individual situation. Personally, in terms of personal workstations, I've never seen a justification for spending extra money for it. Obviously that's just me though. :)
 
Bafflefish said:
Sorry, I should have differentiated more between Bloomfield and Gainestown :p I was looking at it more from the consumer desktop perspective, but yeah, you are completely right.

In regards to the QPI link, I was under the impression that even the X58-i7 9** series combo technically features 2x QPI links, with one disabled, but that for all Nehalem Xeon-based systems, all QPI links are active (so for the 920-equivalent Xeon 5550, it has two active QPI links). That's why, when it is a single-socket system, it feels like you're paying ~$900 (I think) for the Xeon 5550 which is performing at the level of the $300 920 (albeit, with noticeably lower power consumption).
Click to expand...
Goodness that slipped my mind. It has been some time since we talked about the x2 QPI links. You're right. Why make another part when you can just turn a link off and sell it as a single socket component.

The second QPI link only adds to the price in its functionality. The better binning is going to cost money for that lower TDP.

Bafflefish said:
Oh yeah, lol. I definitely think that ECC has its place, but I've always had this feeling that a lot of those who purchase and use a Mac Pro, may not be doing anything that truly benefits from it. It probably just comes down to each individual situation. Personally, in terms of personal workstations, I've never seen a justification for spending extra money for it. Obviously that's just me though. :)
Click to expand...
I think my Core i5 750 is workstation enough. :D

I don't think many people are buying the Mac Pro just for ECC.
 
PeterQVenkman said:
Can you do a similar comparison with a dual quad Xeon setup? With the 55 series processors apple uses in their dual quad rigs?

I have yet to see a real price advantage there. As expensive as Apple is on their single quad towers, their dual quads are fairly price competitive with Dell, HP, etc. Boxx is actually more expensive.

I am willing to listen if someone can point it out to me. So far, a dude named mosx came close, until we found out you can't build a dual quad core i7 system.

I've got a purchase coming up and I am simply waiting to be convinced to jump to Windows 7.
Click to expand...
I just tried configuring a Dell Workstation to similar specs as Apple's entry model dual-quad setup.

Mac Pro
2x Xeon E5520 2.26 Ghz
6x 1 GB DDR3 ECC
640GB
512MB GeForce GT 120
18x SuperDrive
1 year warranty

Cost: $3299.00

Dell
2x Xeon E5520 2.26 Ghz
6x 1 GB DDR3 ECC
750GB
512MB Quadro FX 580
16x DVD+/- RW
3 years warranty

Cost: $3100.00


Note: Dell didn't offer a 640 GB HD, so I had to choose between either a 500GB or 750 GB. I figured it was safer to use the more expensive option.

Note 2: For a "workstation", you'd think Apple would equip the Mac Pro with at least some type of Quadro.

Anyway, I'd probably say that I'd look a bit more favorably upon Apple in terms of system integrator of preference, but it's also a $200 difference and a one year warranty.

Edit - The formatting didn't quite come out like how I hoped once posted, so cleaned it up, lol.
 
Eidorian said:
Goodness that slipped my mind. It has been some time since we talked about the x2 QPI links. You're right. Why make another part when you can just turn a link off and sell it as a single socket component.

The second QPI link only adds to the price in its functionality. The better binning is going to cost money for that lower TDP.
Click to expand...
Yep, and I mean, in server environments, it makes sense, since while ~35 W TDP doesn't seem like much, squeeze a lot of Xeons into a small area, and it adds up to a tremendous amount of heat.

I think my Core i5 750 is workstation enough. :D

I don't think many people are buying the Mac Pro just for ECC.
Click to expand...
Oh yeah, I like Lynnfield. It's nice to see Apple's using them in the iMacs now. I think people who buy the new iMacs with either an i5 or an i7 will come to appreciate Turbo Boost :p

And yeah, I'd hope people aren't buying the Mac Pro just for ECC :p.

I guess what's annoying is that I recently went over to a friend's house, and he's a Mac "die-hard", absolutely abhors PCs and Windows. And he has a dual quad Mac Pro, and he mostly just does some light programming, web development, and general usage with it. So we're talking a $3300+ system, that does what a iMac, or even a Mac Mini (or general PC) could do.
 
Bafflefish said:
I just tried configuring a Dell Workstation to similar specs as Apple's entry model dual-quad setup.

Mac Pro
...
512MB GeForce GT 120
1 year warranty

Cost: $3299.00

Dell
512MB Quadro FX 580
3 years warranty

Cost: $3100.00
Click to expand...

GT120 vs Quadro? LOL 1 year vs 3 year? ROTFLOL


What am I doing wrong - when I do your config, match Dell's 3 year warranty, and go for the ATI 512 MiB card instead of the toy GT120, I get a *lot* more than $3299 !! A LOT more !!

Configuration

Two 2.66GHz Quad-Core Intel Xeon
6GB (6x1GB)
640GB 7200-rpm Serial ATA 3Gb/s
ATI Radeon HD 4870 512MB
One 18x SuperDrive
Apple Mouse
Apple Keyboard with Numeric Keypad (English) and User's Guide
Country Kit

$249.00 $249.00
AppleCare Protection Plan for Mac Pro (w/or w/o Display)

Part number: S3135LL/A
-
subtotal $5,148.00
Free Shipping Shipping $0.00
Savings - Estimated tax
Order total $5,148.00
Total Savings​
 
macshill said:
1z3mbzt.jpg
Click to expand...

Ha ha, that's awesome. But it's in error. The fanboyism pie-slice needs to be almost exactly 1/3 of the pie area!
 
HLdan said:
Right, in other words Apple's W7 ad should say, "If you have to move your stuff by reformatting to from XP to W7, you might just as well buy a Mac, it will be just as difficult". :rolleyes:
Click to expand...

No, the better phrasing is:

"it won't be much more difficult"

The best it could be is "just as" - but since you have to factor learning a new OS and forgetting years of learning from the old OS, "not much more difficult" is generous.


HLdan said:
How much longer do we have to tolerate.......?
Click to expand...

What does this refer too?
 
AidenShaw said:
GT120 vs Quadro? LOL 1 year vs 3 year? ROTFLOL


What am I doing wrong - when I do your config, match Dell's 3 year warranty, and go for the ATI 512 MiB card instead of the toy GT120, I get a *lot* more than $3299 !! A LOT more !!

Configuration

Two 2.66GHz Quad-Core Intel Xeon
6GB (6x1GB)
640GB 7200-rpm Serial ATA 3Gb/s
ATI Radeon HD 4870 512MB
One 18x SuperDrive
Apple Mouse
Apple Keyboard with Numeric Keypad (English) and User's Guide
Country Kit

$249.00 $249.00
AppleCare Protection Plan for Mac Pro (w/or w/o Display)

Part number: S3135LL/A
-
subtotal $5,148.00
Free Shipping Shipping $0.00
Savings - Estimated tax
Order total $5,148.00
Total Savings​
Click to expand...
Actually, you didn't do anything wrong. I labeled it as 2x 2.66 Ghz, but that was a typo, lol. ("woops"). Meant to list it as 2x 2.26Ghz Xeons (since that's the default). I also should have more clearly listed that I spec'd the Dell to match the default dual quad Mac Pro.

The 3 year warranty Dell gives, is default for the build. You don't have to pay for it like you do with Apple's. And yeah, a GT 120 vs. the Quadro... lol.
 
TennisandMusic said:
One of the best posts on this board. I use pretty much everything, and for people to say OSX somehow just works while Windows is complete trash...well it's just asinine. In fact, based on my personal usage, Windows 7 absolutely trounces Snow Leopard, except maybe in how pretty the desktop looks. But that quickly fades away when you see how much faster 7 is, and how much more productive you can be with it.

Try editing some AVCHD on OSX. You know, with those USB HD cams that Steve Jobs used as justification for getting rid of firewire on the old macbooks. I'd like to hear his explanation on that one.
Click to expand...

Touché!
 
Bafflefish said:
Actually, you didn't do anything wrong. I labeled it as 2x 2.66 Ghz, but that was a typo, lol. ("woops"). Meant to list it as 2x 2.26Ghz Xeons (since that's the default). I also should have more clearly listed that I spec'd the Dell to match the default dual quad Mac Pro.

The 3 year warranty Dell gives, is default for the build. You don't have to pay for it like you do with Apple's. And yeah, a GT 120 vs. the Quadro... lol.
Click to expand...

I looked into Dell, for the price difference I might as well buy a MacPro with my educational discount.

It is cheaper. No doubt. Just not enough to sway me.

The latest Xeons are just really expensive, no matter which way you slice it.

Damn.
 
macshill said:
Microsoft needs to take off the kid gloves and punch back at what you REALLY pay for when you buy a Mac:

It's all about elitism. You PAY for the Apple brand name, like you do for a Sony product like a TV. Call it what it is-- the Apple Tax.
Click to expand...

Nope, I pay for a great OS, superb UI and rock solid hardware. Oh yes and superb design. Did I mention amazing after sales service too?

Not aiming this at macshill ... But why do anti Apple people hang out on Apple forums? Oh, maybe waiting for their virus scans to finish?
 
Digitalclips said:
Nope, I pay for a great OS, superb UI and rock solid hardware. Oh yes and superb design. Did I mention amazing after sales service too?

Not aiming this at macshill ... But why do anti Apple people hang out on Apple forums? Oh, maybe waiting for their virus scans to finish?
Click to expand...

People, well at least myself, I'm not anti apple. I'm anti-anti-MS FUD, which is rather common around here. But as I said once, I'm happy to see there are smart and objective people around as well.
 
cumanzor said:
People, well at least myself, I'm not anti apple. I'm anti-anti-MS FUD, which is rather common around here. But as I said once, I'm happy to see there are smart and objective people around as well.
Click to expand...

Do you also frequent Windows user forums and combat anti-Apple FUD (which is rather common around there) too? Or are the "unpaid" full-time apologists for any and all Apple competitors that have invaded MacRumors in increasing number only interested in defending truth when it pertains to Microsoft's best interests?

I'm not necessarily lumping you in with the AidenShaw/mosx/pr5owner/mattye/WindyWoo/the-list-goes-on-and-on crowd, but you may have some insight on the matter.

I say to each his own, but I do find it a curious phenomenon to see so much vocal anti-Apple, pro-Microsoft commentary on a Mac board where I don't see anti-Microsoft, pro-Apple commentary on Windows-centric forums. Seems to be a one-sided affair.

cumanzor said:
Ballmer is either ******* insane or a comic genius.
Click to expand...

My guess is both, with the qualifier accidental comic genius. ;)
 
I have to say I dislike the entire Apple series of ads. I would much rather Apple tell me why I should buy a Mac instead of not buy a PC. It's kind of like negative politicking in my opinion. Please don't tell me why I should vote against the other guy, tell me why I should vote for you instead and not being the other guy is not enough. I have an idea maybe instead of buying either a Mac or a PC, I should just buy a Linux machine.
 
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