Code and Coffee


The Microsoft Acer Ferrari Laptops, From Another Perspective

Posted on December 29, 2006, under Development.

So we have all heard about the Ferrari laptops that Microsoft sent out to big name bloggers, and then when their was an uproar from some people Microsoft said they wanted them back or given away. Now, this was definitely a unique approach from Microsoft to create some P.R. around the Vista release to consumers. Granted, it might not have been the reaction Microsoft was looking for, but they got a reaction and no press is bad press; the podcasts will be talking about this for weeks after the holiday break. On the other side of this I think there are two things that have not been pointed out here. First, yes they were review units and Microsoft sent them to big name people; some loyal Mac users. Yes, it was a great way to get Vista in the hands of people that might not otherwise take or have the time to install Vista, which in lies the problem. These laptops were “review units”, but how can a fair review be done when the users didn’t even have to install Vista, which can be argued a difficult task. With Vista you can only upgrade to certain versions of Vista from certain versions of XP, which makes it complicated for the end user. Sure, if everyone had a new PC show up on their door step loaded with Vista, they might have an easier time with it. Yes, most people will probably be purchasing a new PC to avoid upgrade hassles, but for a review I think the install process should be included. The second part here, is these were ridiculously powerful machines, if it were me I would send an older laptop loaded with Vista to show how it could be used with current hardware. To me sending Acer Ferrari laptops says “look you have to spend $3,000″ in hardware just to use Vista.

This is just my opinion, again I think it was good idea executed wrongly by Microsoft.

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3 Replies to "The Microsoft Acer Ferrari Laptops, From Another Perspective"

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Jacob  on December 30, 2006

At least you have some good sense about what’s going on amoung this world of users who look down on everything Microsoft does because it could be better. Truth is, even Linux and Mac aren’t perfect. Linux has many hardware support issues that could certainly bring on the same complaining that Vista does. It doesn’t, but Microsoft gets the complaints because everyone hates them no matter what.

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Matthew R. Miller  on December 30, 2006

Linux is getting much better, and Mac’s aren’t perfect by much either. Both Linxu and Macs have great advantages over Windows… but to me you got to use what works for you.

I think Apple did a great move allowing Apple users to Run Windows apps on Mac machines, yes it was probably so they could sell more hardware and potentially get people to convert. But this makes lives easier for so many Mac users, and that’s what technology should be for… making lives easier.

Now only if we could get the media companies to sign on :)
Wishful thinking!