Notice she headed straight for the Mac store when she had the cash
And sold the new laptop on Craigslist.
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New Microsoft Ad Campaign Targets Mac Prices
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And sold the new laptop on Craigslist.
There's a bit of ignorance here - some US states do not have sales tax. One reference says that includes Alaska, Oregon, Montana, Delaware, and New Hampshire.
Also, in California, it is not uncommon for stores to have "no sales tax" sales. They give a discount equal to the sales tax, so you walk out paying the sticker price.
But anyway, it's a fricking ad - not a court deposition. Do you want to start of list of misleading and incorrect claims that Apple has made in ads?
(Hint: Look at any ad where Apple uses the word "First" or "Fastest". You'll almost always find something earlier or faster. Case in point - "First 64-bit Desktop" was an outright lie.)
By the way, the "Mac Store" in the ad is the Santa Monica store....
Exactly.
But the point is that a BMW isn't overpriced for what it is. It's built by high-paid German workers, it has a lot of sophisticated technology you won't find on a Kia, you could pick any part of a BMW and compare it to the corresponding part on a Kia and find that the BMW part has cost the manufacturer more. A BMW isn't "overpriced", it's simply expensive.
A MacBook is made cheaply in China, and all components except the unibody and the battery are generic PC parts. Apple also cuts corners in places where other manufacturers don't, like the fact that they have the exact same keyboard on all their alu portables, whereas on a Dell or HP (like the one in the commercial) they have a full-sized keyboard with numpad on 17" models, compact keyboard on 15" and even more compact ones on 10" ultraportables and such.
I commend Apple for streamlining the process and minimizing the number of parts, not just per machine but the actual number of different parts they have to make for all different models... but they are sooooo not passing the savings on to the customer, they're merely increasing their already astronomical margin.
If Macs had a lot of unique internal components and/or weren't built in China people would merely be calling them expensive, not overpriced.
The Real Danger is Insitutuional Sales (Long)
I have no idea about how much educational, government or institutional sales mean to Apple. But you can bet the the penny pinchers are now out in force, and the IT people who hate Macs are going to be all over this Mac vs. Windows cost thing with increased fervor.
Maybe this has pretty much happened with desktops over the years anyway. But Mac laptop purchase requests are going to see some increased scrutiny. Want an iPhone from your insitution so you can tie it all together for work after hours? Dream on cubicle monkey
Better OS, higher quality hardware, and less support does translate into higher productivity on the Mac side of things. But the business managers and IT Scrooges are going to run with this issue. I know I save at least 40 or more customers a year because I can respond to customer need almost 24/7. Because I have a Mac desktop, laptop, and iPhone. I got my life synchronized with work because Mac hardware and software works so well.
I just got a MacPro on a 4 years replacement cycle. I consider myself lucky. I suppose I should have considered a MacBook for less money. But then again the people I serve benefit from my increased productivity and it does translate into dollars.
My own institution has gone from a 3 year computer cycle to 4 years, and that was before the Wall Street blowout. I hate to say it that these economic times may lose us some Mac vs. PC fence sitters to the Redmond side.
I'm sure Cupertino has an eye on this. I hope they find some way to respond no matter how indirectly they do it. But as much as I love the Mac/PC guy ads funny is not going to cut it with these economic realties.
Heck, next Microsoft is going to say Mac users are government bailout money recipients
I have no idea about how much educational, government or institutional sales mean to Apple. But you can bet the the penny pinchers are now out in force, and the IT people who hate Macs are going to be all over this Mac vs. Windows cost thing with increased fervor.
Maybe this has pretty much happened with desktops over the years anyway. But Mac laptop purchase requests are going to see some increased scrutiny. Want an iPhone from your insitution so you can tie it all together for work after hours? Dream on cubicle monkey
Better OS, higher quality hardware, and less support does translate into higher productivity on the Mac side of things. But the business managers and IT Scrooges are going to run with this issue. I know I save at least 40 or more customers a year because I can respond to customer need almost 24/7. Because I have a Mac desktop, laptop, and iPhone. I got my life synchronized with work because Mac hardware and software works so well.
I just got a MacPro on a 4 years replacement cycle. I consider myself lucky. I suppose I should have considered a MacBook for less money. But then again the people I serve benefit from my increased productivity and it does translate into dollars.
My own institution has gone from a 3 year computer cycle to 4 years, and that was before the Wall Street blowout. I hate to say it that these economic times may lose us some Mac vs. PC fence sitters to the Redmond side.
I'm sure Cupertino has an eye on this. I hope they find some way to respond no matter how indirectly they do it. But as much as I love the Mac/PC guy ads funny is not going to cut it with these economic realties.
Heck, next Microsoft is going to say Mac users are government bailout money recipients
So as the final MR poster to chime in on this thread, I'd like to say that in 2006, I bought my MacBook and not much has changed in the field of hardware for me to want to upgrade it. When the AppleCare runs out in November, I'm not sure that it'll even be worth upgrading at that point. Prior to my MacBook purchase, I had 5 different PC laptops that slowed down over time, froze, needed new OS installations (I can't count how many times I've installed XP), and hardware issues (Dell is a POS OEM).
Microsoft isn't making a good ploy to halt switchers from PCs to Macs simply by price when Macs traditionally have a longer shelf-life and less troubleshooting time. They certainly aren't attempting to bring back into the "fold" former switchers with this ad, and like a previous poster said, Vista sucks and Windows 7 is looking promising... this ad is in the wrong place at the wrong time. How many millions of dollars did they spend on this advertising project? I'd ask for a refund.
Heh, americans are always over-estimating some european stuff (anuba, i know you are from Spain
). Many of BMWs, Audis, Mercedes's, VW's etc. european car parts are made in Eastern European countrys, sometimes also assembled.
Anyway, i'm quite happy, you like EU cars and are willing, to pay the export-tax, it's also better for our pure EU budget.
Im sorry if I may be repeating someone else but I dont have the time nor inclination to read through 80+ pages of posts.
I think some people are missing the point here. Many regular consumers do NOT care whether a hard drive is 5400 RPM or 7200 RPM, integrated graphics, or whether the RAM is DDR2 or DDR3. In fact most of them have NO clue what those stats mean.
What they do hear is 17" screen, 500 GB Hard drive, DVD player, etc. To them,they want to know what they can do with the machine (i.e. does it burn DVDs, can I get on the internet) than the specs.
In my opinion (and I am a mac lover), Microsoft has a good campaign with this, especially in this economy.
I think some people are missing the point here. Many regular consumers do NOT care whether a hard drive is 5400 RPM or 7200 RPM, integrated graphics, or whether the RAM is DDR2 or DDR3. In fact most of them have NO clue what those stats mean.
What they do hear is 17" screen, 500 GB Hard drive, DVD player, etc. To them,they want to know what they can do with the machine (i.e. does it burn DVDs, can I get on the internet) than the specs.
In my opinion (and I am a mac lover), Microsoft has a good campaign with this, especially in this economy.
Sweden, actually, but at least the EU.Heh, americans are always over-estimating some european stuff (anuba, i know you are from Spain
Yeah, I know. I have a VW Golf GTI built in Wolfsburg, and my friend has a Skoda Octavia built in... uh.. Czech Republic(?) and it's the exact same parts -- engine, seats, steering wheel, AC system etc aren't just similar, they are exactly the same. At least if you get an Audi A3, another car built on the Golf platform, the interior looks totally different.
But still, even though BMW cuts corners too, there's a looong way between a Kia and a BMW.
In the end do you really care
So the woman bought a PC and in some peoples opinions a crappy one, to all of us that love Apple and everything about apple it should not matter what she bought or says. She didn't pay for it with her own money anyways, the other thing I see is that she's going to haul around a 17" laptop. Just Micro$oft spewing there crappy OS along with HP riding the wave.
So the woman bought a PC and in some peoples opinions a crappy one, to all of us that love Apple and everything about apple it should not matter what she bought or says. She didn't pay for it with her own money anyways, the other thing I see is that she's going to haul around a 17" laptop. Just Micro$oft spewing there crappy OS along with HP riding the wave.
It's not cool enough to be a Mac person but it's definitely cheap enough to be a pc person. Is that what the ad try to say?
I would like to thank the person who come up the idea of this ad, cos if Apple take it seriously, they might lower the price and that will benefits all Apple user and those who switch from pc to Mac.
I would like to thank the person who come up the idea of this ad, cos if Apple take it seriously, they might lower the price and that will benefits all Apple user and those who switch from pc to Mac.
Well, then, I offer a statement to the general population:
GET. MORE. FRICKING. INTELLIGENT.
The difference between ignorance and stupidity is the willingness to learn.
Someone ignorant just doesn't know about something. Someone stupid knows, but doesn't care to learn.
You can't make informed decisions without knowledge. You can't make good decisions without knowledge.
you know.....those same people could turn around to you and tell you to learn more about something they know all to well that you dont
seriously, some people do not care for the minute details of a computer......as long as it can do what they want
Wow, MS takes one (legitimate, IMO) shot at Macs and we get > 2000 posts (and counting). Are we Apple devotees really so touchy?
I love Apple products, but man, Apple can sure stand to be taken down a peg or two. Those Apple ads are so smug. I just want to slap Apple.
Also, this ad isn't just about price. The point is that with Windows you have a lot of choices with the hardware. Apple doesn't sell a budget 17" laptop. It only sells a top-of-the-line one. They don't sell a budget anything, actually. Apple doesn't sell a midrange tower or a midrange 15" notebook, or a netbook, etc. And the products they do sell have limited options and, for the most part, very limited expansion.
Third, does it really matter if the girl in the commercial is "real?" It's a commercial for pete's sake, not a documentary. It's designed to send a message:
With a Windows PC you have a lot of inexpensive choices: there's a Windows PC out there for everyone.
It's a fair point I think, though for now I'll stick with my MBP, thank you very much.
I love Apple products, but man, Apple can sure stand to be taken down a peg or two. Those Apple ads are so smug. I just want to slap Apple.
Also, this ad isn't just about price. The point is that with Windows you have a lot of choices with the hardware. Apple doesn't sell a budget 17" laptop. It only sells a top-of-the-line one. They don't sell a budget anything, actually. Apple doesn't sell a midrange tower or a midrange 15" notebook, or a netbook, etc. And the products they do sell have limited options and, for the most part, very limited expansion.
Third, does it really matter if the girl in the commercial is "real?" It's a commercial for pete's sake, not a documentary. It's designed to send a message:
With a Windows PC you have a lot of inexpensive choices: there's a Windows PC out there for everyone.
It's a fair point I think, though for now I'll stick with my MBP, thank you very much.
Lauren probably could have done a lot better for a bit more money and some smart shopping/searching. She could have bought the Mac 13" for $949. w/ ed. discount and pushed her budget a bit and bought a Dell 2209WA monitor for $207. (or a cheap TN screen for less). Later she could add an external HD if needed (and the monitor if her budget was set in stone). She'd be "cool", have a lighter computer to transport and have a fantastic screen at home. She would also have some resale value if she decides to upgrade when she transitions from commercials to TV sitcoms. Most people would at least ask around for buying advise before buying.
Or just buy from Costco and exchange the HP every 89 days for the perpetual upgrade/endless warranty option.
Maybe a Camry/Lexus ES would be a better car comparison if you feel the need to make one.
Or just buy from Costco and exchange the HP every 89 days for the perpetual upgrade/endless warranty option.
Maybe a Camry/Lexus ES would be a better car comparison if you feel the need to make one.
That's the point.
It's useless to be versed in only one field, however well (versed) you are. It's better to be well rounded.
It's hard to predict how this economy will treat a company like Apple. The numbers that are in don't exactly look encouraging, but it's a little more complicated than the luxury brands taking the worst hit and the bargain-basement brands getting all the business.I have no idea about how much educational, government or institutional sales mean to Apple. But you can bet the the penny pinchers are now out in force, and the IT people who hate Macs are going to be all over this Mac vs. Windows cost thing with increased fervor.
Maybe this has pretty much happened with desktops over the years anyway. But Mac laptop purchase requests are going to see some increased scrutiny. Want an iPhone from your insitution so you can tie it all together for work after hours? Dream on cubicle monkey
Better OS, higher quality hardware, and less support does translate into higher productivity on the Mac side of things. But the business managers and IT Scrooges are going to run with this issue. I know I save at least 40 or more customers a year because I can respond to customer need almost 24/7. Because I have a Mac desktop, laptop, and iPhone. I got my life synchronized with work because Mac hardware and software works so well.
I just got a MacPro on a 4 years replacement cycle. I consider myself lucky. I suppose I should have considered a MacBook for less money. But then again the people I serve benefit from my increased productivity and it does translate into dollars.
My own institution has gone from a 3 year computer cycle to 4 years, and that was before the Wall Street blowout. I hate to say it that these economic times may lose us some Mac vs. PC fence sitters to the Redmond side.
I'm sure Cupertino has an eye on this. I hope they find some way to respond no matter how indirectly they do it. But as much as I love the Mac/PC guy ads funny is not going to cut it with these economic realties.
Heck, next Microsoft is going to say Mac users are government bailout money recipients
I have an acquantance who works at a luxury furniture store where they sell Italian leather sofas and various exclusive designer stuff, and he says they're barely noticing any difference from 2008 or 2007. Ikea on the other hand has been losing LOTS of business over the last 6 months.
It could simply be that the people who buy luxury furniture have loads of money no matter what the economy is like, but the people who shop at Ikea are scared sh*tless and hold on to their pennies. Arguably the Ikea shoppers would be the same people who buy a $699 laptop like the one "Lauren" got.
So, Apple could actually do surprisingly well in this climate. On the other hand they don't have just the well-off customers, they also have some institutional sales, students, and people who shouldn't afford a Mac but reaaaally wanted one and sold the car or whatever. That doesn't happen with the luxury furniture I mentioned. So... yeah, we'll see.
Different Needs for Different People
These ads appeal to a certain kind of person that value saving a dollar up front over being more efficient and capable with their time. As a long time Mac user, I can truly say that the cost of the computer is INSIGNIFICANT compared to the hours I spend in front of this thing. If I'm going to spend thousands of hours in front of this hunk of aluminum and refined sand, it actually makes better economic and logical sense to spend more money up front with the payback of more efficiency later.
The reason Windows and less expensive PCs will always have their huge market share is that the vast majority of people are willing to put up with less capable and efficient hardware and software to save a buck. That's fine, because with the insanely high profit level Apple makes on "the rest of us" we will be assured of continued market leading and innovation in terms of hardware and software.
How much is your time worth people?
These ads appeal to a certain kind of person that value saving a dollar up front over being more efficient and capable with their time. As a long time Mac user, I can truly say that the cost of the computer is INSIGNIFICANT compared to the hours I spend in front of this thing. If I'm going to spend thousands of hours in front of this hunk of aluminum and refined sand, it actually makes better economic and logical sense to spend more money up front with the payback of more efficiency later.
The reason Windows and less expensive PCs will always have their huge market share is that the vast majority of people are willing to put up with less capable and efficient hardware and software to save a buck. That's fine, because with the insanely high profit level Apple makes on "the rest of us" we will be assured of continued market leading and innovation in terms of hardware and software.
How much is your time worth people?
Precisely.
Seems few people are smart enough to factor in their own lives and time as money, which is ignorant or self-debasing.
should help hasten race to the bottom
The best thing about this ad, is that HP, Dell, etc. probably aren't too happy that MS is saying there's no reason to spend more than $699 on a laptop. The PC guys can't exist on those machines. Further, the more machines they sell with razor thin margins the harder yet they will be able to provide support (which they already do poorly).
The best thing about this ad, is that HP, Dell, etc. probably aren't too happy that MS is saying there's no reason to spend more than $699 on a laptop. The PC guys can't exist on those machines. Further, the more machines they sell with razor thin margins the harder yet they will be able to provide support (which they already do poorly).
The last time that I checked, Microsoft's profit margins are higher than Apple's. I kid you not: go look up their SEC filings. It is really the PC hardware manufacturers (Dell, HP) that get squeezed to narrow margins due to their commodity market forces. Since they all run Windows, there's not much basis for them to have product differentiation -- which is of course why Dell wants Apple to license OS X clones, etc (plus, this would create OS supplier competition with which Dell could leverage against MS).
And of course, the belief paradigm that is present here is that Apple's OS X somehow gets developed all by itself, for free.
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