New Microsoft commercial takes another jab at Apple

Microsoft recently released its third commercial in its “Laptop Hunter” series, where it challenges consumers to find a computer with certain specifications for under a pre-determined price. Invariably, these “laptop hunters” take time out of their shopping experience to stick it to Apple, or more specifically, to Mac users themselves. Previous commercials have chided Mac users for thinking that they’re too “cool” and for caring more about the aesthetic and name brand of a computer than the actual computer itself. In the latest go-round, a mother and son team go looking for a $1500 laptop that’s good for gaming, has speed, and has a big hard drive. In the course of shopping around at Best Buy, they eventually wander over to the Apple section where the mom remarks about Macs, “They’re kind of popular at this age.” Hmm.. I imagine this is supposed to convey that kids are choosing Macs because it’s the “cool” thing to do, and basically because they don’t know any better. The mom then goes on to exclaim enthusiastically, “These are way more money dude!” The son, meanwhile, takes a look at a MacBook before he dismisses it as having too small a screen. Eventually, they walk out with a Sony Vaio. Microsoft is said to have a few more of these “Laptop Hunter” commercials in the pipeline, and while they are pretty engaging, it remains a bit of a mystery as to what soft of consumers these ads are geared for. As far as I can tell, the message behind these ads is that Macs are all style and no substance, and cost a helluva lot more money to boot. I’m not sure how effective these are in convincing potential switchers to remain PC users, but Microsoft sure is taking Apple head on after years of sitting on the sideline. It’ll be interesting to see how/when Apple responds to Microsoft’s latest marketing blitz.