Briefly: $949 MacBooks; Get a Mac backfires
updated 11:55 am EST, Fri February 16, 2007
MacBooks for $949
In brief: MacNN has reviewed the Gecko Pro-sleeve13 ($50, shown at right), a sleeve for Apple's 13-inch MacBook that functions as a standalone case or as a sleeve to place in another bag. The case is made from ballistic nylon used in military uniforms and harnesses, and features firm edges that maintain the mold even under stress.... Apple has replenished its stock of refurbished MacBooks, offering models priced from $949 alongside Mac minis priced from $649. The Canada Apple Store is also offering refurbished MacBooks from CAD1,029, as well as iMacs from CAD939.... Apple's UK series of 'Get a Mac' ads may have backfired, with Robert Webb playing the 'Mac' portraying Mac users as a little too smug. A MediaWeek report examining YouGov's BrandIndex revealed that UK consumer buzz around Apple has fallen from +8 to +4 since the ads were screened. YouGov's BrandIndex estimates perception of consumer brands via direct interviews with 2,000 people each day.
Adium downloads reach 645,000
The developers of Adium -- a free instant messaging utility for Mac OS X -- has seen 645,000 downloads. The number follows the official release of Adium 1.0 in early February, offering compatibility with most popular instant messaging systems such as AIM, iChat, Jabber, MSN, and Yahoo.
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02/16, 12:05pm reply
It's really too bad that the UK versions of the commercials aren't nearly as good as the US versions. Maybe they should have done a better job of casting, or just simply used the same ones that air in the US.
MacnTX
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Apr 2004
Big Flop
02/16, 01:45pm reply
I agree; These commercials are terrible. The PC actually isn't likable and you don't feel empathy like you do for the US PC. He is pointed and abrasive. Mac comes off as flippant and non caring. Even if this is incompetent acting, it should never have gotten past the producers and marketing.
mmmdoughnuts
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Feb 2006
of course
02/16, 05:08pm reply
it could be just a british thing, and you americans just don't get it.
Then again, the complaints stated are the same ones people have with the ones in the US.
testudo
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2001
I agree
02/16, 07:54pm reply
I like that they did the commercials for us over here but was very disappointed when I saw them. The casting is absolutely terrible and the message comes over with the wrong tone. They should've asked John Cleese to either write or, at the very least, direct it; American's just can't do British humour.
Geobunny
Grizzled Veteran
Joined: Oct 2000