Mac vs. PC: Did Microsoft ad star 'Lauren' make the right choice? |
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Microsoft's latest advertisement pokes fun at the price of Macs by telling the story of a woman named Lauren looking for a computer with "speed, a comfortable keyboard and a 17-inch screen" -- for less than $1,000. She visits an Apple store and turns her nose up at the prices before shopping for Windows PCs and finding an HP laptop that meets her requirements for $699.
But as any seasoned computer buyer knows, there are many other important specifications to compare when choosing among different machines. With inspiration from this Twitter user, I asked Microsoft for the precise PC shown in the ad, then compiled the chart below. This isn't an exhaustive list of specs, but here's how Lauren's prized HP Pavilion dv7-1245dx stacks up against Apple's 17-inch MacBook Pro.
Does Microsoft have a point? Or is this comparison fair? [Chart updated with suggestions from comment thread. Thanks for all your feedback.]

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Who's creating today's energy efficient buildings? Find out at the BetterBricks Awards, Feb. 16
BetterBricks Awards salute the individuals leading the way for high performance commercial buildings with an emphasis on energy efficiency. Join us as we recognize these standout green building professionals.
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The Triple Door Presents: The Atomic Bombshells "J'ADORE!: A Burlesque Valentine"
Seattle's reigning Burlesque super-troupe delivers a gorgeous and glittering VALENTINE featuring some of the Bombshells' most exhilarating acts to date. J'Adore! promises to celebrate l'amour with good humor, style, and a healthy dose of dazzle! Bring a friend, a lover, a family member, or a secret crush, and celebrate with the Valentine's Burlesque spectacular that will leave you shouting: "J'ADORE......The Atomic Bombshells!" The incomparable Jasper McCann emcees with high style and charm.
Please visit www.thetripledoor.net for a full schedule of future performances.
The Triple Door Presents: Bob Mould – See A Little Light: An Evening of Reading and Music
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Please visit www.thetripledoor.net for a full schedule of future performances.
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