General complaints about Vista are cleverly masked behind a series of "want" and "wish" scenarios, making Windows 7 less the specific solution to Vista and more the divine manifestation of an abstract ideal—something an IT dork would beg a genie for rather than begrudgingly buy and install after Vista let him down.

It's a clever, forward-looking campaign. And I hope you like it, because starting today, these spots are going to be all over TV. [NYT via ZDNet]

Phase 2 of Microsoft's Windows ad campaign debuted tonight during The Office, and the latest work by ad agency Crispin, Porter + Bogusky definitely beats the crap out of those (ill-fated?) Gates/Seinfeld ads when it comes to making a point. The point is simple: Not all PC users look like John Hodgman. Some are even sexy beasts. It's easy to spot Deepak Chopra and Bill Gates affirming their PC-ness, but I think I also saw A-Rod Tony Parker and Eva Longoria too. You guys have a look and fill in the gaps, because there are a lot of celebs and specialists showing PC pride here. I only wish it didn't open with that poor bastard Hodgman lookalike—the message is damn loud and clear anyhow. Update: Windows' 15-second "I Wear a Suit" video below...

[Hey, sorry, I couldn't resist adding this note. Not that this changes any of my gear preferences, but these ads don't seem to feature scripted actors, and there is no baby music. Hello Chiat Day and Apple, time to get some new commercials: you've been out maneuvered! — BLam.]

[Microsoft]