Microsoft is stepping on the pedal for its Scroogled campaign that is laser-targeted to discredit Google. The latest installment of Scroogled campaign tas the services of History Channel's hit reality show "Pawn Stars." The message: Google Chromebook is not a real laptop.
The software giant has launched a page on Scroogled.com dedicated to trample Google's Chromebook. The page features a video following the usual plot of "Pawn Stars." A female Chromebook owner dreams of heading to Hollywood and plans to pawn or sell her netbook at the popular shop owned by Rick Harrison and his father, Richard "Old Man" Harrison.
"The World Famous staff on Chromebook: No deal," states the banner of the Scroogled page.
"At Gold & Silver Pawn Shop, it's all about separating the real deal from the imitation-and the Google Chromebook sticks out like a sore thumb. Rick and his crew are leery of the Chromebook-and you should be, too," the page describes.
"Because Chromebook applications are Web-based; when you're not connected, it's pretty much a brick," said Rick Harrison referring to the Chromebook brought to his shop by the customer.
"When you are online, Google tracks what you do, so they can sell ads," Harrison added.
In other words, the female actress' dream of going to Hollywood might not be possible since she could not pawn her Chromebook. Pawn Star's Old Man also mocks her, saying she might still be able to get as far as Reno.
Microsoft has upped its Scroogled campaign in recent times, rolling out merchandise through the Scroogled Store ranging from coffee mugs, shirts, and hats that are basically designed to attack Google's privacy practices.
So is Microsoft's campaign working? Well, it's too early to say, but according to a report on The Wall Street Journal, which cites a study by research firm IDC, the sales of the $199-and-up Chromebook has gone up in the last two years. It is expected to hit the 3-million mark this year. However, that's barely scratching a one percent share of the total computer sales.
