Microsoft (Finally) Takes The Gloves Off

It really seemed like Microsoft was wandering in the woods looking for an effective ad campaign to pit against Apple. First we had those horrible Seinfeld ads, then up next was the "I'm a PC" campaign. It's still running, but it's days might be numbered. Microsoft is going for the Apple jugular: user perceptions that the Mac is more expensive.

Sure there are a dozen scenarios in which the computer "Lauren" wants could possibly be cheaper from Apple, but by having her look for a 17" screen, it was already painfully obvious how this would end.

I say kudos to Microsoft for finally creating an ad that will at least be on Apple's radar. We're fans of competition, and if Mac users get better/faster computers as a result, great. Check out the ad:

WWDC Dates / Events Set

Phew! Not a minute too soon! A little later than usual, but Apple has now made it official: WWDC 2009 will run from June 8-12 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco. This puts to rest the beginning of some rumblings as to whether the event would be pushed back either due to software delays or Steve Jobs' health.

But now that's behind us, and developers of the world can start marking those calendars. Of note, it seems like Apple is pushing the iPhone 3.0 far harder than Snow Leopard for the event. Hey, they're not dumb, and they know where the money's coming from right now.

Any TDL readers headed to WWDC?

Root Access: By Request, More With the Dell 9 and OS X

Due to popular demand, we've got another look at the Dell Mini 9 running OS X. Today we take a look at some key mac apps running on the Dell, and look at some rough benchmarking. It's really quite remarkable to see iPhoto and other apps so responsive on such a low cost machine. The test unit had 2GB of RAM, but was still less than $450, including a hard drive upgrade.

Enjoy!

The Sky Is NOT Falling, No Matter What Ballmer Says

photo from virtualization.comSteve Ballmer. It must be lonely at Microsoft these days, what with just the red ring of Death xBoxes and stacks of Zunes to keep you company. So you'll give the man a little benefit of the doubt. Well, we could give him the benefit of the doubt, but he's proven himself capable of saying ridiculous things for years now.

This time around, Ballmer brings us this chestnut: "Paying an extra $500 for a computer in this environment -- same piece of hardware -- paying $500 more to get a logo on it? I think that's a more challenging proposition for the average person than it used to be."

So let's break this down. First, we here at TDL are acutely aware of the "Apple tax" as it's known. It manifests itself in a lot of ways, like RAM that costs two or three times what it does from other vendors, or hard drive upgrades with the same ridiculous markup. And yes, there are pricey machines like the new Mac Pro that won't make a lick of difference for the work that 90% of us do on computers. But guess what? That other 10% appreciates and needs the power that upgrade brings.

And yes, there are holes in the product lineup. Yes, there should be a product to compete with the netbooks. Let's not forget what happened with the iPod and iPhone though: neither was the first product in its category. Apple has a habit of letting the dust settle, then blowing the doors off whatever is left. If Netbooks continue to be laptop replacements, you can bet Apple will be there. No, maybe not as fast as we'd like, but we'll probably love what they do.

Also bear in mind, this is the same Ballmer who said no one would buy the iPhone. How's that working out?

There are pricing problems at Apple, but guess what? They can all be resolved with a few slashes in price, and a few models to fill the gaps. Apple's problems are fixable. I don't think the same can be said of Ballmer and Microsoft.

Like an App in an iPod/iPhone commercial? Here you go!

Apple has made it easy for those apps seen for fleeting seconds in commercials to become huge. Apple has created a page highlighting the apps from the commercials within the iTunes Store. Yes, there are a lot of ways in which Apple and developers could live more harmoniously, but this is a great way, especially for casual app buyers to find the apps they love from the commercials.

Kudos Apple, and enjoy the pile of cash, developers.