Microsoft Releases Second 'Laptop Hunters' Commercial

[Wikinerd]

Not to me. And I've traveled around the world with a 6.5lb laptop. Hardly a difference vs a 5.5lb laptop. Actually, unnoticeable.

Then it's your choice. I've had enough with my 13"... By the way, remind me, why are there products like the MacBook Air, the Envy, and the Adamo out there?

I've never had a built-in card reader malfunction or perform poorly. I'd rather throw the SD card from my camera into a built-in reader than have to lug an external reader or camera-to-USB cable. You were just griping about lugging extra weight while traveling and yet you advocate it as well?

Well, I'd had 3 malfunctioning built-in card readers... Twice on a desktop, once on an Acer laptop.

Do tell me how to wirelessly hook up an external monitor. And wirelessly hook up the charging cable for my laptop. And wirelessly hook up audio to perform as well as wired audio. And why would I want a wireless keyboard and mouse if they don't move from my desk? Just so I can waste batteries and electricity to charge it?

Well, if you buy Apple's external monitors, you will only need 3 wires that will connect to your computer—1 USB, 1 power cord, 1 video out. The external monitor also serve as a USB hub—the keyboard and mouse can connect from that hub.

Also, I have always used the camera as the card reader—you might have noticed the USB mini-B port on your digital camera...

 

[-hh]

And I've traveled around the world with a 6.5lb laptop. Hardly a difference vs a 5.5lb laptop. Actually, unnoticeable.

A classic example of YMMV. I upgraded from a ~5lb Thinkpad T41p to a ~6lb 15.4" Thinkpad T61 a couple of years ago, and I both notice and regret the extra weight. My next laptop will again be <5lbs no matter what...and I'm working with IT to get my old T41p back into service.

Of course, I only have around a half million lifetime miles (real miles), so maybe I'm still a rank novice. Or perhaps as one gets older, the injuries start to catch up and one's willingness to haul along any extra weight becomes a tad lower.

I've never had a built-in card reader malfunction or perform poorly.

I've had them gunk-up. The bigger problem IMO is that with flash media standards changes, you can get into a non-upgradable hardware situation and have to carry an external reader anyway.

You were just griping about lugging extra weight while traveling and yet you advocate it as well?

Well, most of my cameras use a media format for which most laptops don't offer permanently built-in slots for. Now what, Batman?

And its not like CF was an oddball format, particularly as of a couple of years ago, and it is still the defacto standard in higher end dSLRs, mostly because its more friendly for higher capacity & speed. Hence, an adaptor that goes in the laptop's EC54 or EC34 slot...and when standards change again, it can be simply swapped out to upgrade.


-hh

 

[AidenShaw]

The bigger problem IMO is that with flash media standards changes, you can get into a non-upgradable hardware situation and have to carry an external reader anyway.

... and the "problem" is?

Seems like you got to avoid carrying the extra weight for a couple of years - that's an advantage, not a problem.

Same with CF - many here take the position that an Apple shouldn't have something that's useful for many people, if it's not useful to them. What harm does an SD-card slot in the side of the laptop do to you if you don't use it?

 

[-hh]

... and the "problem" is?

It is extra size/weight/cost/etc at functionally zero personal utility.

Seems like you got to avoid carrying the extra weight for a couple of years - that's an advantage, not a problem.

Hardly. I carried it for 2 years while not owning any devices that interfaced with it....and now that I do have a P&S camera that uses SD, the higher capacity cards are SDHC ... and my built-in reader is incompatible. Thus, I still don't have much utility.

Granted, some if this is arguably "bad luck" of market timing, but not really, since the flash media market tends to have a new format and/or standard every year, and the generally expected productive livespan of a computer or laptop is generally much longer than that, so the problem is figuratively "Doomed" to occur.

Same with CF ...

Agreed. However, my point is that it doesn't matter which media card format we're talking about, since their pattern of change has been the same.

Thus, while we hear (typically Anti-Apple) complaints about the evils of "Built-In" batteries, if we are to be consistant, shouldn't we then also be critical of these built-in interfaces that history has shown will similarly become obsolete?


-hh

 

[Mad Mac]

Well, if you buy Apple's external monitors, you will only need 3 wires that will connect to your computer—1 USB, 1 power cord, 1 video out. The external monitor also serve as a USB hub—the keyboard and mouse can connect from that hub.

That's 3 wires if I want to use the built-in speakers in the monitor. Sorry but those speakers sound like crap. So make that 4 wires to include audio of my choice. And that's 4 wires too many vs a single click into a dock.

Docks are more convenient. Period. That's why you see docks for iPods and iPhones. And those products don't even have that many connections. A lack of a dock for the laptops is a gross oversight.

The bigger problem IMO is that with flash media standards changes, you can get into a non-upgradable hardware situation and have to carry an external reader anyway.

I have a Compaq X1000 laptop with a built-in SD card reader. The laptop is probably 7 years old or so. SD was valid then and still valid now.

Well, most of my cameras use a media format for which most laptops don't offer permanently built-in slots for. Now what, Batman?

It's not all about you. Can't please everybody. But a built-in reader would please most since most all cameras use SD.

And its not like CF was an oddball format, particularly as of a couple of years ago, and it is still the defacto standard in higher end dSLRs

Nikon D90, Canon Rebels, and a lot of the newer DSLRs use SD. Most, if not all, point-n-shoot cameras use SD. So SD represents what. at least 90% or so? More than enough reason to have at least an SD card slot.

 

[dejo]

But a built-in reader would please most since most all cameras use SD.

Most? Alright, gonna need some proof of this...

 

[Pika]

There's a new Microsoft Ad:

 

[Eidorian]

There's a new Microsoft Ad:

New, is that so?

 

[Wikinerd]

That's 3 wires if I want to use the built-in speakers in the monitor. Sorry but those speakers sound like crap. So make that 4 wires to include audio of my choice. And that's 4 wires too many vs a single click into a dock.

You mean you have another laptop that has speakers better than that of the external monitor's? Or your dock's?

(No, if you're connecting your speakers/headphones via the dock, it doesn't count—simply because you're still using the wire—and creating a mess...)

(as for docks plz read my comment below)

Docks are more convenient. Period. That's why you see docks for iPods and iPhones. And those products don't even have that many connections. A lack of a dock for the laptops is a gross oversight.

Dock for laptops? Do they come for free with PC laptops?

If not, then it's the same... —and it's safe to assume that there are more docks for Macbooks and MacBook Pros because they're the best-selling consumer-level (non-netbook) laptops... (*they even look better...*)

 

[NT1440]

Docks are more convenient. Period.

Only if you have the need for one, and the vast majority of users dont.

 

[k2spitfire88]

Most? Alright, gonna need some proof of this...

I work at CVS developing photos, and we have those digital kiosks, and in helping the customers (plus, when I bought my own camera, the guy told me) I have seen that almost all modern digital camera's use SD. Olympus (my camera) uses XD cards. I know there are things with memory sticks and stuff, but SD is the most common from what I have seen.

 

[Artielange]

With the economy the way that it is and the amount of people purchaceing netbooks I think MS should be more worried about people using and learning Linux than buying a MAC. I think that the real purpose of these ads is to help with Vista's image (which I've used for a long time with no issues, btw) that Apple has tried their hardest to tarnish with their slanderous ads that I'm not even sure are legal.

 

[dejo]

...but SD is the most common from what I have seen.

Ok. Forgive me but I tend not to place as much stock in anecdotal evidence versus scientific studies or statistical surveys.

 

[k2spitfire88]

Most? Alright, gonna need some proof of this...

Ok. Forgive me but I tend not to place as much stock in anecdotal evidence versus scientific studies or statistical surveys.

I know what you're saying. You have no reason to believe me, because it is the internet, and people can say anything. lol. However, I am fairly certain it is the most common.

 

[-hh]

Docks are more convenient. Period... A lack of a dock for the laptops is a gross oversight.

I used to have an Apple laptop with dock, and I'm on my second Thinkpad with one. Yet I haven't bought a dock for use at home - - different utility cycles that generally discourage a $200-$500 accessory.

I have a Compaq X1000 laptop with a built-in SD card reader. The laptop is probably 7 years old or so. SD was valid then and still valid now.

SD has moved on to SDHC ... your old laptop isn't compatible with the larger cards sold today. Nor is my laptop that's only 18 months old.

It's not all about you.

Oh, but it is about you?

Can't please everybody. But a built-in reader would please most since most all cameras use SD.

Most consumer P&S's do ... today. However, the tea leaves weren't as clear as they are at present. However, the higher end dSLRs and professional dSLRs still are predominantly CF, with some dual slot CF/SDHC now appearing.

...and (as I've already said) since Flash Media remains a 'moving target' due to frequent updates in their standards, which means that for those who are early adopters in particular, its a fool's errand to lock yourself in to a reader that effectively can't be replaced short of replacing the entire computer.



-hh

 

[maclover001]

I have a Compaq X1000 laptop with a built-in SD card reader.

Just get a freaking ExpressCard reader.

 

[shelby-vn]

I don't know what MS are thinking though. I don't mind these ads, but these should have been released several months before the release of Win 7. Rather than working on their defence, they could also work on a bit of offense. These ads are good at explaining why Windows laptops do make sense for a lot of people, but if they advertised Win 7, they could brag as well.

 

[flopticalcube]

Ok. Forgive me but I tend not to place as much stock in anecdotal evidence versus scientific studies or statistical surveys.

Most? Alright, gonna need some proof of this...

http://www.abiresearch.com/Blog/Wireless_Blog/423 from 2007.

Currently SD (Secure Digital) card format including microSD and miniSD is the most popular memory card format with over 80% market-share. Also, it is expected that in 2009, when the UFS standard will be finalized, over 85% of memory cards shipped for mobile phones will be microSD and miniSD cards.

 

[Goona]

With the economy the way that it is and the amount of people purchaceing netbooks I think MS should be more worried about people using and learning Linux than buying a MAC. I think that the real purpose of these ads is to help with Vista's image (which I've used for a long time with no issues, btw) that Apple has tried their hardest to tarnish with their slanderous ads that I'm not even sure are legal.

Yeah it's all Apple's fault Vista has such an image, lol.

 

[AidenShaw]

I don't know what MS are thinking though. I don't mind these ads, but these should have been released several months before the release of Win 7.

Actually, isn't it exactly several months before the release of Windows 7?

Look at the buzz this week, with the release of the Release Candidate of Windows 7.

Rather than working on their defence, they could also work on a bit of offense. These ads are good at explaining why Windows laptops do make sense for a lot of people, but if they advertised Win 7, they could brag as well.

The CP+B folks have planned for the Windows 7 release since before the first Seinfeld ad - by the back-to-school and holiday shopping season you'll have seen the full results.

Maybe we'll even have Seinfeld back - with a Steve Jobs/Justin Long character playing the "Mac Nazi". "NO MAC FOR YOU!"

 

[Artielange]

Yeah it's all Apple's fault Vista has such an image, lol.

Yeah, an OS that compatile with almost any peice of hardware that you throw at it, really sucks.

 

[Bonsai1214]

^^ but it isn't compatible with much hardware.. hence the lawsuits.

anyways, low end macbook pro is $1999. and comes with 2gb DDR3, rather than 4gb DDR2. i would say the tradeoff is fair.. i would buy one if i had money and wasn't a poor college student.. haha

 

[Eidorian]

^^ but it isn't compatible with much hardware.. hence the lawsuits.

You might want to be more specific. Vista and Windows 7 carry a boat load of drivers for vast hardware compatibility. Sadly the hardware might not be able to run Vista as well as your sticker says.

anyways, low end macbook pro is $1999. and comes with 2gb DDR3, rather than 4gb DDR2. i would say the tradeoff is fair.. i would buy one if i had money and wasn't a poor college student.. haha

Double the DDR2 RAM any day.

 

[Mad Mac]

You mean you have another laptop that has speakers better than that of the external monitor's? Or your dock's?

(No, if you're connecting your speakers/headphones via the dock, it doesn't count—simply because you're still using the wire—and creating a mess...)

I don't think you understand what a typical laptop dock does. All the peripherals are connected to the dock. You simply snap your laptop onto the dock. There is a connector that's underneath the laptop that mates with the dock. One snap and you're done. Your external monitor, keyboard, mouse, network, external speakers, etc. are all hooked up.

Dock for laptops? Do they come for free with PC laptops?

If not, then it's the same... —and it's safe to assume that there are more docks for Macbooks and MacBook Pros because they're the best-selling consumer-level (non-netbook) laptops... (*they even look better...*)

You realize that there are no docks for current Macbooks right? Hint: look under your laptop. There's no connector there.

Only if you have the need for one, and the vast majority of users dont.

That's because the vast majority don't even know what a dock is or does. See example above.

More and more people only have a laptop as their main computer. It only makes sense to have a dock to hook into your peripherals instead of having to connect and disconnect wires everytime. Look at all the pictures of Macbooks sitting on a stand with wires hanging everywhere. That's a joke and is really against what Apple ID preaches.

No amount of Koolaid will convince me that plugging and removing cables is better than dropping into a dock. A lot of PC laptops have this option and for people that want it, it's there. A Mac has no option. Advantage: PC. But I'm sure if Apple ever does offer it then it'll be the greatest thing since sliced bread.

Just get a freaking ExpressCard reader.

And where does it go on a Macbook or Macbook Air?

I used to have an Apple laptop with dock, and I'm on my second Thinkpad with one. Yet I haven't bought a dock for use at home - - different utility cycles that generally discourage a $200-$500 accessory.

But if you wanted to, you can't. So your point is moot.

SD has moved on to SDHC ... your old laptop isn't compatible with the larger cards sold today. Nor is my laptop that's only 18 months old.

You don't have to move to high capacity SD. If you have SD cards laying around you can use them in anything that can use SDHC.

Oh, but it is about you?

Never said it was.

Most consumer P&S's do ... today. However, the tea leaves weren't as clear as they are at present. However, the higher end dSLRs and professional dSLRs still are predominantly CF, with some dual slot CF/SDHC now appearing.

Everything is a moving target. Apple just pulled Display Port out of nowhere. If you're going to wait until things settle down in electronics you'll wait forever. I think it's pretty clear that SD is popular enough to warrant a slot.

...and (as I've already said) since Flash Media remains a 'moving target' due to frequent updates in their standards, which means that for those who are early adopters in particular, its a fool's errand to lock yourself in to a reader that effectively can't be replaced short of replacing the entire computer.

I can say the same thing for firewire or USB or DVI or HDMI or Display Port.

 

[Vercingetorix]

I have a Compaq X1000 laptop with a built-in SD card reader. The laptop is probably 7 years old or so. SD was valid then and still valid now.

I have the same laptop. If you're going to argue about how important a dock is for a laptop, at least argue in favor of a model with a dock that isn't complete crap. The dock for that laptop is a rickety and plasticky POS that was always so fussy to use that it was probably more work than mindlessly plugging in a half-dozen cables would have been. And I had two of them, because the first one crapped out on me after about a month.

That Compaq was a decent laptop. But as I'm sure you remember, it was a pretty high end model at the time. And yet the build quality is like night and day compared to the MBP I bought two years later. I particularly like how the keyboard became so worn and slick that touch typing became nearly impossible and most of the letters were completely worn off. I spent ~$2000 on that Compaq, and two years later I had a machine that felt rickety and looked like it was ready for the scrap heap; then I spent ~$2000 on a Mac laptop, and two years later I have something that still looks and feels brand new if you clean the fingerprints off it. There's no comparison.