Latest iPad-bashing Microsoft ad focuses on peripherals, new Surface RT price point
It seems Microsoft is becoming increasingly aggressive in pushing its Surface tablet lineup, and on Friday released a new ad targeting the iPad's lack of keyboard, USB slot and high cost compared to the recently discounted Surface RT.
The commercial starts out with Apple's Siri virtual assistant saying, "Oh no, here we go again," referencing what has become an anti-iPad campaign Microsoft kicked off in May. Microsoft's latest spot once again breaks down the iPad's feature set, contrasting it with that of the Surface RT running a stripped down version of Windows 8.
First up is the Surface RT's built-in kickstand, a feature the iPad lacks unless users spring for a $39 for the polyurethane Smart Cover which doubles as a prop for the tablet. Next, Apple's decision to not include a USB port directly into the iPad's chassis was attacked. iPad owners can buy an adapter for $29 if needed.
One of the Surface RT's major selling points is the ability to connect a "real keyboard" to the unit via the magnetic bottom docking system. Here, of course, Microsoft uses small print to mention its keyboard-cum-cover is optional and tacks on $100 to the Surface RT's price.
Finally, the commercial ends in the same manner as previous Surface ads, showing the $250 price discrepancy between the two tablets.
Microsoft apparently worked fast to get out the latest Surface ad, as the company just this week slashed the price of its RT models by $150.
The Redmond, Wash., company is hurting after taking a write down of $900 million for the Surface RT, which has struggled to gain a foothold in the mobile market against stiff competition from Apple's iPad lineup and a bevy of inexpensive Android-based devices. As a result of the huge write down, Microsoft stock dropped by 12 percent during Friday trading, worth about $36 billion in market value, in the company's biggest drop since 2000.
The commercial starts out with Apple's Siri virtual assistant saying, "Oh no, here we go again," referencing what has become an anti-iPad campaign Microsoft kicked off in May. Microsoft's latest spot once again breaks down the iPad's feature set, contrasting it with that of the Surface RT running a stripped down version of Windows 8.
First up is the Surface RT's built-in kickstand, a feature the iPad lacks unless users spring for a $39 for the polyurethane Smart Cover which doubles as a prop for the tablet. Next, Apple's decision to not include a USB port directly into the iPad's chassis was attacked. iPad owners can buy an adapter for $29 if needed.
One of the Surface RT's major selling points is the ability to connect a "real keyboard" to the unit via the magnetic bottom docking system. Here, of course, Microsoft uses small print to mention its keyboard-cum-cover is optional and tacks on $100 to the Surface RT's price.
Finally, the commercial ends in the same manner as previous Surface ads, showing the $250 price discrepancy between the two tablets.
Microsoft apparently worked fast to get out the latest Surface ad, as the company just this week slashed the price of its RT models by $150.
The Redmond, Wash., company is hurting after taking a write down of $900 million for the Surface RT, which has struggled to gain a foothold in the mobile market against stiff competition from Apple's iPad lineup and a bevy of inexpensive Android-based devices. As a result of the huge write down, Microsoft stock dropped by 12 percent during Friday trading, worth about $36 billion in market value, in the company's biggest drop since 2000.
Comments
Won't work.
Quote:
Originally Posted by PScooter63
Won't work.
Agreed. It won't change the fact customers do not want Windows RT-based devices.
Quote:
Originally Posted by AppleInsider
keyboard-cum-cover
Stay classy, AI.
Just bought a new Tablet, it cost $800, I had to buy a connector for my camera it cost $35 and an $80 leather smart cover.
I'm glad I bought an iPad and not some other POS pretender.
I was wondering whether to buy a "sold separately" keyboard, like Microsoft have in the fine print in the ad.
Actually, that should read, "...what has become a disastrously unsuccessful anti-iPad campaign..."
Quote:
Originally Posted by swaylon
Ask Samsung, these tricks don't work. The average person has no need for a USB on the iPad taking up space and making it ugly (I do still think you're cure, Siri.) I would be mad if I bought the RT for $500 a week ago and now it's $350. The iPad is still light years ahead.
The average consumer could benefit from a USB port because it would make for a cheaper cord for charging and connecting to other devices as opposed to proprietary connectors which cost much more and get changed every few years. Funny how the ad doesn't touch that though and instead opts for the additional storage argument (which is significantly weaker).
Using a thumb drive to add additional storage to a mobile device signals to me that the mobile device itself is lacking in storage space. My phone has tons of storage space and can act like a thumb drive when I need one. The approach that MS takes in this ad just further proves how clueless they are when it comes to mobile computing.
Quote:
Originally Posted by DroidFTW
Stay classy, AI.
The term is correct, although possibly a double entendre.
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cum
I don't think that Microsoft was in that big a hurry. They knew they were in trouble a long time ago!
There is no need for USB considering all of the cloud capabilities.
A real keyboard is not better because the keys can not be changed by the software.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Negafox
The term is correct, although possibly a double entendre.
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cum
Guess it's just me that needs to clean up their dirty mind then.
Quote:
Originally Posted by DroidFTW
The average consumer could benefit from a USB port because it would make for a cheaper cord for charging and connecting to other devices as opposed to proprietary connectors which cost much more and get changed every few years. Funny how the ad doesn't touch that though and instead opts for the additional storage argument (which is significantly weaker).
Using a thumb drive to add additional storage to a mobile device signals to me that the mobile device itself is lacking in storage space. My phone has tons of storage space and can act like a thumb drive when I need one. The approach that MS takes in this ad just further proves how clueless they are when it comes to mobile computing.
Charge/sync cables are pretty cheap for iOS devices, even certified MFi lightning cables so I don't see that as a huge deal (any more, not as much the case when the first Lightning devices were released). Now, if you lose one and need one right away in an emergency situation, they would likely be more (but even standard USB cables can be depending on where you go or the brand you get).
http://www.monoprice.com/products/search.asp?keyword=iphone+cable
Perhaps the first of this series of adverts was a bit cute, now it's just getting old. I really don't think many are clamoring for a kickstand. If they are, there are plenty of third party add-ons for iOS devices, including very nice keyboard covers.
Wo, this is so terribly, terribly bad and misleading. It skirts the border of false advertising.
The price comparison leaves out the fact that you need to buy the typing cover extra for the surface, yet describes it as a major feature. On the other hand one of the "major" points they make against the iPad is that it can't stand up, but if they included the iPad cover, of course it can. Also, while they include the keyboard accessory for the Surface in order to say that it comes with a keyboard, they don't include or mention the fact that the iPad has a USB accessory that will make it read the USB stick. It's completely twisted, purposely misleading and basically comparing Apple's to Oranges.
Quote:
Originally Posted by DroidFTW
Guess it's just me that needs to clean up their dirty mind then.
I don't think it's just you. I thought they were hinting at the device's capabilities to display pr0n
Quote:
Originally Posted by DroidFTW
Stay classy, AI.
You just revealed yourself as someone who didn't do well in high school, is under 25-30, or both.
Cool! Now I can ignore all your posts.