Get a Mac Commercials – Full Campaign
Apple’s “Get a Mac” campaign may be one of the most persuasive and successful awareness campaigns of all time. It simplifies the commonly asked question “Mac vs. PC” and changed the perception of millions of consumers. We at “Use a Mac” are so in love with this campaign and its allure, that we’ve decided to showcase the complete series of commercials for all to see. Whether you’re thinking of buying a Mac or just a fan of Apple’s work, this is a post that everyone will love.
1. Get a Mac – Better
May 2006 – In “Better”, the first of the 66 Get a Mac commercials, we’re introduced to comic John Hodgman and actor Justin Long, who play the roles of PC and Mac, respectively. This Mac versus PC dialogue quickly points out how square and boring PCs are when compared to a Mac – that they’re great at spreadsheets but not as great at fun stuff like photos and movies. To say that Macs are “better”, however, gets under PC’s skin.
2. Get a Mac – iLife
May 2006 – In this Get A Mac commercial, PC shows off just how compatible he is with the iPod and iTunes, only to have Mac show him up with his full suite of entertainment and media capabilities that come on every mac – thanks to the iLife program. PC tries to counter by pointing out all of the free and bundled apps that come with him, but calculators and clocks aren’t nearly as cool as iPhoto, iWeb or iMovie.
3. Get a Mac – Networking
Watch “Get a Mac” – Networking
May 2006 – In this Mac versus PC commercial, Mac demonstrates how easily he can network with other devices – in this instance, a digital camera from Japan. PC, on the other hand, just doesn’t speak the device’s language.
4. Get a Mac – Restarting
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May 2006 – In this 4th Get a Mac commercial, PC continually freezes and needs to restart – making a conversation between PC and Mac downright impossible. And, when PC tries to point out that Macs can relate to this sort of issue, Mac shoots PC down.
5. Get a Mac – Viruses
May 2006 – When it comes to the battle of Mac versus PC, viruses are perhaps one of the sorest spots for the PC. In this Get a Mac commercial, PC is feeling a bit ill, pointing out just how susceptible he is to catching viruses. Mac is nice and healthy – since he’s far less vulnerable to such maladies.
6. Get a Mac – Wall Street Jounal
Watch “Get a Mac” – Wall Street Jounal
May 2006 – In the 6th Mac versus PC ad, Mac reads a copy of the Wall Street Journal, pointing out a rave review from a technology writer. PC tries to counter with a fake review, but it’s impossible not to see right through the lie.
7. Get a Mac – Out Of The Box
Watch “Get a Mac” – Out Of The Box
June 2006 – In this Get a Mac commercial, Mac points out that he is ready to use right out of the box, as opposed to PC, who needs to do a lot of housekeeping before getting down to business.
8. Get a Mac – Touché
June 2006 – PC doesn’t really seem to understand the meaning of the world “touche”, in this, the 8th Get a Mac ad in the series – a commercial that also points out how PC users can enjoy both Windows and Mac OS on their new Mac computers.
9. Get a Mac – Work vs. Home
Watch “Get a Mac” – Work vs. Home
June 2006 – Why does a computer user have to choose between having fun on a computer or doing work? They don’t when they choose to get a Mac – at least not according to this Mac versus PC commercial.
10. Get a Mac – Accident
August 2006 – In the get a Mac commercial “Accident”, the magnetic release power cord on every Mac is introduced. PC, who doesn’t have such a safety device however, was injured because someone tripped over his cord, knocking him to the ground.
11. Get a Mac – Angel/Devil
Watch “Get a Mac” – Angel/Devil
August 2006 – “Angel/Devil”, the 11th ad in the Get A Mac campaign, shows off the wonders of iPhoto and its ability to make a customizable photo book. PC is visited by both an angel and a devil apparition of himself – the angel, wanting to compliment Mac’s photo book and the devil, wanting to rip it up.
12. Get a Mac – Trust Mac
August 2006 – “Trust Mac”, the 12th PC versus Mac ad, shows Mac in his regular outfit and PC in a not so convincing disguise. Why? Because spyware and viruses hunt him down and follow PC wherever he goes. Mac, however, doesn’t seem to have this problem.
13. Get a Mac – Better Results
Watch “Get a Mac” – Better Results
October 2006 – In “Better Results”, the message is clear: if you want better results, you should just get a Mac. Of course, the ad is also known for featuring supermodel Gisele Bundchen, who is meant to represent the professional-looking Mac home movie. PC’s man in drag as her counterpart movie offering just doesn’t compare.
14. Get a Mac – Counselor
October 2006 – In the “Counselor” Mac versus PC ad, Mac and PC sit before a female counselor, trying to work through PC’s growing inferiority complex – with little success.
15. Get a Mac – Self-Pity
October 2006 – In the “Self-Pity” Get A Mac ad, PC goes a bit mad (including rolling around on the floor, repeating “Why?” to himself over and over again) upon learning that Mac too can excel at office tasks – including running Microsoft Office.
16. Get a Mac – Gift Exchange
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November 2006 – “Gift Exchange” delves into Mac’s iLife program once again – this time as a means of making creative and heartfelt holiday gifts.
17. Get a Mac – Meant for Work
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November 2006 – In “Meant For Work”, viewers are urged to get a Mac because, despite popular opinion in the PC community, Macs are also great work computers – and aren’t just for the fun stuff, like writing blogs and making movies.
18. Get a Mac – Sales Pitch
Watch “Get a Mac” – Sales Pitch
November 2006 – “Sales Pitch” shows PC as a sneaky salesman – a stereotype no one really likes or trusts – and he tries to employ every advertising buzzword in the marketing game to raise his coolness factor. Mac, however, doesn’t need to try so hard – a point made quite well in this get a Mac commercial.
19. Get a Mac – Goodwill
December 2006 – In “Goodwill”, the 19th Get a Mac commercial, Mac and PC are wearing Santa hats and vow to put aside their differences in the spirit of the holidays. PC struggles to be cordial, but in the end, goodwill does indeed take over – albeit temporarily.
20. Get a Mac – Sabotage
January 2007 – In the “Sabotage” Mac versus PC ad, PC hires a Mac imposter to downplay Mac’s obvious superiorities. Mac catches them in the act, however, and the plot is foiled.
21. Get a Mac – Surgery
January 2007 – The “Surgery” Get a Mac ad shows a worried PC, about to go in for surgery (wearing a hospital gown) for the Vista upgrade.
22. Get a Mac – Tech Support
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January 2007 – In the Get a Mac ad “Tech Support”, an IT guy joins PC and Mac – there to give PC a new camera. Unfortunately, the installation is anything but easy and doesn’t rival Mac’s built-in camera.
23. Get a Mac – Security
February 2007 – The “Security” Get A Mac ad takes on the constant permission pop-ups that plague Vista by way of a secret service type character hovering over PC, asking him to cancel or allow any and every communication he has with the outside world.
24. Get a Mac – Computer Cart
Watch “Get a Mac” – Computer Cart
April 2007 – In the “Computer Cart” Get a Mac ad, PC is joined by a few others of his kind, all on a push cart. They’re going in for service because of Vista’s many error messages and there’s no knowing when they’ll return – or IF they’ll return.
25. Get a Mac – Flashback
April 2007 – “Flashback” takes the Mac versus PC battle back to their youth. Featuring two younger versions of Mac and PC, the conversation between the two is eerily similar – Mac trying to show off some of the cool stuff he’s able to do while PC calling all of the fun and creativity a total waste of time.
26. Get a Mac – Stuffed
April 2007 – “Stuffed” is the first Get a Mac commercial to call into question the notorious amount of bundled and useless software that comes on every new PC. The point is made by PC wearing an enormous fat suit.
27. Get a Mac – Choose a Vista
Watch “Get a Mac” – Choose a Vista
May 2007 – In “Choose a Vista”, viewers are walked through the confusing world of new PC operating systems to choose from in a game show style – in the end, giving them even more reasons to just get a Mac.
28. Get a Mac – Genius
May 2007 – In “Genius”, the Get a Mac ad campaign introduces viewers to the Mac Genius, the Genius Bar and the overall Apple culture of user education and customer service.
29. Get a Mac – Party Is Over
Watch “Get a Mac” – Party Is Over
May 2007 – In “Party Is Over”, PC and his buddies are “celebrating” the official release of Windows Vista – only there’s really not much to celebrate with all of the error messages and vulnerabilities it brings with it.
30. Get a Mac – Boxer
November 2007 – PC tries to get back on his feet in the Get a Mac ad, “Boxer”. Wearing a full boxing uniform, PC tries to face off against Mac, who’s sales are going through the roof. PC says he’s “not going down without a fight,” but the fight is over before it begins – even the announcer is a big Mac fan.
31. Get a Mac – Podium
November 2007 – “Podium” is the Get a Mac ad that coincides with election season, 2007 and features PC behind a podium, speaking in a stereotypical politician style. While he pontificates, he also reveals off-mic that because of Vista’s flaws, many PC users are choosing to downgrade back to XP.
32. Get a Mac – PR Lady
November 2007 – PC engages the help of a “PR Lady” in the Get a Mac ad of the same name. Every time he speaks, she tries to smooth things over – only it’s no use. Vista is a goner even in the eyes of the PR exec.
33. Get a Mac – Misprint
December 2007 – “Misprint” is another Get a Mac ad that points out some of the rave reviews Macs are getting in the press. This time it hits a little to close for home for PC – by saying that the fastest Windows Vista machine PC World tested that year was actually a Mac. PC tries to get this obvious misprint corrected by calling the mag – only it’s not a misprint at all.
34. Get a Mac – Now What?
December 2007 – In the “Now What?” PC versus Mac ad, PC has written a book of same name that tries to address some of the confusion that comes with buying a PC – and fails miserably.
35. Get a Mac – Santa Claus
Watch “Get a Mac” – Santa Claus
December 2007 – The famous “Santa Claus” of Rankin/Bass claymation fame joins Mac and PC in this Get a Mac ad. PC and Mac do their own customized rendition of “Santa Claus is Coming To Town” and PC tosses in a few jabs at Mac in the process – to a less than enthused Santa Claus.
36. Get a Mac – Referee
January 2008 – Mac and PC get into the Superbowl spirit with “Referee”, the 36th Get a Mac ad. The two go tit for tat in a Mac versus PC battle – and the referee calls it in Mac’s favor in the end, even ejecting PC from the commercial.
37. Get a Mac – Time Machine
Watch “Get a Mac” – Time Machine
January 2008 – “Time Machine” is one of the only other Get a Mac ads to actually discuss one of the Mac-only programs that set it apart. This time the spotlight is on Time Machine, the data backup program. Even PC is impressed by Mac’s ability to clone himself for the ultimate level of user data protection.
38. Get a Mac – Breakthrough
Watch “Get a Mac” – Breakthrough
April 2008 – The therapist from the ‘Counselor’ ad from the Get a Mac campaign’s first year is back and she’s there to facilitate a ‘Breakthrough’ in the Mac versus PC relationship – only PC hasn’t progressed at all and still harbors much resentment against Mac and toward his own makers.
39. Get a Mac – Office Stress
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April 2008 – In the Get a Mac ad ‘Office Stress’, PC explains how the new release of Microsoft Office 2008 for Mac could cause Mac some work-related stress — something he’s not accustomed to.
40. Get a Mac – Yoga
April 2008 – PC tries to calm himself with a bit of “Yoga” in this 40th Get a Mac ad. Unfortunately, the yoga instructor is angry at PC for messing up her business’ financial records. It seems PC can never get any relief from the troubles that plague his users.
41. Get a Mac – Group
May 2008 – In “Group”, PC tries to learn how to cope with his issues by attending a “PC’s Living with Vista” support group meeting. The meeting doesn’t go so well, however, since the PCs in attendance only continue to be plagued by problems.
42. Get a Mac – Pep Rally
May 2008 – In the “Pep Rally” Get a Mac ad, PC tries to turn his frown upside down with a pep rally – full with cheerleaders (himself, included). Problem is, the cheerleaders seem more apt to give three cheers to Mac.
43. Get a Mac – Sad Song
May 2008 – In “Sad Song”, PC tries to channel his negative energy through song. Taking on the role of a country crooner, howling Basset Hound at his side, PC sings a sad song that tells of all of his many imperfections and frustrations.
44. Get a Mac – Calming Teas
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August 2008 – Continuing down the anti-stress road, the Get a Mac ad, “Calming Teas” depicts PC as spokesperson for a number of calming tea brands that speak to the many Vista user frustrations, including Crashy Time Chamomile and Raspberry Restart.
45. Get a Mac – Off the Air
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August 2008 – “Off The Air” is another Get a Mac commercial to point out the convenience and helpfulness of the Mac Genius. This time, they talk about how easy it is for Geniuses to help PC users make the switch to Mac. PC abruptly takes the commercial off the air upon hearing this.
46. Get a Mac – Pizza Box
August 2008 – “Pizza Box” is the Get a Mac commercial that shows just how popular Macs are on college campuses, and how desperate PCs are to get a slice of that action. PC disguises himself as a free pizza as a way to entice the 20-somethings to his side.
47. Get a Mac – Throne
August 2008 – In “Throne”, PC takes ownership of the fact that he is still the most pervasive computer being used on the planet today. Declaring himself king atop a throne, Mac continues to pick away at PC’s argument, as he slowly siphons off his customer base. At the end, a frustrated PC banishes Mac from his kingdom.
48. Get a Mac – Bake Sale
October 2008 – In the “Bake Sale” Get a Mac ad, PC decides to try and raise money to fix Vista’s problems with a bake sale. Of course, the baked goods are very steeply priced. A mere cookie will cost you $10 million.
49. Get a Mac – Bean Counter
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October 2008 – In the “Bean Counter” Get a Mac ad, we see PC piling up stacks of money. A small stack is made to represent the budget being set aside to fix Vista. A much larger pile of money is being set aside for advertising. This is a clear jab against the pricey ad campaign Microsoft was running at the time.
50. Get a Mac – V Word
October 2008 – In this get a Mac ad, instead of calling it Vista, PC has decided instead to call his new operating system the “V Word” – as if it were some sort of obscenity to call it by its real name. He even goes so far as to hit a buzzer every time Mac tries to utter the OS’s name.
51. Get a Mac – I Can Do Anything
Watch “Get a Mac” – I Can Do Anything
December 2008 – In the Get a Mac ad, “I Can Do Anything”, PC and Mac are back as claymation characters and are joined by a wisecracking bunny who seems to like Mac much more than PC. After the bunny declares that he’s headed to the Apple store for some last minute holiday gifts, PC dumps snow on his head to shut him up.
52. Get a Mac – Tree Trimming
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December 2008 – In the second holiday-themed Get a Mac ad of 2008, “Tree Trimming” PC and Mac return in their claymation form to decorate a tree. Mac goes on about how pleased he is to be spending the holidays in a truce and PC squirms. Urged to turn the holiday lights on the tree, it turns out that PC has written “PC Rules” with the light string. So much for the truce.
53. Get a Mac – Biohazard Suit
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April 2009 – In the Get a Mac ad, “Biohazard Suit”, the topic of viruses finally comes up. PC is plagued by them and Mac isn’t – and that’s why PC shows up wearing head to toe biohazard gear while Mac is wearing his usual hipster jeans and tee.
54. Get a Mac – Legal Copy
Watch “Get a Mac” – Legal Copy
April 2009 – In “Legal Copy”, PC attempts to point out some of his better points, but the screen on this Get a Mac ad only fills up with legal disclaimers every time he does.
55. Get a Mac – Stacks
April 2009 – Another of the Get a Mac ads that speaks to some of Mac’s high points instead of PC’s low ones, “Stacks” discusses how Mac’s iPhoto has facial recognition to help make sorting photos that much easier. PC, on the other hand, is left to examine each photo one by one.
56. Get a Mac – Time Traveler
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April 2009 – In the Get a Mac ad “Time Traveler”, PC sets off to the future to find out if he’ll ever see a time when his operating system is stable. Unfortunately, future PC freezes just like present-day PC.
57. Get a Mac – Customer Care
Watch “Get a Mac” – Customer Care
May 2009 – In this Get a Mac commercial, the PC and Mac customer care experiences are pitted against one another. Instead of the real-life Mac genius standing by Mac, PC is left to wade through a labyrinth of automated customer care robots before speaking to a real person who seems anything but capable of curing what ails him.
58. Get a Mac – Elimination
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May 2009 – “Elimination” is another Get a Mac ad that pokes fun at the pricey PC ad campaigns – this time, their “Laptop Hunters” commercials by Microsoft. Ultimately the laptop hunter in this commercial – a regular customer named Megan – chooses Mac, for all of the reasons one might suspect: a fast processor, its intuitiveness and user-friendly nature, etc.
59. Get a Mac – PC Choice Chat
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May 2009 – In the Get a Mac ad, “PC Choice Chat”, PC hosts his very own radio talk show, where he offers advice on what computer listeners should purchase. Unfortunately, it seems everyone wants a PC that has what Mac can provide.
60. Get a Mac – Surprise
August 2009 – In “Surprise”, PC disguises himself as Mac and tries to get a customer to get a PC and not get a Mac. Unfortunately, the customer sees right through him.
61. Get a Mac – Top of the Line
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August 2009 – “Top Of The Line” is another Get a Mac commercial featuring a customer looking to “buy a great computer.” Patrick Warburton is also there, playing the role of the slick Top Of The Line PC. His smooth talking doesn’t quite do the trick, however – and the customer ultimately turns to the Mac.
62. Get a Mac – Trainer
August 2009 – PC still doesn’t want to go down without a fight and enlists the help of a “Trainer” in the so-named Get a Mac ad. Robert Loggia stars as the tough-talking trainer, who tries a bit of tough love to get PC back in the game. Unfortunately, the trainer even likes Mac better than PC.
63. Get a Mac – PC Innovations Lab
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September 2009 – The “PC Innovations Lab” isn’t at all what one might expect – unless they consider bubble wrap around a PC to protect it from accidents to be an innovation. If users want real innovation, intimates the ad, they should just get a Mac.
64. Get a Mac – Broken Promises
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October 2009 – PC sure makes a lot of “Broken Promises” – and that’s the point of the 64th Mac versus PC commercial which goes back through time, pointing out all of the hype and broken promises of Windows operatings systems of the past.
65. Get a Mac – PC News
October 2009 – In the “PC News” Get a Mac ad, PC sits behind an anchor desk and throws to a reporter who is live at the Windows 7 launch. The problem is, everyone seems to want to switch to Mac instead.
66. Get a Mac – Teeter Tottering
Watch “Get a Mac” – Teeter Tottering
October 2009 – The “Teeter Tottering” Get a Mac ad ends the campaign with a last jab against Windows 7. A PC user named Annie decides she’d rather switch to Mac instead of go through the time and trouble of switching to Windows 7.
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