With the latest Apple Macworld speech a few hours, Microsoft once again talking up the idea of “Apple tax” that people pay when they choose Mac over Windows PCs.

This notion that Microsoft touting the beginning of autumn. Despite the fact that words can be quite new, the melody sounds familiar. They say that customers have to pay additional costs when using the opponent is a well-worn page from Microsoft playbook. One need only look back to the anti-Linux “Get the Facts” campaign, for another example.

In any case, this notion, which can remain in the neighborhood, said Windows marketing VP Brad Brooks. In addition to the idea of talking with reporters, Brooks said he could show up in online marketing, and perhaps even in the Microsoft ads.

Microsoft has made to develop a number of new cards is trying to put precise figures on the “Apple tax.” On the desktop, then Microsoft claims you can save $ 100, or 16 percent, go to the Dell Studio Hybrid, or HP Pavilion Slimline more low-end Mac Mini. Microsoft argues that in the middle of the range, the buyer can save 25 percent goes to the Dell XPS One, instead of low-end iMac and Mac Pro more than twice the cost of high-end HP desktop.

Microsoft said, consumers pay a tax Apple, when they buy Mac. Select the table for larger version.

(List of participants: Microsoft)

I made the argument when Microsoft first brought up the notion that if the tax is a tax that more and more customers seem willing to pay.

Brooks said Monday, however, that he expects that the weakening economy will limit the number of people willing to pay more for a computer.

“More and more people will be scratching their heads and say that the tax I really willing to pay,” he said.

He noted that the tax not only on a higher sticker price, as well as the lack of choice, that Mac users have. There is certainly less than the options of hardware and software Mac passage are much more narrow, and. Brooks also tried to position Mac less open, pointing to the iTunes Store, downloadable as an example of Apple led the “wall of the garden” by users. If he will compare the iPhone and Windows Mobile, he could claim to have a point, but last I checked the developers are free to write what they want the program for the Mac.

While I do not buy the idea that Mac users do not know is cheaper PC versions, I think the sorry state of the economy will create challenges for all of PCs, including Apple. Consumers apparently have to weigh the purchase of any computer from more pressing needs, the prospect of having no work, etc.

Nevertheless, it remains unclear who will be hurt more than the economy. Apple is largely similar to BMW or any other automaker, which plays only on high-end market. I hope, Apple will be difficult keeping up with the latest trends of growth. But as the car market shows Brody, GMS, and Hyundais of the world have also taken a huge blow.

I would not like to take this car analogy too far, either. I do not see Microsoft is working on Capitol Hill over the crisis in the near future. Microsoft makes huge margins on their products. And when I hear the dismissal could indeed be the work the company does not face any near the structural problems in the automotive industry (Google, despite the threat).

Brooks did not comment specifically on whether Microsoft has cut its PC for Outlook 2009, but clearly say that the whole world economy is much weaker than it was in October, when Microsoft released its latest forecast.

“It is still tough economic times for all,” said Brooks. “We continue to see that our customers are suffering there.