Having gone through quite a few ad campaigns in the past year, Microsoft is at it again. This time around, they bring us a series of ads entitled "Laptop Hunters". The idea behind the advertisements is to break down laptop shoppers into segments such as gamers, jetsetters, socialites, designers and parents. Through Microsoft's Laptop Hunters website, you can browse various models associated with each of the segments in an attempt to narrow down your choices to something more suitable for your needs. The site is nice, but the first commercial is where people are likely to take notice. In the first ad to premier from the series, we are introduced to Lauren. She is looking to purchase a laptop with decent performance and a 17" screen for under $1,000. The camera follows her travels around town and, of course, greets her outside of an Apple store. As Lauren exits the building in dismay that the only Mac within her budget has a tiny 13" screen, she says, "I'm just not cool enough to be a Mac person". The Windows world is, of course, very welcoming and Lauren winds up finding an HP system at a nearby Best Buy that suits her needs. She keeps the laptop and gets to keep the change.
This is one of the first advertisements where Microsoft has directly attacked Macs, by name. There have been hints and friendly nudges, but, for the most part, Microsoft has kept silent while their Cupertino based competition has thrown stone after stone at them. It shall be interesting to see how people react once the advertisement airs during the current NCAA Basketball tournament.
Yeah, better not. Installing Silverlight is an irreversible operation, after which you have to reformat your computer. And yeah - your credit card information is sent to Microsoft.
http://mediadl.microsoft.com/mediadl/www/w...auren_sl_lg.wmv
I also prefer my PC to be clean, won't bother installing silvercrap just for a video
You obviously never even tried it. Silverlight works better, installs faster (and better) and is cleaner and better performing than Flash. I've seen thousands of crashes due to Flash. I have yet to see one with Silverlight. And it's not like Microsoft is the only one using it, it's getting really popular.
Netflix uses it. It works much better than what they used to use, and it works in Firefox 3.0.
Not popular enough, I'm not going to bother installing their crap. More people will still use Flash. And for the record I only know of Microsoft or Microsoft affiliated sites using it. Other than Netflix of course
Yup..no one important is using it...
i've yet to see a delay in a video while using silverlight (depending on your connection) ... now youtube on the other hand, often can't buffer a video for some odd reason
little tiny plugin for firefox, its that easy, and no there are zero issues removing it, i can't wait to watch the Winter Olympics, because i know i'll have no issues with the live stream, well, i'll cross my fingers on that one because i think NBC's servers will be overloaded
Chances are if you find a video requiring Silverlight, you can snoop out the WMV file by looking at the page source
We've been here before...
We've been here before...
You realize that "" tag is an HTML 5 and it's only the tag to embed different kinds of videos?
Silverlight is awesome. It doesn't take up much system space, but if you choose to remain behind in the latest web techonlogies, go ahead.
Last edited by Quikboy on 27 Mar 2009 - 04:35
Oh noes! Teh evel Silverlight is out to get us!!! Run!!! This will be the end of the Internets as we know it!!! Oh noes!
Oh noes! Sum1 on teh intrntetz is gona lable me w/ horrble chat spaek!
I did. Yes, it's much better. However, since the only video site I use is YouTube... Well, I will install it once youtube starts using it, then no more flash for me
yeah - same. No way I'm installing silverlight
And why not?
well you'll be happy to know you can now install silverlight:
http://blogs.msdn.com/stevecla01/archive/2...ilverlight.aspx
http://www.youtube.com/marchmadness
Do u use Windows Live Essential 2009??? if so, might need SliverLight, if you are backdated thn something elz...
Chrome works with Silverlight
except MS claims it does not
long live flash then...
Chrome works with Silverlight
except MS claims it does not
long live flash then...
i honestly dont know why ppl are having fits over silverlight, it runs amazing and ive have yet to see silverlight give any trouble in my firefox..even my fx 3.1 beta runs it good
ppl are just looking for lame excuses to complain.."oh no im scared of software because im a fanboy"
if i need some workaround to avoid the not supported browser messages then i have no reason to promote this format
Source?
Well here's mine for removing Silverlight: http://silverlighttutorials.blogspot.com/2...-uninstall.html
First hit on Google.
For those that know how to use a computer, the "tutorial" above simply tells you to go to Add/Remove Programs.
And that credit card statement is amazing. I'd love to see your source on that!!! :-)
Oh noes!!!!
ps: she yot that computter at bestbuy
aka best scamI also saw that the computer was 699.99 i hope they didnt sell her a 300 dollar set of monster headphones with the gold plated wires and all that crapola lolits a hp dv17092nr laptop that she bought
Do you install anything? Installing something would not keep your machine "clean" as you describe it. Newb!
I don't understand this statement about PC being clean. You prefer it to be just as it came from the manufacturer? Installing codecs and such to play things you run across on the net makes a lot of sense. You are welcome to your opinion about Silverlight, but unless you've used it it isn't of much value what you say.
I, for one, don't want to miss out on things simply because of some strange aversion to a program. I admit I don't care for Quicktime, so I use an alternative but Silverlight is lightweight and just works.
LOL - same people who think "dont buy things online - its not safe !"
Trying to explain 256-bit encryption to those people - would be like teaching a monkey to perform brain surgery -
You sadly see it far too often that notebooks and PCs are advertised as having 4GB, but whoever made it was too retarded to put a 64-bit OS on it, which can actually make use of the 4GB.
Let me guess: Windows Live Messenger, MS Word, and Internet Explorer.
Four gigs is a number that people put on there to say "It's got lots of things!". Hell, running VMWare, Photoshop CS3 and Firefox with 20+ tabs open, I only barely come close.
In all accounts, it's "future proof". When Win7 comes out, it'll be worth it, especially since RAM is so freaking cheap these days. $20 to go from two to four gigs of RAM?
OH NOES! My $699 laptop came to $719! I GUESS I NEED TO TAKE IT BACK FOR ONE WITH LESS GIGS.
(Also, I'm using the word "gigs" here for comedic effect. I am well aware that I've used it in grammatically incorrect ways. It's just a funny word. Like jugs...)
Let me guess: Windows Live Messenger, MS Word, and Internet Explorer.
Four gigs is a number that people put on there to say "It's got lots of things!". Hell, running VMWare, Photoshop CS3 and Firefox with 20+ tabs open, I only barely come close.
In all accounts, it's "future proof". When Win7 comes out, it'll be worth it, especially since RAM is so freaking cheap these days. $20 to go from two to four gigs of RAM?
OH NOES! My $699 laptop came to $719! I GUESS I NEED TO TAKE IT BACK FOR ONE WITH LESS GIGS.
(Also, I'm using the word "gigs" here for comedic effect. I am well aware that I've used it in grammatically incorrect ways. It's just a funny word. Like jugs...)
Glad you mentioned it was supposed to be comedic, otherwise I'd have never known...
You sure seem to like to spew generalizations.
Let me guess: Windows Live Messenger, MS Word, and Internet Explorer.
Four gigs is a number that people put on there to say "It's got lots of things!". Hell, running VMWare, Photoshop CS3 and Firefox with 20+ tabs open, I only barely come close.
In all accounts, it's "future proof". When Win7 comes out, it'll be worth it, especially since RAM is so freaking cheap these days. $20 to go from two to four gigs of RAM?
OH NOES! My $699 laptop came to $719! I GUESS I NEED TO TAKE IT BACK FOR ONE WITH LESS GIGS.
(Also, I'm using the word "gigs" here for comedic effect. I am well aware that I've used it in grammatically incorrect ways. It's just a funny word. Like jugs...)
About 1% of the computing world uses VMWare dude ... 99% of people do NOT care about all the extra crap you're talking about. Most people only want to do internet, office, and MSN. But seriously ... as much as I really want a Macbook Pro ... you know, $600 for a laptop is much better for most people than anything Apple can do. Or rather, will do. Apple can't compete here. Unless they drop prices. But they insist on pricing up beoynd what most people are willing to or can afford to pay. It's why Apple's marketshare has taken so freaking long to CREEP up to what it is. And they will never own the market. They're too restrictive and pricey. Don't get me wrong, when I get the cash, I'll buy one. But this time round? Well, looks like not this time. Windows 7 has convinced me to stick with MS for a while yet.
You sadly see it far too often that notebooks and PCs are advertised as having 4GB, but whoever made it was too retarded to put a 64-bit OS on it, which can actually make use of the 4GB.
If it has a 32-bit OS it will have 3GB of RAM. I've yet to find a HP laptop that had 4GB of RAM and a 32-bit OS.
Like anything "you get what you pay for". Odds are, that HP will be replaced in a year or so when it "gets slow" or when Lauren spills her extra-hot no foam latte on it (not that an aluminum case would fix that, but I digress...).
Like anything "you get what you pay for". Odds are, that HP will be replaced in a year or so when it "gets slow" or when Lauren spills her extra-hot no foam latte on it (not that an aluminum case would fix that, but I digress...).
C'MON.... macs are very overpriced, not only that, a lot have been plagued with defects that even Apple denies even exist. The "cheap shiny silver plastic" has give and can stand up to a lot of lugging around and rough use. I've had my laptop for about 6 years now, and it still runs and looks good. Aluminum has no give, once it's bent or dinged, it will stay bent and dinged.
At least if she bumps a corner of the laptop into something she won't be pulling out hairs like she would with an over-priced mac.
Like anything "you get what you pay for". Odds are, that HP will be replaced in a year or so when it "gets slow" or when Lauren spills her extra-hot no foam latte on it (not that an aluminum case would fix that, but I digress...).
I have the Intel variant of the machine Lauren bought and besides the fingerprint magnet, it has handled 3 slips and falls. A few drops were easy to clean up off it too, coffee and wine. I upgraded the hard drive to a WD Scorpio Black 320GB with the head parking thing and so far it flies. No noise and infact a few minutes of battery to it. I dont care how long MacBook Pros last, I simply can't justify 2500 for a machine of lower specs. Plus I get a decent bluetooth chip inside and I save 1500 approx. I'm "not" cool for a Mac either I guess. I'm neutral to tell you all the truth for the OSes but the hardware cost is plain ridiculous especially in this economic situation.
My $0.02 which I also kept from the HP dv7-1270us
The guy above me, I agree with you as well.
Think of it like investing in a Bentley, getting into an accident, and having to give half your organs to fix it. Might as well just get a Mercedes Benz for cheaper but similar if not better spec'd. This is my thought of the analogy. Overall much less insurance cost with the Benz (HP laptop with HP protection plan) compared to a Bentley GTC (MacBook Pro with Applecare :'( )
Like anything "you get what you pay for". Odds are, that HP will be replaced in a year or so when it "gets slow" or when Lauren spills her extra-hot no foam latte on it (not that an aluminum case would fix that, but I digress...).
C'MON.... macs are very overpriced, not only that, a lot have been plagued with defects that even Apple denies even exist. The "cheap shiny silver plastic" has give and can stand up to a lot of lugging around and rough use. I've had my laptop for about 6 years now, and it still runs and looks good. Aluminum has no give, once it's bent or dinged, it will stay bent and dinged.
At least if she bumps a corner of the laptop into something she won't be pulling out hairs like she would with an over-priced mac.
dont try and argue with apple fanboys
they dont understand value
just what apple tells them to
its common knowledge apple uses cheap parts, has alot of defects, and overprice things for the brand name...
Go ahead and get yourself into their grip - you'll never come out. You'll turn to the Apple teet for everything you need.
By the way, I have a bridge I'd like to sell you.
By the way, just about every modern laptop has a spill resistant keyboard. They aren't any less protected than a Mac. So she can spill her foam latte all over it and it'd probably be fine.
Oh, master stroke making sure it was a young woman. Bravo.
Just because you prefer the style of Macbooks doesn't mean that they are built any better than PC laptops. 5 minutes of research will demonstrate this.
Nice marketing jingle. Are you capable of original thought, or..?
Yes, clearly there is only one Mac notebook that is exactly $999 list price at it's absolute base configuration, with the 13" screen.
I could not find the exact HP notebook that she found (the pictures did not sync up with online offerings) so I selected one (of many) that happened to be $799... and the mac arguably had less features -- mostly in disk space. There were a few ho-hum differences like the mac had 802.11n where the HP did not, but nothing earth shattering.
Seriously, I didn't have to search hard. And there were even cheaper options.
Video proved it's point easily.
Just because you prefer the style of Macbooks doesn't mean that they are built any better than PC laptops. 5 minutes of research will demonstrate this.
+1
Thats you. Others think different.
Apple's 17" macbook pro cost WAY to much. You can get the same specs plus a bit more for way less.
Those stickers are better then what some put on themselves.
Yes, clearly there is only one Mac notebook that is exactly $999 list price at it's absolute base configuration, with the 13" screen.
I could not find the exact HP notebook that she found (the pictures did not sync up with online offerings) so I selected one (of many) that happened to be $799... and the mac arguably had less features -- mostly in disk space. There were a few ho-hum differences like the mac had 802.11n where the HP did not, but nothing earth shattering.
Seriously, I didn't have to search hard. And there were even cheaper options.
Video proved it's point easily.
Stores such as best buy will not always place the price they have in store on line, and vice versa.
I rather go to the oem's website (like HP) chose my model and bulid it myself. If I want a mid size HD with lots of ram. I can get that.
Haha... sounds like one of the lies marketers like to throw around... I heard someone make a statement like this the other day, they're such a tool.
http://www.theinquirer.net/inquirer/news/5...inese-computers
Seems to imply they are not better.
http://www.theinquirer.net/inquirer/news/5...inese-computers
Seems to imply they are not better.
Says the people who also wrote stories of "man gets flushed down the toilet" and "aliens worship opera"
If your gonna post a link, make sure its from people who know what they are talking about
Surely those stickers are better not being on there to begin with? I mean they already have the out-of-box splash done by Best Buy and MS (or MS themselves, I don't know) that lists all their specs right off the bat.
Haha, that reminds me some young people in my country who are using V12 or V6 stickers on their VW Golf 3 cars. Hahhaha
Now, Microsoft, where do I sign up to find my 15.4" laptop that has a proper graphics card and a good keyboard for under €1000?
Now, Microsoft, where do I sign up to find my 15.4" laptop that has a proper graphics card and a good keyboard for under ?1000?
I saw one at radio shack for like $599 with an amd x2 and ati video card.
Now, Microsoft, where do I sign up to find my 15.4" laptop that has a proper graphics card and a good keyboard for under ?1000?
I saw one at radio shack for like $599 with an amd x2 and ati video card.
Ew, AMD :p
Now, Microsoft, where do I sign up to find my 15.4" laptop that has a proper graphics card and a good keyboard for under ?1000?
I saw one at radio shack for like $599 with an amd x2 and ati video card.
Ew, AMD :p
cmon now ambroos...would you rather get a working laptop with a ati chipset or a nvidia one that fails on you right after your warranty expires?
Now, Microsoft, where do I sign up to find my 15.4" laptop that has a proper graphics card and a good keyboard for under ?1000?
I saw one at radio shack for like $599 with an amd x2 and ati video card.
Ew, AMD :p
cmon now ambroos...would you rather get a working laptop with a ati chipset or a nvidia one that fails on you right after your warranty expires?
You got a point there
I've always been an Intel/nVidia fanboy, but lately ATi seems more interesting to me too. nVidia is just messing around too much with rebranding things etc etc.
So it's the same.. light and day huh...
So do me with SLI GTX280 and HD4870 X2 is nowhere near
Ummm, how is "I'd have to double my budget" a direct attack on Macs?
I mean, if you're fat and I call you a fat ass, is that not an attack? Sure, everyone can see you're fat, but it doesn't make it any less insulting.
Either way, I'm sure that's not the "attack" they're talking about exactly.
Last edited by dead.cell on 27 Mar 2009 - 06:33
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EIS6G-HvnkU
And I hate to inform Microsoft of this but most laptop users want small laptops. I had one with a 16" 4:3 screen and I vowed never to buy anything over 14.1" (which I have now).
And I hate to inform Microsoft of this but most laptop users want small laptops. I had one with a 16" 4:3 screen and I vowed never to buy anything over 14.1" (which I have now).
i like bigger laptops, as i have to work on them a lot. Having a big screen and a full sized keyboard (with numpad) is very important for me
I'd go fora 17" if I had the money.
What you want does not mean what everyone wants. Personally, bigger would be better for me. More room for my hands, the better. Hell, I'd even like a numpad as well, but I know that'd probably be even more expensive.
And I hate to inform Microsoft of this but most laptop users want small laptops. I had one with a 16" 4:3 screen and I vowed never to buy anything over 14.1" (which I have now).
I agree with the comments above. Not everyone will share the same intrests as you.
and FYI, 16" screens are 16:9 ratio, not 4:3
And I hate to inform Microsoft of this but most laptop users want small laptops. I had one with a 16" 4:3 screen and I vowed never to buy anything over 14.1" (which I have now).
I agree with the comments above. Not everyone will share the same intrests as you.
and FYI, 16" screens are 16:9 ratio, not 4:3
I bought it in 2002 when 4:3 was the norm. Now all laptops are actually 16:10 (but some desktop screens are moving to 16:9 to my dissatisfaction). I just thought it was a PITA because I carried it around all the time and the aspect ratio certainly did not help because of its odd shape. I have a widescreen 14.1 now and I love it, much much improved as far as portability is concerned.
Anyway, you'll find all kinds of people with a huge variety of things they want their laptops to do. Some want glorified portable DVD players. Some want to do some serious business. Some want to play games. Some want ultra-portable. Some want the biggest damn thing they can get. Some just want the cheapest thing they can find.
The PC market meets this wide variety in demands much more than Apple does.
Plus, she is smoking....and she knows what she is talking about.
Come on, everyone knows the cali chicks are the best.
Darn straight. Go to Redondo Beach and you'll find plenty better than Santa Monica. Also go around North Hollywood, Burbank, and Glendale as well.
Plus, she is smoking....and she knows what she is talking about.
Yeah, the only reason I really like this ad is because she's a hot redhead. Girls don't get much sexier (IMHO)!
apple picks you and you get a piece of crap(PC)
hmm.choices
apple picks you and you get a piece of crap(PC)
hmm.choices
+1. You made my day! =)
That's how I read it.
Apple makes some decent products. They've shown they can create compelling hardware/software packages that are not geared towards the "average" consumer.
Likewise, Microsoft, and many PC manufacturers also create well-designed products that meet the needs of people everywhere.
Who says you have to pick a side? I use both, and Linux, and each computer I own serves a purpose, and serves it well.
Now they're getting childish.
I don't get scared by direct attack campaigns, but all the Apple ads I've seen online are incredibly aggressive and have long crossed the good taste boundaries IMO (might be cause I'm not used to this practice).
Considering they've chosen to show a young woman at that, that kind of speaks to people my age who are possibly in college and working to support themselves. Macs are certainly out of the question, unless you have someone to pamper you, or you actually take the time to save up for something like that. However, if you're going to school, you'll probably need something right now, not later...
At least Microsoft has a human approach to this.
Apple is stereotyping PC's, but also themselves. If you say 'Hi, I have a Mac' two different things come into my mind.
1. You just bought a Mac cause they look good but you don't really know anything about PC's
2. You just bought a Mac cause you think it's the 'cool' people who buy it, and you don't really care about price.
I'm sorry, but I automatically dislike people with a Mac at first :p
Apple is stereotyping PC's, but also themselves. If you say 'Hi, I have a Mac' two different things come into my mind.
1. You just bought a Mac cause they look good but you don't really know anything about PC's
2. You just bought a Mac cause you think it's the 'cool' people who buy it, and you don't really care about price.
I'm sorry, but I automatically dislike people with a Mac at first :p
It's probably the 'I'm better than you' vibe they try to put out.
Or, in my case, it's "I have money, but I don't see the point on wasting it on a more expensive product when a cheaper product will do what I want exactly the same".
At Apple you don't have that choise. Either 1700+ euros or nothing.
CHOISE.
Which is why I'm posting this from my Netbook running Ubuntu.
Well said. That's myself exactly. Purchase something that you could easily upgrade and cheap. When the Phenom II comes at a good price, it will be an easy, and perhaps substantial upgrade from what I have right now. Not that my setup is bad at all. Plays COD4/5 on high and everything.
You wont get a virus if your a smart computer user.
Anyone who buys a product just to look cool is a poser in my opinion
no offense.
Not a positive attitude to carry forward, would you say? You have grounds to dislike them if they start shoving their machine right in your face or make snide comments while you're trying to fix a friend's machine...
but otherwise, fighting fire with fire? Let's not.
1. You just bought a Mac cause they look good but you don't really know anything about PC's
2. You just bought a Mac cause you think it's the 'cool' people who buy it, and you don't really care about price.
I'm sorry, but I automatically dislike people with a Mac at first :p
xD You reminded me of South Park's approach to hybrids.
The smugness will kill us all someday.
Apple is stereotyping PC's, but also themselves. If you say 'Hi, I have a Mac' two different things come into my mind.
1. You just bought a Mac cause they look good but you don't really know anything about PC's
2. You just bought a Mac cause you think it's the 'cool' people who buy it, and you don't really care about price.
I'm sorry, but I automatically dislike people with a Mac at first :p
As long as it's "at first". By stereotyping people with Mac's you're no better than Apple stereotyping PCs.
I bought a Mac because it has a UNIX-based OS with Adobe CS.
I bought a PC because it has Microsoft Visual Studio and Team Fortress 2.
I installed Linux on both because it's fun to dual-boot.
If I ever meet you in person, I hope you look past the aluminum case and glowing apple monotony, and find that we may, in fact, have more in common than you think.
I bought a Mac because it has a UNIX-based OS with Adobe CS.
I bought a PC because it has Microsoft Visual Studio and Team Fortress 2.
I installed Linux on both because it's fun to dual-boot.
If I ever meet you in person, I hope you look past the aluminum case and glowing apple monotony, and find that we may, in fact, have more in common than you think.
Great post sir.
+1
Just don't over do it.
That's not really the point. The point was, she went to an Apple store, had a choice of a whole whopping *1* laptop for under a grand, which didn't have the specs she wanted, or she was able to find two PC laptops that met her needs, and had money left over to spare. For $1k, Apple essentially wasn't even an option.
With the money she had left, she could buy her self a nice digital camera and may be even a night out with her husband/boyfriend/fiancee and still have at least 100 bucks left.
I haven't seen the "i'm a mac" ads in a long time. Its all been iPhone ads.
This ad is prety good. Better then the ones with the kids. anmd 100,000,000 times better then the ones before that.
I think these ads started with march madness.
What's the Mac version of the book? Buying the same chicken Mcnuggets in a brushed aluminum box at a 50% markup, with a gourmet tag on the side?
Mcdonalds now sells Espresso drinks. Would you say the same between them and starbucks? coffee of coffee , it all comes from the same bean. One just choses to have a ton of locations next to eachother and be over 4 bucks a cup.
Actually I don't know if McDonalds current campaign is really that worthwile. It's easy enough for someone to make instant coffee at home pretty cheap, if all I wanted was a regular cup of coffee I'd brew it at home. Or drink some at an office if I'm working.
On the other hand, if I want to go out for coffee I want some place that doesn't have green plastic chairs and tacky decor, can make my coffee exactly the way I want, and sells things like muffins and danishes.
McDonalds felt they had to get into the coffee business because Starbucks has gotten into the breakfast business, but that doesn't necessarily make McDonalds a competitor for coffees.---or even for breakfasts---after all I'd prefer eating a bagel and coffee at Noah's.
she is cute too.
she is cute too.
well i dont know about that lol. good commercial, ok chick.
she is cute too.
well i dont know about that lol. good commercial, ok chick.
They need the one from the movie Disturbia. Now shes.....
she is cute too.
Cute with a slight geeky look, I like that. The red hair too.
I'd go to a local wholesaler near me and walk out with the parts to build a very nice desktop.
They'ld never be able to do it. They would have to cater to the thousands and thousands of drivers. Along with expecting all past products new products etc to make mac drivers aswell.
They cater for there own hard ware thats it, its alot easier then what Microsoft have to do.
Excellent ad.
I don't mind Apple bashing, but let's not be foolish here - what Apple's doing is pretty damn impressive. Just because they don't let you swap out components as freely as any other computer maker, and just because they control the driver release more heavily, doesn't mean that it's any easier.
And no, let's not entertain a discussion about whether Apple has it harder or easier than Microsoft. Unless you're a coder who has worked on both ends, I can guarantee that you'll side with the company whose product you're currently using. Pointless.
FYI
1) Windows can actually run in x86, x64 and IA-64 processors. Windows NT some time ago could even run on RISC processors.
2) Mac OS X currently can run ONLY on x86 processors. Support for PowerPC archiecture was discontinued some OS X revisions ago.
Windows runs on x86, x64 and IA-64. Old versions of WinNT don't count. We're talking about current stuff here.
OS X 10.6 will drop support for Power PCs.
No it wasn't. Where the hell did you get that idea? Leopard runs on G4 and G5 machines, and with a patch can still even run in a limited fashion on G3 machines as well. That would be roughly equivalent to Vista running on a Pentium III.
I for one would actually pass on being cool enough to own a Mac. Rather not be cool enough and own Windows/Linux (+ save some money for other things than computers)
Besides that, I guess I'll admit there's the Apple fanboy inside me screaming "it's not made of aluminum", "the keyboard probably feels terrible", and "the trackpad is probably puny with that button at the bottom". Regardless, she found a cheap laptop that fit "her" needs (meaning the purpose of the ad). It's a nice try by MS, but I wouldn't put it as more mature than the Apple ads, especially with that snarky "not cool enough to buy a Mac" comment. They're both low campaigns. It's like the election campaign for geeks, except it's been going on since the 80's.
EDIT: Here's the laptop: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?sk...d=1218041148373
2 and a half hours of battery life at most vs. 5 hours. DDR2 memory vs. DDR3. And not even wireless-n or gigabit ethernet. Seems like HP really cut some corners for that 17" screen...
Last edited by Mr. Andrews on 27 Mar 2009 - 02:40
Also for most non geeks 2 hours of battery life will be fine.
One could ask what she needs 4GB of memory for if she doesn't need DDR3 memory.
802.11n and Giga-bit ethernet are hardly things to concern the average user with. Given the saturation of 802.11g and 100 mega-bit networks in combination with ISPs capping your bandwidth far below either of those two which limits the scope of 802.11n's and Giga-bit ethernet's usefulness.
Last edited by Solid Knight on 27 Mar 2009 - 03:29
Why wanting 4 gigs of ram? Perhaps she wanted a 64-bit OS?
Source for "most people don't want a 17" laptop"? Not everyone has to cram their laptop into their bookbag so they can trot off to school in the morning.
The laptop you've linked has a 4.4 out of 5 rating, based on the reviews of 87 people. So, apparently people are getting what they want and are satisfied with the product, even though it's missing DDR3 and all the other nitnoid "features" you pointed out. (Oh, and btw, the 17" Macbook Pro scores a 4.2 out of 5, based on the reviews of merely 6 people. Maybe they'd have been happier with the HP?)
Seriously, this post is nothing but Apple spin at it's finest, if not bordering on a foot-stomping tantrum. Comparing this, which at the least has the remotest intent of sincerity, to the overblown, over-exaggerated smugfest of the Apple ads is a joke.
Last edited by Dischordiant on 27 Mar 2009 - 03:43
Which is a definite reason to spend another $2100.
They said it was for a marketing research and they gave people between $700 and $2000. They could choose a computer for that money for their needs and keep the change. That way they maid sure they would really do 'hunting'
http://www.crn.com/software/216400641
It targets the end user in an approachable manner with a very common scenario. I thought the last line was brilliant too, because that's what people are after "To get just what they wanted" or in other words flexibility and choice for their dollar.
About time they depict Apple computers as the overpriced underperfoming pieces of junks that they are.
They are undeniably the worst values for your dollar, and kudos to MS for pointing that out...BY NAME!
K if ur so great then why don't u go get urself the 13 inch macbook with 2Gb Ram, 120GB HDD and a ****ty processor for $1000
while i'll get myself A laptop with a 16 inch screen, 4GB of ram, 250GB HDD Better graphics card for only $700
Oh wait no... Macbook has a glossy white back??
Omg sry i totally forgot...
while i'll get myself A laptop with a 16 inch screen, 4GB of ram, 250GB HDD Better graphics card for only $700
Oh wait no... Macbook has a glossy white back??
Omg sry i totally forgot...
+1, lol
The add is about productivity and overall cost.
Its a shame MS have to target people rather the product, all that add says to me is 'we have some ugly laptops that come with a bloated OS to suck up all the extra horse power that you thought you were going to get.'
'Oh and by the way your not cool if you don't have a Mac so start saving and invest your money wisely especially in this climate'
Really MS marketing sucks.
On the oposite side of the coin Windows 7 looks great and think it will turn the MS vista mess around, if thier marketing don't f**k it up.
while i'll get myself A laptop with a 16 inch screen, 4GB of ram, 250GB HDD Better graphics card for only $700
Oh wait no... Macbook has a glossy white back??
Omg sry i totally forgot...
100% true
i LOVE when a mac user drops their ipod..or laptop..and the fancy back gets scratched
ALL of the value of that PC is lost to them at this point
Bought laptop for $699.99 + tax
...
...
...
Everything else was free
Need me to add that up?
And the only point of difference they can think of to argue on is price, WOW! Soon we will have buy one get one free!
And the only point of difference they can think of to argue on is price, WOW! Soon we will have buy one get one free!
You do realize they are being sarcastic about the cool part right?
Sure most Windows laptops are plastic but so what? The only time it might make any real difference is if you drop it and if you do, whilst the Mac case may survive, the internals are unlikely to.
The entire "I'm a PC" thing is a spin-off of Apple's commercials. The first I'm a PC commercial clearly referenced this.
They've been mocking Apple the entire time, with every one of these commercials
These ads are pretty stupid if you ask me.
MS isn't attacking OS X, which is it's competition, it's attacking Macs in general... Which can, and do run Windows.
They are shooting themselves in the foot telling potential customers not to buy a computer capable of running a version of their own OS.
Sure, people may buy a PC and install windows, but whos to say they couldn't just run linux? Afterall, buying a cheap PC and running linux is the cheapest of all.
I don't get it. They should be pinning windows against OS X, not Hardware, which has nothing to do with MS. Why would MS care where the consumer spends their money, and how? As long as they are buying their products.
If we really want to talk money, let's talk about how OS X costs very little compared to even the most basic version of Windows.
I know it's a shot at Apple, but it just doesn't quite work 100% in MS' favour. They could have done better.
How many people do you think are buying Mac hardware to run Windows? Furthermore, it still doesn't change the fact that buying a MacBook is still more expensive than buying a laptop. On top of that, if you bought a MacBook to run Windows then you now have to buy Windows which significantly ups the cost.
The point of the ad is that PCs offer lower price points and more choices than Macs. They have nothing to do with what you can do with your hardware after you've purchased it.
By the way, you could buy cheaper PC hardware and run OS X. You lose yet again.
My point was, Hardware has nothing to do with competition. MS doesn't make hardware.
Macs are fully capable of running windows, and many people do use bootcamp.
It just seems odd that MS is targeting the hardware side of things when it's the OS that they should be targeting.
Again, for those of you who missed it:
MS is NOT a hardware company.
It makes NO sense to be targeting hardware that can run your product.
Apple does not sell hardware with Windows or Windows software by default. HP, Acer, Asus, Toshiba, Sony, Dell, Gateway, Lenovo, et cetera do. Microsoft makes money on every one of those products sold. Microsoft is protecting its ecosystem.
A wide range of users can use a Mac without using Microsoft products. Few people will dual boot with a computer period--no matter the OS, very few people actually dual boot or virtualize. So it is in Microsoft's best interest to retain as many users in the PC world as possible.
I'm sure. You can google it.
My point was, Hardware has nothing to do with competition. MS doesn't make hardware.
Macs are fully capable of running windows, and many people do use bootcamp.
It just seems odd that MS is targeting the hardware side of things when it's the OS that they should be targeting.
Again, for those of you who missed it:
MS is NOT a hardware company.
It makes NO sense to be targeting hardware that can run your product.
You can't simply install Windows into Mac by formating harddrive to NTSF, popping in DVD and done.
Last edited by rm20010 on 02 Apr 2009 - 00:11
That MIGHT be the 10" version of the Acer Aspire One. I have the 8.9" version and it looks very similar, but I've never seen the 10" version yet.
+1 For the ad
FYI
When I have a customer I tell them the following about buying a PC.
-1st choice Windows, compatibility is seamless, gaming
-2nd Apple if you have money and want something different
-3rd Linux since everything is Free
I'm a pretty open minded individual so I'm no hater, I just don't like you.
and idd, just propaganda for silvergarbage.
Also what she may gain from cheaper hardware she will pay in software updates and anti virusscanners.
And compatiblity? Windows had problems with raw format of my mothers digital Canon camera. Mac didnt fail and after a week she even thinks that Mac are better. Linux is garbage too. waste of time to get ur drivers fixed. Even on 3 year old hardware it couldnt find my network card or onboard sound.
When switching to x86 architecture, Steve Jobs had only 2 options:
1. Open OSX to mainstream -> income would become more dependent on the sale of OSX alone since nobody would still require an Apple machine to run it. As a result, piracy and malware would become bigger threats to OSX and Apple computers would be more.
2. Leave OSX exclusive -> OSX market share would be lower but income would increase from the sale of more Apple branded machines if people were really willing to run OSX. The lower OSX market share keeps it safer from malware, and piracy is not the major issue.
The choice of the 2nd approach determined the strengthening of the "better than PC" mythology which MS is only now trying to deconstruct. Apple still has an advantage by supporting both the MacOS and Windows worlds. Windows 7 will be an excelent opportunity for MS to redeem themselves if they don't screw it up.
Bottomline: PC and Mac systems have both pros and cons. Get whichever fits your needs/budget better. I am just glad we still have a choice between Windows, MacOS and Linux.
Last edited by vvtunes on 30 Mar 2009 - 18:23
"I got everything I wanted", no she didn't get everything she wanted. She got something she could afford. There's a difference.
If you filled a store with equal quantities of each laptop and they were all free, opened the doors and told the customers to pick only one each, which ones would run out first? I'm pretty sure the Apple section would be the first one to be raided.
"I got everything I wanted", no she didn't get everything she wanted. She got something she could afford. There's a difference.
If you filled a store with equal quantities of each laptop and they were all free, opened the doors and told the customers to pick only one each, which ones would run out first? I'm pretty sure the Apple section would be the first one to be raided.
Not me.
Super expensive but parts inside an apple laptop are just the same as parts in a PC laptop, no difference, you just paying for the brand.
Last edited by splur on 31 Mar 2009 - 00:24
whoa damn...the forums dont like the upisde down html text
1. Great idea
2. Poor execution since she buys a crappy laptop and is a paid actor (google "Lauren De Long"
3. Who wouldn't hit that?
OSX will only be in the Multimedia market excluding games.
I actaully saw a Mac gaming computer didnt have windows on it? how the hell is it a GAMING computer?
but I got a toshiba laptop for under 700 not best quality but it works fine I can play most games on it (CS
Apple has beautiful products and they are often top of the line, but in many ways they are like buying a Lexus or BMW when most of us can get around just as well with a Toyota, Ford or Chevy. You pay more and there's a bit more prestige associated with the product, but it doesn't take you to the supermarket any better. At the end of the day I really don't process my words or work on a spreadsheet any better on a Mac than I do with a PC. The MacOS is superior to Windows, but NOT that much superior. And I have a lot more choices in buying a PC than I do with a Mac. Apple's products tend to work seamlessly with other Apple products (Mac + MacOS + iTunes + iPod) but it's a pretty closed world when it comes to other products. There aren't that many products out there that a Mac-specific and many of them have PC alternatives that are nearly as good (and usually cost a LOT less...)
To be honest, it's amazing that Microsoft was able to make Windows work at all - it didn't control the hardware and it doesn't define the specifications of the machines running the OS. I've run MS-DOS, Windows 1, 2, 3.0, 3.1, 95, 98, ME, XP and Vista on a number of machines over the years, and seen the OS move from a command line CPM clone, to a basic windowing environment, to a full-fledged operating system that is capable of doing pretty much anything a user would need. Yep, they've had more than a few hiccups along the way, but anyone who has grown up with the PC can attest that the machines today can do more and are more reliable than they've ever been.
Best and most true slogan ever.
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