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Microsoft Alters "Laptop Hunters" Ads in Wake of Apple Price Cuts
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This is absolutely ignorant. Seriously, do you have any idea what this number means?
That number could be 100%, but it doesn't matter if Microsoft's Laptop Hunter ads converted 99% of "premium" buyers into non-premium buyers (not that they did, but that's just the easiest way to understand it). Not to mention that it doesn't register online sales.
Oh, and I own a Macbook and an iPod touch and nano, so don't call me an Apple hater. It's just reality.
Very bad ads from Microsoft, with vague info.
The Apple Ads are based on facts, what really happens with PCs Vs. Macs, the prove is that Microsoft has not been able to protest for those ads.
On The other hand, precisely because the Microsoft ads are unacurate that's why Apple acted legally, for example the ad says: "This Mac is $2,000, and that's before adding anything.".... duh... it's a plenty VERY WELL EQUIPED computer... what were those things the laptop she was looking for most had that the MacBook didn't??
In fact the ad doesn't says what was it and if the laptop she bought actually had it... in fact EVERYTHING de Dell she bought had was on the MacBook Pro and more, so, the ad is very tendencious and imprecise.
As for the differences between the Dell and the MacBook Pro: The Dell has a smaller processor - and she said the first thing she wanted was speed - , has the same shared graphics card than the Mac BUT for the Mac that's the graphics card for low speed and saving battery, 'cause it has another graphics card to make the switch for better speed, again what she claimed was looking for; and the display is 13" against the 15" MacBook Pro.... So... what was that she said about paying for the brand??? the price difference is based on the EXTRA FEATURES the MacBook Pro has against the Dell she bought.
And I'm not even talking about the obvious extras of an OS virus problem-free, much more efficient and the extras in software and on-line services, like the iLife and Mobile Me, just to mention some of them.
Now, you can't tell even what MacBook Pro she was talking about, I made the comparison with the MacBook Pro 15" with 2.66 processor, that at the Apple web page has a price of 1,999, but usually at many stores the price is less, so she could be talking about an even bigger MacBook Pro, like the 2.8 Ghz. model, that has a 500GB hard drive and twice the graphics speed, and at the Apple web page you see it on 2,299, but again, like I said many stores can sell it for less, probably close to the 2000 bucks from the Mac she saw. So... about a better equipped laptop... about a speed one... well...
Err... do you seriously consider this a victory for Apple?
It makes them look like total losers, because it proves that the call from Apple Legal actually did happen. Apple have been making ludicrously inaccurate claims about Windows and PCs in their ads for ages, and when Microsoft finally fights back, Apple stoops to behaving like a bunch of crybabies with no skin, like some litigous religious cult.
Err... do you seriously consider this a victory for Apple?
It makes them look like total losers, because it proves that the call from Apple Legal actually did happen. Apple have been making ludicrously inaccurate claims about Windows and PCs in their ads for ages, and when Microsoft finally fights back, Apple stoops to behaving like a bunch of crybabies with no skin, like some litigous religious cult.
The Apple Ads are based on facts, what really happens with PCs Vs. Macs, the prove is that Microsoft has not been able to protest for those ads.
On The other hand, precisely because the Microsoft ads are unacurate that's why Apple acted legally, for example the ad says: "This Mac is $2,000, and that's before adding anything.".... duh... it's a plenty VERY WELL EQUIPED computer... what were those things the laptop she was looking for most had that the MacBook didn't??
In fact the ad doesn't says what was it and if the laptop she bought actually had it... in fact EVERYTHING de Dell she bought had was on the MacBook Pro and more, so, the ad is very tendencious and imprecise.
As for the differences between the Dell and the MacBook Pro: The Dell has a smaller processor - and she said the first thing she wanted was speed - , has the same shared graphics card than the Mac BUT for the Mac that's the graphics card for low speed and saving battery, 'cause it has another graphics card to make the switch for better speed, again what she claimed was looking for; and the display is 13" against the 15" MacBook Pro.... So... what was that she said about paying for the brand??? the price difference is based on the EXTRA FEATURES the MacBook Pro has against the Dell she bought.
And I'm not even talking about the obvious extras of an OS virus problem-free, much more efficient and the extras in software and on-line services, like the iLife and Mobile Me, just to mention some of them.
Now, you can't tell even what MacBook Pro she was talking about, I made the comparison with the MacBook Pro 15" with 2.66 processor, that at the Apple web page has a price of 1,999, but usually at many stores the price is less, so she could be talking about an even bigger MacBook Pro, like the 2.8 Ghz. model, that has a 500GB hard drive and twice the graphics speed, and at the Apple web page you see it on 2,299, but again, like I said many stores can sell it for less, probably close to the 2000 bucks from the Mac she saw. So... about a better equipped laptop... about a speed one... well...
I felt pretty safe and have done several scans and direct searches for the files afterward. The particular malware which this site used was very windows specific and relied on using IE (which I don't have or use). I got a few popups asking to install, which didn't happen on the Windows machine because OSX didn't recognize the windows file. I'm NOT saying OSX users shouldn't use anti-virus, I just did it as a test in this case because I was curious and felt confident I would not become infected.
I'm with Microsoft on this one.
Microsoft is trying to convince people that Apple Macs are all show and games, and that as a consumer, you're more interested in saving money than paying a premium for something that isn't terribly different to the average consumer.
Apple, on the other hand, plays its game by attacking the pitfalls of Windows PCs while gently heralding certain features of the Mac.
Honestly, I respect Apple's marketing strategy less, despite its effectiveness. At least Microsoft plays ads that in the end attempt to be truthful, without hyperbole (this laptop costs a lot more than this one, but the cheaper one isn't substantially worse, and has a lot of similar features to the more expensive one). Apple exaggerates stereotypes about Windows PCs in order to discredit them. Some of them might be "true," but it's hyperbole nonetheless. Notice that the Microsoft ads are only attacking a concrete, relatively non-changing, constant aspect of Macs: they are more expensive. Apple attacks a subjective, may-or-may-not be aspect of PCs: that they get viruses or encounter more problems. This, of course, often has a lot to do with how the consumer uses the computer, but Apple never says that.
However much I like Apple, I think Microsoft is fighting an unfair fight. And I always root for the underdog. If enough people start using Macs, they'll eventually become the new Windows PCs. Apple should savour its exclusivity, rather than attempting to grab more market share, which mostly comes from uninformed, technophobe consumers who barely know how to use computers anyways.
Microsoft is trying to convince people that Apple Macs are all show and games, and that as a consumer, you're more interested in saving money than paying a premium for something that isn't terribly different to the average consumer.
Apple, on the other hand, plays its game by attacking the pitfalls of Windows PCs while gently heralding certain features of the Mac.
Honestly, I respect Apple's marketing strategy less, despite its effectiveness. At least Microsoft plays ads that in the end attempt to be truthful, without hyperbole (this laptop costs a lot more than this one, but the cheaper one isn't substantially worse, and has a lot of similar features to the more expensive one). Apple exaggerates stereotypes about Windows PCs in order to discredit them. Some of them might be "true," but it's hyperbole nonetheless. Notice that the Microsoft ads are only attacking a concrete, relatively non-changing, constant aspect of Macs: they are more expensive. Apple attacks a subjective, may-or-may-not be aspect of PCs: that they get viruses or encounter more problems. This, of course, often has a lot to do with how the consumer uses the computer, but Apple never says that.
However much I like Apple, I think Microsoft is fighting an unfair fight. And I always root for the underdog. If enough people start using Macs, they'll eventually become the new Windows PCs. Apple should savour its exclusivity, rather than attempting to grab more market share, which mostly comes from uninformed, technophobe consumers who barely know how to use computers anyways.
ROFL.
A Microsoft spokeswoman said in a statement. "This does not change the focus of the campaign, which is to showcase the value and choice of the PC."
Yup. Working out great, aren't they.
These Laptop Hunter eyesores need to be pulled. They're failures, just like MS' previous marketing abortions.
But that's what MS does best: sticking to what doesn't work.
A Microsoft spokeswoman said in a statement. "This does not change the focus of the campaign, which is to showcase the value and choice of the PC."
Yup. Working out great, aren't they.
These Laptop Hunter eyesores need to be pulled. They're failures, just like MS' previous marketing abortions.
But that's what MS does best: sticking to what doesn't work.
Microsoft needs to quit with these antics. Apple has asked them nicely, even politely to stop. Enough is enough. It is starting to make me mad. Really, Really Mad. haha
Ha, on second thought, do these really matter to people who are really make customers? Probably not. I see these and kinda laugh, atleast on the inside.
It seems like everyone I'm around when these come on look directly at me when they are over to get some response out of me. Uh, I dont care. I dont want a PC. If I did, I would buy one. If you want one, buy one. If you want a Mac, pony up a little more dough, and buy one. If you dont have the greeen for a new one, buy used. Simple.
It is starting to make me mad. Really, Really Mad. haha Ha, on second thought, do these really matter to people who are really make customers? Probably not. I see these and kinda laugh, atleast on the inside.
It seems like everyone I'm around when these come on look directly at me when they are over to get some response out of me. Uh, I dont care. I dont want a PC. If I did, I would buy one. If you want one, buy one. If you want a Mac, pony up a little more dough, and buy one. If you dont have the greeen for a new one, buy used. Simple.
Ummm hate to shatter your bubble here mate, but apple defined the "pro" markert, we used to get awesome machines that were aimed at the Pros. Now its seems like its a trademark.
sorry mate, at 21....you missed the golden age of Virus and Crashes on M$ products by a long time. And also the age of actual "pro" machines.
SO, do you actually believe that a Professional user ie Video/photography would have thier needs met by a 13" MBP? Maybe you should talk to an actual professional photograher and they will give you a nice explanation of how useful glassy screens are when it comes to photography.
Agreed.
This guy sits here proselytizing about knowing the definition of "PRO" equipment. Yet his own definition was derived from a major corp's marketing department. Give me a break
IMO, the only PRO offering is the MP and unfortunately it is out of reach for many.
Why would a "Pro" buy a 13-inch MBP in the first place? There's the 17-inch matte screen MBP. Pros get their employers to pick up the costs or pay via alternative means if not out-of-pocket, since the machine is an investment for them.
Agreed.
This guy sits here proselytizing about knowing the definition of "PRO" equipment. Yet his own definition was derived from a major corp's marketing department. Give me a break
IMO, the only PRO offering is the MP and unfortunately it is out of reach for many.
Yes, sadly the Mac Pro is the only truly powerful machine offered by Apple.
A case could be made for a fully upgraded 17 in. MacBook Pro, but even then, you run into a problem with not enough Firewire. (and for video editors, only 1 harddrive)
Gone are the days of the good old PowerBook
One incident out of...
Point is, Apple is gaining market share for a reason. People are generally unhappy with their windows products, and happy with their mac products.
I'm with Microsoft on this one.
Microsoft is trying to convince people that Apple Macs are all show and games, and that as a consumer, you're more interested in saving money than paying a premium for something that isn't terribly different to the average consumer.
Apple, on the other hand, plays its game by attacking the pitfalls of Windows PCs while gently heralding certain features of the Mac.
Honestly, I respect Apple's marketing strategy less, despite its effectiveness. At least Microsoft plays ads that in the end attempt to be truthful, without hyperbole (this laptop costs a lot more than this one, but the cheaper one isn't substantially worse, and has a lot of similar features to the more expensive one). Apple exaggerates stereotypes about Windows PCs in order to discredit them. Some of them might be "true," but it's hyperbole nonetheless. Notice that the Microsoft ads are only attacking a concrete, relatively non-changing, constant aspect of Macs: they are more expensive. Apple attacks a subjective, may-or-may-not be aspect of PCs: that they get viruses or encounter more problems. This, of course, often has a lot to do with how the consumer uses the computer, but Apple never says that.
However much I like Apple, I think Microsoft is fighting an unfair fight. And I always root for the underdog. If enough people start using Macs, they'll eventually become the new Windows PCs. Apple should savour its exclusivity, rather than attempting to grab more market share, which mostly comes from uninformed, technophobe consumers who barely know how to use computers anyways.
Beautifully said.
I don't think having a PhD means you're automatically computer savy.
I've had to hand hold countless doctors and professors over the years. They're be incredibly well versed with their subjects but can't manage their e-mail. Once again, bad example.
I have to agree. I've seen way too many users abandon the Microsoft ship only to get burned on the Apple one.I'm with Microsoft on this one.
Microsoft is trying to convince people that Apple Macs are all show and games, and that as a consumer, you're more interested in saving money than paying a premium for something that isn't terribly different to the average consumer.
Apple, on the other hand, plays its game by attacking the pitfalls of Windows PCs while gently heralding certain features of the Mac.
Honestly, I respect Apple's marketing strategy less, despite its effectiveness. At least Microsoft plays ads that in the end attempt to be truthful, without hyperbole (this laptop costs a lot more than this one, but the cheaper one isn't substantially worse, and has a lot of similar features to the more expensive one). Apple exaggerates stereotypes about Windows PCs in order to discredit them. Some of them might be "true," but it's hyperbole nonetheless. Notice that the Microsoft ads are only attacking a concrete, relatively non-changing, constant aspect of Macs: they are more expensive. Apple attacks a subjective, may-or-may-not be aspect of PCs: that they get viruses or encounter more problems. This, of course, often has a lot to do with how the consumer uses the computer, but Apple never says that.
However much I like Apple, I think Microsoft is fighting an unfair fight. And I always root for the underdog. If enough people start using Macs, they'll eventually become the new Windows PCs. Apple should savour its exclusivity, rather than attempting to grab more market share, which mostly comes from uninformed, technophobe consumers who barely know how to use computers anyways.
We're caught up in a jumble of marketshare, profits, and skewed statistics right now and the current Mac users are spouting it out all over the place as if they're CEO of Apple.
+ Extras
Don't know if this has already been covered in this thread...
Yep, you can get a cheaper MS powered notebook, but once you add in the cost of Office (which is more expensive than iWork), plus all the fun 'moments' of tech support that are liable to spring up with those lovely little 'DLL Runtime Error' messages and crashes, plus the inevitable extra time spent listening to different companies' tech support reps finger pointing that it must be a 3rd party software problem of a different company's software (and could you uninstall everything and then call them back), then I'd say that the cost of owning a PC just went way up.
I finally forced my 64 year old mom to get a new iMac after begrudgingly spending hours on the phone over the last several years trying to help her troubleshoot a multitude of problems, ranging from Palm Conduit errors in syncing, to Office problems, to blue screens, to sound card issues. Now I just open iChat and and fix anything that comes up (which happens rarely). It was the best money I ever talked her into spending (aside from extra year of college I had to talk them into)
All that aside, I love all this back and forth between the two companies. It's like Wimbledon with cheaper tickets...well sort of cheaper tickets. Regardless, at least it forces each company to stay on their game and turn out better products.
Don't know if this has already been covered in this thread...
Yep, you can get a cheaper MS powered notebook, but once you add in the cost of Office (which is more expensive than iWork), plus all the fun 'moments' of tech support that are liable to spring up with those lovely little 'DLL Runtime Error' messages and crashes, plus the inevitable extra time spent listening to different companies' tech support reps finger pointing that it must be a 3rd party software problem of a different company's software (and could you uninstall everything and then call them back), then I'd say that the cost of owning a PC just went way up.
I finally forced my 64 year old mom to get a new iMac after begrudgingly spending hours on the phone over the last several years trying to help her troubleshoot a multitude of problems, ranging from Palm Conduit errors in syncing, to Office problems, to blue screens, to sound card issues. Now I just open iChat and and fix anything that comes up (which happens rarely). It was the best money I ever talked her into spending (aside from extra year of college I had to talk them into)
All that aside, I love all this back and forth between the two companies. It's like Wimbledon with cheaper tickets...well sort of cheaper tickets. Regardless, at least it forces each company to stay on their game and turn out better products.
You people crack me up.
Apple has made commercials with bold face lies about how "PC's don't work" and are 'Full of viruses" for years and no one called them out for it. Every PC I've owned has 'worked' just fine just as my Macs have worked but BOTH platforms have had serious issues from time to time. (Windows registry corruption and OSX 10-10.3, 10.5 initial release..)
You're all upset because Microsoft is playing Apple at their own game of manipulation, omission and truth-stretching. Are the Laptop Hunter ads great works of tv magic? No I hate them. I also hated the I'm a Mac ads after about the 2nd because once past the cuteness of it you realize how non-specific the claims about PC's faults are. They are in line with Budweiser's "Real Drinkability and 100% REAL lime flavor." Sounds good but doesn't mean anything.
Apple has made commercials with bold face lies about how "PC's don't work" and are 'Full of viruses" for years and no one called them out for it. Every PC I've owned has 'worked' just fine just as my Macs have worked but BOTH platforms have had serious issues from time to time. (Windows registry corruption and OSX 10-10.3, 10.5 initial release..)
You're all upset because Microsoft is playing Apple at their own game of manipulation, omission and truth-stretching. Are the Laptop Hunter ads great works of tv magic? No I hate them. I also hated the I'm a Mac ads after about the 2nd because once past the cuteness of it you realize how non-specific the claims about PC's faults are. They are in line with Budweiser's "Real Drinkability and 100% REAL lime flavor." Sounds good but doesn't mean anything.
So THAT'S what all the fuss was about. A wrong price. I support Apple's position, then.
It's perfectly fair to attack Apple for being expensive, but quoting the wrong price is not.
It's perfectly fair to attack Apple for being expensive, but quoting the wrong price is not.
I don't see one shred of untruth being told about this in Apple's ads. Are you saying that PC's don't get viruses spyware left, right and sideways? Are you saying PC's don't get BSOD's? I've got a few friends and colleagues that have PC's that would easily verify Apple's claims.
Please spare us the fact of, "If a person knows what they are doing or how to take care of their computer blah blah blah". The "average consumer" which makes up the majority of the computer buying market is not a geek like we are on MR and doesn't know anything about Registry cleaning or using AVG or even knows to renew their anti-virus subscription after it expires, and so they shouldn't either.
Apple's ads press on this because the average consumer shouldn't have to "KNOW" how to consistently maintain their computer to get it to work. People just want their computer to work, that's what they buy it for.
BS. My neighbor's computer was just wiped out by a virus this week. Subsequently, the repair shop who offered "free virus removal" torched his hard drive. He lost everything (and no backup).
He's now buying an iMac, which I will help him set up.
Another friend just had a massive virus issue (didn't lose the hard drive though).
The claim that "viruses on Windows are nothing more than FUD" is, well, FUD.
Apple's ads certainly exaggerate and play up the stereotypes, but they don't lie.
Indeed. The reason the Apple ads are effective is because people can relate to them because they've actually experienced these problems and they know they're real.