New Microsoft Ad Campaign Targets Mac Prices

[jbembe]

it's a good ad, hit 'em where it hurts...

i think plenty of people see computers the way they are presented in this ad, so it will register with them. not everyone knows or even cares what gigahardbitdrive terminology means, they just want a good looking cheap computer. PC for the masses.

 

[lftrghtparadigm]

Did you really think that this post of yours was so clever that you had to put it up again?

As long as the difference between Windows/OSX remains as is, garbage/usable, then I will continue to happily pay the apple tax as you childishly describe it

 

[polaris20]

85 pages this is hilarious! all the Apple consumers / fanboys are here trying to justify paying the Apple tax just to run OS X on the very same hardware that is inside every single Windows based PC look, you Apple fan boys can spin this all you want at the end of the day Apple has imbedded a huge tax on every box they sell giving you the rights to run OS X on the very same hardware a Windows user probably paid half the price for.

It was inevitable that this argument would gain more steam once Apple changed over to using the same Intel processors used in a Windows box yet they continue to charge the Apple tax for using OS X

Its time for Apple to lower or drop the OS X tax plain and simple you really cant spin this any other way! there are 85 pages of post in this thread and this is the bottom line, how much are you willing to spend in order to run OS X ?

Well thank God you're here to decide what the bottom line is!

And btw you forgot to mention all the Windows fanboys that enjoy trolling a Mac forum; they deserve special mention.

The reality for me is I can do my job on any of the 3 platforms and be fine with it (well not Vista; 7 or XP please) and I find the constant cry of "fanboy!" from either side amusing.

Even if I'd run Linux or Win7 as my main system, I'd still be looking for a well built system, which would be a Thinkpad, not some pos HP from Best Buy.

The target of this ad are people on a budget, not someone who spent $2000 on a MBP (me) or $1800 on a Thinkpad T61p (also me).

 

[pprior]

Excellent ad. The seinfeld ones were freakishly bad, but these hit home especially in today's environment.

I'm solidly a mac user, having used PCs for 20 years before switching 2 years ago. However there is no doubt that pricing is a sticking point.

Give MS credit where it's due - ad is very well done.

 

[lucasmonger]

PCs cheaper? not when you get what you want

My company buys a lot of Dells, and it continues to amaze me how what the engineers and managers end up getting costs $2000-2700 when you're done configuring it. Plus, our incredible corporate discounts and volume buying power make it so we end up paying more for the machine than you can get yourself on the web. Most of the time, what the individuals configure ends up being close to a MacBook Pro, give or take a few features. I like how Macs are generally configured with everything at the high end, so you don't accidentally buy a suboptimal components or skimp on features that you add later with more cards.

The corporate "standard" desktop (7 models to choose from) and laptop machines (12 models to choose from) can't come anywhere close to the lowest prices you can find out there. Supposedly, we're saving on IT costs by having everyone with similar machines where parts are readily replaceable and interchangeable, but the IT folks are struggling horrifically with the large number of replacement models (PCs change every few weeks) where a single boot image just doesn't work with all the necessary drivers. In my experience, when someone gets a new PC, the IT guy is in their office for about a week fiddling with things to get everything working. Again, I just don't see the long term cost benefit having owned both.

 

[GUNcrazy12]

You get what you pay for.

true that. If you buy anything with windows, you will get a piece of ****.
End of story. and for the dude that said this, if they dont care about speed, resolution, or those other things, then go live in a hole.
And with the cost of virus software, other crap like that, the repair of the computer, and the data loss (cuz pieces of sh*t tend to be pieces of sh*t), you will end up paying about $2000.
Suck my balls Mr. Garrison.

 

[stewy]

I don't really see how these ads are going to be effective... it's no secret that macs cost more...

this will only make a difference to parents who are buying a laptop for their kids... I can hear them now "I'm not spending $1399 when I can get the same thing for $699"

I used to work at sears, most parents can't distinguish between an ipod and any $29 crap mp3 player. Same thing applies here.

 

[lftrghtparadigm]

Just the idea of having to run anti-virus software, a CPU-eating monster, and the definitive result from not using it, is reason enough for me never to run Windows again. Ever. Of any build. 7? Who cares? New version of Norton and McAfree will be right along with it.

Security and Stability, first.

..then whatever else you want.

 

[janstett]

- The great thing about a Macintosh is you get more than what you wanted. You get everything you would ever need as a standard consumer.
Piece-of-Crap

Except Blu-Ray (hardware -or- software). Or a card reader. Or in some cases a removable battery. Or a fingerprint reader. Or in some cases firewire. Or non-glossy screens. Or built-in WLAN. Or common video out like VGA, DVI without having to buy a p-i-t-a separate adapter that doesn't come with it. Or HDMI under any circumstances. Or mulitchannel sound cards. Or a better resolution display (e.g. my $2500 MacBook Pro has a 1440x900 display, why can't I get 1680x1050 like I can on every other 15" notebook).

Just sayin. My everyday machine is a unibody 15" MacBook Pro, but I could have gotten a machine at half the price that is equally (or better) spec'ed out. And the MacBooks aren't exactly swiss army knives loaded with every conceivable feature. Stop pretending it is because it shows you are a fanboi.

 

[lftrghtparadigm]

My company buys a lot of Dells, and it continues to amaze me how what the engineers and managers end up getting costs $2000-2700 when you're done configuring it. Plus, our incredible corporate discounts and volume buying power make it so we end up paying more for the machine than you can get yourself on the web. Most of the time, what the individuals configure ends up being close to a MacBook Pro, give or take a few features. I like how Macs are generally configured with everything at the high end, so you don't accidentally buy a suboptimal components or skimp on features that you add later with more cards.

The corporate "standard" desktop (7 models to choose from) and laptop machines (12 models to choose from) can't come anywhere close to the lowest prices you can find out there. Supposedly, we're saving on IT costs by having everyone with similar machines where parts are readily replaceable and interchangeable, but the IT folks are struggling horrifically with the large number of replacement models (PCs change every few weeks) where a single boot image just doesn't work with all the necessary drivers. In my experience, when someone gets a new PC, the IT guy is in their office for about a week fiddling with things to get everything working. Again, I just don't see the long term cost benefit having owned both.

In reality, there are zero long term cost benefit of buying any computer. Period.

Buy what works, or don't buy. Its all a waste of money anyway.

 

[cg0def]

thats more than i get on my macbook pro

Get a new battery and stop complaining!

 

[polaris20]

true that. If you buy anything with windows, you will get a piece of sh*t.
End of story. and for the dude that said this, if they dont care about speed, resolution, or those other things, then go live in a hole.
And with the cost of virus software, other crap like that, the repair of the computer, and the data loss (cuz pieces of sh*t tend to be pieces of sh*t), you will end up paying about $2000.
Suck my balls Mr. Garrison.

Totally disagree. Lenovo Thinkpads, especially the T series most comparable to Apple laptops, are built very well. Through 64-bit Ubuntu on there and it is one hell of a machine. No AV or anti-spyware required.

 

[lftrghtparadigm]

Except Blu-Ray (hardware -or- software). Or a card reader. Or in some cases a removable battery. Or a fingerprint reader. Or in some cases firewire. Or non-glossy screens. Or built-in WLAN. Or common video out like VGA, DVI without having to buy a p-i-t-a separate adapter that doesn't come with it. Or HDMI under any circumstances. Or mulitchannel sound cards.

Just sayin. My everyday machine is a unibody 15" MacBook Pro, but I could have gotten a machine at half the price that is equally (or better) spec'ed out. And the MacBooks aren't exactly swiss army knives loaded with every conceivable feature. Stop pretending it is because it shows you are a fanboi.

Oh well. Too bad. So sad. Nobody is pretending, the Macs have everything anyone could want. Fingerprint reader? No thanks Big Brother. Blue Ray? To watch on what size laptop screen? LOL get real.

Awwww adapters? GMFB

HDMI? You mean for the incredible resolution you receive when using a Mac out to a Television? Yeaaah, THATS worth it......

Think about the real world before you decide whats "missing" from the Mac. In reality, PC's have every useless, or blown-out-of-proportion option under the sun.

 

[awmazz]

85 pages this is hilarious! all the Apple consumers / fanboys are here trying to justify paying the Apple tax

Using a slogan created by Microsoft's advertising agency - 'Apple Tax' - as if it's a common and legitimate term tells me exactly who has the sponge-like consumer brain of a fan which easily absorbs the marketing messages a corporation wants them to adopt as their own thoughts. Especially ironic when they are labeling others as being such.

So I've changed my mind about the MS ad being atrociously bad - it's absolutely brilliant for its target audience. MS could do even crappier ads and they'd still be brilliant. They certainly know their market.

PS. For all those who have expressed positive comments about the ad in regards to hopes that it will force Apple to lower its prices - keep hoping, it ain't gonna happen. So it's a very bad ad if that's the sole judging criteria. Apple has a very successful business/marketing model, and 'cheap' is not a part of that model.

 

[cg0def]

Excellent ad. The seinfeld ones were freakishly bad, but these hit home especially in today's environment.

I'm solidly a mac user, having used PCs for 20 years before switching 2 years ago. However there is no doubt that pricing is a sticking point.

Give MS credit where it's due - ad is very well done.

Well it's nice to see that MS finally sees the threat that Apple is posing but dude this is a very weak attempt. If someone tells you that they'll give you a free computer as long as it's under $1000 would you take it? So much for the whole regular people choose Windows point. And why would you put the phrase I'm not cool enough to be a mac person anyway? It's not a complement. Heck people by tennis shoes for $150 a pair because they are COOL!

Anyway even the BB employees that were in the video though the whole thing was a little over the top and kinda stupid.

 

[MWPULSE]

85 pages?? really i love Mac osx and apple. but 85 pages justifying why its better?? humm thats extreme, it was on 35 pages on thursday thats 3 days and 50 pages.. quiiiite alot.. you said your piece, justified as to why you love your PC/Mac.. i still prefer mac, but i will just mutter that else its gonna be another 20 pages! heh

Good postings peoples

PTP

(i would just like to point out, im not actually being sarcastic in this statement)

 

[StupendousMan]

Just the idea of having to run anti-virus software, a CPU-eating monster, and the definitive result from not using it, is reason enough for me never to run Windows again. Ever. Of any build. 7? Who cares? New version of Norton and McAfree will be right along with it.

Security and Stability, first.

..then whatever else you want.

Ah, the common Mac-fanboy misconceptions regarding Windows and it's need for an antivirus.

1. The best antivirus software around is hardly a CPU-eating monster. In fact, its even free.
2. With enough common sense, you avoid a considerable amount of viruses, even without anti-virus software.

As security is one of your main points for rejecting Windows, it's pretty marvellous how one free, low-bloat and efficient software solves the problem.

I love how you have a false sense of security though. A virus for OS X is a long time coming, and the threat isn't just a joke. Apple agreed, don't bother them about it:

http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/08/12/01/apple_now_encourages_antivirus_use_for_mac_os_x.html

 

[brosmooth]

Your all forgetting

its not just the hardware that your paying more for, its also the apple care and support that comes with everyone. Just about every time something goes wrong call up good ol apple and they usually find a solution that works with you. And if there's a software problem they can find a solution and come out with a patch in little time, where Microsoft cant do that as easily.

please don't get me wrong im not one of these brainwashed fanboys, i used to have windows xp and vista, and wanted to switch to a mac because it just makes more sense and i was willing to pay more because i get more. I also have xp with bootcamp on my macbook right now too...

also if your arguing that windows OS is similar or just as good as os x then i bet the closest you've come to using it is the pics on the internet, actually try both and make you own opinion based on your experience and not pre judged or stereotypical things.

 

[AidenShaw]

Except Blu-Ray (hardware -or- software). Or a card reader. Or in some cases a removable battery. Or a fingerprint reader. Or in some cases firewire. Or non-glossy screens. Or built-in WLAN. Or common video out like VGA, DVI without having to buy a p-i-t-a separate adapter that doesn't come with it. Or HDMI under any circumstances. Or mulitchannel sound cards.

eSATA is another big one. (By the way, I think that you meant "built-in WWAN (3G)", not "built-in WLAN (WiFi)".)

Nobody is pretending, the Macs have everything anyone could want.

But we're saying that Apple's *don't* have "everything that anyone could want".

Fingerprint reader? No thanks Big Brother.

Big brother? Fingerprint readers are wonderful. You can set your screensaver to a short interval with password protection - and if locks a quick swipe and you're back. I love them.

Blue Ray? To watch on what size laptop screen? LOL get real.

You're missing the point of Blu-ray support in a laptop. It isn't so that you get the optimum 1080p experience - you want Blu-ray support so that you can watch your BD discs on your laptop, without having to also buy the DVD or do something probably illegal.

And, since a DVD is basically 640x480 pixels (NTSC) - in fact a downscaled BD *does* look a lot better than an upscaled DVD.

HDMI? You mean for the incredible resolution you receive when using a Mac out to a Television?

You must be confusing HDMI with composite or S-video. An HDMI connection is a pure digital video connector, basically equivalent to DVI+sound.

An HDMI connection to a flat panel screen is pixel perfect - the picture is as good as on a monitor (but a lot larger than the laptop screen or most monitors).

On a more serious note people who can only afford $1000 for a computer are not really the market to go after. At best they will only replace their computer every 5 years and already have a good enough PC.

It's also the college freshmen class every year. A lot of families need to get laptops for school kids, and $700 vs $2800 is a big deal.

 

[ces1965]

85 pages this is hilarious! all the Apple consumers / fanboys are here trying to justify paying the Apple tax just to run OS X on the very same hardware that is inside every single Windows based PC look, you Apple fan boys can spin this all you want at the end of the day Apple has imbedded a huge tax on every box they sell giving you the rights to run OS X on the very same hardware a Windows user probably paid half the price for.

It was inevitable that this argument would gain more steam once Apple changed over to using the same Intel processors used in a Windows box yet they continue to charge the Apple tax for using OS X

Its time for Apple to lower or drop the OS X tax plain and simple you really cant spin this any other way! there are 85 pages of post in this thread and this is the bottom line, how much are you willing to spend in order to run OS X ?

1. It's not just to "run OS X". It's, among other things, also to have a computer where the hardware, OS and many of the key apps (including iLife) come from one company, which reduces technical issues and makes support easier and more likely to succeed.

2. The mac premium is not "huge" if you were planning on buying a well equipped PC of the types sold by apple - the difference is a few hundred dollars at most for apples-to-apples comparison machines. Sometimes, usually at the introduction point of the new mac, the mac is actually cheaper. Where there's a difference of a few hundred dollars, it is easily justified given the poor support and satisfaction ratings for windows PCs compared to Macs (see almost every survey from a reputable source). Maybe that's not the case if you are a geek and can troubleshoot windows, but that's not most people. The mac premium, is however, quite large if you want certain types of computers apple doesn't sell. I.e, if you want a $700 laptop with a low-resolution 17 inch screen. Then you would have to buy at least a macbook pro 15 inch, which is a lot more money. It's definitely true, the mac premium is very large if apple doesn't make the kind of machine you want.

3. Apple's premium is not excessive, given that it is only making a reasonable margin. How little profit do you expect apple to make, and still innovate, support the product, etc.? Then compare apple's margin on its machines to Microsoft's profit margin on windows and office, and you see where the real ripoff is. They have something like 80 percent margins on windows and office. The Microsoft Tax is the real rape, yet you have no issue with that. Why?

 

[MH01]

Oh well. Too bad. So sad. Nobody is pretending, the Macs have everything anyone could want. Fingerprint reader? No thanks Big Brother. Blue Ray? To watch on what size laptop screen? LOL get real.

Awwww adapters? GMFB

HDMI? You mean for the incredible resolution you receive when using a Mac out to a Television? Yeaaah, THATS worth it......

Think about the real world before you decide whats "missing" from the Mac. In reality, PC's have every useless, or blown-out-of-proportion option under the sun.

Blue ray + HDMI and a 40" LCD...... your right, that would never work!!!!
Though as soon as blue ray does come to macs, all the fanbois will be going on about how fantastic macs are cause they have Blue ray....

Mini display port has to be the most useless interface going around at the moment. If your going to include one interface, make the damn thing useful.

 

[MacinDoc]

It's also the college freshmen class every year. A lot of families need to get laptops for school kids, and $700 vs $2800 is a big deal.

Why would you ruin a perfectly thoughtful post by adding garbage like this? Who makes a $700 laptop that is comparable to a $2800 MBP?

 

[Brunos82]

Happy Since I Switched To a Mac

Bottom line is when you compare full specs you cannot get the equivalent of a 17 macbook pro in a PC for less than 1,000 other than the screen size itself.

I used to have a Sony Vaio or should I say Sony Virus.

I used to own a DeLL who also got a virus. Although I did like the Dell.

So I switched to a mac and have been happy ever since.

Its much easier for me. Graphics quality is amazing. The machine feels solid and durable vs. cheap plastic and flemsy. The processor is 2.4GHz. Built in webcam that is very high quality. Built in bluetooth. And my wifi works anywhere...unlike my old vaio.

Its unique. It was affordable. I couldn't get the one I wanted right away so I put aside some money until I could afford it.

Apple customer support is great.

 

[bruinsrme]

But were saying that Apple's *don't* have "everything that anyone could want".

Apple did nt have what I wanted in a laptop hence the Dell I am typing on. I honestly thought the apple store associate was kidding when he told me the MBP lacked the things that were important to me. But yes it is a damn nice looking machine.
Big brother? Fingerprint readers are wonderful. You can set your screensaver to a short interval with password protection - and if locks a quick swipe and you're back. I love them.

OMG can be anymore convenient logging in.



You're missing the point of Blu-ray support in a laptop. It isn't so that you get the optimum 1080p experience - you want Blu-ray support so that you can watch your BD discs on your laptop, without having to also buy the DVD or do something probably illegal.

Hmmm i can burn blu-ray for back ups and whatever else and i can take my blu-ray with my $3 cable quick plug in and we are watching 1080p

And, since a DVD is basically 640x480 pixels (NTSC) - in fact a downscaled BD *does* look a lot better than an upscaled DVD.

Agreed




It's also the college freshmen class every year. A lot of families need to get laptops for school kids, and $700 vs $2800 is a big deal.

Yes in deed. Unfortunately my son needed a little more than the $700 computer. But the $800 laptop is more than enough for the Mrs., that includes 3 yr full in home warranty service.

 

[nitrofurano]

Linux

All the answers on this post only tell how huge opportunity manufacturers are loosing on not distributing GNU-Linux (such as Ubuntu) as OEM - These machines will start coming with a REAL operating system (not only some eeepc or everex-gpc), and Apple (with MacOS-X) will have a true competition.

Known brand PC manufacturers should show us their courage on stop selling their hardware with ms-Windows crappy OEM! What a challenge, isn't it?