New Microsoft PC-Vs-Mac Site Snubs Apple Price Tag

In hindsight of the successful "Mac vs PC" TV commercials, Microsoft has launched a new "PC vs Mac" website.

The Microsoft website is entitled 'Do The Math', and greets users with two images: one has an open MacBook Pro 17, while the other is an HP Pavilion DV7 -- adorned with a Hawaiian lei, accompanying surfboard and palm tree backdrop.

Microsoft: Buy a PC, Take a Vacation

The idea behind this latest scheme is to provide a 'side-by-side comparison' of two products (one of which happens to be a Microsoft-endorsed and reported price savings of $1,350), and that by buying a PC, people could reinvest their savings towards a tropical vacation.

"You could either buy a Mac and surf the web, or buy a PC and also surf Hawaii" Microsoft boasts via the site. "The choice is yours. When you buy a PC this summer, you'll have tons of cash left over to spend on other things." (Source: seattlepi.com)

In addition to the price, Microsoft has taken it upon themselves to promote other positive aspects of Windows-based systems including screen size, processor, RAM and color options (though most of the "color options" seem to be limited to either silver or black).

Security, Battery Life Areas Could Backfire

Taking a closer look at the comparison table, some users could take issue over the fact that in their "security protection" column. In that column, Microsoft presents Mac systems as having their antivirus protection "purchased separately" whereas Windows systems offer a "download for free" link.

While it's true that Mac does not directly offer free security software as Microsoft does with their Security Essentials, there are a number of free options available to Mac users.

Some analysts suggest that the entire campaign could backfire on Microsoft, depending on the individual needs of the consumer. Microsoft does admit that Mac holds at least a one hour advantage over them in terms of battery life (10 hours for MacBook 13 compared to 9 hours for ASUS U30JC). (Source: zdnet.com)

Bottom Line: No Surprise

The bottom line of the comparison campaign is something that consumers have known about for years: PCs are less expensive than Macs.

But as the market pushes further towards device synchronization, people are not purchasing Macs because of price, but rather for their interoperability with the iPhone, iPod and iPad. The fact is, Microsoft has little to answer for similarity to any one of those devices.