14 DAY TRIAL // Apple has launched a new series of ads for the iPad Pro, this time clearly positioning its device as an alternative to Windows PCs like Microsoft’s very own Surface 2-in-1.
One of Apple’s commercials puts the emphasis on the fact that Windows PCs are vulnerable to malware infections, pointing out that the iPad Pro is completely secure and no virus can compromise the device.
“My laptop has the nastiest virus and I’m terrified,” one of the ads says citing an alleged Twitter user. “Yes, that is scary. You know, an iPad Pro doesn’t get PC viruses. So relax, there’s nothing to be afraid of.”
Then, there’s an ad that compares the iPad Pro to a (Windows) computer, explaining that the Apple device is actually the better choice. Of course, it’s worth mentioning that iPad Pro is running iOS, which is limited to App Store apps, while Windows devices running the full version of Windows 10 can also install Win32 apps, including Photoshop and so many others.
“An iPad Pro is not even close to being a computer,” the ad starts, once again citing a tweet. “Well, iPad Pro isn’t a computer. It’s actually faster than most laptops, has LTE like your phone, and a touch screen you can write on. So you’re kind of right.”
Better than a computer? Not so fast
While Apple is right and the iPad Pro does have these features, the exact same functionality also exists on Windows 10 devices, including LTE and touchscreens. Microsoft has made the Surface Pen an essential part of its Surface lineup, so yes, Windows 10 devices also have a screen that you can write on.
And last but least, there’s a third ad that highlights Microsoft Word on the iPad Pro, as Microsoft developed the Office productivity suite for Apple’s device too.
In the end, while Apple does show that the iPad Pro is more than a regular tablet, it’s not entirely true that it’s entirely better than a Windows 10 device. The functionality that Apple highlighted in its videos debuted on Windows at a time when Apple itself didn’t think it was a good idea to put a keyboard on a tablet, so bragging about features that someone else pioneered might not be such a good idea after all.
