News Munchies

The Holstein Bites McApple

Originally Posted Thursday, 05 September 2002 at 12:00 AM
Updated Monday, 20 October 2014 at 11:31 AM

The new Gateway Profile 4 "all-in-one" LCD computer can be found all across the dial these days in a poke-in-the-iMac ad blitz that shows that Apple doesn't have the only cute, self-contained, flat-screen unit.

The ads, featuring a Profile doing flips and backflips over three iMacs, end with, "Did we mention the Gateway Profile 4 costs less than the iMac?" with the Holstein giving the Apple a raspberry. The campaign, which doesn't include Gateway's trademark Holstein cattle look, is reminiscent of similar recent iMac spots.

The Profile offers six models with no cable clutter, simple setup and transport, a small footprint, flat-screen benefits, futuristic appearance -- it's a wonder that other manufacturers haven't jumped on the bandwagon.

Mac aficionados pan the Profile's bulky flat screen and limited-tilt-and-no-pan-or-swivel capabilities, but they have to admit it's better than a tube-type behemoth that requires extra bracing just to hold up the monitor stand. The flat-panel iMac has been around since January.

NEC has introduced its own flat-panel product, the PowerMate Eco, which it touts as ecologically friendly. It needs some advantage, for the sucker is underpowered, slow, and relatively expensive.

But neither has iMac's ergonomics, cachet, or jump in the marketplace. Before long, it may be the Mac that's doing backflips.

[We don't own stock in any of these companies, but Brenda loves her iMac.]

About The Author

Richard B. Barger, ABC, APR

Richard B. Barger, ABC, APR, is well-positioned as CornerBarPR's Chief Curmudgeon; he's our version of Andy Rooney -- loves words, particularly loves to complain about idiocy.

In his spare time, Rich runs the inventively named Barger Consulting, where he conducts strategic communications planning and research, and gives people advice whether they want it or not.

Through the years, Rich has tricked unsuspecting folks into giving him positions as managing editor of the public relations division of a 180-person agency, and as a wire service editor, an economic analyst, a federal investigator, and, bless his little muddy boots, a farmer. Really. He fancies himself a pretty fair country editor and at one time was famous among about half a dozen people as "The Voice of IABC."

At various points in what passes for a career, he's done time as a member of IABC, PRSA, and NSPRA, as well as the Gifted Association of Missouri, the University of Missouri Alumni Association, the Council of Better Business Bureaus (as a Senior Arbitrator), and a handful of church choirs.

Known as "Boom-Boom Barger" in Marching Mizzou, Rich refuses to answer the phone during University of Missouri football or basketball games, plays a hard-edged game of bridge, and is married to a woman he doesn't like to talk about much, because she's smarter and much nicer than he is.

Barger's motto: "Some mistakes are too much fun to make only once."