Microsoft fires at Apple: the iPad is not a real computer

Not long ago, Apple took a bold step. Rather than ask, "What's a computer?", Apple decided to tell us that the iPad Pro is a computer. In a script-flipping moment, they decided to admit that people want computers and are comfortable with computers so now, that is what the iPad suddenly becomes. But, in true tech competition fashion, Microsoft has gone on the attack.

For the longest time, Microsoft and Windows dominated the computer market; if you wanted to get real work done, you bought a Windows PC. While struggling initially with the identity, Microsoft struck gold with the Surface by making a true portable computer that could be a tablet in a pinch. Try as they might, Apple was never able to make the iPad a true competitor until the launch of the iPad Pro, a top-shelf portable workhorse that could get things done.

Except, the iPad Pro didn't quite commit. Reviewers across the board noted the greatness of the iPad including the nice design, USB-C charging, and incredible speed, but also noted the limitations including lack of external support and browsing capabilities. Regardless, Apple doubled down on the computer effort by releasing an ad declaring that the iPad Pro is a computer. The ad is certainly fun and festive, but the message is clear: this is a computer.

In response, Microsoft's new ad goes right in for the kill. Set to the tune of "Grandma got Run over by a Reindeer", the ad's lyrics make it clear who it was meant for:

“Grandma, don’t run out and buy an iPad. It was fine when I was six, but now I’m 10. My dreams are a big so I need a real computer.”

Apple may think the iPad is a real computer, but clearly, the computer dominant Microsoft has other thoughts. Who knows what the future of computing will be, but for now, it is clear that Microsoft thinks the iPad is not it.