In a Flickr photostream, “Paint.It.Black” has posted a photo showing an Apple MacBook Pro on Steve Ballmer’s lectern at a recent conference, “Business Leadership and Digital Innovation” something or other — which is obviously yet another Ballmer presentation focusing on things about which he has no clue.
This isn’t the first time Microsoft’s been caught using superior hardware, either:
Microsoft demos Windows Vista on Apple MacBook Pro – July 01, 2006
See the images here.
MacDailyNews Take: He’s probably using Apple’s Keynote, too.
MacDailyNews Note: We assume the darker area on the MacBook Pro is the shadow cast by Microsoft’s cheesy cardboard sign / Apple product shield.
[Thanks to MacDailyNews Readers too numerous to mention for the heads up.]
oops!.. who’s head will get hit by the flying chair?
“My children – in many dimensions they’re as poorly behaved as many other children, but at least on this dimension I’ve got my kids brainwashed: You don’t use Google, and you don’t use an iPod.”
– Steve Ballmer
“Microsoft Digital Inspiration – Business Leadership and Digital Innovation for Future Graduated”
Translated: “Get a Mac.”
What would have been really awesome is if he’d used Keynote.
I’m sure it’s running Vista (or XP if they want it to be reliable), but even so, that’s quite an interesting photo.
I’m starting to feel like Microsoft is privately admitting to itself that it can’t hold its desktop monopoly forever – that would explain why they’ve thrown so much effort into forcing MSOOXML through the ISO (to preserve their Office monopoly, regardless of platform), and why they’re working so feverishly to get a bigger footprint online (trying to buy Yahoo, that big Mesh thingy).
In England they call crazy people ‘barmy, which originates in the word ‘balmy’. Which is most likely the origin of the “Tongue’s” surname. Second name in California.
Slow news day, huh? We got to photoshop news now.
This is fscking stupid.
Just my $0.02
Microsoft is today, and has been throughout history, the largest and most important Mac developer bar none. Microsoft is so important to Apple that twice now, Steve has entered into long term deals with Microsoft to gain commitment that Office will continue on the Mac platform.
2 people in my small firm just bought Macbooks, and they both bought Office 2008. Now that they’ve seen Fusion on my computer, they may buy XP or Vista so they can run Visio. This is all a win for Redmond, as well as a win for Apple.
“We have to let go of the notion that for Apple to win, Microsoft has to lose.”
-Steve Jobs
@ Ampar
Hmm, I wonder if his kids use Yahoo instead?
Is no one wondering about the white band along the top edge of the lid?
He cannot be using Keynote… he is running Windows Vista.
JAYGEE: Makes <strike>cents</strike> sense.
Ray: Read the comments on the linked page from people who were there. And you’re overcharging again.
C1: I think it’s a lighting issue.
Here’s a different view:
http://flickr.com/photos/choubistar/2439499170/
Priceless. Uncle Fester on stage with a MacBook Pro.
http://flickr.com/photos/choubistar/2439499170/
@ Ampar
I see the same lighter band in the image you posted. That’s way too sharp and reflectiony to be accurate to the MBP’s flat metal skin. Unless it’s a sticker to keep his oily, pizza-sauce-stained hands from discoloring the aluminum while he carries it.
It also looks a bit over-square… but that’s pretty subtle. I’m not saying it’s faked, just being the skeptic that I am.
From the Flickr comments:
Plutux says: “I was there and I have to say that there WAS a leftover Mac from a non MS speaker. The 2 previous presenters used it for their keynotes. Ballmer didn’t use a computer at all, it was just an automatic slide.”
Anyway, word is he didn’t use the machine, he just had a slide show going.
The Mac was left on stage from a previous presenter. Microsoft doesn’t care what hardware its stuff runs on. It’s a software company.
C1: I think that part of the angled lid is picking up light from the projector. The rest is in shadow from the MS sign on the podium.
“Microsoft doesn’t care what hardware its stuff runs on. It’s a software company.”
Maybe internally. But there have been WAY TOO MANY disparaging public remarks about Apple from top MS execs.
FAKE…Ballmer doesn’t even know how to use a computer duh…
@ Ampar
You might be right. I’d be much happier, though, if I saw the reverse version of
” rel=”nofollow”>this.
Many times people just bring their presentation along in a memory stick. They use what ever hardware is available.
Just a thought. Also, Ballmer is a CEO, he would not be the one setting up the equipment or even pushing the clicker .
Just a thought.
Oh, C1. You’re going to Dell in a hand basket now!
“Maybe internally. But there have been WAY TOO MANY disparaging public remarks about Apple from top MS execs.”
In particular from Steve “The Tongue” Ballmer….