Microsoft advises Best Buy employees on PC vs. Mac
Microsoft is pulling no punches with its efforts to persuade consumers to choose Windows over its competitors. Just a day after details of a training program for Best Buy employees concerning Linux emerged, so has a similar program concerning the differences between PC and Mac. However, unlike Linux, most of the anti-Mac statements are accurate, at least in the exact way they are worded.
Microsoft really hasn’t got to worry about Linux; Windows and Linux appeal to completely different sets of people. But Apple? Microsoft does have to address Apple directly and give as good as it gets in the ongoing PC vs. Mac battle. Which is exactly what it has been doing in its more recent advertising campaigns.
Another important point of contact with consumers is electronics retailers such as Best Buy. Microsoft has therefore tried to educate Best Buy employees about how to best sell PCs with Windows 7 installed on them. Mostly, it seems, by attacking the competition.
The “facts” about Linux and its usability and features were somewhat twisted, with some best described as outright lies. And now, according to Ars Technica a similar set of slides intended for Best Buy employees has turned up, this time focusing on the Mac.
Value, choice and compatibility, and familiarity are the main areas focused on. The chance to get a similar spec PC as a Mac but for much cheaper is the first port of call. And is completely accurate. Then there is more praise for Windows Live, which is free compared to similar products from Apple. Again, fairly accurate, except for the fact iChat and iLife come with every new Mac.
Sizes, software options, and customization come next. The first two are fair enough, but Apple does allow you to customize your Mac to some extent. PCs also offer more games than the Mac, again true. Then there are the ‘Get The Facts Straight’ slides, with only one really being questionable. “Customers have less to learn with Windows.” Maybe, unless of course they have already used a Mac in the past. And it’s not exactly rocket science if not.
Microsoft responded to the leak of this training program by stating:
Microsoft works with its partners to help them prepare to sell our products in a competitive marketplace. This deck, which is just one of many reference materials we provide our retail partners, was specifically developed to show sales professionals the important differences between Linux and Apple computers and Windows computers, so they are well equipped to help customers purchase a PC that gives them the experience they expect.
Fair enough, I suppose, and Apple does seem to have got a fairly easy ride on this one. Linux, on the other hand, was trod in the dirt and not let up for air. Maybe the Microsoft bods who prepared these materials are just more knowledgeable of Apple products than they are of Linux. In fact, they probably use a Mac on the quiet.
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September 11th, 2009
More likely, Microsoft is worried that Apple will sue over any distortions or lies while there is no one entity that can ‘protect’ Linux’s interests.
September 11th, 2009
It’s sad to see Microsoft resorting to “low blows” when there are lots of unambiguously true criticisms they could raise about both Linux boxes and Mac OS X. Over time this will teach consumers that Microsoft isn’t a reliable source of information, which draws *all* their claims into question. This is sad when it’s completely, entirely unnecessary.
September 12th, 2009
Apple have skewed some truths and annoyed me with their advertising in the ‘Get a Mac’ campaign. Similarly, Microsoft are really hacking me off at the minute. They’re distorting the truth equally as much as Apple did – you can use Windows Live accounts with Macs just the same as you can on Windows, just using one of the many free messenger clients on offer.
Other things have been skewed here and its a shame really because there’s no need for Microsoft to compare to Mac or Linux so much. People who’re going to buy Linux often know what they want. People who want a Mac usually don’t shop at Best Buy – they normally shop at an Apple store.
September 17th, 2009
Windows Live Messenger can be used on a mac, BUT not Windows Live Photo (program, whatever its called…) and the other Windows Live bundles.
Doesn’t iPhoto cost some money? I’m not sure, but I think it does. The other Windows Live bundled programs are all free, and the equivelent probably costs something on the Mac side. Plus, there’s just SO MUCH choice on the Windows side, it’s not just Microsoft provided Live bundled apps, there’s so much other companies offering software of this type from free to some price for Windows that you’ll never find on a mac.
September 18th, 2009
“It’s sad to see Microsoft resorting to “low blows””
Never saw any Mac/Pc commercials, eh?