Apple asks Microsoft to stop airing Laptop Hunters ads

Microsoft’s Chief Operating Officer, Kevin Turner, provided some details about the company’s plans to open retail stores (similar to Apple’s) this week at the Worldwide Partner Conference.

Turner also told a funny story about Apple. Apparently the Cupertino company recently called Microsoft and demanded Microsoft to stop running its “Laptop Hunter” ads on TV. The ads highlight how expensive Macs are compared to PCs and wide range of choice there is in the PC market.

Here is the transcript from the presentation:

And you know why I know they’re working? Because two weeks ago we got a call from the Apple legal department saying, hey — this is a true story — saying, “Hey, you need to stop running those ads, we lowered our prices.” They took like $100 off or something. It was the greatest single phone call in the history that I’ve ever taken in business. (Applause.)

I did cartwheels down the hallway. At first I said, “Is this a joke? Who are you?” Not understanding what an opportunity. And so we’re just going to keep running them and running them and running them.

What’s annoying is that many of the “Get A Mac” ads often contain inaccurate information about Windows and PCs too and they have been running for years.

On a personal note, this just makes me laugh. Seriously Apple.

Related articles around the web:

Arstechnica – Apple demanded Microsoft to stop its Laptop Hunters ads

CrunchGear – Apple: “Quit running those Laptop Hunters ads.” Microsoft: (Maniacal laughter)

Engadget – Microsoft exec says Apple asked them stop airing Laptop Hunters ads

Windows IT Pro – Microsoft Talks Retail Stores, Getting on Apple’s Nerves