I'm a PC

I'm a PC

I'm a PC is a marketing campaign launched by Microsoft in 2008 as part of its efforts to promote the Windows operating system. The campaign was created to counter the popular "Get a Mac" advertisements by Apple Inc., which portrayed Macintosh computers as more user-friendly and innovative compared to PCs running Windows.

Background

The "I'm a PC" campaign was developed in response to the growing perception that Macintosh computers were superior to PCs. The "Get a Mac" campaign, which featured actors Justin Long as a Mac and John Hodgman as a PC, had been highly successful in highlighting the perceived advantages of Macintosh computers over Windows-based PCs.

Campaign Launch

The "I'm a PC" campaign was launched in September 2008. The initial advertisements featured a diverse range of people from different walks of life, all proudly declaring, "I'm a PC." The campaign aimed to showcase the versatility and widespread use of Windows-based PCs across various professions and demographics.

Key Messages

The central message of the "I'm a PC" campaign was to emphasize the diversity, flexibility, and global reach of Windows-based PCs. The campaign highlighted that PC users come from all backgrounds and professions, and that Windows offers a wide range of software and hardware options to meet different needs.

Notable Advertisements

One of the notable advertisements featured Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates alongside comedian Jerry Seinfeld. The ad was part of a series that aimed to humanize the Microsoft brand and make it more relatable to consumers.

Another significant aspect of the campaign was the inclusion of real-life PC users, including teachers, scientists, designers, and students, who shared their personal stories and experiences with Windows-based PCs.

Impact

The "I'm a PC" campaign was generally well-received and helped to shift the narrative around Windows-based PCs. It successfully countered some of the negative perceptions created by the "Get a Mac" campaign and reinforced the idea that PCs are versatile, powerful, and used by a diverse range of people.

Legacy

The "I'm a PC" campaign is considered a significant moment in Microsoft's marketing history. It marked a shift in the company's approach to advertising, focusing more on the human element and the real-world applications of its products. The campaign also paved the way for future marketing efforts that continued to emphasize the diversity and versatility of Windows-based PCs.

See Also

• Windows
• Microsoft
• Get a Mac
• Bill Gates
• Jerry Seinfeld