Staples/Microsoft Ad

There is a current TV ad for Staples and Microsoft where a family comes home from being away and finds that their house has been robbed. The thieves have taken everything but their computer. Well, I guess it’s time to get a new computer, huh? Actually, it looks like they have a lot of other things to replace that are a lot more pressing since the only thing left is their computer, and it apparently still works fine, since they’re still using it! Boy, if only they had bought a new computer before they had left! Then they could have had that stolen too, along with all their personal information and stuff! The ad may be kind of funny, but it really isn’t very good at encouraging you to update your computer. What it does do, however, is show you the value of keeping your old computer as long as possible. Was that the point of the ad? Also, it reminds you of how important it is to have all your computer files backed up in a remote location. You know, Microsoft does have a remote backup service, but they don’t mention it in the ad. Huh. You’d think it would have been a good opportunity to mention it. Oh well.