Can Jerry Seinfeld add cool to Microsoft?

Can a funny, well-known pitchman help Microsoft overcome its Windows Vista operating system woes, making consumers feel better about a product they have not grown to love? It appears the software giant will find out early next month. Microsoft has been working on TV commercials featuring comedian Jerry Seinfeld under the direction of Michel Gondry, an innovative director of films, music videos and numerous TV commercials.

The Wall Street Journal reported this is part of a $300 million Windows advertising campaign starring Seinfeld, with the comedian receiving about $10 million. CIO.com notes that Microsoft wants to boost the flagging public perception of Vista, which has been hurt by Apple's "I'm a Mac, I'm a PC" TV ads depicting a younger, more recognizable actor (Justin Long) as a Mac, and an uptight nerd (played by John Hodgman) as a PC.

For more on this new advertising campaign:
- see this CIO.com article