In your face, Apple!
Is it a brilliant counter stroke or the latest misguided (and expensive) comeback? Microsoft takes $300 million marketing counter offensive on the road and into enemy territory.
For three long years Apple’s Get a Mac TV and web advertisements have delivered the laughs and switchers—people who used to use PCs and now choose the Mac—yet Microsoft never replied. However, with Apple’s share of the US market now above 8 perecnet while taking the lion’s share—over 60 percent—of the lucrative $1,000-plus retail market, Redmond finally got off its laurels.
We’ve all puzzled over Microsoft’s Gates and Seinfeld ads and heard about the software giant’s spurious Apple Tax, which posits buying a Mac is a serious waste of money.
Then there’s Microsoft’s I’m a PC ads, which directly challenge Apple’s popular and humorous Get a Mac. And, I have to admit these ads don’t suck — well done and feel-good, all in one breath.
Of course, Apple’s countered these consumer missives with a trio of ads—Bake Sale, Bean Counter and V word—which don’t leave frustrated Vista users with much to feel good about.
Still Microsoft thinks they’re finally onto something with their I’m PC ads and, according to MacWorld UK, they’ve taken the concept on the road. The software giant has set up a booth in front of the Birmingham, England Apple Store.
Why? Well, company representatives are going to record PC users “I’m a PC” moments for possible in future ads. That angle will certainly appeal to Windows fan boys, which it bears repeating vastly outnumber Mac fan boys.
Will Redmond’s Vista-free, feel-good message resonate with those that have already switched or considering making the move? Probably not.
Personally, although I think Microsoft’s “I’m a PC” ads are well done and full of positive vibe, this latest take really stretches the concept to the breaking point. In your face, Apple? Perhaps “smell the desperation” is a better way to describe Microsoft’s latest I’m a PC angle.
What’s your take?
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