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The thread begins with a brief, cryptic post from whoosh, followed by a detailed and nostalgic description of a humorous '80s Compaq Portable 2 commercial featuring John Cleese, highlighting its clever comparison between the computer and a fish to emphasize the product's superiority. The discussion seems to focus on appreciating the ad's humor and creativity, with the second post inviting readers to reflect on the effectiveness of such advertising approaches. Overall, it celebrates the nostalgic charm of vintage tech ads and prompts conversation about advertising strategies.
The thread begins with a brief, cryptic post from whoosh, followed by a detailed and nostalgic description of a humorous '80s Compaq Portable 2 commercial featuring John Cleese, highlighting its clever comparison between the computer and a fish to emphasize the product's superiority. The discussion seems to focus on appreciating the ad's humor and creativity, with the second post inviting readers to reflect on the effectiveness of such advertising approaches. Overall, it celebrates the nostalgic charm of vintage tech ads and prompts conversation about advertising strategies.
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- Mar 14, 2023
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"Portable 2 Compared to This Fish" - JOHN CLEESE Compaq Ad In a delightful throwback commercial from the late '80s, John Cleese showcases the Compaq Portable 2 in a humorous and memorable light. The ad humorously compares the innovative portable computer to an ordinary fish, making it clear that this machine truly stands out in its era. The ad opens with Cleese highlighting the computing power of the Compaq Portable 2, which boasts a remarkable 4.1 megabytes of memory—a staggering amount for its time. In contrast, the fish, weighing in at the same 22 lbs, possesses no memory whatsoever, a clever metaphor that emphasizes the superiority of the Compaq. Cleese quips about the fish’s limitations, humorously pointing out it can't run any IBM software, whereas the Portable 2 can run such programs 30% faster than its IBM counterparts. The comedic value of this ad lies in its absurd comparison, brilliantly executed by Cleese's signature wit. The juxtaposition of a tech product with something as mundane as a fish not only captures attention but also effectively communicates the unique selling points of the Compaq Portable 2. As a piece of nostalgia for tech enthusiasts and fans of comedy, this commercial blends humor with advertising in a way that many tech ads today tend to overlook. It serves as a reminder of how far technology has come while also showcasing the creativity employed by brands to make their products memorable. What are your thoughts on such creatively humorous tech ads? Do you think modern advertising can learn from this approach? Share your insights below!
