Microsoft releases new Laptop Hunters ad
updated 11:35 pm EDT, Thu April 30, 2009
New Laptop Hunters ad
Microsoft has expanded its "You find it, you keep it" series of television ads, now bringing the cash limit up to $2000. The segment features a filmmaker, Sheila, as she tries to find a notebook with a fast processor, big screen and "able to cut video." She migrates to "the best Apple," a MacBook Pro, but eliminates the choice because it only has 2GB of RAM.
Sheila browses through a few more notebooks before settling on an HP HDX 16t. The specific details of the system were not disclosed, but HP offers configurations starting at $1200. The recommended system costs $1700, directly from the manufacturer, and features a 2.13GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 4GB of DDR2 RAM, a 320GB hard drive and 512MB NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT GPU.
Although the participant eliminated the MacBook Pro because of limited memory, the system uses faster DDR3 modules instead of DDR2. An upgrade to 4GB can be added for another $100. Despite the larger 16-inch screen on the HP product, the resolution is limited to 1366x768. The smaller screen on Apple's notebook can support resolutions up to 1440x900.
Interestingly enough, as a filmmaker, Sheila did not express an existing preference for a particular video editing application or platform.
Microsoft's ads began with a college grad, Lauren, who hunts for a 17-inch notebook with a comfortable keyboard for under $1000. She quickly walks out of the Apple store because their only 17-inch model is the higher-priced MacBook Pro. "I'm just not cool enough to be a Mac person," she says.
Despite the aggressive marketing, Microsoft reported a 6-percent drop in revenue for the March quarter. The company explained the lackluster performance as a result of the feeble economy, with $710 million spent in severance pay for the 5,000 layoffs and lost value from investments.
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Oct 1999
Gimme a break.
2GB? Pop in 2 more for $50. Ouch. That's a deal killer.
These ads get more an more lame.
The Microsoft moral?
Get 'em young, get 'em dumb.