So in case you missed it, Apple responded to Microsoft’s new “I’m a PC” ad campaign. You can watch the ads on Youtube via Gizmodo and TechCrunch (or a whole bunch of other places). I was discussing this with a friend / coworker last night and thought I’d share my thoughts here:
…makes a decent point even if a bit hypocritical. I mean, Apple is all about pouring the millions into marketing/advertising. When we do it, of course, it’s because we’re misallocating how our money is spent (according to them). But when they do it, it must be justified. Right. Well, here’s my reallocation advice for Apple: use some of those millions in advertising to make a computer that’s affordable for once. You see? It’s not that hard to second guess how another company spends money.
Interesting that I wrote this before seeing Gizmodo’s take, which is basically the same:
There’s also the minor matter of Apple accusing Microsoft of spending money on advertising that would be better allocated to fixing Vista. The message, of course, is delivered in an expensive advertising campaign, the week after Apple released brand new, prohibitively expensive laptops.
But, of course, Gizmodo doesn’t work for Microsoft. So when they say it, it sounds more credible.
I dont think its about how expensive they are , its about how great they work. why do people miss that >?
The other ridiculous part is that Microsoft spent about $8 billion on R&D last year and the Vista campaign is only $300 million, so the piles of cash in the ad are wrong.
Maybe because — for a lot of people — “work great” is something that's already happening… without paying a premium.
Very well said! It does look even worse for Apple from within that context.
Didnt you say that gizmodo is pretty pro Apple before? But yeah, they've been getting a lot of crap for the extra glossy screens and making firewire exclusive to the pro model.
-Chris
I think you all missed the point — The Apple guy does not, in any way even hint that $350 million isn't a totally reasonable amount to spend on advertising. The bite is that it so outweighs the amount spent on development.
Another observation — there's all this talk about Apple having just (barely) 10% of the market. This is usually touted within 2 sentences of claims that Apple's stuff is twice as costly as “regular” stuff. Logical inference; Apple may have 10% of the market, but (being twice as expensive) gives them nearly 20% of the market's revenue! (18.18…%)
Dr.DUH-
peskypescado's comment above nullifies your first paragraph: $300 million ad budget as compared to $8 billion in R&D… How does the little number outweigh the big one?
Hi Bob. Have you ever taken a mac for a spin? All I'm sayin is that you would be surprised with how fun and aesthetically pleasing it can be! Hehehe
But I'm biased!
How are things going in Washington?
I absolutely love these Mac vs PC commercials. However, as funny and effective these commercials may be, I just can't justify opting for Apple products (macbook/ipod) when there are far less expensive alternatives out there that can do the same thing.
I absolutely love these Mac vs PC commercials. However, as funny and effective these commercials may be, I just can't justify opting for Apple products (macbook/ipod) when there are far less expensive alternatives out there that can do the same thing.