Microsoft has added a PC versus Mac section to its Windows 7 website. The webpage is under the Compare tab, where users can match up the three main Windows 7 editions, read a Top 10 list of reasons to buy Windows 7, and read Microsoft's thoughts on why it believes Windows 7 has the advantage over Mac OS X. According to the new page, Microsoft says it has Apple beat in six categories: Having Fun (Macs might spoil your fun), Simplicity (Macs can take time to learn), Working Hard (Macs don't work as well at work or at school), Sharing (Macs don't like to share), Compatibility (Macs might not like your PC stuff), and Choice (Macs don't let you choose).
Each area makes a couple valid points, though Redmond makes sure to avoid naming any potential strengths Cupertino may have: this is strictly a pro-PC show. Each page ends off with a note to visit the Windows PC Scout to help the user find the right PC for them.
It's not surprising that Microsoft is playing up the PC vs. Mac comparisons given the "Get a Mac" campaign that ended a couple of months ago. Microsoft eventually responded directly to that campaign with the "I'm a PC" series of spots—an instant hit, at least in contrast to the Seinfeld and Gates ads. When Windows 7 came out the software giant changed course a bit with the I'm a PC and Windows 7 was my idea commercials.
It's worth noting that the Windows 7 webpage does not mention "I'm a PC" at all, but the distinction between Mac and PC that Apple first trumpeted is heavily emphasized. Microsoft seems perfectly happy to continue using the PC label if it means easily distinguishing itself from Apple's offerings.
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