Microsoft's latest range of advertisements, dubbed the 'Laptop Hunter' series, have really struck Apple where many criticize it: the cost. The ads show an average customer (or actress) who are given $1500 to find a laptop that suits all their needs, be it power, storage or gaming. As you can imagine, the Macs are described as looking nice, but just aren't within the price range.Apple hasn't sat still and watched this happen, not at all. They've come out and made a public statement about this. What did the Cupertino-based company have to say? "A PC is no bargain when it doesn't do what you want .... The one thing that both Apple and Microsoft can agree on is that everyone thinks the Mac is cool. With its great designs and advanced software, nothing matches it at any price." That comes from Bill Evans, an Apple spokesperson, who mentioned it to BusinessWeek.
This has been a rather controversial statement, and it's no wonder; it seems Microsoft's new ads are one of the hottest technology topics now. To add some humor to the situation, we leave you with the following video, courtesy of Landline.tv:
We can install Windows on any computer, we can have tons of different form factors, blu-ray players, netbooks, gaming laptops, play games, what's there that a PC won't do?
Honestly, Apple, go get a life, and build a product that is aimed at utilitarianism not beauty.
I have to agree with andrewbares.
I got a PC because I want to surf the net, use MS Office, play music, chat on MSN, play videos and also because there are so many programs that are freeware. Now how does it not do what I want? I am using XP and *never* have any problems what so ever.
Seriosly Apple, make a better excuse.
That has got to be the stupidest ****ing statement ever.
I guess they took the first video quite literal when she said she just wasn't cool enough to get a Mac. "...The one thing that both Apple and Microsoft can agree on is that everyone thinks the Mac is cool..."
Right.. and that actually happens too. You obviously have a gift for reading between the lines.
Oh, and Mac's actually take up about 15% of OS vulnrabilities while Vista only has about 5%. Windows is way more secure it's just that there aren't many viruses out on Macs because not as many use them.
Oh, and Mac's actually take up about 15% of OS vulnrabilities while Vista only has about 5%. Windows is way more secure it's just that there aren't many viruses out on Macs because not as many use them.
Ahh, someone has finally said it. You can only get viruses from (1) Downloading Porn, (2) Pirating software, etc, or (3) Being bloody stupid and going to obvious sites.
With its great designs and advanced software...Ok, I agree, they look dam good, but IMO, thats it, nothing great about the software. And just to be clear, this is my opinion, I am not trying to start a war out here, I personally hate Apple products, only use Windows.
With regards to the advanced software part, let me give you an example. I have used iMovie on the mac. While it is easy to use, and the output is also quite good, I got really angry about the fact that the Apple logo is plastered on the final output! On Windows, no application, whether built in, or 3rd party will stick their company logo on your video, as long as the application is a retail copy. If it is a trial version, then yes, it might.
You definitely did something wrong. I've only used iMovie a few times and I have made stuff without any Apple logos on it.
A PC can do everything a Mac can do
A Mac can't do everything a PC can do
(I realize you can run Windows on a Mac, and then a Mac can do *almost* everything a PC can do, but really, what's the point?)
A Mac can't do everything a PC can do
(I realize you can run Windows on a Mac, and then a Mac can do *almost* everything a PC can do, but really, what's the point?)
Your statement makes no sense whatsoever. What exactly can a (I assume you are talking about Windows) PC do that a Mac cannot? Since the Mac can legally and without hacks run OS X, Windows, or Linux, it's actually the Mac that can do at least one thing that the average PC cannot, and can do everything else that the PC can do.
A Mac can't do everything a PC can do
(I realize you can run Windows on a Mac, and then a Mac can do *almost* everything a PC can do, but really, what's the point?)
Your statement makes no sense whatsoever. What exactly can a (I assume you are talking about Windows) PC do that a Mac cannot? Since the Mac can legally and without hacks run OS X, Windows, or Linux, it's actually the Mac that can do at least one thing that the average PC cannot, and can do everything else that the PC can do.
Apples to Oranges. Or it should be Windows vs. OSX because MS don't build a hardware platform like Apple do. Besides, your point is moot because a Windows user doesn't need OSX as he already has a greater set of functionality. The reverse isn't true, amusing oui?
Windows machines don't necessarily have "a greater set of functionality". There are some very good programs that only exisit on OS X. And for that matter, there is almost no type of software (outside of custom line-of-business apps, and games) that doesn't have an equal on OS X.
The fact that so many people are interested in projects to run OS X on generic PCs kind of disproves your point as well.
You just come off sounding like a bitter troll when you make comments like that. Both platforms have apps that the other doesn't. Where's my free Windows photo organizer with face tagging through auto face recognition? Where's my windows equivalent of CSSEdit? I'm a happy Window's user who takes advantage of a lot of Windows only software that I think is superior to everything else (ie. Zune) but I still realize there are awesome OS X only apps out there.
The challenge is in the doing - it's not surprising at all. I managed to cobble together a hackintosh and it was good fun doing it but I no longer have OSX installed as there wasn't a real benefit to me in doing so. But that's me, not you.
More apps, supports vast array of hardware and a mountain of games. It's enough for me.. Linux is a better choice as an alternative - more hardware support, more games (than OSX), lots of apps and completely free. Why OSX again?
Last edited by dangel on 17 Apr 2009 - 13:20
Troll? Hardly - just being realistic. Don't think i haven't got a (lot) of time for Apple (inc. OSX) it's just that *realistically* the platform doesn't offer *me* pretty much anything that can't be done on Windows. Apple bring a lot of good to the market (witness them giving MS a good kick in the arse over smartphone UI) but I don't buy into anything that doesn't give me some tangible value. And for now, OSX does not. Windows, OTOH, has shedloads more software (period) - and whilst i'm happy to conceed you might have OSX-based dealbreakers, most of us don't. At least we've both tried both platforms eh?
Last edited by dangel on 17 Apr 2009 - 13:21
That's kind of a funny argument. What you're basically saying is: "If you ignore the things that Windows has that OSX doesn't, then OSX has everything Windows does."
Actually I exclusively use Windows. I don't consider those apps dealbreakers (obviously not since I don't own an Apple computer) but I'm able to accept that there is no Windows equivalent. I've spent countless hours looking for an app that has face recognition like the new iPhoto and I haven't found anything. The closest is Picasa but the face recognition is only online, the client app doesn't have the feature.
Actually, Notepad++ is great for a handful of programming languages, whether they be web based or executable based.
Yeah, just a fan made one I thought was quite funny :p
You can boast all you want about a Mac's beauty or ease of use (for computer illiterates), but how can you even start arguing that it has the edge in the software department?
No operating system has a software library as varied and complete as Windows...
But the fact you can, and the fact you have such a huge choice as to what you can use says it all for the PC. Be it software or hardware.
I'm amazed at apple fans reaction when apple ran 2 years worth of ad campaigns attacking every single element of Microsoft and PCs.
I'm confused at the ignorance of people thinking the sarcastically said 'I'm not cool enough to be a mac person' is anything but a knock at the mac's elitism either from either it's fans or apple itself.
The Mac is a fine platform, as is the PC side. The sooner people realise this, the happier everyone will be.
Like have a larger development community and have more diverse user spectrum and generally have more software that covers nearly every market unlike osx ? like gaming for example ? I know there's games on osx but they're far and few between
Even google doesn't lie
139,000,000 for Windows software.
26,600,000 for Mac OS X software.
Oh you are wrong my friend. There are many things to make fun and bash about Macs and MS knows this. The difference is MS doesnt take all the advantages as it can because they dont need to...or maybe they are waiting for the next series of ads. Like...comparing what software you can use on a Mac/PC...comparing what hardware you can use...who can play the most games....and games are a big thing these days...and there are tons more things they can rag on about....if they wanted.
Not to mention that open source software is a great alternative to the pay software. So there are MANY options that will work VERY well for people who dont want to spend a lot...or no money at all. Heck, I ditched Nero recently and had a dozen paid programs to choose from, and twice as many open source programs.
*snorts * the ONLY reason microsoft can make arguments against mac is the price?
As for Ferrari and Lamborghini argument... A Colbolt might have the same "Parts" but it does 0-60 in 9.2 seconds while the lambo does it in 5. Mac and PC do virtually the same thing, at the same speed, built with EXACTLY the same components that you could buy yourself for LITERALLY half the price. and produce the EXACT same system that, if you were willing to skirt a EULA, would run exactly the same software at the exact same speed. it'd be like if Lambo put it's badge on a VW Bug and expected people to pay twice as much as the normal bug because Lambo's paint's shinyer.
regardless of ALL the reasons to make fun of mac... the price is the crippling one. Sorry mate, but you cant defend it, and until Apple gives up the "premium brand" or until it starts actually producing a premium product (Like lambo or farrari do) it's the biggest reason NOT to buy them. They DO do this with laptops. They produce superior products with better components (sorry PC fans, but noone in the world can touch apple's tochpads - and until that happens I'll keep my new macbook) but there is NO DEPENDABLE REASON to buy a mac desktop.
Lol...Nice try...The correct analogy will be, a Ferrari using the same engine, same interior, same suspension, same gearbox, etc, etc, as the Ford. But with a Ferrari shell, and a cool Appl...sorry Ferrari logo on the bonnet.
I REALLY hope you weren't trying to imply that open source software isn't available on OS X. If you believe that you are seriously misinformed.
Did I say that? I know Macs have open source software...i work on Macs every week...even tho I dont want to. There are just so many more options for PCs. Thats my point.
Just shubbing down all this software down someone's throat even though they don't want it, and then making them pay for a premium? That's NOT value. That's ripping off.
Microsoft 1
Apple 0
Microsoft 1
Apple 57
I am not a fan boy. Just being honest!
Yes there is 6 versions but 2 of them aren't available to mainstream users. Starter isn't available in the United States, Canada or Europe, and Enterprise is only available to MSA costumers.
So 4 Versions of Vista and its not like its hard to choose. Nobody buys Basic, Premium is for the Media Center people, Business for those who want Bitlocker HDD encryption and Ultimate which is just the combination of Premium and Business.
And all of Vista budget to advertising and not fixing it? When that commercial aired MS wasnt advertising Vista, more importantly they were releasing SP1 which most people will tell you fixes Vista.
Flame fags
May I suggest Windows Mojave?
p.s.coming from a windows vista home premium user
I'm confident that even you probably understood the meaning of these commercials so don't underestimate the "real public".
Or.. we could always explain it to you if you want...
Really? I only seem to read about them here at Neowin.
Same here, but then I don't get out much.
In the Mac Vs PC ads Apple trashed MS and they can't handle a little trash themselves. What a bunch of winy babies (wanted to put another word that starts with b but I know the ops probably wouldn't like it) work for Apple. I said when the Mac VS PC ads came out that MS should have fired back but they didn't.
Because i really don't get it what they do, and why ppl actually pay for their "stuff".
While i agree that apple products look good, that's pretty much all they do. Until some time ago their PC products felts like those kiddy computers, turn it on do a few things with it (obviously rock solid, since it only was able to run 3 apps) and turn it of.
What's the point of a powerful tool like the PC if it is limited and locked in like a Mac, like a screwdriver that only works on 5% of screws.
Jeez, you can't even change the battery on their portable products without sending it in to Apple, that's just stupid and nothing more than a blatant try to get a monopoly...
Oh wait, but it looks good! That's so cool, it reflects my personality (or some other excuse for inexistent personality)...please, give me a break...never heard of a more brainless way to publicize a product that should be useful and flexible in the first place. It's a computer not a piece of furniture!
and as for third party software? someone mentioned numbers: the majority of windows software is pure ****, the apple developer communities are alot smaller but alot better - applications tend to be fantastic.
i think the extra price is justified and to be quite honest OSX is better than windows in every way (can't talk about 7 because it's not out and i havn't used it) the ONLY thing i will defend windows for is that it has a massive games library but to be truely honest if you did shell out for OSX and a mac then you might aswell bootcamp windows on to it too and even then why not just get a games console? i dislike PC gaming because I require a total hardware overhaul every so often, hence i bought a 360.
what their ads say is true, everything DOES just work. things don't really hiccup.
Simple things for simple minds.
I stopped being 'amazed' by computers about a decade ago. Now I'm just interested in what I can get done on them.
Having vast numbers of nearly identical programs that do the same things in only slightly different ways isn't always a great thing. Almost every burning program on Windows uses a different native file format. How many do you need?? How many different media players do you really need as well (and most of the popular ones are available on both platforms anyway)?
So you are telling me choice is a bad thing? I'd rather have choice, almost every burning program supports ISO so don't really see a problem there?... Microsoft Office, Open Office, etc, nice to have choice there also, you might not like how one works over the other.... so on a Mac I can have one program that does it a specific way, and if I dont like how it works... too bad?... not a good way to look at things in my opinion... and as for media players... they all work differently, its up to what you like and want... WinAmp... lots of add-ons that do neat things, WMP ok for media usage of a home user.... if we can't have choice in apps then we will get to the mindset that caused microsoft a lot of monopoly problems...... where Apple will start to think, oh we made iTunes, no need to let others make a media player... kind of like they are doing with the iPhone App store now, controlling what is out there and who can put stuff out there.... I just dont like the way Apple is going with controlling who can make what and put it out on what platform... at least Windows and Linux are very open to software
also the limited amount of hardware Apple "approves" of... kind of annoying that they can tell me what graphics cards and revisions of it I can use or what sound card I can use... etc..etc...
You serious? Almost every burning program that is out there can open multiple formats. The ones that cannot, are not used. Media players sometimes dont work for certain vids/audio. I know Media Player doesnt work for certain file formats so I am glad VLC is available.
Choice is good, period. If you want choice and want to be able to think for yourself, choose a PC.
remove either, the Mac ceases to exist.
if you cleaned out OS X and install linux or windows on the machine, it becomes an expensive PC.
if you install OS X on a Dell, you get "just a Dell with OS X installed".
There's no way Apple did that ad.
Linux to us geeks. It is free, open source (for the most part), and highly customizable. You can tweak it and change it however you want. If you want to hack it then the code is there.
Mac is for the artists. Photographers, Digital Artists, Recording Artists, Video Editors, and 3D Producers. That was their initial target audience. Most of the best stuff for that is on Mac. Granted there are alot of other things there but the games are definitely lacking unless you only play World of Warcraft.
Windows is for the non-geek. It can do anything and everything in some form or another. It has the most support hardware or software wise among the three. It is also the one that is the most "vulnerable" not because it has alot of security holes but because it is popular.
Malware, spyware, and virus authors are going to target the one that has the biggest impact. If Mac OS X or Linux were in the virtual shoes of Windows then I bet they would be targeted too. Both Linux and Mac would have an abundance of iptables based firewalls in that scenario (yes the built in firewall for Mac OS X uses iptables).
Last but not least it is difficult for someone to change which operating system that they use when the one they are looking at doesn't do everything that they want. For me I have not been able to switch to Mac OS (even though I want to) because of the inherent cost of the hardware and because of the lack of games support.
Processor 2.53GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
Memory 4GB DDR3
Graphic NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT (512mb) & NVIDIA GeForce 9400M (256 mb)
Display 15.4" WXGA+ 1440 x 900
cpu specs
L2 Cache Per CPU 6MB
CPU FSB 1066MHz
Memory Speed DDR3 1066
HDD Capacity 320GB
HDD Interface SATA
HDD RPM 5400rpm
Bluetooth Built-in Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR (Enhanced Data Rate)
802.11n
can you guess what brand this is?
Overpriced = Apple
Not Overpriced = Every Other Brand.
Well it does what I want, so yes it is a bargain. And as an IT, facing problems is a benefit for me as I am likely to face them again in the corporate world and I will therefore be able to fix them in a shorter timeframe.
Apple, are you actually paying this guy? SERIOUSLY? THIS is the BEST response he can come up with? Wow. Fire him and ask for a refund on the salary you've paid him.
At least TRY to come up with a valid counter-argument to Microsoft's ads. Not only do their ads explicitly state that the huners found a computer that does everything they want they also state that it has the design they want. And, yes, we all know PC laptops will never match a Mac laptop because they are free of the Apple Tax.
• In High End Graphic Software Adobe CS4, 64 bit is only available for Pc
• In effects 3dsmax is only for PC
• Thousands of big Video Games are for windows
• Lots of Free Software as well
And also if i like Safari or Itunes or Quicktime or Dock (Object Dock) i can download it.
Well its endless Arguments. Both OS has its Pro and Cons. It all depends what you realy wanna do with it.
[snipped due to comment system not liking bullet points?]/quote]
And final cut pro? What about logic? You can almost guarantee that nearly any TV program, News show, Movie, whatever has been edited using a mac in some way... I'd hardly say the PC is more useful in this area... Oh, and Movies/TV/etc are big business, so I'd call them real world… But yeah, PCs are good for some things, macs are better for other things.
Another thing, Safari/iTunes/QuickTime are all OS X NATIVE, not like the Windows counterparts which are ports, meaning they're slower, and tend to be less up to date than the OS X counterparts...
And Also Safari/iTunes/QuickTime apps Specially written for windows as well. They gets same updates and works well. I personally Like Firefox and IE8. and Quick time for Movie Trailers Only. Never Used Itunes.
For me Real World is What 90% People Use. Microsoft Software are mainstream in All corporate sector as well. There is no arguments in this. Its again personal Choice. That's it.
Thanks
here
I'm no windows fanboy, not by any means, but this is pure FUD. He obviously knows a little bit about macs & pcs, but emphasis must be placed on the 'little'.
And, yet again, the only thing Apple can think of is clinging onto PC stereotypes. My PC does everything I want it to do, it doesn't crash, it doesn't get BSOD's, it doesn't have spyware, it's not beige, it looks good, it doesn't get viruses. I'ts made of quality components I personally selected and was built to become exactly what I wanted and with the highest care. It's also running a great and fast OS.
The video is pretty pathetic too and, how surprising, also relies on the stereotype that PC's are for poor people. I'm not rich or anything but I can afford a Mac easily. But I CHOOSE to use a PC. Yep that's right, I actually made that decision.
We've left the 90's behind us for some time now Apple. It's time to move on.
Last edited by k7of9 on 17 Apr 2009 - 17:24
And, yet again, the only thing Apple can think of is clinging onto PC stereotypes. My PC does everything I want it to do, it doesn't crash, it doesn't get BSOD's, it doesn't have spyware, it's not beige, it looks good, it doesn't get viruses. I'ts made of quality components I personally selected and was built to become exactly what I wanted and with the highest care. It's also running a great and fast OS.
The video is pretty pathetic too and, how surprising, also relies on the stereotype that PC's are for poor people. I'm not rich or anything but I can afford a Mac easily. But I CHOOSE to use a PC. Yep that's right, I actually made that decision.
We've left the 90's behind us for some time now Apple. It's time to move on.
+1
Recover my system within 30 minutes without losing any app settings or data without having to resort to a backup, for one. Two, I get a great development environment included in the $129 OS price, where as I have to spend a minimum of $299 for a limited version of VS, and $799 if I want the professional tools. I get very simple management features. I get a decent office suite for $80. I stress much less about my Mac than I do my Windows machines. I can't even put a price on that.
Home Premium is $200.00
to me... "A Mac is not worth it, especially if it doesn't do the things that you want." I'm an engineer, and I require the use of engineering programs that all seem to be Windows-only. Sure, this may only apply to a small segment of the entire consumer pie. I frequently get the response.... go buy a mac and install windows... yea right, I don't want to burn a hole in my wallet.
Was Macs being "cool" the best thing they could come up with, really? I'm over 18 and have real friends, I don't need to buy an overpriced computer in an attempt to feel "cool" and part of their special little club.
I don't have any problem with what computer people choose, if you like Macs, good for you, just don't try and force your choice on the rest of us. Personally I've just finished having to use OSX for 6 months porting an application across, and I can say it's not an experience I'm in a hurry to repeat.
Developing on a Mac is ... ugh ... at least they have stable APIs though.
memory usage is almost identical on 2 gb system. but difference is i think when u have 512 mb ram, on which 7 runs pretty well.
"There's good reason Apple is seeing healthy profits while grabbing market share. It refuses to budge on quality and so charges a higher price. Rather than running ads that seem clever at first but really aren't, the Windows guys ought to take the hint and just build better computers. "
Pretty funny when you consider those "I'm a mac - I'm a pc adds". As far as quality, macs will crash just as easily as pc's depending on what you're doing, having used xcode for a while now I can honestly say there is little or no benefit over VS. As a computer engineer I think the most appealing aspect of OSX is that it's unix based. If you buy into all the pretty colors and animations (komposeďż˝ for example) then that's all well and good, but most businesses do not want to waste computing power on polished animations and UI aesthetics in general. That said, windows is not blameless, it's just not really inferior to OSX as some people in cupertino would have you believe.
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