Have Microsoft's 'Laptop Hunters' ads thrown Apple for a loop?

Is it possible that Microsoft has put Apple on the defensive? It certainly seems that way, since Apple seems to be taking on the popular, closely scrutinized "Lauren" ad from March, part of the "Laptop Hunters" series. Apple broke an ad yesterday from TBWA that features "Megan," a woman perhaps a few years older than Lauren but who exhibits the same low level of sophistication when it comes to shopping for computers. Megan wants a big screen, a fast processor and "something that works without crashing or viruses or a ton of headaches." As in other "Mac vs. PC" ads, the Mac and the PC are represented by Justin Long and John Hodgman, respectively. In this case, though, there are about a dozen "PCs," and as Megan rattles off her specs—big screen, etc.—Hodgeman sends them all packing until he himself has to go. That leaves the suave Long to introduce himself to the smitten Megan. As broadsides go, this is pretty tame stuff. Apple is sort of like a candidate for president. It takes the high road in its own ads, and lets others get their hands dirty with attack ads.

—Posted by Todd Wasserman