Microsoft has a new commercial that takes a new approach to the Apple vs Microsoft competition: This time it’s about price. No mention of Windows features or Apple features. Just hardware. Just price. The winner? A PC, of course.
The argument is that you can get more for less with Windows. In the commercial they give a person $1000 to go purchase their dream computer–from Apple or wherever–as long as it costs under $1000. Oh, and it has to be a notebook with a 17″ display. Yeah, right. The deck is stacked here, because we all know that Apple doesn’t sell a 17″ MacBook Pro for under $1000. MacBook Pros start at what, $2000?
Here’s the thing though, arguing about price leads you down a choppy road. Fortunately, the commercial hints at a variety of offerings in the Windows ecosystem too, but then again this seems to get you only so far in this Apple vs Microsoft debate.
For kicks, imagine if the person had been given $1500 and they could buy anything they wanted and pocket the difference. Would they go for a MacBook? Or be frugal and pick up a Windows machine?
Now what about $3000? I’m guessing the MacBook Pro would start to win out at this point, which gets me thinking.
Is Apple the premium choice? In other words, after all this time of Windows arguing that it has premium offerings in the Tablet PC or Vista Ultimate or now Windows 7 touch–is Apple really the premium offering? Is that what the commercials are saying?
I don’t think so. In fact, for years I think the premium offering between Apple and Microsoft has been a mixed bag. There are some things Apple does better. There are some things the Windows ecosystem does better.
For instance, right now I have a Mac Pro (the desktop machine) for development because it’s a top not system. I don’t think there’s a better offering out there for the price. It gives me Windows, OS X, and lots of hardware at a reasonable price. Now there are some less expensive systems that my friends have picked up, but when you need performance and easier manageability the Mac Pro wins–at least now.
The iPhone is another example. I used to have Windows Mobile smartphones, but eventually grew tired of their sluggishness and bugs. I’m a strong iPhone advocate now.
On the other hand, the HP Mini I’m using (it’s borrowed, but I still think of it as mine because I love it so much) is one of my favorite computers of all time. Why? Because it has enough performance, is very light (2.2lbs), and handles all the web browsing, email, and the like I need. I even use it while sitting outside on the back porch to Remote Desktop back into the Mac Pro so I can program while enjoying some sun.
Did anyone also notice that there was no mention of a Tablet PC in the commercial? The person didn’t pick up a Tablet and show wonder at writing on the display or twisting the display around. It’s pretty obvious to guess why: the prices are too high, even if you can find inventory in a store like Best Buy. It’s somewhat sad to see that Tablet PCs don’t make the cut in a Microsoft commercial–I’m guessing not because they wouldn’t be deserving, but because they don’t fit the bill.
Oh, and one more point: Did anyone wonder why they didn’t give the person $500? After all there are plenty of Netbooks that fall into this category. Well, think about it. For the retail customer this would have led them to Windows XP. Emm. Cough. Cough. Once Windows 7 comes out maybe this will change–unless Apple gets in the game and rethinks the Netbook category. Intel is set to release a new chipset in the Fall which very well may stir up the Netbook market, so we’ll have to wait and see.
Finally, I just want to make it clear, the way they person goes into the store and buys a PC on impulse like this is definitely not the way I’d suggest anyone to buy a computer. Besides the obvious of doing your online homework and talking with friends, be sure to pick up and hold any notebook you’re thinking of purchasing. If you’re going to be carrying it around make sure it feels right. And look for hot spots. If it’s hot, besides being uncomfortable to hold in your lap, that means the fan is going to run, and that means noise, wasted energy, and poorer battery life. Further, really focus on how you’re going to use the device. How portable do you want to be? Is it for school? Writing a book? Reading the Internet? Sharing photos with family and friends? Just for fun? And do you have any special needs? The person in the commercial wanted a 17″ display. Sounds way too big for me, but OK, if that’s what she really wants. Personally, I don’t care for any of the 17″ notebooks–MacBook Pro included (too hot, not enough battery life). But that’s just me. Anyway, take your time; look around; and generally don’t buy more machine than you really need today. There will always be a newer, better PC down the road.