Apple Demands Microsoft Pull 'Laptop Hunter' Ads (VIDEO, POLL)

The battle between Microsoft and Apple seems to never end. PC World reports that at a Microsoft conference on Wednesday, Microsoft COO Kevin Turner revealed to the audience that an Apple lawyer actually called him to complain about the ubiquitous 'Laptop Hunter' ad campaign.

Here's PC World:

"And you know why I know they're working? Because two weeks ago we got a call from the Apple legal department saying, hey -- this is a true story -- saying, "Hey, you need to stop running those ads, we lowered our prices." They took like $100 off or something. It was the greatest single phone call in the history that I've ever taken in business. (Applause.)"

What made Apple so angry? PC World points out that Apple's price cuts were significant enough to make many of the ad's price information inaccurate. Here's one of the offending Laptop Hunter ads, in which a cheery red-headed woman finds a PC laptop for under $1,000:

WATCH:

And here's one of Apple's advertising responses to those pesky laptop hunters. The ad goes directly after the type of comparison shoppers featured in Microsoft's spot:

Story continues below

What do you think? Which ad is more persuasive?

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Apple Or Microsoft: Which Ad Is More Effective?

Microsoft's 'Laptop Hunters' Ad

Apple's 'Elimination' Spot

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Comments

[nikto]

I hate the way browsers and windows jump-around the screen on Macs.
Other than that. they're OK.
Everytime I ask somebody how to keep multiple browsers from
jumping around uncontrollably on a Mac, nobody has a clue.

So I still prefer PCs.

[kwaut lizard]

Preference settings !

[JudyWren]

I have been a computer user since forever. My current Mac runs both, so whenever I need a PC I just click on the PC hard drive and off I go. I do find, however, that I run my Mac 95% of the time. I will always prefer the Mac side of the equation.

[Niqueth]

I like not having to worry about viruses and having a reliable OS. I don't mind paying extra for that.

[OmegaHunter]

And you get a slower computer. And you don't get viruses on a PC unless you're stupid. And OSX is just as unreliable as Windows, arguably more so (Apple owners just like to pretend it never ever crashes). And there is less software for Apples. And almost no games. And everything is proprietary.

The only reason to buy an Apple is if you don't know anything about computers and you think they are cooler somehow.

[sharpstick]

Just another ARROGANT PC USER claiming everyone is stupid but him.

sigh

[Niqueth]

My OS-X has never crashed in almost a year. No, Im not pretending. I used to have a PC and it crashed at least once a day. How many times has your PC crashed? Also, how do you know my computer is slower? I don't waste my life playing video games. All the software I use and need will run on Apple. That used to be a problem 10 years ago, but not anymore. You're argument that the only reason it buy a Mac is if you don't know anything about computers is completely absurd. I know several computer scientists and engineers that own Macs. PC Fail.

[garymc8]

How come the graphics on PC's look like they are from 1968? Macs have tremendous resolution and clarity and then I open windows to these grainy graphics. PS the majority of computer users are regular folks, not programmers who love pc.

[daffnee]

Peeeeleeeze -- I don't believe for a minute that anyone Apple legal department called Microsoft and told them to stop running the their ads.

Whenever someone precedes their remark with "this is a true story" it likely isn't.

[CapsFan78]

Exactly. Until I see a copy of a cease and desist letter from the Apple legal dept, this is just MS blowing smoke.

Just a note, Apple is the only major brand of laptop still designed in the US.

[firelord5000]

If by design you mean R&D, sure, but its made by same CMs, and sorry, but other companies do global designs now.

PS, if Microsoft was lying, Apple woulda busted out cease and desist, since they haven't, it is more likely true then false.

[blytzd]

Design Software people like Macs and all other Software and Hardware people like PCs. They are really two different tools.

[1vortex1]

Amen. It's not about the price. PC Laptop can sell for $50 and yet Mac people will buy Mac.

[yakmeat]

True.

Every user of any product has their reasons for their preferences, and computers are no different. Can't we just be happy that we have different computers to choose from? Some mechanics like Snap-On tools, and others prefer Mac tools, but both kinds can fix my car.

I like the Mac for the ease of use. I got a new keyboard (think piano, not QWERTY) to use with my computer, and the user manual nicely illustrated this characteristic of the Mac. The manual gives install and set up instructions for both Mac and PC. For the PC, it outlines (on multiple pages) several steps involving finding various menus, changing settings, installing driver software from a CD, etc. For the Mac, it just said "plug the keyboard into the computer's USB port." That's it. Since I'm a composer and not a computer engineer, I appreciate it when technology stays out of the way of the creative process.

[Prakosh]

MAC--plug it in and go!!!! That's all there is to it. They are beautiful, functional and the best computers made period!!!!

[Pupadup4oBama]

We have both pc and Mac....I like Mac SO much better.

[kwaut lizard]

Worked on both and I don't game. Mac is hands down the winning Op system.

[tybeeliz]

PCs for me! Cheap and reliable--I find them extremely user friendly!! I've had occasion to use MACs over the past 15 years and I have always felt that operating them was a hassle. Maybe if I were an artist I would have a different opinion!?!

[MichellaBella]

I'm an artist, a graphic designer to be specific. I've worked with both Macs and PCs at school and in the workplace. At a couple of jobs, I've had one of each to work with. I don't dislike Macs, they've really evolved to be pretty similar in operation and GUI to Windows OSes and are pleasant to work with.

At this time, I only work with PCs at my job. I also own two PCs that I work with at home. I use all the Adobe Creative Suite as well as Macromedia and Quark softwares on my PCs and haven't had any problems. I really like them, in fact and generally prefer them to Macs cause so many clients and businesses I'm ultimately contracted with use PCs too. It's just easier, less hassle. Not to mention, they ARE less expensive. When you're paying $1500+ for software every so many years, this is a consideration.

Basically, if you have a fast enough processor, there's no reason PCs wouldn't work for my type of work. Plus I can enjoy them for all the other possibilities PCs offer too.

That's just me.

[Ben Udashen]

Oh my god shut up!

[JRsNana]

Anyone know anything about the new Google Operating System that's coming out?

[Tyrione]

Linux Kernel.

[g4dualie]

I got nothing.

[WebCommoner]

Mac ads seem to me more clever in their presentation than PC ads. Still, I don't think it's fair for Apple to ask Microsoft to pull their commercials, especially considering how harsh its own campaign can be towards the PC giant.

[Marlyn]

I don't watch ads. It's my religion. NEVER WATCH that c r a p.

[NicoloM]

that is why we should ban political ads-- bad way to run a country

[BushSmahers]

You just need to limit it. Running as much advertising as they can afford leads to raising of money from those that have money as the number one job of a politician. In Canada there are pretty low spending limits. In the US your Supreme Court ruled political ads are free speech. Kinda like the way the conservative court picked GW Bush, they picked the way they thought the rich corporations and rich people can put their people into power, buy elections with overpowering advertising. Obama.s fundraising at least for now has thrown a wrench in the plan. You're SC sucks.

[BushSmahers]

There is too much advertising pretty well 1/3 of the time. That's crazy. If we all stuck to your idea (not watching) everything on TV would be Pay per View. Do you want that???????????

[Prakosh]

What is most astounding is that some of the shows with the highest numbers of ads are already pay per view! I don't mind paying for movie channels and other things that have no ads. I don't even watch network television anymore because of all the ads. The only four shows I still watch that have ads other than what will be on later, are Olberman, Maddow, Jon Stewart and Colbert! And I have to pay for those channel in order to have the privilege of being overwhelmed with ads. No wonder they are still on. They are double dipping. It's ok they are good, but I mute through the ads. But I won't go near NBC, CBS, ABC.

[MurrayAbraham]

There is missing option in the poll. Neither is convincing to the "opposing party". The Apple ad will appeal to their target audience of people who don't want to be bothered with tech talk. The PC ad will appeal to the tech savvy.

[Prakosh]

What the ????--how tech savvy do you have to be to go for an ad that says our product is cheaper? TECH SAVVY? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Yeah, like all those wal-mart ads--they are sooooooo tech savvy!!!

[kwaut lizard]

I'm with you there! LOL

Overconvoluted techie!

[MNmommy]

You can build such a powerful PC for just a few hundred dollars now, there really is no comparison - even the MS software is expensive.

I don't think I'll ever buy a Mac, it's just the way it is. Most of the applications I use for work work better on the MS platform anyway.

[BushSmahers]

"Most of the applications I use for work work better on the MS platform anyway." Care to back that up?
Unless you use software for your work place written to run on Windows the statement is dubious. I have read people claiming they like MS Office on the Mac better. These are people who know both not Windows users who might open an Office App on a Mac and see that it looks a little different.

YES! MS software is expensive, they are ripping you off. Continue your ill-informed computer experience if you want. There will be lots of people who never buy a Mac, so? For some it will be there employer one day telling you, "we are going Mac".

[Ping]

Anyone who runs MS Office on a Mac is a not very smart person whose opinions regarding technical matters should be disregarded.

[ChristianEcon.com]

Why the misleading headline? It's hearsay by the same Turner clown who said MS' ads "weren't scripted."