Just in case you thought Macs and Windows 7 machines were looking more like siblings, Microsoft has decided to point out how its computer offspring are so much more than the other guy. A new section of Microsoft's site seeks to give you ammunition if you are "deciding between a PC and a Mac."

The section notes that Macs don't let you choose built-in hardware features like a Blu-ray player, TV tuner, Memory Stick reader, 3G or colors other than white or silver. The site also says Windows 7 supports Blu-ray, eSATA, multi-format card readers, and mobile broadband -- and Mac does not.

Macs 'Come with a Learning Curve'

There are a host of other differences, according to Microsoft. "Most of the world's most popular computer games aren't available for Macs," the site says, and "Macs can't connect to an Xbox 360" or view movies and photos on a TV without a converter dongle.

In a reverse of the long-standing claim that Macs are easier to use, Microsoft's staff may have felt no small amount of satisfaction in being able to write a headline in the section that reads, "Macs can take time to learn."

Their point is that people have an easier time learning a computer they've been using, and most people have been using Windows. Hence, "while some say Macs are easy, the reality is that they can come with a learning curve." On the other hand, the site noted, Windows 7-based PCs "look and work more like the computers you're familiar with, so you can get up and running quickly."

The differences that take some getting used to, the site says, include a mouse and shortcuts that work differently. It also noted that many Windows 7 PCs support touchscreen interaction.

Familiar Office Tools

But other areas of the software giant are pitching a conflicting message. Last week, for instance, Microsoft announced that its Office for Mac 2011 will be hitting store shelves in October.

"More than ever before," the announcement read, "Office 2011 brings the familiar productivity tools and features of Microsoft Office to a suite of applications that work great on the Mac." In other words, if you've used our apps on one machine, you'll know how to use them on the other one.

The pitch to show how Windows 7 PCs are better than that Mac you were considering may be in response to new data indicating that Macs are capturing the college generation. Global Equities Research recently noted that "70 percent of incoming university freshman students are coming with Macs," an increase of as much as 15 percent year over year.

Another research firm, New Jersey-based Student Monitor, found a somewhat lesser Mac tendency among college students, although the numbers should be no less troubling to Microsoft. Among laptop owners, 27 percent had Macs, and, among those intending to buy a new laptop, 47 percent wanted a Mac. For desktop owners, the split was 45 percent currently owning a Dell or Hewlett-Packard PC, and 14 percent with a Mac.

But Microsoft beware: Five years ago, Student Monitor said, 47 percent buying a new laptop were choosing Windows-based Dell machines.

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