“I’m a PC” Ads Return, Let the Speculation Begin

With the airing of the first new “I’m a PC” ad in a few years on Monday night, Microsoft has revived one of its few successful ad campaigns since the “Start Me Up” Windows 95 campaign. The question is … why? Is it coincidental that these ads are back right after Microsoft announced an unexpected drop-off in Windows 7 (and thus PC) sales? Maybe. But I’ve always liked the “I’m a PC” ads, and this one hits on a few of the great differentiators that PC buyers have over, say, Mac buyers, including the sheer variety of choice, between both PC makers and form factors. It’s a nice ad. But it’s going to drive a lot of speculation.

Paul Thurrott

May 10, 2011

1 Min Read
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With the airing of the first new “I’m a PC” ad in a few years on Monday night, Microsoft has revived one of its few successful ad campaigns since the “Start Me Up” Windows 95 campaign. The question is … why? Is it coincidental that these ads are back right after Microsoft announced an unexpected drop-off in Windows 7 (and thus PC) sales?

Maybe. But I’ve always liked the “I’m a PC” ads, and this one hits on a few of the great differentiators that PC buyers have over, say, Mac buyers, including the sheer variety of choice, between both PC makers and form factors. It’s a nice ad. But it’s going to drive a lot of speculation.

About the Author

Paul Thurrott

Paul Thurrott is senior technical analyst for Windows IT Pro. He writes the SuperSite for Windows, a weekly editorial for Windows IT Pro UPDATE, and a daily Windows news and information newsletter called WinInfo Daily UPDATE.

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