I do. Maybe not from a pure hardware comparison standpoint (or price, Wii being the cheaper of the 3). But as far as how compelling the experience is to the most number of people? Sure
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New Microsoft Ad Campaign Targets Mac Prices
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I do. Maybe not from a pure hardware comparison standpoint (or price, Wii being the cheaper of the 3). But as far as how compelling the experience is to the most number of people? Sure
I think that Microsoft picked the sweet spot for the ad. Apple's notebook lineup marketing and product positioning is way off the mark.
If you are a "consumer" and want a 15" or 17" Mac notebook, you are forced to look at the pro models and pay for a bunch of stuff you don't want or need. On the other side if you are a pro and need an ultra portable, you have to buy a 15" or 17."
Sure, Apple is making more money from Apple die hards. But Apple will never gain a huge market share with OS X because of it's model. Someone may want a 17" Mac, and have $1500 to spend. After looking at options, they see a 17" Mac STARTS at $2799, but for half their budget can buy an HP 17" laptop.
I guess Apple never truly wants to OWN the OS X market. Apple is focused on margins. I have noticed that Apple hasn't truly upgraded the CPUs in any Mac OTHER THAN MAC PRO in two years. And the Mac Pro costs $500 more than the last generation to get the upgraded Nehalem.
I think Apple has become enlightened to the margins/return on the consumer iPhone and iPod and is applying that to Mac line.
I love my Macs, but I feel very fortunate to be able to own a Mac in the first place. They are extremely expensive for an innovative design, aluminum case, and OS X.
Someone else pointed out early in the thread that extra capabilities like some simple led lights for backlit keyboard cost very little for Apple to add but the little things make Mac buyers justify to themselves the much higher cost.
I think the current economy will finally force an end to Apple's huge Mac growth year over year. For the AVERAGE consumer, buying a Mac makes no sense. Microsoft has picked just the right time to exploit the outrageously high prices that come with buying anything Apple.
What is unfortunate for Mac fans, is Apple has such huge success with iPod and iPhone that it doesn't have to focus or worry about competition on the Mac side of business.
If you are a "consumer" and want a 15" or 17" Mac notebook, you are forced to look at the pro models and pay for a bunch of stuff you don't want or need. On the other side if you are a pro and need an ultra portable, you have to buy a 15" or 17."
Sure, Apple is making more money from Apple die hards. But Apple will never gain a huge market share with OS X because of it's model. Someone may want a 17" Mac, and have $1500 to spend. After looking at options, they see a 17" Mac STARTS at $2799, but for half their budget can buy an HP 17" laptop.
I guess Apple never truly wants to OWN the OS X market. Apple is focused on margins. I have noticed that Apple hasn't truly upgraded the CPUs in any Mac OTHER THAN MAC PRO in two years. And the Mac Pro costs $500 more than the last generation to get the upgraded Nehalem.
I think Apple has become enlightened to the margins/return on the consumer iPhone and iPod and is applying that to Mac line.
I love my Macs, but I feel very fortunate to be able to own a Mac in the first place. They are extremely expensive for an innovative design, aluminum case, and OS X.
Someone else pointed out early in the thread that extra capabilities like some simple led lights for backlit keyboard cost very little for Apple to add but the little things make Mac buyers justify to themselves the much higher cost.
I think the current economy will finally force an end to Apple's huge Mac growth year over year. For the AVERAGE consumer, buying a Mac makes no sense. Microsoft has picked just the right time to exploit the outrageously high prices that come with buying anything Apple.
What is unfortunate for Mac fans, is Apple has such huge success with iPod and iPhone that it doesn't have to focus or worry about competition on the Mac side of business.
Because Wii is a thinking-man's console and XB360/PS3 are gamers (and less educated people's generally) consoles. Mac is a thinking person's computer and PC is a gamers rig or net appliance. Plus, The Wii is white and Apple did have a white fixation for a quite a while until just recently.
Jesus, it doesn't really matter that much -- the end performance is the measuring factor regardless of what components you use, and a $6000 hand-built PC could fart and melt a Mac Pro.
I have no idea, I just do. It's not money envy, I can afford an Adamo or two. I can't explain it. It's like... bluetooth headsets. I have nothing against them personally, but a LOT of people find them extremely provocative and want to smash the user's face in. That's not a money issue either, you can get a BT headset for peanuts. Other people hate emo kids. Or hippies. Both harmless, but...
I recommend a book called "Inside Steve's Brain". There is some good insight as to the product design process. As Ive has said, the inside of the machined aluminum MacBooks is in some ways more beautiful than the outside.
Nope, don't agree. For people that want quality and have a preference it makes sense.
The economy is forcing everyone to slow down.
Do you guys really not understand this concept? It has very little to do with what market share Apple has. It has to do with how many times Apple's advertisements are seen. Apple spent a lot of money on that campaign and a lot of people saw it. That is why Microsoft is responding. It makes perfect sense, very little to do with this "fear" that everybody keeps referencing. Apple does not want Microsoft to "fear" them. They are not even targeting most of Microsoft's consumers.
Nah your argument sounded like you were saying you could buy the same parts for far less-- not same performance (which is also still debatable.)
For what it's worth, I'm not impressed with the value of Apples current lineup of iMacs and MacBook / MacBook Pros. I think for raw performance those are lagging-- you're paying a premium for the experience, the software, the form factor, etc. It's been three years since I bought my 15" MacBook Pro (2.16ghz), and nothing within the $2k range from Apple is compelling from a performance standpoint to upgrade from my current system.
The Mac Pro, on the other hand...
oh ... that's funny. Still ... both are just too large to be casually carrying around, it seems to me. Take it from a former DELL XPS M1710 laptop owner (8.8 pounds, btw), 17" laptops are not Starbucks or airplane friendly, thank you very much. Now, if I'm in the market for a gaming, desktop replacement that can be moved around the house pretty seamlessly, I'd consider spending an extra $2100 on that 17" to make it worthwhile and as desktop-friendly as possible.
I wasn't initially proud of those thousands of dollars I spent on that Gateway 2000, x486 tower PC, but one thing I've learned about computers AND laptops so far is that you really do get what you pay for.
Good lord, people can get awfully passionate over a computer.
To each his own. Some people prefer working with Windows and Dells, some people prefer OSX and Macs. I've used both platforms for years (started with PCs, then Macs 8 years later). I still have a PC with Windows XP for certain projects, but, my personal preference is a Mac. Why? Because I prefer OSX over Windows, and I like the look of Macs better than Dells or HPs.
I've had problems with both Macs and PCs. I've also had problems with OSX and Windows XP. Neither is superior over the other. Each has it's flaws and problems, and everyone has a different experience with a certain computer.
Cost-wise, Macs are definitely a lot more expensive. I think most people here are arguing over whether Apple is justified to charge the prices they do. It's their company, they can charge what they want. People will stop buying if they feel the prices are outrageous. However, Apple's market share (and stock) keeps going up, so, it doesn't seem to be hurting them just yet.
To each his own. Some people prefer working with Windows and Dells, some people prefer OSX and Macs. I've used both platforms for years (started with PCs, then Macs 8 years later). I still have a PC with Windows XP for certain projects, but, my personal preference is a Mac. Why? Because I prefer OSX over Windows, and I like the look of Macs better than Dells or HPs.
I've had problems with both Macs and PCs. I've also had problems with OSX and Windows XP. Neither is superior over the other. Each has it's flaws and problems, and everyone has a different experience with a certain computer.
Cost-wise, Macs are definitely a lot more expensive. I think most people here are arguing over whether Apple is justified to charge the prices they do. It's their company, they can charge what they want. People will stop buying if they feel the prices are outrageous. However, Apple's market share (and stock) keeps going up, so, it doesn't seem to be hurting them just yet.
apple plays by its won rules and does things most companies would never ever do.
For MS to react like this shows they are worried
Thou protesteth too much....
For MS to react like this shows they are worried
Thou protesteth too much....
This ad simply re-enforces what people already know. There's nothing new here. I'm aware mac's cost more...but cost is not the only reason I purchase mac...and it's not to be cool. (And if we live in a time where the computer you own makes you COOL...then we have bigger fish to fry with what the definition of COOL is)
MAC OS runs the programs I need it to run (FCP etc) it's operating system is ONE THOUSAND times more stable and dependable than windows (and if I want to run windows I'll install it and run it using bootcamp). The fact that spyware and viruses haven't touched any of my mac machines in the 8 years I've had them says something.
Anyway, who gives a rats arse anyway...a computer is a personal choice and this anti mac/anti pc crap is LAME.
It's like right wing vs left wing and it's 100% pointless other than to bicker and argue over stupid crap.
Enjoy your PC or your MAC...it's YOUR choice and leave it at that!
MAC OS runs the programs I need it to run (FCP etc) it's operating system is ONE THOUSAND times more stable and dependable than windows (and if I want to run windows I'll install it and run it using bootcamp). The fact that spyware and viruses haven't touched any of my mac machines in the 8 years I've had them says something.
Anyway, who gives a rats arse anyway...a computer is a personal choice and this anti mac/anti pc crap is LAME.
It's like right wing vs left wing and it's 100% pointless other than to bicker and argue over stupid crap.
Enjoy your PC or your MAC...it's YOUR choice and leave it at that!
I think that this ad (as with most MS ads) is pretty lame, but if Apple responds, say, by reducing their prices, well, heck, I'll take that as a win!
I suspect that this campaign is a minor skirmish - and that the big guns will come out soon for the Windows 7 launch.
Cheaper hardware and a good user experience. Apple is the one that should be worried....
Also note that Lauren was excited by the looks of the HP computer. If that isn't a slap at Apple design, nothing is.
I've been looking at 17" simply because I need the 1920x1200 workspace, and even though there are 15" machines with optional 1920x1200 (Dell Latitude & Precision), the 15" Dell I'm on now has 1680x1050 and it's about as high as you can go on 15" without needing binoculars, IMO.oh ... that's funny. Still ... both are just too large to be casually carrying around, it seems to me. Take it from a former DELL XPS M1710 laptop owner (8.8 pounds, btw), 17" laptops are not Starbucks or airplane friendly, thank you very much. Now, if I'm in the market for a gaming, desktop replacement that can be moved around the house pretty seamlessly, I'd consider spending an extra $2100 on that 17" to make it worthwhile and as desktop-friendly as possible.
I'm wasn't initially proud of those thousands of dollars I spent on that Gateway 2000, x486 tower PC, but one thing I've learned about computers AND laptops so far is that you really do get what you pay for.
But the 17" machines from Dell and HP are crazy big behemoths, like the M6400 with quad CPU, dual hard drives etc... the MBP is much leaner. On the other hand, I often use my laptop on the sofa or in bed, and if this 15" had been a couple of inches deeper it would tip over the edge... and an MBP 17", while thin, has an effing huge footprint. So, I dunno what to get. Probably an MBP, but everyone's saying it sucks for Windows... *shrug*.
Never ever get a 15.4" display at 1920 x 1200. Even my eyes started to bleed on that lovely Latitude.
Then again it was a loaner while I was without a computer. Beggars can't be choosers, etc. It played 720p video just fine in VLC though.
Wait, who says it sucks for windows? I remember once upon a time when Apple had the fastest Vista laptop available, haha. Not the case anymore, I'm sure. But I'm not sure where the experience would be lacking in Windows on Mac hardware, being that it's just a PC with Mac software.
Not cool enough to be a Mac Person
Hmm, my answer is:
I 'm just too cool to be a Windows person - or what you pay for is what you get !!!!
Hmm, my answer is:
I 'm just too cool to be a Windows person - or what you pay for is what you get !!!!
The Nehalem Mac Pro right now could be called the "fastest Windows machine on the planet".
I've heard that the MacBooks get so hot that they'll scorch fabrics, be careful that you don't "smoke" in bed!
</hyperbole>
Not even close...
64 processors
2 TiB RAM (2048 GiB)
192 PCI slots
http://h20341.www2.hp.com/integrity/cache/342431-0-0-225-121.html
And, by the way, HP's been demoing the 256 core model with Windows 7 Server OS...
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