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Almost bought an AppleTV, but didn't....

FaasNat

FaasNat

macrumors regular
Original poster
Aug 30, 2002
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After much deliberation and finally giving in, I went to the Apple store yesterday with the intent to pick up one. When I got there, there was (still) a line to purchase the iPhone. Not being there for that product, I went ahead into the store.

I was stopped by two workers at the entrance who asked if I needed any help. I mentioned I was there to buy an AppleTV and then they directed me to a line (which was just about as long as the iPhone line) and said I needed to wait in the "just browsing" line as they were taking a few from the iPhone line and one from the "JB" line.

I said screw that and left. Still hoping to pick up one, I headed to a smaller Apple store at a less popular mall. Though the line for the iPhone wasn't as long (just around the corner and down the hall), there was still a pretty long just browsing line.

I gave up at this point. I think I'll just hold off now until they update the hardware or I pick up a PS3. Thought about ordering online, but I think I can wait for an update (I've waited this long already). Heh....

Dang that iPhone.....
 
Wow, I haven't been to an Apple store during the iphone craziness but I was planning on going this week to get a couple of small things. Hmmmm, might wait a bit longer then.

I wonder how much revenue apple is loosing from limiting the number of customers that can come in to buy products other than the iphone?
 
At this point, you may want to wait.

If Apple doesn't come up with a successor to the ATV, the PS3 is going to be $399 w/ 80GB drive and Dual Shock 3 controllers in September. Rumor has it that it will also have the 60nm graphics chip (meaning it will run cooler).
 
Try walmart.com (they don't carry them in most stores) or Amazon (you can probably get one for less than Apple will charge)
 
gcmexico said:
you should pick one up ASAP..I cancelled my cable because of it, and I couldn't be happier...saving tons of cash!
Click to expand...

I second that, umm'd and ahh'd for ages in case they updated and looked at PS3. In the end decided that as I mainly wanted it for playing back movies and I am so happy with the iPod that I would give the :apple:TV a chance and even with it's faults it does rock!

Buying TV shows and watching them minutes later is awesome, but worryingly addictive :rolleyes:
 
Don't get one at all.

Get a Playstation 3 instead. Get BlueRay and support for more video formats and movie rentals. Oh yeah, play games too. And it's quiet.

My ATV is gathering dust...
 
Scott6666 said:
Don't get one at all.

Get a Playstation 3 instead. Get BlueRay and support for more video formats and movie rentals. Oh yeah, play games too. And it's quiet.

My ATV is gathering dust...
Click to expand...
The PS3 route seems to be decent. However, don't know if my wife would go for a system that plays games. I keep hearing her voice in the back of my head, "If you have time to play games, you have time to vacuum!" :(
 
FaasNat said:
"If you have time to play games, you have time to vacuum!" :(
Click to expand...

Hehe, sounds familiar and has that annoying logic that you can't argue with! This is why I bought a PSP, so that I can claim I only play it when travelling or waiting in airports!

you could try "well if you have time to shop..." just don't sue me if any injuries that you may receive!
 
PS3 is coming along, and support for Divx and xvid is nice, I own both and I still like the Music and Video browsing better on the ATV, if you don't mind a folder structure for browsing then a PS3 with Tversity running will allow for straming goodness. Plus I tried the Remote Play funtion on the PS3 and it works great as a Dumb terminal for playing back vids either on the ps3 itself or via the stream.
 
FaasNat said:
The PS3 route seems to be decent. However, don't know if my wife would go for a system that plays games. I keep hearing her voice in the back of my head, "If you have time to play games, you have time to vacuum!" :(
Click to expand...

Sounds like someone has a pretty weak Pimp Hand...

:p
 
FaasNat said:
The PS3 route seems to be decent. However, don't know if my wife would go for a system that plays games. I keep hearing her voice in the back of my head, "If you have time to play games, you have time to vacuum!" :(
Click to expand...

You're obviously not thinking about the potential for new gadgets here..

Costco.com Roombas: http://www.costco.com/ Search for Roomba.

Amazon.com Roombas: I assume you know how to search for Roomba. :D

FaasNat said:
I was stopped by two workers at the entrance who asked if I needed any help. I mentioned I was there to buy an AppleTV and then they directed me to a line (which was just about as long as the iPhone line) and said I needed to wait in the "just browsing" line as they were taking a few from the iPhone line and one from the "JB" line.
Click to expand...

Apple really dropped the ball here. If I were in your position I would write to Apple to complain about the awful experience at their retail store. The fact that they would have you wait in a "Just Browsing" line when you clearly told them that you were there to buy an AppleTV is disappointing at the very least. I hold Apple to unreasonably high standards (we pay for this privilege) and won't hesitate to complain if the service isn't top notch. The iPhone launch is no excuse for it.

You can always order it from Amazon.com with free shipping and no sales tax (depending on where you live). I like my AppleTV even if the braindead morons at the Apple store where I went to shop for mine couldn't tell a glossy screen from a matte screen (hilarious story when I went to buy a Macbook Pro and AppleTV).
 
Just as an aside to what Linmac said, Apple does respond to directed criticism. I had what could at the very least be described as a rude and disrespectful experience at an Apple store by a 19 year old smarmy 'genius'. I was pleasantly surprised, that, upon filling out a survey I received after shopping there, I was a) called by an apple rep, and b) called by the store manager with an apology. All within 48 hours. As was stated elsewhere, I pay extra for an Apple branded product for better hardware and software design, as well as the customer service. The day Apple forgets this, they'll gain the customer service reputation of Dell.
 
Well

FaasNat said:
The PS3 route seems to be decent. However, don't know if my wife would go for a system that plays games. I keep hearing her voice in the back of my head, "If you have time to play games, you have time to vacuum!" :(
Click to expand...

But I suppose you could always say that if you have time to vacuum then you have time to play games. No?
 
I wouldn't suggest buying one either. Sure, it's cool and it's made by apple, but it's not very practical. That's just my opinion, because I am regretting my own purchase and I don't really use it that often.
 
Just to add a positive note, I'm really happy with my Apple TV, especially now that there are a decent number of movies to rent. I also use it to display my Aperture library and listen to my music.
 
vacooming???

FaasNat said:
The PS3 route seems to be decent. However, don't know if my wife would go for a system that plays games. I keep hearing her voice in the back of my head, "If you have time to play games, you have time to vacuum!" :(
Click to expand...

Do what I did, get a Roomba too =)

PS: should have been vacuuming, I'm really drowsy at this time of day
 
wise move to delay. I deeply regret buying mine. The ATV is fundamentally flawed. Mine hasnt ever recognised my apple ID and password since I had it, and it even blocks me from veiwing some of my own photos, and blocks many I-tunes legally purchased! Ive been all round the Muberry bush and wasted hours trying the various 'fixes' fro, the forums - nothing works! You shouldln need to be a geek to get this thing to work. Dont buy one!
 
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