Saturday, December 14, 2024
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Apple’s ‘What’s a Computer?’ ad for the iPad Pro is just plain annoying

Apple’s iPad Pro commercial in which a kid asks, “What’s a computer?” is irritating to lots of folks — and that includes me. 

The ad follows a young girl, who looks to be about 14, throughout a day of taking photos, chatting, writing, doing school work, etc. on her iPad Pro. Later she’s lying on the grass in her backyard, typing away on her Apple tablet. A neighbor asks her what she’s doing on her computer.

“What’s a computer?” the kid replies.

I realize that the ad is meant to show the versatility of the iPad. However, unless it’s set years in the future — and it obviously isn’t — the kid comes off as either not-too-bright or as a brat with a saucy mouth who’s talking down to her neighbor. 

What kid over the age of four doesn’t know what a computer is? All my nieces and nephews (and I have a lot) know what a “ ‘puter” is. 

Apple has run some great ads in its time. However, the “What’s a Computer?” commercial is, in my opinion, a dud that may eventually rank up their with the “Lemmings” ad and the “Mac Guy Genius” spots.

Dennis Sellers
the authorDennis Sellers
Dennis Sellers is the editor/publisher of Apple World Today. He’s been an “Apple journalist” since 1995 (starting with the first big Apple news site, MacCentral). He loves to read, run, play sports, and watch movies.