I am guessing a lot of folks – or a significant amount anyway- are having Win 7 Launch parties. That's to to mark the release of the latest Windows OS. If you are wondering what I am going on about, check out their horrid advert here. Well, in keeping with the idea of bizarre/funny ad about technology and gadgets, I put together a list of such ads from various countries.  

1UP if you get there first

There's a Mario in all of us, or at least that's what this quirky ad from Hong Kong is telling us. Well, in this ad, kids can't wait to finish school so they can nab the latest console. While this ad is harmless and quite funny to watch, it might not be well-received by folks who tut-tut the idea of kids playing games.

Read the reviews before you buy it

Alright, so maybe these same folks will have trouble with this ad as opposed to the previous one. This Dutch ad is for an online store called Bol and the message is along the lines of 'at least you know what you buy from our store'. Or something along those lines anyway. They have done many versions of this message but the Singstar/Gears of War take is the best so far!

Just Scan it

This one is from Japan and is about the QR code – you know, those codes that can store urls and thus lets you access info about products via cellphone. You have to love the way the expression on the faces of those girls change once they realize what it is all about.

Looking for freedom

Here's a word of warning … once you hear this song, it will be buzzing around in your head the whole day. It's none other than that Freedom song by the Hoff. Apparently a Swedish company called DJuice used video clips of this song to promote their super cell phone charges. I am guessing they asked permission before using the Hoff as promotional material, at least I hope so. So there you have it, the Hoff going on about possibly the Berlin Wall or something when he was nabbed as the poster boy for a user-friendly phone charges. Read more details about it at the YT link.

Multiplayer Games are Fun

This German ad is praising the multiplayer functionality of the Xbox. I must admit, it was a bit on the dull side for me. Alright, so the bit after the announcement by the lady was quite fun. It's not a bad ad and I would probably look on it favorably if I was not comparing it to Bol's Singstar ad (check second ad on this list).

A Geek Friend is a Must

This was a cheesy ad from Argentina. Nonetheless, it is entertaining to watch the first time around. Funnily enough, the ad is about tech items but rather, appears to be targeting the techie crowd. The product being sold is a type of beer called Norte Beer. Maybe this one's for the geek crowd? It is a refreshing break from the usual formula that involves women and fancy cars.

He's got a reputation to uphold!

John Cleese featured in a number of Compaq ads in the 80s. I could be wrong but I do remember him from Apple ads later on too. Anyway, this is one of those ads where Cleese uses his typical mad as a hatter humor to promote the virtues of the Compaq computer.