Microsoft stokes the Mac vs PC fire

In what is starting to seem like a bad political ad campaign where the same candidates run year after year while keeping the mud-slinging alive, Microsoft is now picking up and running where Apple last left off in the Mac versus PC debate.

In their latest anti-Mac move, Microsoft has now added a PC versus Mac area to their Windows 7 website. While pointing out some legitimate reasons why a PC might work better than a Mac for some consumers’ needs, Microsoft definitely manages to get their digs in against Apple.

In fact, the heading at the top of each section of the PC versus Mac area is a childish slam against Mac. For example:
“Macs might spoil your fun.” – You can’t get good games, connect to your Xbox 360, or even connect to your TV unless you buy a converter dongle! Doesn’t everyone know by this point that Macs aren’t the best systems for gaming purposes? And the other two points seem really trivial.

“Macs can take time to learn.” – Microsoft apparently thinks that OS X is ridiculously difficult to learn. The conveniently don’t mention anything about the learning curveball they toss our way when they rearrange commonly used features every time they release a new OS.

“Macs don’t work as well at work or at school.” – Really, Microsoft? I know plenty of people who prefer Mac to PC for their work and school needs. It all depends upon their chosen field.

“Macs don’t let you choose.” – This is Microsoft pointing out that Apple only has a few choice configurations available per model roll, while PCs come in all kinds of shapes, sizes, colors, and interchangeable hardware. While that’s true, it has always been Apple’s shtick and fans seem to thrive upon it.

Basically, it’s just a bunch of marketing fluff perfectly timed for the pivotal back-to-school retail sales season. Your move, Apple!

The marketing debate between these two computer giants may well rage on until the end of humanity, but if you’re really trying to decide between a Mac or PC for your next computer you may want to take these marketing allegations with a grain of salt. Instead, assess your work and entertainment needs, outlining what activities you need and want to be able to perform with the new system. Then, research both PC and Mac models within your price specifications to determine what best matches up to your computer needs.

If good for nothing else, at least the Mac versus PC debate keeps us entertained.