- Related Stories
-
Gartner predicts longer Vista delay
May 2, 2006 -
Vista debut hits a delay
March 21, 2006 -
Mac OS flaw exposes Apple users
February 21, 2006
The ads, which began appearing on television Monday night, poke fun at some of the problems with the Windows operating system and play up Apple's user-friendly reputation. The commercials also come at a crucial time for the Mac.
"We're at a very convenient crossroads for them to say 'Check out the Mac for the first time...again,'" said Richard Shim, an analyst for research firm IDC. "They have a new operating system coming soon, and they're going through a very public transition to the Intel platform. And the biggest player on the block (Windows Vista) is going to be delayed."
Microsoft said in March that the widespread distribution of Windows Vista, which promises to offer such features as improved security, video and photo editing, would be delayed until early 2007. Research firm Gartner is skeptical, announcing Tuesday that it doesn't expect Vista to be ready until the second quarter of 2007.
The past two years have seen Apple spend many of its ad dollars promoting the iPod, the company's hot-selling digital music player. But Apple seems to be picking up where it left off with the Mac.
The ads "are little different in tone from what Apple has taken in the past," said Michael Gartenberg, research director with Jupiter Research. "They're humorous but don't come across as particularly arrogant or elitist. They seem to be doing what they are supposed to: generate buzz about Macs."
Three of the TV ads began appearing Monday night and have run during shows such as "24" and "The Tonight Show," as well as some National Basketball Association play-off games. Three more commercials are due to appear over the next few weeks, according to Apple spokeswoman Natalie Kerris.
All the ads feature a very buttoned-down-looking businessman, who's supposed to represent a PC, debating with a young hipster who represents a Mac. Each spot ridicules an alleged weakness in the Windows operating system, including security and the need for frequent restarting.
In one spot, a sneezing PC cautions the Mac not to get too close. "Last year there were more than 114,000 known viruses for PCs," he says. The Mac sheepishly responds: "PCs....but not Macs."
Apple also has experienced security glitches. Two worms and a serious vulnerability were discovered in OSX earlier this year.
"While no operating system can be completely immune from security threats," Kerris said, "a computer running Windows has so far proven less safe than a computer running Mac OS X."
Representatives from Microsoft did not respond to interview requests.
See more CNET content tagged:
Apple Computer, Apple Macintosh, research company, security, Microsoft Windows Vista
BTW, talk about "fanboy"... ever look in the mirror? As much as
Windows users love to be technicians to run their computers and
believe they are some how superior to Apples OS.. the very fact
they have to be half a computer tech to keep their machines
running, should be the biggest slap in the face telling them,
"theres a better way to live in the computer world"
The best thing about Intel/Macs is that although Windows is able
to be booted, it will give Windows fanboys a chance to what they
will be able to enjoy in their universe in the distant future. (cuz
it's already existed in OSX for over a year now)
BTW, talk about "fanboy"... ever look in the mirror? As much as
Windows users love to be technicians to run their computers and
believe they are some how superior to Apples OS.. the very fact
they have to be half a computer tech to keep their machines
running, should be the biggest slap in the face telling them,
"theres a better way to live in the computer world"
The best thing about Intel/Macs is that although Windows is able
to be booted, it will give Windows fanboys a chance to what they
will be able to enjoy in their universe in the distant future. (cuz
it's already existed in OSX for over a year now)
have used Jeri Ryan in her Voyager costume!
younger brother of Noah Wyle, the guy who played Jobs in the
movie... and if there was a better rep for a plump Bill Gates, I would
like to see it.
have used Jeri Ryan in her Voyager costume!
younger brother of Noah Wyle, the guy who played Jobs in the
movie... and if there was a better rep for a plump Bill Gates, I would
like to see it.
Almost any PC vs Mac tradeoff debate can be easily illustrated.
Non-techies can understand the point of each ad.
The ads can make their points well in under 30 seconds.
The ads get your attention and are entertaining.
Kieran Mullen
For example, the ad about how the PC has 'a calculator' and 'a clock' bundled as standard (implying a dearth of software), is contrary to most people's experience when they buy a PC. My Sony and HP machines come bundled with a ton of stuff. Most of it is, of course, useless crap, but there is usually a suite of AV software that allows video/photo editing and CD/DVD burning. So bragging about iLife may not appear all that impressive to anyone who has what they believe to be similar software on their PCs.
Many will also have a full version of MS Works preinstalled, which makes the demo version of Pages and Keynote look distinctly lame.
The appearance of 'Mac-guy' and 'PC-guy' could make PC user feel like they're being patronised. Also, Mac-guy is a bit to smug for my liking. I'd kind of like to see an ad where PC-guy just lays him out.
The message about the number of viruses affecting Macs and PCs is a good one, but I don't see a similarly strong message in the other ads. The one about connecting with other devices (with the 'Japanese-girl' digital camera) was particularly weak. Yes, I can connect my digital camera to my Mackbook. But I can also attach it to my Vaio. So what?
To conclude, I think the concept and simplicity of the ads is good. I just don't think the messages are sufficiently strong to compel PC users to switch. Maybe Mac-guy should pillage PC-guy's online bank account, plant kiddie porn on him and then turn him in to the FBI. Now that would wake PC users up.
Almost any PC vs Mac tradeoff debate can be easily illustrated.
Non-techies can understand the point of each ad.
The ads can make their points well in under 30 seconds.
The ads get your attention and are entertaining.
Kieran Mullen
For example, the ad about how the PC has 'a calculator' and 'a clock' bundled as standard (implying a dearth of software), is contrary to most people's experience when they buy a PC. My Sony and HP machines come bundled with a ton of stuff. Most of it is, of course, useless crap, but there is usually a suite of AV software that allows video/photo editing and CD/DVD burning. So bragging about iLife may not appear all that impressive to anyone who has what they believe to be similar software on their PCs.
Many will also have a full version of MS Works preinstalled, which makes the demo version of Pages and Keynote look distinctly lame.
The appearance of 'Mac-guy' and 'PC-guy' could make PC user feel like they're being patronised. Also, Mac-guy is a bit to smug for my liking. I'd kind of like to see an ad where PC-guy just lays him out.
The message about the number of viruses affecting Macs and PCs is a good one, but I don't see a similarly strong message in the other ads. The one about connecting with other devices (with the 'Japanese-girl' digital camera) was particularly weak. Yes, I can connect my digital camera to my Mackbook. But I can also attach it to my Vaio. So what?
To conclude, I think the concept and simplicity of the ads is good. I just don't think the messages are sufficiently strong to compel PC users to switch. Maybe Mac-guy should pillage PC-guy's online bank account, plant kiddie porn on him and then turn him in to the FBI. Now that would wake PC users up.
Now that I think of it, that would probably sell more computers than their current lame ads. :-)
busy sitting at our computers.
Because they actually work.
Now that I think of it, that would probably sell more computers than their current lame ads. :-)
busy sitting at our computers.
Because they actually work.
"Apple ALSO has experienced security glitches."
Ah. I see. 114,000 known viruses on Windoze, including such
debacles as ILoveYou, CodeRed, Blaster, SoBig, and MyDoom.
Perhaps one virus on Mac, which has affected exactly 2 users,
plus "a serious vulnerability". By golly, you're right -- BOTH
platforms have experienced security glitches. Six of one; half
dozen of the other. Doesn't matter which one you choose; you
still risk life and limb every time you log on. Sure, 99.9999999%
of the viruses affect only one platform, but those kinds of trivial
details are just a distraction from the real issue, which is that
Macs are just as insecure as as Windoze. Be afraid, Mac users.
Be very afraid.
Gag.
contradictory.
How is 99.999999999% of viruses running on Windows a trivial
distration? Its not a trivial distration its just plain reality. Thats
the real issue here, so deal with it, PC Users have for the past
decade and they still have no clue whats good for them. They
keep bumping into the wall like a spinning top until they reach
an opening.
"Like duh.. I didn't know Windoze was spelt Windows.. a duh."
PC user said (scratching head).
Frankly its their personal choice, you can't argue with ignorance.
Given that same figure, assuming that less than 0.000000001%
of viruses are running on a Mac or Linux. Which one would you
take security wise? Sheesh..get your facts straight.
You know its not Mac Users that have to be afraid, or PC Users
for that matter. Its nonsense arguments like yours that create a
big mess out of the Mac vs. PC debate and distract from key
fundamental facts of which is a better system.
plugged in a timely manner. However Mac OS X is still much
stronger n security than Windows.
"Apple ALSO has experienced security glitches."
Ah. I see. 114,000 known viruses on Windoze, including such
debacles as ILoveYou, CodeRed, Blaster, SoBig, and MyDoom.
Perhaps one virus on Mac, which has affected exactly 2 users,
plus "a serious vulnerability". By golly, you're right -- BOTH
platforms have experienced security glitches. Six of one; half
dozen of the other. Doesn't matter which one you choose; you
still risk life and limb every time you log on. Sure, 99.9999999%
of the viruses affect only one platform, but those kinds of trivial
details are just a distraction from the real issue, which is that
Macs are just as insecure as as Windoze. Be afraid, Mac users.
Be very afraid.
Gag.
contradictory.
How is 99.999999999% of viruses running on Windows a trivial
distration? Its not a trivial distration its just plain reality. Thats
the real issue here, so deal with it, PC Users have for the past
decade and they still have no clue whats good for them. They
keep bumping into the wall like a spinning top until they reach
an opening.
"Like duh.. I didn't know Windoze was spelt Windows.. a duh."
PC user said (scratching head).
Frankly its their personal choice, you can't argue with ignorance.
Given that same figure, assuming that less than 0.000000001%
of viruses are running on a Mac or Linux. Which one would you
take security wise? Sheesh..get your facts straight.
You know its not Mac Users that have to be afraid, or PC Users
for that matter. Its nonsense arguments like yours that create a
big mess out of the Mac vs. PC debate and distract from key
fundamental facts of which is a better system.
plugged in a timely manner. However Mac OS X is still much
stronger n security than Windows.
or even seen a Mac in the last 5 years. Ever hear of iLife?
Y'know, that kickass bundle that comes with every Mac? Also
Front Row, Photo Booth, Comic Life, Big Bang Board Games &
OmniOutliner.
Oh, wait -- maybe what you mean by "software" is
"Minesweeper." Gee, ya got me there. Macs don't come with
that one. Well, hope springs eternal.
As to "overpriced" -- you're welcome to your opinion. A
Windoze box is overpriced at $49.99 in my opinion, since I
wouldn't actually get any work done on it.
etc. and never Windows stickers? Mac users ENJOY working on
their computers. They are easy to use, beautiful to look at, and
simply work seamlessly. And in response to Amazingant, there
are plenty of advanced user control options. I've used both
platforms and they both have advantages, but I'll always be a
Mac guy. It's kind of like comparing a Benz and a Taurus.
I'm still looking for a Windows sticker... it will probably be in a
Taurus.
etc., and never Windows stickers? Mac users ENJOY working on
their computers. They are easy to use, beautiful to look at, and
simply work seamlessly. And in response to Amazingant, there
are plenty of advanced user control options. I've used both
platforms and they both have advantages, but I'll always be a
Mac guy. It's kind of like comparing a Benz and a Taurus.
I'm still looking for a Windows sticker... it will probably be in a
Taurus.
Speaking of getting a life, why don't you get a life! You're the one stuck on the old crappy OS!
saysay iyang pinagsasasabi ng bunganga mong hindi kontrolado
ng maayos na utak.
their opinions to themselves.
I don't think you here many people hating Microsoft's Apple
products as it sits on a UNIX machine
Walk a mile in someone else's shoes and see things from their
perspective before you go public and embarrass yourself...
or even seen a Mac in the last 5 years. Ever hear of iLife?
Y'know, that kickass bundle that comes with every Mac? Also
Front Row, Photo Booth, Comic Life, Big Bang Board Games &
OmniOutliner.
Oh, wait -- maybe what you mean by "software" is
"Minesweeper." Gee, ya got me there. Macs don't come with
that one. Well, hope springs eternal.
As to "overpriced" -- you're welcome to your opinion. A
Windoze box is overpriced at $49.99 in my opinion, since I
wouldn't actually get any work done on it.
etc. and never Windows stickers? Mac users ENJOY working on
their computers. They are easy to use, beautiful to look at, and
simply work seamlessly. And in response to Amazingant, there
are plenty of advanced user control options. I've used both
platforms and they both have advantages, but I'll always be a
Mac guy. It's kind of like comparing a Benz and a Taurus.
I'm still looking for a Windows sticker... it will probably be in a
Taurus.
etc., and never Windows stickers? Mac users ENJOY working on
their computers. They are easy to use, beautiful to look at, and
simply work seamlessly. And in response to Amazingant, there
are plenty of advanced user control options. I've used both
platforms and they both have advantages, but I'll always be a
Mac guy. It's kind of like comparing a Benz and a Taurus.
I'm still looking for a Windows sticker... it will probably be in a
Taurus.
Speaking of getting a life, why don't you get a life! You're the one stuck on the old crappy OS!
saysay iyang pinagsasasabi ng bunganga mong hindi kontrolado
ng maayos na utak.
their opinions to themselves.
I don't think you here many people hating Microsoft's Apple
products as it sits on a UNIX machine
Walk a mile in someone else's shoes and see things from their
perspective before you go public and embarrass yourself...
then again it sometimes takes a slap in the face to make some
people come to their senses...
Mike
http://www.SwitchingToMac.com
then again it sometimes takes a slap in the face to make some
people come to their senses...
Mike
http://www.SwitchingToMac.com
MacTurdz are NOTHING but arrogant elitist little libstains
- don't come across as particularly arrogant or elitist
- by NRecob July 21, 2006 7:02 PM PDT
- surely you jest.....
- Reply to this comment
-
(121 Comments)MacTurdz are NOTHING but arrogant elitist little libstains