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Found Footage: Steve Ballmer signs student's Mac

by Dave Caolo Jan 22nd 2010 at 2:30PM



Earlier this week, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer gave the keynote address to the Nashville Technology Council, which was held at Trevecca Nazarene University (TNU) in Nashville, TN. Steve, who is on a multi-city tour to promote Microsoft, joined other prominent technology professionals like Abbie Lundberg, editor-in-chief of CIO Magazine.

After the speeches were done, Steve did a meet-and-greet with TNU Students to answer brief questions, sign autographs and so on. One student asked for Steve's autograph -- on a MacBook Pro.

To his credit, Steve handled the awkward moment well (as another student's camera rolled), writing "Need a new one? Steve Ballmer" smack-dab over the laptop's logo. Kudos to Steve for his cool-headed response (we can't imagine what Steve Jobs would do if asked to sign a Dell) and for that student with the nerve to pull such a stunt.

You can see close ups of the signature here.

[Via MacDailyNews]

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Earlier this week, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer gave the keynote address to the Nashville Technology Council, which was held at Trevecca...
 

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Jason

My Woz autographed G4 Powerbook is so much cooler - http://www.flickr.com/photos/jmichael/5150695/

January 24 2010 at 10:39 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
JTG

Mr Ballmer impressed me with the way he handled that situation. Way to go Steve!

January 23 2010 at 8:00 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Deebi

Thought it was good. Even as a devout mac user (lol), I'm still able to see the funny side of it! And so should everyone else! Props to Steve!

January 22 2010 at 8:26 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Catmacc

I think Ballmer spotted that this is the previous version of the mbp and is suggesting that he does indeed need a new one!!

January 22 2010 at 7:08 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Brad Green

What Ballmer did: Signed the laptop, gave funny quips...
What Woz would do: Sign the laptop, give funny quips...
What Gates would do: Sign the laptop, give funny quips...

What Jobs would do if asked to sign a Windows laptop: Call security and have the kid escorted out.

January 22 2010 at 6:52 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Dray

Seriously? No wonder so many people are eager to call us Apple fan boys at a moments notice!
I concur with Jordan and a few of the others here! I would love to own that MacBook and very honoured to have met the CEO of such an important company.
Steve Jobs would have refused point blank or worse, most of us are familiar with the rumours of his personality. Good on Ballmer for seeing the humour of the situation.
I buy Apple stuff because I like it. Same as with any other products. I will be buying Windows 7 later this week because I enjoy using it and the much improved functionality. I am a Mac, not because I hate Microsoft, but because I enjoy using Apple products.

I find it disgusting that people can react this way to such a kind and light hearted gesture shown here by the enigmatic Microsoft CEO.
Kudos to SB.

January 22 2010 at 6:35 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Todd

Definitely a classy response. This does make me want to watch Developers Developers Developers again though.

January 22 2010 at 4:43 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
howie

In the name of all things sacred and holy, why would anyone want that fat bastard to touch their MacBook Pro?

January 22 2010 at 4:16 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
2 replies to howie's comment
waiownsyou

Round 2

January 22 2010 at 4:20 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
coolaaron88

Yeah not doing justice to Apple fans at all

January 22 2010 at 4:51 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Bert & Erny

So after he signed it you did remove it later on that day?

Talk about defacing a work of Art with balmers signature, a micro$oft person.

OMG I feel sick , no more Apple products for you, back to the Radio Shack TRS80 for you

January 22 2010 at 4:03 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to Bert & Erny's comment
waiownsyou

People like you, observer, make us other Apple people look like jerks. Die in a fire, please.

January 22 2010 at 4:20 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
K

I wonder what that'd go for on eBay? Enough for 2 MBP replacements? :)

January 22 2010 at 3:54 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
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