Into the Void

Since early 2006, Apple has been selling Intel-based PCs (so-called Mactels), fully capable of running Windows XP, and they will continue doing so indefinitely. The TV commercials in their latest ad campaign, however, seem to tell a different story. All the commercials feature two actors– a twenty-something cool-guy and a forty-something douchebag. The cool-guy represents an Apple computer and the douchebag represents a PC, comparing the two as if they are apples and oranges (pun intended) despite the fact that Apple computers are now PCs!

Apple is still shamelessly trying to differentiate itself from the architecture that it now is, essentially denying its newfound identity. In one of the new TV commercials, the cool-guy says that since he (the Mac) can “run Windows like a PC, there’s no reason to buy a PC anymore.” Actually, I can think of $everal excellent reason$.

Then in another spot, the douchebag is sick from the “latest virus going around”, and that “there are over 100,000 known viruses for PCs.” The cool-guy (who is perfectly healthy of course), says something like, “Good thing I’m not a PC”. (New Apple systems are PCs, but that’s beside the point.) The idea is that OSX is not as susceptible to viruses as Windows. I won’t disagree, but by the same logic, OSX is also less susceptible to useful software.

The third installment of this annoying ad campaign has the cool-guy bragging about how he (the Mac) can do all sorts of fun things, like make photo albums and edit videos. The douchebag PC-guy acts like all he can do is make spreadsheets and pie-charts. In my opinion, this will make every Windows user in the world roll their eyes knowing that there is far more software available for Windows than OSX, including photo and video editing software. True, Apple PCs can run Windows now, but if that’s your argument then why pay thousands of dollars for a Mac in the first place? OSX is by far the worst Unix-derivative on the planet, and it pales in comparison to Windows for desktop applications, so again, why get a Mac? Oh yes, of course… because they look pretty. Or maybe it’s just a cult-thing.

Apple wants to reap the benefits of adopting a PC architecture and claim that it’s still not a PC. So the question is, “Can Apple have its cake and eat it too?”… Well, as long as Apple continues to exploit the ignorance of its user base, I guess the answer is Yes. (Non-Apple PC users will continue to laugh and save thousands of dollars.)

If you haven’t yet seen the Apple commercials I’m talking about then search Apple’s Website for them. I’d post a link, but I’m sure Apple would find a way to sue me. In fact I’m expecting a letter from their legal department for not putting ^TM and ® symbols everywhere. Wait a second!… what’s this?!!… an email from Apple Computer, Inc… I haven’t even posted this yet! It says, “Dear Blogger, We have reason to believe you are about to upload text to the Internet that violates one of our trade secrets. We demand that you immediately cease and desist such activities or face the wrath of our legal team. […]”

I’ll take my chances.

Closing note: despite how it may seem, I personally have nothing against Apple. If you don’t believe me then just check out the Apple desktop backgrounds I created… I guarantee you won’t find any free promotion like that for Windows on this site. So instead of sending me hate-mail, download one of those delicious Apple wallpapers to remind yourself of how much Etherice truly loves Apple Computer, Inc.!