Courtesy of 37 signals here is a look at a new Microsoft ad:

Microsoft System Center

Here’s how I think Apple would solve the same problem:

Apple Elevator

Okay so I don’t think this is exactly how I think Apple would have approached the problem but it does demonstrate the difference of interface philosophies between Apple and Microsoft. Microsoft tries to empower their users by giving them total control over their apps. Apple tries to find the best default and give a few options but keeps the “configure everything” out of the interface.

So what do you think? Give the user more control but a more complex interface, or define a good default and keep the interface simple?