[Swordmaker]

"Why doesn't Apple advertise OSX on TV?" PING!

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[Swordmaker]

Good idea...

[coconutt2000]

I think Apple's current advertising strategy is fine.

Marketing the iPod and iTunes Music Store via commercials, and keeping the focus on the tools and gadgets.

The "operating system" is not a primary focus for most people. It is the "what can I do" mentality that attracts first time buyers to the Mac. The fact that Mac OS X and the PPC architecture are just way too cool, is something only geeks will understand. And I should know... I can talk about Mac OS X to a lot of different people and get absolutely nowhere.

So, I think Apple has the right idea with their current strategy. They're currently wooing the IT industry with their leveraging of UNIX in OS X Server, and I think it is working.

I know some BIG companies have moved their servers to OS X, and more will follow. The transition is transparent to most users, and the bean counters are happy with the lack of licensing fees, etc.

Once you have a server in that sacred, super air conditioned room, you're only one step away from selling those IT guys their very own Macs. And if it is good enough for the IT guys, it is good enough for the rest of the company.

So, advertising Mac OS X is all well and good, but what will it actually get you?

I think maybe saving the 30 second spots for the iPods, and other consumer oriented products is a better way to spend those advertising dollars.

[Bloody Sam Roberts]

My guess is that if they did anything to pi$$ off Microsoft, they could kiss any further $250 million gifts from the Giant goodbye.

[Salo]

The shame of it is, Apple makes some great commercials. The orignal 1984 macintosh was groundbreaking, and the "Pentiums? They're harmless" commercial with the tanks is hilarious.

[af_vet_rr]

There are three areas where they could really push Mac OS X - Stability, Simplicity, Security. Hard to do that in a 30 second commercial, very hard.

They could break out each one into a 1-minute commercial, but their advertising dollars are probably better spent elsewhere - namely getting people into Apple stores (through iPod, Mac mini advertising), and letting them find out for themselves.

It's a cliche, but if you can get somebody in front of a Mac, and let them use it for a few minutes, the OS is going to really sell itself.

[Bush2000]

"Dude! You're gettin' a Dell!"

[BunnySlippers]

They do advertise on TV. The iPod ... and earlier OS systems. The last I remember was the "smoking disco inferno" vs Microsoft. The the famous 1984 commercial. Many of the old and new TV commericals are on their website in Quicktime.

[SunkenCiv]

Hip-hop soundtracks and silhouettes of idiotic dancing? :'( That sells me on Wintel. :')

[ecurbh]

Why doesn't Apple advertise Mac OS X on TV?

Because they enjoy being a niche product? Or they're too busy advertising iPods?

[reg45]

Because Mac users don't waste their time watching TV. They have better things to do.