As a follow-up to my earlier post about Microsoft's leaked Best Buy slides: A Microsoft spokesperson got back to me about the Apple side of the equation -- apparently, yes, the deck showing a match-up between Windows 7-equipped machines and MacBooks was generated by Microsoft.

The Microsoft spokesperson also had this to say: "The advantages of a Windows PC over a Mac that were outlined in the presentation materials are why we're confident that our customers will continue choosing Windows 7 PCs over Macs -- they offer the simplicity, choice and value they demand."

Microsoft's overall strategy against Apple, as exemplified by its "Laptop Hunter" ads, boils down to one line: Focus on price -- or, as Microsoft calls it, "value." Over the summer, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer claimed that angle of attack was netting positive results, with Microsoft's still-sizable share of the PC market solidifying despite years of relentless Apple ads.

Nonetheless, Apple still occupies public mind share perhaps disproportionally to its actual market share, and it has managed to seize a lion's portion of sales of all computers priced above $1,000 at retail. A June report on the PC market from The NPD Group said Apple had 91 percent of that market.

It's a large question mark whether Microsoft's upcoming retail outlets, at least a few of which will be deliberately placed in close geographical proximity to Apple Stores, will a) market higher-end PCs or focus on the volume that comes with selling cheaper devices, and b) be capable of threatening Apple's market share.

Fortunately, I have a far more entertaining way to settle the long-simmering dispute between the two IT giants: Steve Ballmer versus Steve Jobs, one on one, no holds barred, in the Cage of Death. Steve B. might have size going for him, but I'm betting that a newly revitalized Steve J. is surprisingly quick and strong.