Despite Google's (GOOGL -1.23%) modest success in Chromebooks, Microsoft (MSFT -1.27%) is clearly scared. So much so that Microsoft has begun an aggressive anti-Chromebook marketing campaign in an attempt to undermine their potential as computing devices. In the third quarter, Samsung was the top Chromebook vendor with approximately 650,000 units shipped -- in a market of nearly 82 million total PC units.
That may be a drop in the bucket for now, but the theoretical threat remains. Microsoft highlights that Chromebooks are only for users who don't need local storage or much processing power and are ready to migrate all their digital possessions into the cloud -- which most people aren't ready for. Still, Microsoft could actually be building brand awareness of Chromebooks, as many mainstream consumers may not be well versed in what they are.
In this segment of Tech Teardown, Erin Kennedy discusses Microsoft's aggressive ads with Evan Niu, CFA, our tech and telecom bureau chief.
