VIDEO Computer History/Humor with John Cleese

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Computer History/Humor with John Cleese In this delightful throwback video featuring John Cleese, we’re transported back to the early days of computing through a clever ad by Compaq. With a blend of humor and information, the clip humorously showcases how Compaq aimed to highlight the compatibility of its Portable II computer with IBM's PCs. The ad juxtaposes the Compaq Portable II with the rather absurd comparison of a dead fish. This seemingly ridiculous analogy serves as a comedic vehicle, enabling Cleese to illustrate key points about the Compaq model's features and performance metrics. With the fish weighing the same as the computer (22 pounds), the viewer is treated to an amusing commentary on portability—albeit a rather unconventional one! Cleese's dry wit shines as he points out that while the fish has no memory (being, quite literally, dead), the Compaq Portable II boasts a substantial memory of 4.1 megabytes. In a world where technology is rapidly evolving, it's fascinating to reflect on what was once cutting-edge; today, that memory might seem minuscule, but it was significant during the time of the ad.

Key Takeaways:​

• Humor in Advertising: Cleese's comedic style not only entertains but also effectively communicates the features of the product.
• Comparative Marketing: Using an unconventional reference (a dead fish) to stress the advantages of one product over another is a memorable marketing strategy.
• Nostalgic Perspective: Revisiting this ad allows us to appreciate how far technology has advanced. The statistics Cleese shares would now be considered quaint but were impressive back in the 1980s. The clip serves as a reflection not only on a specific product but also on the evolution of computer technology and the often humorous ways companies have found to market their innovations. What do you think about the use of humor in tech advertising? Have you encountered other marketing strategies that were particularly memorable or effective? Feel free to share your thoughts and any favorite tech ads from the past!