The latest assualt from Redmond now uses 'average' folks who go get PCs instead of Macs because the PCs are cheaper and the people who buy them are "not cool enough for a Mac".

But isn't this what Apple has been saying for the last 10 years?

Hasn't the whole idea behind their campaigns been that Apple computers are 'superior' machines made for those with discerning taste?

This has been Apple's selling point for quite some time now. It's why Jeff Goldblum and not John Goodman narrated the first iMac acts. It's why Steve Jobs always talks about making "beautiful machines" and not "quality, affordable products". It's why Justin "I'm a Mac" Long always looks like he just came out of a J-Crew add and John "PC" Hodgman looks like a children's formal ware mannequin.

That's kind of the point.

If these latest Windows ads are trying to say that PCs are for regular schlubs and Macs are for the fancy types willing to pay more for a computer, then they're spending a lot of money to say what most everyone figures out within five minutes of walking into an Apple store.

Of course Macs are "cooler" and more expensive, that's why they sell well in the markets that they do. It seems that Microsoft is just appealing to its existing fan base here, and missing the point with those who are buying Macs.

16 Apr 2009