“For nearly a year, television and Internet audiences have been seeing a familiar string of ads from Apple attacking rival Windows-based computers. With this week’s release of Windows Vista, the newest jabs aren’t any friendlier,” May Wong reports for The Associated Press.
Wong reports, “In one ad, the character personifying the PC is dressed in hospital patient garb, talking about how he’s set to undergo major surgery to upgrade to Vista. He then saunters off, telling the Mac character that if he doesn’t come back, Mac can have his peripherals.”
Wong reports, “On its own Web site, Apple Inc. tells visitors to get a Mac, stating, ‘Why upgrade to Vista when you can upgrade past it?'”
“Microsoft Corp. launched Vista on Tuesday, its first major overhaul to the Windows operating system in five years. It features sleek new graphics, better search capabilities, improved security measures and multimedia tools, as well as more advanced parental controls and gaming support,” Wong reports.
“Yet Microsoft detractors, Mac users, and even PC-oriented magazine editors are pointing to how some of those features already exist on Macs. And Apple _ set to release its own upgrade to its Mac OS X operating system, code-named ‘Leopard,’ this spring _ has already promised more innovations, such as automatic backups of files and advanced animation features,” Wong reports. “The Cupertino-based company has repeatedly ribbed Microsoft to ‘start its photocopiers.'”
Full article here.
Apple has upgraded their “Get a Mac” pages upon Microsoft’s Windows Vista release:
Thinking about upgrading to Vista? Even more reasons to get a Mac.
1. No upgrade nightmares. Before you can even think about Vista, you’ll likely need a new PC. Or upgrades for memory, hard disk, and graphics card. Why go through all that hassle, when you can just get a Mac? Read more.
2. You can even run Windows. Mac gives you choices. With the latest software options, an Intel-powered Mac can easily run Vista or Windows XP applications. Not that you’ll want to… Read more.
3. It’s simpler. No need to choose from the many (and expensive) flavors of Vista. Every Mac runs the same Mac OS X — with the full set of industry-leading features. Read more.
4. You don’t have to buy new stuff. Your existing printer, camera, keyboard, and mouse will work with a Mac. PCs and Macs can usually share peripherals if they connect via USB, FireWire, or Bluetooth, three industry standards built into every Mac. Read more.
5. Know iTunes? You’ll feel right at home. You’ll recognize features like the library collection, playlist arrangement, and instant search in many Mac applications. So you’re something of a Mac expert already. Read more.
6. Macs run Microsoft Office. Microsoft Office for Mac OS X gives you Word, PowerPoint, and Excel, all with familiar features and shortcut commands. For collaborative work, Office for Mac connects to Microsoft Exchange servers. Read more.
7. You can take it with you. Most popular applications for Mac and PC use the same file formats, making it simple to exchange documents with friends and coworkers or move existing files from a PC to a Mac. Read more.
See all of Apple’s new “Get a Mac” pages here: http://www.apple.com/getamac/
Related articles:
Bill Gates has lost his mind: calls Apple liars, copiers; slams Mac OS X security vs. Windows – February 02, 2007
TIME Magazine: Microsoft’s Windows Vista ‘an embarassment to the good name of American innovation’ – February 02, 2007
Microsoft: Vista’s ‘speech recognition’ can be hijacked so that PC tells itself to delete files – February 01, 2007
Windows honcho Allchin retires from Microsoft on Vista launch day; now free to buy his Mac – February 01, 2007
Microsoft’s Windows Vista: Five years for a chrome-plated turd – January 30, 2007
Those unfamiliar with Apple’s Mac OS X may be impressed with Windows Vista – January 29, 2007
Digit: ‘Microsoft’s Windows Vista may be the best reason yet to buy an Apple Mac’ – January 29, 2007
Pioneer Press: Windows Vista shows ‘Apple is an innovation engine; Microsoft, not so much’ – January 29, 2007
Windows Vista disappoints, so get a Mac – January 29, 2007
Microsoft emails reveal serious Mac OS X Tiger envy – January 26, 2007
Analyst: Microsoft’s Windows Vista could be an opportunity for Apple – January 26, 2007
CNET Reviews Windows Vista: Is that all? Clunky and not very intuitive vs. Mac OS X; warmed-over XP – January 24, 2007
Security firm: 38-percent of malware already Windows Vista-compatible – January 22, 2007
Mossberg: Microsoft’s Windows Vista offers lesser imitations of Apple’s Mac OS X features – January 18, 2007
Windows Vista disappointment drives longtime ‘Microsoft apologist’ to Apple’s Mac OS X – January 17, 2007
InformationWeek Review: Apple’s Mac OS X shines in comparison with Microsoft’s Windows Vista – January 06, 2007
NY Times’ Pogue reviews Microsoft’s Windows Vista: ‘Looks, Locks, Lacks’ – December 14, 2006
Forbes: Microsoft Windows Vista boss suffers from Mac envy – December 12, 2006
Windows chief Allchin 2004 email: I’d buy a Mac if I didn’t work for Microsoft – December 11, 2006
Unlike Microsoft’s Windows Vista, Apple’s Mac OS X Leopard will create no new jobs – December 12, 2006
15-year Windows vet tries Apple Mac: ‘My God! This is amazing!’ – December 04, 2006
Microsoft’s Windows Vista: obsolete on arrival? – December 04, 2006
InformationWeek: Now that Vista is the past, let’s look at the future: Apple’s Mac OS X Leopard – December 02, 2006
Microsoft’s Windows Vista and Office 2007 releases generate yawns – December 02, 2006
Dave Winer: ‘Microsoft isn’t an innovator, and never was – they are always playing catch-up’ – December 01, 2006
Harvard Medical School CIO picks Mac OS X over Linux and Windows – November 30, 2006
Microsoft’s Windows Vista vulnerable to malware from 2004 – November 30, 2006
Microsoft Windows Vista developers used Apple Macs for inspiration – November 27, 2006
Apple Macs can run more software than Windows PCs – October 30, 2006
Microsoft’s Windows Vista is basically Microsoft’s version of Mac OS 9.3 – October 11, 2006
Top Windows developer dumps Microsoft’s ‘pile of crap’ for Apple’s Mac OS X – September 12, 2006
$399 for Windows Vista Ultimate?! (Hint: Get a Mac) – August 29, 2006
Apple’s Mac OS X Leopard is 64-bit done right, unlike Microsoft’s Windows Vista kludge – August 14, 2006
Microsoft Windows Vista: If you can’t innovate… try to impersonate Apple’s Mac OS X – August 10, 2006
Analyst: Apple’s new Mac OS X Leopard sets new bar, leaves Microsoft’s Vista in the dust – August 08, 2006
Microsoft botches another copy job: Windows Vista Flip3D vs. Apple Mac OS X Exposé – June 26, 2006
Windows Vista rips-off Mac OS X at great hardware cost (and Apple gains in the end) – June 13, 2006
Computerworld: Microsoft Windows Vista a distant second-best to Apple Mac OS X – June 02, 2006
Thurrott: Microsoft going to get eaten alive over Windows Vista’s resemblance to Apple’s Mac OS X – March 09, 2006
NY Times’ Pogue on Gates’ CES demo: Most of Vista features unadulterated ripoffs from Apple Mac OS X – January 05, 2006
Thurrott: many of Windows Vista’s upcoming features appeared first in Apple’s Mac OS X – September 26, 2005
PC World: Microsoft innovation – an oxymoron – September 14, 2005
Dude, you got a Dell? What are you, stupid? Only Apple Macs run both Mac OS X and Windows! – April 05, 2006
So what happens when Apple becomes the monopoly?
I hope a new ad comes out during the Superbowl.
go get ’em, tiger!
@Prophet,
Gee, I don’t know. What has happened since Microsoft became the monopoly? FACT: Apple has an almost-monopoly with the iPod+iTunes connection, and all I’ve seen there is innovation after innovation.
If you believe that absolute power corrupts absolutely, I suppose Apple will become more M$-like over time, but let’s wait and see if that occurs, OK?
4. 114,000 Viruses? Not on a Mac.
Mac OS X was designed for high security, so it isn’t plagued by constant attacks from viruses and malware like PCs. Likewise, it isn’t plagued by never-ending security dialog boxes like those in Vista. So you can safely go about your work — or fun — without interruption.
And that’s the truth, Bill. You fscked up.
Apple has CLASS. Monopoly or not that won’t change.
It’s what Microsoft doesn’t comprehend… even when they try to demonstrate they have it, they end up proving they don’t..
(Better to keep quite and be thought a fool than open your mouth and prove it beyond doubt).
Turning a potential threat into an opportunity. Wish they’d done it in 1995, but it seems the lesson’s been learned. Great.
vistyawn
i´am a macfan,but i propose this to apple: insted of anwser with words try to answer with new products…that should put all M$ fanbois thinking very very diferent.
So what happens when Apple becomes the monopoly?
I guess being a Mac user won’t feel so special anymore. But as others have pointed out, don’t expect Apple to grow complacent as Microsoft has.
The “switch” is happening. It’s a glacial switch, but Microsoft and it’s crony industry is feeling the heat. People are fed up. They’re fed up with the corruption and the lies. Oh wait we’re talking about computing not the GOP. Oh well same difference.
“So what happens when Apple becomes the monopoly?”
Just as it is with music, just because something is popular doesn’t mean it’s any good, and just because something is obscure doesn’t mean it’s any good either. The Beatles were huge, but they never sacrifised quality for quantity. Having said that, Garbage sold tons of records, but most people don’t realize they got famous ripping off an amazing band from the UK called Curve.
If Apple becomes huge they will need to work even harder to maintain their quality, because people will be gunning for their demise.
I’m not worried tho.
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Vista…
The best reason yet to switch to Macintosh!
LOL
New Get a Mac Commerical Concept:
PC walks up to Mac dressed in a t-shirt and hoodie, pulling an IV drip on a stand behind him. PC then tells Mac that he has undergone surgery to get Vista and asks Mac what he thinks of his new look.
Mac stares at PC and tells him that he has had the same look for the last six years. PC tries to deny that he has copied Mac’s look, and starts to sneeze. PC states that despite having just switched to Vista, he still must have picked up a bug or two.
A man walks up to PC dressed as a Hollywood movie director with a v necked sweater, beret and megaphone. He pulls PC’s glasses off of his face, throws them on the ground, and stomps on them. When PC demands to know why he did this, Hollywood Guy tells PC that he produces high def movies, and has determined that PC’s type of glasses can be used to improperly view them. PC protests that he doesn’t watch high def movies, and Hollywood Guy tells him that he can do this since he switched to Vista, read the contract. PC mumbles that he can’t read the contract since his glasses got smashed.
PC hangs his head down and states he shouldn’t have gotten Vista: he still doesn’t feel well after the surgery, he’s still gotten sick from a computer virus, and now his glasses are smashed. He also doesn’t think that he has the right look for a PC.
Hollywood Guy walks over to Mac and asks to look at his glasses. Mac points off stage and tells Hollywood Guy to leave; Hollywood Guy exits.
Mac walks over to PC and puts his arm on PC’s shoulder to comfort him. PC makes Mac promise to warn him if a music producer wants to come over and inspect his ears. Mac agrees. Scene ends.
This is my favorite bit….
<<1. No upgrade nightmares. Before you can even think about Vista, you’ll likely need a new PC. Or upgrades for memory, hard disk, and graphics card. Why go through all that hassle, when you can just get a Mac? Read more.>>
http://www.apple.com/getamac/upgrade.html
There you will find this excerpt:
<<To get a sense of just how big the virus problem is, search for “virus” at both Apple and Microsoft. Compare the number of results. What’s more, the 100 most virulent attacks cause 99.9% of damage from malicious software. None of these attacks work on a Mac. Don’t you deserve such protection?”>>
Clicking the search links provided is Game Set and Match and the whole virus debate!!!
Try it yourself and send to you PC suffering friends…
Hello sputnik are you here ?
1. No upgrade nightmares
Any reasonably complicated software requires updating and upgrading. Only an idiot believes running an OS is as simple as turning on your computer. This ‘No upgrade nightmares’ business only appeals to the overly simplistic minds of the Mac crowd.
5. Know iTunes?
Know proprietary DRM? iTunes and its locks and chains philosophy is exactly why I’m not touching a Mac with a ten foot pole.
This article was picked up in The Globe & Mail yesterday. Check out the 100+ comments in the reader comment section — this level of Mac support and enthusiasm would have been unthinkable even a year ago! Also note the intelligent, mature way some of the more informed people correct almost all of the fallacious statements about OS X and Macs. What great ambassadors. If everyone took this tone and tact, I have to think it could only but help the stereotypical perception of Mac users, and maybe even marketshare.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20070201.gtapple0201/CommentStory/Technology/home
@ clyde
You are hired. It’s a career in advertising 4 U.
I mean that. That would be a DAMN FUNNY ad.
jovial pc boy,
1. Have you seen the minimum requirements for Vista? How many folks out there will need to upgrade their ram and video cards to run it? (Not to mention if their CPU is too slow.)
2. iTunes features the ONLY DRM that supports both Mac and PC. Locks and chains? How? Want to listen to your purchased iTunes tracks elsewhere? Just burn a CD.
Do some more research before posting knee-jerk responses.
Here’s what I think is going on… Apple is locked in to a few more versions of Office already, but knows they have about 3 years or so to really create an Office killer in iWork.
In other words, they’re going for broke, when the current deal runs out, MS will no longer produce Office for Mac, they’re stinging right now.
Actually, Jovial PC Boy, you are mistaken. I have a grape iMac that my daughters use; it started out as an OS 9 machine, and has happily transited right through Tiger, actually getting better with each iteration. Since I do my fair share of complex work, I don’t see myself as overly simplistic, except in my expectations of how a computer should help me work, not the other way around.
As for DRM, please tell me you are jpking. So, you don’t use any M$ product, then? You are obviously not very bright. MS’s view of DRM is substantially more draconian than Apple’s. iTunes DRM is a reflection of label demand. M$ DRM is a reflection of that entity’s attempt to make itself a source of DRM monopoly.
Somebody please tell me, why can’t Microsoft be satisfied simply making software? They would make more money dropping the whole OS business and porting ALL of their applications to Mac OS X. Read: make more money as NOT LOSING SO MUCH ON DEVELOPMENT! Their OS has been fundamentally flawed from the beginning because it is not tightly coupled with the hardware. What is an operating system supposed to be except a virtual representation of the hardware, a hardware abstraction layer, that makes it easy and simple for the user to make use of the underlying hardware?! Why is Microsoft shocked that their brand-spanking new OS is being met with such distaste? This is what they get for trying to be everything to everyone. Now you have to be a PhD to decide which version of the OS is right for you, and that’s NOT what personal computing is about. They have forgotten why they were successful early on.
@jovial pc boy,
Please get more of a clue. iTunes has no lock and chains – purchased tracks from the iTunes Music Stores has the DRM locks. There is no reason you need to get those tracks if you don’t want to. Fact is, for outright purchases (as opposed to “renting” songs with a subscription service) iTunes purchases have pretty soft DRM restrictions compared to other legit online services.
iTunes Music Store DRM is what is keeping you from using a Mac? That makes no sense at all.
as much as i am a Mac enthusiast….let’s be realistic here.
1. No upgrade nightmares. Before you can even think about Vista, you’ll likely need a new PC. Or upgrades for memory, hard disk, and graphics card. Why go through all that hassle, when you can just get a Mac?
um, because adding memory/hard disk/graphics card is STILL cheaper than buying a Mac.
2. You can even run Windows. Mac gives you choices….
if XP’s running fine for me, why switch?
3. It’s simpler. No need to choose from the many (and expensive) flavors of Vista….
if XP’s running fine for me, why switch?
4. You don’t have to buy new stuff….
you mean, like if i don’t get a new computer and just stick with XP?
5. Know iTunes? You’ll feel right at home….
you mean, like if i don’t get a new computer and just stick with XP?
6. Macs run Microsoft Office….
like, on my XP computer?
7. You can take it with you….
because i use a PC at home, since i have to use a PC at the office.
— MW: “respect,” as in, “i respect that Microsoft has released an improved Windows OS. i just prefer Macs myself.”