Wow…. In the game of “who will blink first” ads, I never thought I would see this from Apple.
Even though Apple presents a cool ‘above it all because we’re better’ attitude to the world, that doesn’t seem to be the case behind closed doors. Case in point is the Laptop Hunters ads that Microsoft has been hitting Apple with. Although Apple responded to the ads back in May, it seems that the ads have gotten under their skin. According to Microsoft's Chief Operating Officer Kevin Turner, who stated during the Microsoft's Worldwide Partner Conference today, that Apple called him with what he states "was the greatest single phone call in the history that I've ever taken in business". He states that "two weeks ago we got a call from the Apple legal department saying [...] 'Hey, you need to stop running those ads, we lowered our prices.'" He also notes that "they took like $100 off or something,"
He did ask "Is this a joke? Who are you?"
I am shocked that Apple would ask Microsoft to stop running the Laptop Hunters ads, considering that “I’m a Mac and I’m a PC” ads have been pummeling Microsoft for years now. Obviously Microsoft is getting some traction from these ads, and rightfully so. But if you’re wondering if Microsoft will stop running those ads, Turner states that Microsoft is "just going to keep running them and running them and running them."
[Ars Technica via Engadget]
7 comments:
Really nice pic of Mom there... LOL
LOL. I can't believe that. That is classic. I guess since Apple (monopoly) never gets sued as being one, really can't take it as well as they can dish it.
Ha! "Microsoft Changes 'Laptop Hunters' Ad After Apple Complains New Version Reflects Lowered Price on Mac Notebook"
http://adage.com/article?article_id=138117
Microsoft had filmed the ad before Apple dropped the price from $2000 to $1700 for a Macbook. So instead of just dumping the ad, they edit the part of the woman saying that the Mac is $2000 to continue to use a paid for ad. It still looks like Microsoft will continue running these ads, since the PC's do tend to be much lower in price. And I'm sure that Apple will continue to be pissed about it.
I'm sure Apple's really pissed. They're so angry as they stuff $$$ into the bank.
"... According to NPD, in June, nine out of 10 dollars spent on computers costing $1,000 or more went to Apple. Mac revenue market share in the "premium" price segment was 91 percent, up from 88 percent in May.
By the way, Apple's command of the premium market is way up from first quarter 2008, when, according to NPD, Mac revenue share was 66 percent. Gee, and it seemed so high when I broke that story.
Microsoft executives had better study Apple's success -- and well -- as they prepare to bring Windows 7 to market."
http://www.betanews.com/joewilcox/article/Apple-has-91-of-market-for-1000-PCs-says-NPD/1248313624
No one said that Apple was hurting financially. And I'm sure that they are leading in the premium market for computers, but your average Joe can't afford it. Check the quote:
"You can argue the validity of the commercials' claims, but what's undeniable is that people shop on price. When John Q. Public decides to buy a computer, 9 times out of 10 his initial thought is, "What's this going to cost me?" Most shoppers aren't like you and me, concerned with statistics and performance. They want cheap. As someone who has bought hundreds of computers for two schools over 8 years, I know what I'm talking about.
While the ads may infuriate Mac nerds like us, they might persuade everyone else."
Ya see Michael, Microsoft is learning one of the best part about Apple.... Marketing!!!
The average Joe for the most part is thinking about his pocket first.
http://tinyurl.com/r2qeh2
You got that right Nelson. Especially with the economy generally being in the crapper. I want bang for my buck.
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