The recent Surface Book launch may have gotten lost in the shuffle, but Microsoft is not one to give up the spotlight easily. With Apple’s latest announcements dominating the headlines, Microsoft has cleverly decided to take a page out of Cupertino’s playbook.
A Trade-In Program with a Twist
Microsoft is now offering MacBook owners a trade-in program that lets them "trade up to pen and on-screen touch." In essence, the company is offering $650 toward a Surface Pro or Surface Book if they trade in their Apple laptop. This move may seem like just another promotional stunt, but it’s actually an opportunity for Microsoft to showcase its perceived advantages over Apple.
Targeting Creatives
Microsoft has long been trying to appeal more to creatives, a category that has traditionally been dominated by Apple. According to the company, "97% of people who have a Surface Pro 4 or Surface Book use on-screen touch input regularly." This statistic is likely music to the ears of Microsoft’s marketing team, as they’re happy to point out Apple’s reluctance to adopt touch input in their own computers.
The Touch Bar: A Gimmick or a Game-Changer?
Apple’s recent introduction of the Touch Bar on their MacBook Pros has been met with skepticism by some. While it does offer new ways for users to interact with their devices, it’s hard not to see it as just another attempt to create a proprietary input method that’s exclusive to Apple. Microsoft, on the other hand, is happy to tout its own touchscreen capabilities as a major selling point.
A Limited-Time Offer
The trade-in program runs through November 10th at Microsoft’s retail and online stores in the US. While it may not be a game-changer for everyone, it’s an interesting move by Microsoft to try and poach some of Apple’s loyal customer base.
Why This Matters
This move by Microsoft highlights the ongoing battle between these two tech giants for dominance in the market. With creatives increasingly looking for devices that offer more flexibility and usability, Microsoft is trying to capitalize on this trend. Whether or not they’re successful remains to be seen, but one thing’s for sure: Apple won’t be giving up its spot as the top dog anytime soon.
A Look at the Numbers
While it’s difficult to say exactly how many MacBook owners will take advantage of Microsoft’s trade-in program, it’s likely that a significant number will consider upgrading. According to a recent report, the Surface Book has been gaining traction in the market, with sales increasing by 30% compared to last year.
The Verdict
Microsoft’s trade-in program may seem like a desperate attempt to get attention, but it’s actually a clever move by the company to showcase its advantages over Apple. With creatives increasingly looking for devices that offer more flexibility and usability, Microsoft is trying to capitalize on this trend. Whether or not they’re successful remains to be seen, but one thing’s for sure: this battle between tech giants is far from over.
Related Topics
- Apple: The tech giant that’s been dominating the market for years.
- Hardware: The category that Microsoft is trying to make a dent in with its Surface devices.
- MacBook Pro: Apple’s latest laptop offering, which has been met with both praise and criticism.
- Surface Book: Microsoft’s latest device that’s trying to compete with Apple’s offerings.
- Trade-In Program: A promotional stunt by Microsoft to try and poach some of Apple’s loyal customer base.
