Microsoft: 'Do the math' before you buy a Mac

Buddahfan · 05 May 2011

Microsoft has launched a new ‘PC vs. Mac’ site, and this one encourages potential Canadian Mac buyers to ‘do the math’ before buying.

The idea is that you compare the price of Mac systems to ‘corresponding’ Windows-based systems (I can’t add enough quotes around ‘corresponding’ so I won’t try, but rest assured that these systems have been carefully chosen) and end up being awed by the savings you could make by choosing Windows over Mac (and then you spend the savings on a vacation).
Along with price, the potential Mac buyer is encouraged to compare other specs, such as screen size, processor, RAM, battery life, and color options (seriously, I’m not kidding, although most of the choices here seem to be silver or black). Beneath each of the Windows systems Microsoft has a convenient ‘Buy Now’ button for you to use.

cont here

pparks1 · 05 May 2011

I'm not sure what the author is saying specifically, he says this in one paragraph

This is an interesting idea, but the problem is that, as with all such comparisons, they can backfire depending on the potential buyer’s need. For example, if you’re looking for a portable and battery life is important to you, then looking at this comparison, you’d go for the 13-inch MacBook.

But when you look at the chart, while the MAC has better battery life, it's only by 1 hour (10 hours versus 9 hours). The PC is within .1lb, it's $200 cheaper, it has a faster CPU, it has 2x the RAM, it has a bigger hard drive. To me, that seems like a lot to give up for just 1 more hour of battery life. I think most people can probably get done what they need to do in 9 hours.

To me it's like he's saying, everybody would choose the MAC if they could....but they only go the MS route because of massive price savings. I don't agree with this at all.

SIW2 · 05 May 2011

Buying decisions are mostly driven by emotion - not logic.

Apple have got the marketing right.

There is no doubt their machines look very sleek and are almost always that bit lighter than pc's.

Ties in beautifully with the brand image - people are impressed by the touch and feel.

One of the pc's there - Samsung 900 x3a labelled still to come - will be close in those areas.

We shall see.