Comments on: New Microsoft ads directly target Apple

The software maker tries to show that Windows is not stuffy and old, but rather part of a diverse experience that empowers interesting people across the globe.

[Vegaman_Dan]

I see a lot of people here saying how terrible the ad campaign is and how they will use Macs forever. What I don't see are a lot of PC users replying... because they simply use the systems. Using a computer is not meant to be a religious or sexual experience, regardless of what Apple fans may want you to believe. Just use whatever works for you. People that are happy with what they have typically don't talk a lot about it- they just use it and go about their day. People that are not happy with their product choice tend to spend a lot of time defending their decisions and attacking everything that may possibly threaten that personal choice. <p>
From the comments posted here, I think it's pretty clear the mindset of the nay sayers here is pretty worried and feel the need to attack what they don't understand. <p>
Make of that what you will. PC users will not hear the rants as they will be too busy using their systems instead of complaining like I see people here doing.

[MadScience]

Not a bad comeback, but should have been done a long time ago.

I thought it was a good response, although unclever, clumsy, obvious, tactless, pointed, non-subtle, defensive, immature (what, are they gonna cry?? mean ol' Mac making fun of them??), ham-handed, it was a solid response. A stupid response but a solid response.

They took the Apple ads too personal -- their response was like they were hurt, and saying directly, 'hey, i don't either suck'.

They couldn't come up with something a little more clever and fun?

It's like they're trying to capitalize and leverage all the people that feel personally wounded from the Mac/PC ads, trying to rally them all. Still no class. Although Longoria is always a pleasure to see.

[HighwayHome]

"Brooks cited surveys that show 89 percent satisfaction among Vista users. However, I must say, he also quoted a statistic that 78 percent of people liked the Jerry Seinfeld-Bill Gates spots."

If that's the case, the 11% and 22% who do not approve of Vista and the ads respectively are awfully loud individuals who know how to get the word out. I don't know what surveys this guy is looking at, but both of these platforms have received extremely negative feedback.

"The problem with apples ads are that they were creative 3 years ago but have failed to do anything new since then."

Just like they copied an outdated operating system, Microsoft now sees the need to copy outdated ads from Apple. How original!

"Very clever. Tie the platform to the people that are using them, so that if you criticize the platform, you are maligning the people that are using it."

Nothing wrong with that, considering that most of the people who are using PCs are clueless about computers and technology. The PC market thrives on this flock mentality ignorance.

[Visualdude]

"... people using PCs are clueless about computers and technology." That's because they can be, no magic to learn, it just does what they want, the same as what Apple has always claimed. I'd also bet that there are a lot more PC users that can dismantle their computer and rebuild it than there are Apple users, which would be evidence that they are not so clueless.

Just for the record, Vista is not a copy of an outdated operating system, and that's the biggest part of what's wrong with it. Microsoft would have been better off improving security through XP service packs and user education and not worrying about trying to catch the OSX GUI experience. They then would have had more time to get the next generation OS right.

OSX is a copy of an outdated operating system that has seen new life as Linux. I'm sure there are some UNIX/XENIX users spitting at me; let me say that outdated does not mean unmaintained. Apple did a wonderful job with bringing the GUI experience to a aged OS and has grown tremendously over the last two decades supporting third party hardware. The move also blew the door open for software development for Macs. Apple had two things going for them when they released their new operating system, a loyal user base and control of what hardware to support. They were able to draw a firm line as far as what hardware/OS versions would work together. I'm glad Apple is around doing what their doing and I'm hoping that Miscrosoft gets their act together with the next desktop OS. Vista doesn't suck, but it wasn't the sequel that it should have been to Windows. Microsoft didn't help their cause by saying no more XP for Home and SMB users. If they don't recreate the XP magic and soon, they deserve what will happen in those markets.

[canberra_photographer]

Wow, Microsoft is really loosing it. Making a carbon copy of an Apple ad and spending millions trying to not look boring. Balmer's doing a bang up job.

[AppleSuxLeo]

Techno Viking uses a PC...Dweebs use Mac.

[hal_900]

This argument really isn't just Win vs Mac, it's Mac vs Dell vs HP vs Gateway and so on. Apple computers are usually quite comparable to other manufacturers on the market in terms of power (their products are a little lack luster right now but are expecting an upgrade). Their market share is currently about 10% of the US market and is rising. The last word in the say of "who wins" is who makes a better quality computer. Yelling 'MACZ SUX WNID0WZ R RUL" or vice versa without really testing a product is childish and dumb.

If you look up PC magazine's survey of customer satisfaction with their computers, you'll notice that macs are top in laptops and desktops. The survey also covered whether or not the computer needed repairs, which mac scored the lowest percentage.

Hands on experience also helps understand what each system has to offer. A few minutes in an apple store or any other store for that matter, doesn't give you enough material to form an opinion of a computer. Despite what nearly every windows user says, macs are as customizable as "PCs" and very solid computers. VERY few notebooks on either side of the isle are terribly customizable after purchase. HD and memory can be replaced and thats about it. Mac Pros can be upgraded just like "PC" towers and are beastly machines. And every time you say you can just go out, buy parts and make a computer, you have to understand that not everyone has the skills, time or tools to do so. There is plenty of customization to be had with a mac's OS if you know what you are doing. It involves terminal commands and a good understanding as to what your doing. Putting these operations out of normal reach helps people from screwing up their system.

Apple was able to pound windows so hard because Windows released a buggy poorly recieved OS. Now that windows has pulled support for XP, they just handed apple more ammunition to nail them with. In my opinion each side hasn't made an effective ad to convince me either way, but since windows released this barrage, I wonder why? Why does windows need ads? And rather pathetic ones too. It seems that mac is scaring the pants off windows since it's finally recovering from being decimated by windows 95. People are looking at mac and saying "that'll cure my hernia!" because they are tired with an OS that isn't user friendly. Remember, most people using computers don't know the first thing about electronics and just want something that works. It's like a gaming console, you want to plug in and play, not take hours to set up stuff.

The biggest argument that can be leveled against macs is the proprietary argument which has a lot of value behind it and which is something that apple needs to back away from. Since Steve Jobs came back apple has been a bit more open, but it it can and should go further. Allow other computers to run mac OS may not be the best step because this would run afoul of their philosophy of designing software and hardware together.

The important thing here is that something is scaring microsoft for once in over 10 years and maybe it'll scare them into doing a better job or they'll loose more customers to mac.

[appleshaveworms]

Ummm... I have a simple question here. If Apple makes such fantastic,perfect., do-it-all, much better-than-windows machines and OS why is the world NOT awash with apples ? Are the majority of computer users dumb ?!!

[topgunb2]

people would wear their pants/jeans below their bums with underwear showing to look different !!! mac makes you appear different !!!

[IowaNinersFan]

The rest of the world doesn't want to pay $2000 for a computer that has limitations and can't be upgraded by its owner.

[bskup0]

Good point topgunb2, which is EXACTLY why my extremely-computer-illiterate roommate is buying a $2,799.00 Mac. People are so concerned with image lately.

[technewsjunkie]

WHY does Microsoft NEED to SELL Windows?

Let's agree that Windows has over 90% market share, though they are losing share to Apple as more people switch.

Microsoft obviously feels threatened. They took FIVE YEARS to produce yet another Turd.

[IowaNinersFan]

It only took Apple ONE YEAR to produce their Turd, the Iphone 3G so yeah, Apple does have PC beat there.

[bskup0]

My turd works great. I don't know what you're doing wrong with yours, but I'm pretty sure you're doing something wrong.

[IllusionCrisis]

The Mac ads never did anything for me... they just left me thinking of why there is no gigantic difference between windows and the mac OS. You can go online, play games (not really on mac, unless you feel like dealing with a few headaches), create movies, blah blah.

The only reason people are fans of either is product standing. Neither is better than the other in my opinion.

I can say this unbiased because I normally use Linux. Though I switch to windows to play games, or if I just feel like looking at something different.

Also, I've never EVER had a problem with Windows. The only reason you would is because you went to some website and downloaded something without looking for credentials.

[detox_555]

i'm a thug and a pc

[bbftu919]

Many many years ago, Apple dominated the personal computer space. IBM jumped in and quickly outsold the Apple product. Then windows was developed and Apple was pushed to a very small niche market. There was a reason for it back then and a reason that they will never dominate that space. People want choice, pricing options and the ability to mod their machines. Apple will never provide it and the current fad and kick from the iPod / iPhone hype will turn out to be a blip on the screen. You put your Tickle Me Elmo next to your MAC.

[stevent1992]

Agreed. There is a reason Microsoft dominates the computer market, and while it isn't all for the right reasons, it boils down to price and plethora of software that works with Windows. As if the average computer ACTUALLY user cares whether his PC is of the latest 'breed' or how 'good' it looks. They just want it to get the job done!

[Visualdude]

That's an oddly twisted view of history. Apple came up in the scientific world and moved into education, then publishing; IBM was always in the business world and brought computing to the small business. iPod is the new Walkman and is not going anywhere. Windows brought a better user interface to the PC, as "the Mac" did for it's market.

[intheflesch]

very unoriginal. but what would you expect from a PC?

[outers55]

I'm a power-user and push my systems pretty hard. I haven't had any real problems with Vista since I started using it last year. Seems pretty solid to me. Microsoft is just fighting negative perception at this point, their product is solid.

[bskup0]

Same, I love my Vista Home Premium. What most people call "bugs" and "issues" in vista are usually software incompatibilities from my experience, which I did have when i switched to Vista, but it was very easy to go download the updated driver software on my old computer and burn them to CD and get everything Vista compatible within minutes...

I suppose if you didn't know how to do that, it might be frustrating to deal with software incompatibilities in Vista..

I dont know where im going with this other than I agree...no problems for me other than ones with solutions so easy they shouldnt be called problems. Almost like...oh man i bought a Vista machine and 1+1=? popped up on the screen and I didnt know what to do.. so I switched to Mac.

[1363nd0f1337]

While I agree that the initial release of Vista was buggy and had issues, I absolutely hate when companies force proprietary software and hardware on consumers. I love Windows machines for the simple fact that as technology changes, so too can the same machine you bought several years ago. Add a new motherboard, hard drive, RAM, video card, processor, sound card, or whatever you want. And the fact that all of these products are offered from so many companies, each with different options, advantages and disadvantages leaves the Windows OS in the lead. Plug and Play and non proprietary software/hardware are going to keep Windows ahead for the forseeable future unless Steve Jobs pulls his head out of his ass and nixes all of this proprietary crap.

[isykal]

I'm a PC (Vista) and I love it!

[7679vaska]

Hey, people, the print ad of the Windows vs Walls print campaign's PDF download was generated (and likely designed) using a Mac!

"PDF Producer: Acrobat Distiller 8.1.0 (Macintosh)"

Check it out for yourself, download the Windows vs. Walls PDF:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-vs-walls.aspx

[ITpsycho]

You definitely want to punch that guy from the Apple ads in the face - everyone does unless they are as smarmy buttjobs as he is. Well, maybe he's a bit smarmy because he's onto something that PC just doesn't get?

But that's also part of the appeal of the ads - even if you don't like the guy pitching the product (or maybe even especially if you don't) - you remember the ad and the product it represents. If you love the ad or the guy - Apple wins. If you hate the guy or the ad - Apple wins. If you hate Apple - Apple wins. Say or think what you will, Apple's products are visionary (even their ads are - remember the 1984 ad?), sleek, beautiful - and make wannabees out of anyone who has a clue. Admit it - you want one but you probably just can't afford one or even if you can, you can't afford the software. Or maybe you think it won't work with your favorite software (don't worry folks, it probably will or there's a better native product). Whatever - it can't be the learning curve - Apple's products are very simple to use - turn them on, start using them. They simply work. Apple sends you an e-mail and congratulates you on your purchase. They ask if they can do anything else for you. Gee - what a horrible company!!!

Unless Microsoft drops their gray cloaks and becomes totally visionary, willing to take chances and then turns the results into products people want, rather than those they feel they need because everyone else is using them, they will always be second fiddle to Apple and Apple's products. They will continue to be relegated to borrowing (stealing?) Apple's ideas and repackaging them as their own. Zune, smartphones? So what?!? Ever hear of the Newton? it was years ahead of it's time and is the great grand mother to all similar products that spawned from it.

But, this is about the ads - in the new series of ads Microsoft is talking about - it's almost as if they're reminding Mr. Common Man or Ms. Common Woman, that it's okay to be common (as if anyone common needed reminding that it was okay). Ooops, I just became as smarmy as Justin appears to be in the ads - go ahead and throw your punch PC (see if you can get one off without a blue screen of death or a patch upgrade and reboot!) - Apple still wins.

[starflyer88]

Haven't read all the postings, becuase inane fanboyism gets really tiring, so this may have been mentioned already. The simple fact is there are few peolple who read Cnet that will be influenced by any ad from Microsoft, or from Apple for that matter. Mass marketing is not designed to sway someone who has already made their mind, it's design to create a brand, an endeavor that takes a very, very, very long time, particularly when the brand has to come out of a hole. Microsoft was wrong to sit back and let its brand get so tarnished, so much so that it's considered common wisdom that "PCs don't work that well," evem when that's a gross simplification. I've never understood the Apple is better argument, since I've had my share of freezes and lockups with Macs, and the very first (and very expensive) iPod I bought died within six months. But you can only complain sotto voce about Apple's faults b/c it's not cool; however, Microsoft's shortcomings are to be shouted gleefully. Don't get me wrong -- that's brand. And, Apple's good at it. Microsoft hasn't been. But you can't fault them for fighting back, and to be fair it will take a glacially long time to turn perception around. But with more competition, we'll all be better off.

FWIW, my takeaway from the I'm a PC ad is: you don't have to be "soy-latte" cool to enjoy software. 'Bout time, as far as I'm concerned. Since when has coolness been such a currency? BTW, the lady looking at grandchildren is a dead ringer for my mom - and I bet she sure gets the ad!

[AppleSuxLeo]

Apple just got a Techno Viking smack-down !

[highlander2000]

Hope returns! Microsoft fights to free the world from Apple drone-y-ism.
We can do this. Believe!

[n0th3r3]

"Go jump out a window. Microsoft"

Cool ad.