14 DAY TRIAL // Soon after issuing a report on Dell’s modest attempts to compete with Apple, Softpedia came across Microsoft’s new “PC vs Mac” web page, which aims to inflict damage on Cupertino’s electronics maker by stealing away potential customers. Admittedly, Apple has done pretty much the same thing over the past few years, although with slightly better arguments.
As noted yesterday, people choosing Macs will most likely stick with Macs. Some of our readers think so too. Others don’t, and we won’t judge. Perhaps the truth is somewhere in the middle. But to have Microsoft tell you PCs are “Intuitive, familiar, and easy to use, PCs do what you want: they just work,” is a little annoying to say the least.
First of all, we’ve heard this before. The phrasing is pretty much identical to Apple’s promotional materials. Apple has been able to deliver on its promise in that it has offered an intuitive, easy-to-use computer with an OS to match - the Macintosh. The “just works” tagline is actually typical to Apple’s promotional materials. By using it in its own marketing campaigns, Microsoft looks like a copycat for the millionth time since the two giant software vendors co-exist and compete in the tech industry.
Microsoft continues: “PCs are always ready, willing, and—most importantly—able to get down to business.”
And Macs aren’t, right? Those naive enough to take Microsoft’s word on this will end up believing Macs are decorative items. The truth is they are, in addition to being great computers. That’s not to say PCs aren’t great. Granted, you can get twice the computing power for half the price of a Mac when choosing a PC configuration. But it all comes down to what you need, as a consumer.
Hey, if you’re a gamer you need a PC, period. This news editor has learned over the course of six months that Apple’s Magic Mouse is perhaps the worst point and click device to play a game with. For work-related tasks, it far exceeds the capabilities of other mice.
Bottom line: some things really don’t compare all that well. It’s up to the customer to make a choice, and it’s up to Microsoft and Apple to try and deliver the best products. There, case solved.