What We Think about the New Mac Ads

Here’s what some of our staff has to say about the new Mac Ads.

David Czepanski: Gotta love those new Mac ads. At least one person at Apple is still a cheeky so and so.

But who are they pitched at? Surely these ads are aimed at people who are already using a Mac?

We Mac heads smile and identify with one or more of them (personal favourite is the iLife ad) but I doubt that a smug campaign such as
this will endear many PC users to make the switch. If anything it probably confirms what PC users already think of us; that we think we
have the best applications, don’t get viruses, don’t need to restart and think that we have the “better” platform.

The truth hurts sometimes.

Chris Howard: This is a clever campaign by Apple. These ads are to raise awareness, not to start a stampede to Macs. The message isn’t “Go buy a Mac now!” Rather it’s, “Next time you buy a computer, a Mac is a viable option.” They are good because they’re not over the top—which Mac users themselves can be at times.  Instead they’re simply a gentle and yet unsettling prod. Of course, there are people in the market now, who will see these ads and give a Mac a look. Because these ads aren’t in your face, like so much other advertising, they are eye-catching.

I don’t subscribe to the pessimistic view that these ads are too critical of PCs; too corny; or will incite droves of virus writers to attack Macs.

The reminder that MS Office runs on Macs is good way to get a lot of people’s attention and to remind them that there is compatibility with the Mac.

Overall, besides the “Better” one, which falls a bit flat (except for the mention of MS Office), the others are very good and will be effective.

Devanshu Mehta: I like how the new Mac ads make no exaggerated claims, have no smugness from assumed superiority and actually make concessions to the PC on some fronts. Tha main themes that come across are the old “Mac just works” philosophy and the new one of coexistence with the PC;
albeit an awkward, Gates-ian, middle-aged PC. The target demographic
is clear and it is nice to see Apple discard some of its arrogance to
get their message across.

Greg Ng: Viewing the new Apple ads gave me a chuckle. And that’s the problem.
Apple has fallen into the same trap once again ? putting out ads that
are highly amusing to existing Apple users. Great except for the fact
that we are already convinced. I know, let’s try to convert PC users
by representing them as big, bald, and unhip!

David Parmet: I like the concept but I wish the Mac guy were a little less hipster and the PC guy a little less dorky. There are plenty of dorky middle aged guys who use Macs and some who use PCs could be convinced to jump as well.

Julie Salickram: Love the ads. The concept is very much in keeping with what makes a Mac a Mac: a simple clean look.  The characters are well suited as well, without being painfully overdone.  The “Mac” guy is cool, modern, relaxed, easy to relate to, fits your life and most
importantly, he coveys a sense of being “Real”.  The “PC” guy, however
is false, trying to be something he is not.  The messaging is clear
and concise, highlighting the Mac’ss advantages over PCs without
throwing too much mud in the process.

Meiera Stern: These ads put Macs out there in prime time. What a chutzpadik thing to do. The style of the ads is recognizable Apple branding, but the fact that there’s an ad for a Mac during American Idol (for example) says a lot about how far Apple has come in the past few iPod-rich years, and how far it wants to go.

Aaron Wright: Bonjourno. Hello? A funny way to highlight how frustrating PC’s can be when compared to the Mac. I think PC lovers will probably moan a few words at these ads, but let’s be realistic, they’re just highlighting some truth in a comical way.  My favorite ad available is the ‘Network’ one. I’ve never had an easy time trying to set up a network on a PC, and I’m one of the most computer literate people I know - it’s practically a piece of cake with a Mac.

What are your thoughts?