Apple may act like the Microsoft Laptop Hunters ads are no big deal, but behind the scenes the company had a different response, according to Microsoft’s Chief Operating Officer, Kevin Turner. Turner says that he knows the ads are working because “two weeks ago we got a call from the Apple legal department saying [...] ‘Hey, you need to stop running those ads, we lowered our prices.’”

Turner also noted that “they took like $100 off or something,” and that it “was the greatest single phone call in the history that I’ve ever taken in business” He did however think it was a joke at first.

Wal-Mart is upping its electronics game, filling the void left by Circuit City’s closure. If you’re counting, that’s about $11.1 billion in annual revenue waiting to be made. Wal-Mart is rolling out new sections for Apple and Nintendo in some of its electronics departments this week.

They are also adding higher-end Sony and Samsung televisions, expanding Blu-ray equipment and is even getting the Palm Pre next month. Wow. Does this mean under $1000 macs? That would sure make Laptop Hunters happy.

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In Apple’s typically smug fashion, they have once again responded to Microsoft’s Laptop Hunters ads. This one features a Lauren-type actress giving her list of specifications, and the suited PCs are disqualified a few at a time, until eventually they all leave.

The entire ad war is pretty silly and stupid. Having said that, say what you want about Microsoft’s ads, but they are rarely condescending and smug as Apple ads often are. Just kinda leaves a bad taste in your mouth.

If you thought Microsoft’s Laptop Hunter ads did a good job dissing Apple, wait until you hear Apple’s response. In a statement to Macworld, spokesperson Bill Evans does the usual praising of his brand, waxing poetic about security, stability, design. Then lays the smack down:

“A PC is no bargain when it doesn’t do what you want,” Apple spokesman Bill Evans says. “The one thing that both Apple and Microsoft can agree on is that everyone thinks the Mac is cool. With its great designs and advanced software, nothing matches it at any price.”

This is an interesting take on the whole Laptop Hunters campaign. It’s the usual setup. But in this case they get a homeless man to go shop for a PC. Of course homeless Frank ends up with a PC. It’s not like you can get a Mac for the price.

Frank complains about the cheap plastic on the laptops and at one point says that he’s “poor, not retarded.” Guess he’s not a PC fan. This one should make all the Mac fanboys feel all warm and fuzzy I guess.

Microsoft’s latest ad in the Laptop Hunters series follows Lisa and Jackson, a mother and son. They need a computer that’s “fast” because they need to look up stuff online before they haed out the door to baseball practice.

They don’t have any trouble finding great PC options for under-$1500. They make it look like they almost bought a Mac which are “popular at this age”. They soon select an affordable VAIO and get their cash back. The moral of the story? Probably that kids don’t want a Mac. Video below.

I’ve always said that if you want to know what a company is up to, check their job listings. Okay, I’ve never said that. I’m saying it now. Just yesterday I looked around and saw that Canon was hiring people for all sorts of camera related stuff, so I know it works.

Apple has published a job posting that mentions “integration of camera modules across iPhone and iPod”. So it looks like the iPod is going to get a digital camera. Maybe. Pretty cool!

Remember Lauren the actress from the first Laptop Hunters commercial? Well, she’s got her PC and is probably happily using it while a new guy by the name of Giampaulo goes shopping. If you thought the first ad hit the nail on the head and lit a fire, Giampaulo doesn’t mince words.

He calls himself “technically-savvy” and thinks that the unibody MacBook he looks at is “so sexy,” but ultimately he rejects it because he wants to pay for “computing power,” not the “brand.” Sound familiar? Many people feel that way.

Video: Laptop Hunters $1000 – Lauren Gets an HP Pavilion
The ongoing war between Microsoft & Apple continues. In this new ad, Microsoft exploits Apple’s Achilles heel, being outrageously overpriced. It’s a brilliant ad that hits them right where it hurts. Because it’s true.

The ad shows a customer looking for a laptop for under a $1000. She searches both the Apple store and a conventional electronics store and finally settles on an HP laptop for under $700. Unlike their previous ads, this one works because it actually speaks to the consumer, and what matters to them. Getting a decent computer for a fair price.