Microsoft's "I'm a PC" Ad Airs

[henrymonroe]

What the commercial fails to capture is that while all these people are "PCs" they are also dealing with a CRAPPY, over bloated, non-compatible, safety-impaired operating system. It's just like "The Mojave Experiment" - why not show people using Microsoft anything and show their reaction while doing so. It's going to be decidedly different than "I'm a PC" - my reaction... Whoopee ***** doo for you.

Crappy? No. Bloated? Not more than OS X, the reason why Apple is reworking it with Snow Leopard to reduce bloat. Non compatible? It's compatible with over a hundred thousand applications, and over ten thousand peripherals. Compare that to the Mac please. Safety-impaired? OS X has been proven more insecure than Vista and basically every other modern operating system.

Fanboys...

Why would Microsoft need to show people using anything? Does Apple? The reaction would be just the same as any other. This works, and lets me do my job, or play my games. Big deal. Look at the windows.com site with all the users uploading their "I'm a PC" videos. Why would they if they hated it so much? Why can't you learn that a computer is just a tool, and PCs enable billions of people to do their jobs and hobbies just like the Mac does for a few million. Both have strengths and weaknesses, just like both companies do some things wrong and some things right. Why does it have to be a religious thing for you?

 

[Hands Sandon]

Crappy? No. Bloated? Not more than OS X, the reason why Apple is reworking it with Snow Leopard to reduce bloat. Non compatible? It's compatible with over a hundred thousand applications, and over ten thousand peripherals. Compare that to the Mac please. Safety-impaired? OS X has been proven more insecure than Vista and basically every other modern operating system.

Fanboys...

Why would Microsoft need to show people using anything? Does Apple? The reaction would be just the same as any other. This works, and lets me do my job, or play my games. Big deal. Look at the windows.com site with all the users uploading their "I'm a PC" videos. Why would they if they hated it so much? Why can't you learn that a computer is just a tool, and PCs enable billions of people to do their jobs and hobbies just like the Mac does for a few million. Both have strengths and weaknesses, just like both companies do some things wrong and some things right. Why does it have to be a religious thing for you?

This has to be a spin your spinning,remember next time to include the spider (ie the facts!!) Billions to millions implies 1000:1 IN YOUR DREAMZZZZ!!!!
Apples way further on in terms of sales than you give them credit for and as for the religious babble of so called fanboys it looks increasingly likely that when the second coming happens he'll be using, and dare I say, gladly, a Mac! The constant drum beat from Apple is in actuality passing you by-your left holding plastic toys you hate(thereby you yourself in wisdom own an iPhone)Scrap those redundant annoyances,think quality like your iPhone!!

 

[Tosser]

This has to be a spin your spinning,remember next time to include the spider (ie the facts!!) Billions to millions implies 1000:1 IN YOUR DREAMZZZZ!!!!

Sigh … No it doesn't. Say, two billions to fourty million is 50:1, yet it is still billions to millions.

Apples way further on in terms of sales than you give them credit for and as for the religious babble of so called fanboys it looks increasingly likely that when the second coming happens he'll be using, and dare I say, gladly, a Mac!

You're positively a nutter.

The constant drum beat from Apple is in actuality passing you by-your left holding plastic toys you hate(thereby you yourself in wisdom own an iPhone)Scrap those redundant annoyances,think quality like your iPhone!!

You realise that some people actually think for themselves and have come the conclusion that the iPhone is half-backed, subpar, lowest common denominator-product, right?
I cannt believe you pretend the iPhone to be a "quality product". I wonder how on earth you define "quality" in your world.

 

[Hands Sandon]

Sigh … No it doesn't. Say, two billions to fourty million is 50:1, yet it is still billions to millions.


You're positively a nutter.



You realise that some people actually think for themselves and have come the conclusion that the iPhone is half-backed, subpar, lowest common denominator-product, right?
I cannt believe you pretend the iPhone to be a "quality product". I wonder how on earth you define "quality" in your world.

In the eventually that you increase the worlds pool of "The worlds most amazing facts" remain humble,I fear otherwise you might disappear in a cloud of smoke!

 

[henrymonroe]

This has to be a spin your spinning,remember next time to include the spider (ie the facts!!) Billions to millions implies 1000:1 IN YOUR DREAMZZZZ!!!!
Apples way further on in terms of sales than you give them credit for and as for the religious babble of so called fanboys it looks increasingly likely that when the second coming happens he'll be using, and dare I say, gladly, a Mac! The constant drum beat from Apple is in actuality passing you by-your left holding plastic toys you hate(thereby you yourself in wisdom own an iPhone)Scrap those redundant annoyances,think quality like your iPhone!!

Um... it's a well known fact that Windows has over one billion users. Macs have a few million. What's your point again?

 

[Tosser]

In the eventually that you increase the worlds pool of "The worlds most amazing facts" remain humble,I fear otherwise you might disappear in a cloud of smoke!

Well, as you have proved before, you're a person in dire need of having basic facts represented before you.

 

[Hands Sandon]

Um... it's a well known fact that Windows has over one billion users. What's your point again?

So your still struggling to make coherent points,with loose facts that shrivel in the light.
SO WHAT-get learning-if you really want to keep that kind of squabbling going and really believe that having a billion plus users of MS's OS is good for you,at least take a look at what's changing.You won't have an arguement if you don't!!

 

[Tosser]

So your still struggling to make coherent points,with loose facts that shrivel in the light.

Do you just pick random pseudo come backs?
Your notion that it implies a 1000:1 ratio wasn't way out there, or what are you suggesting?

SO WHAT-get learning-if you really want to keep that kind of squabbling going

Oh, great – this is coming from someone who, by his own admission, have only owned a computer for a year

and really believe that having a billion plus users of MS's OS is good for you,at least take a look at what's changing.

Hmm, It's funny. On one hand, you're arguing that it's NOT a good thing to have that many users, on the other hand, you're claipping your little hands because the iPod sell so well and more people are dragged into the RDF because of it. Here's to hypocrisy [cheers]!

You won't have an arguement if you don't!!

Except when one does.

 

[elvirav]

About the ad: Nice, elegant, not much substance. I don't think it'll convince any Mac user to buy a PC, and I don't think it'll stop anyone thinking about buying a Mac (if they are fed up with PCs) to not buy a Mac.

The "I'm a Mac / I'm a PC" ads at least had humor, and some substance, silly as it was. The substance was "Vista isn't working as it should" or "We run Microsoft Office" or "PC users can transfer all their files over to the Mac." What do these ads say? "I'm a PC and I do this or that." But the question is, can you do it better on another operating system? Are you happy with it now? Could you be happier?

 

[50548]

WOW! You don't like Jerry because he's Jewish.

You're a racist!!



Since everybody likes to throw that word around these days,I figured I would also.

Well, I didn't say that. Just watch his shows and you'll understand my statement on other "minorities" that don't receive the same wonderful treatment as others...

 

[Derwood]

These ads from CP+B have almost overnight neutralized the "Get a Mac" series of ads. Brilliant.

Compare Hodgeman's likeable character, and Long's smug, arrogant jerk of a character -- to "real" people who are happy to say "I'm a PC".

Now when people see the Apple ads, they'll think of the Microsoft ads immediately.

Brilliant, simply brilliant. Change the landscape so that the competitor's ads make people think of your ad campaign.

Agreed. I think the other really smart thing about the Microsoft ad is that it opens up a discursive space between the two companies where we as consumers can observe the dialogue between them.

Strategically speaking, the next ad campaign is going to be a massive ask for whichever firm gets tasked with it. Does Apple continue this dialogue with a 'response' ad? Hard to see how.

This now forces Apple to move towards a completely different advertising space, one where I think they will be forced to put personality on the backburner as it has now so publicly backfired with the Justin/John ads. I would even be tempted to say that they might need to play down the design element some given Microsoft's "real people" focus in their ad.

It's that age old problem of: how does one go about backing down from a fight without losing face?

Tricky times ahead for Apple advertising.

Derwood

 

[PowerFullMac]

They are even making fun of this on 4chan

New meme

 

[lucasmonger]

Apple counter-attack

Nicely done. Good form! Since I use VMware/XP on my mac, I guess I'm a PC also but married to a hottie Mac.

I honestly don't think Apple would ever counter-attack with an "I'm a PC.... on a Mac" or ads made in the same flavor splicing in shots of Windows applications running with VMware or Parallels on OS X on beautiful Apple hardware,

Or better yet, buy up all the TV spots immediately following the Microsoft ads and rerun the "I'm a PC too" ads with Jonathan Hodgeman and Justin Long.

It will probably never happen...but it's always fun to dream about Apple turning Microsoft's $300M ads to their advantage.

I also love another posters analogy of "Life without walls" where if you don't have any walls, why in the world would you need Windows?

 

[jnc]

They are even making fun of this on 4chan

it doesn't take a lot for 4chan to make fun of something

 

[Anuba]

Strategically speaking, the next ad campaign is going to be a massive ask for whichever firm gets tasked with it. Does Apple continue this dialogue with a 'response' ad? Hard to see how.

Apple set themselves up for this dilemma the minute they decided to make negative campaigning their primary marketing tool. They've been getting away with it for aeons now, ever since the "Pentium toaster" ads of the G3 introduction back in the 90's. Now, Microsoft finally saw fit to respond, but rather than stoop to Apple's level, they simply responded "yeah, I'm a PC. So?". No mudslinging, just a simple admission with a hint of pride thrown in. Overnight, they made Apple look like desperate, smug and condescending ******s (for anyone who hadn't noticed this before).

 

[kroger927]

I'm confused on why mac users are considered unique, original and thinking outside the box. Every person who uses a mac is essentially using the exact same computer as the next mac user. Basically if your using a mac your as unique and original as the next mac user. I think macs look elegant, but that doesn't make mac users or macs for that matter a better option. I think mac users' image is beginning to become negative and elitist which is why this ad is effective, it shows normal people using PCs.

 

[elppa]

Tricky times ahead for Apple advertising.

Derwood

Back in reality there are no tricky times for Apple.

Apple creates products that create buzz and that regular folk want to buy. Whether it be the Mac computers, the latest iPod or the iPhone (which despite it's well documented problems has a captured a huge wave of momentum).

They also seem to have no problem with ideas for campaigns which tell a compelling story and engage consumers.

You see aside from “Get a Mac” Apple has also had “Think Different”, “Switch” “iPod Dancers” or more recently the iconic Manila Envelope (look on YouTube for parodies, there are hundreds).

The last MS commercial that had any weight was “start me up”. This most recent commercial just picks up from Get a Mac. Where would Microsoft be without Apple to give them ideas? They'd probably be in the same place as they would be with or without these commercials. Selling millions of software licences a year through their OEMs, the majority of which are “purchased” buy people who either don't understand what they are buying or don't care as long as they can get online and read their emails.

All Microsoft advertise is the PC, a PC doesn't have to run Windows or even come with Windows. Apple advertises the Mac, a Mac doesn't have to run Mac OS X, but (crucially) it always comes with Mac OS X.

So really it would seem Microsoft face the trickier times as these aren't very good adverts for Windows. Not that Microsoft needs to advertise Windows anyway. And they never ever give one single reason not to buy a Mac or look for alternatives.

Experts in the subject agree with me as well.

 

[andy721]

Wow this is really gay!

What a piece of ****. What are they proving in this ad? That copying us is legal or making them sound/look smarter? Give me a break they all look like they're on anti-depressants, I wonder why, Vista maybe. Or other Crappy Microsoft Products they keep producing? This has to be a joke. Did this really AIR on television? This isn't creative at all with their idea making in this commercial they call success. Please give up or kill yourself Gates/Microsoft team.

 

[hoptown]

The new Microsoft ads aren't bad. However, there's a couple of problems. First, the Apple "I'm a Mac; I'm a PC" ads were not referring to the people who use them. The ads are pointing out the differences between the two platforms. I don't think they are meant to insult people who use PC's.

Also, Microsoft attempts to show that a variety of people use their operating system. So what. I've been using a Mac since 2006. In that short time, I've never come across a more diverse group of users.

The only thing preventing Mac from gaining a larger market share is the cost of their lowest cost computer. Its still too much $ for many PC users to actually make a switch. You can buy a PC for $400 and it will do exactly what many people need to do...check email and surf the web. Apple's ads will only take them so far.

 

[Gray-Wolf]

It's humorous. But since I'm no longer interested in their product, it's not productive.

 

[PowerFullMac]

it doesn't take a lot for 4chan to make fun of something

Lot of 'em are Windows users, though!

 

[Eidorian]

Lot of 'em are Windows users, though!

You make it sound like it's significant. /g/ was a nice place to visit and it can be helpful at times. You're still stuck with users that are more then happy to join the anonymous mass.

 

[Tosser]

You make it sound like it's significant. /g/ was a nice place to visit and it can be helpful at times. You're still stuck with users that are more then happy to join the anonymous mass.

Oh, you mean the people who buy into iPods and iPhones?

Yup, figures

 

[Eidorian]

Oh, you mean the people who buy into iPods and iPhones?

Yup, figures

I'm sure we appreciate the /g/ trolls around here.

 

[Anuba]

The new Microsoft ads aren't bad. However, there's a couple of problems. First, the Apple "I'm a Mac; I'm a PC" ads were not referring to the people who use them. The ads are pointing out the differences between the two platforms. I don't think they are meant to insult people who use PC's.

Of course they are. They're meant to make people feel uncool, behind the times and prone to ill informed choices. They might as well call the ads "Hi, I'm a Mac... / ...and I'm an idiot". Negative campaigning always thrives on fear, in this case it reaches out to the insecure child in every adult, the child whose biggest fear is to come to school with the wrong brand sneakers.

The only thing preventing Mac from gaining a larger market share is the cost of their lowest cost computer.

If that was the issue, people wouldn't be buying high-end PCs, yet they have no problem buying watercooled monster towers that cost more than a fully loaded Mac Pro. The low-end segment is only a small part of the PC market. The lion's share of the PC range overlaps the Mac product range in terms of price. The main reason they buy PCs is that it's what they're familiar with, it's what they've used in school and at work, it's what their friends and relatives have in their homes, it's the one platform you're guaranteed to find in any store that sells computers (well, except Apple Stores), whereas Macs are only sold by a few select chains. And then there's the advertising: No matter how much ad time Apple buys, they're just one company. The Windows platform is advertised by thousands of companies. There are Microsoft ads, Dell ads, HP ads, Gateway ads...