Microsoft's Windows 7 party and 10 other awesome infomercials

In a late 1980s infomercial, a San Diego carpenter/inventor demonstrates the Flowbee, an electric-powered vacuum attachment made for cutting hair. (YouTube)

With the launch of Windows 7 looming (the operating system is available to the public on Oct. 22) and the Wrath of Vista a not-so-distant memory in PC users' minds, Microsoft's marketing team has brought out the big guns. Their chipper new video campaign illustrates the tremendous fun that is in store for those who choose to host their very own Windows 7 parties.

The excruciatingly awkward clip conjures memories of the finest infomercials that have ever graced late-night TV. It features a semi-diverse gaggle of people who'd never choose to hang out by choice in real life. In Microsoft World, however, they chortle and coo over the fabulous features and delightful diversions that Windows 7 has bestowed upon the world. It's the best thing since home karaoke machines!

It's not clear if the awesomely terrible tone of the promo video is intentional. Could the folks at Microsoft be working a meta-media angle in the hopes of beating the creators of Apple's deadpan Mac vs. PC ads at their own game?

At any rate, repeated viewings of the clip got us thinking about the possible inspiration behind the Windows 7 campaign. We've come up with 10 classic infomercials that laid the groundwork for the stilted dialogue and forced enthusiasm of the PC party crew.

Jack LaLanne Power Juicer

Bodybuilding pioneer Jack LaLanne approached his plant-based food regime with the devotion of a cult leader. He promised his subjects that he could help them "unlock [their] energy, vitality and fitness." All it took was an overpriced juicer, and the knowledge that "you are the most important person you have." Huh?