I Can't Believe I Bought An Apple (It's a Good Thing)

[JacoFunk]

Let me preface that statement by saying this is not meant to say I don't like my new MacBook, it's just I've always been a Windows/Linux guy and kind of turned my nose at Macs.

I've been researching a laptop for quite some time now, one that I could use for classwork (I'm a grad student) as well as ocassionally for web design. I have a "main" computer (PC) that I use for more "hardcore" web and flash design and gaming, and I wasn't looking for a replacement.

When Apple first started releasing Intel-powered laptops my ears perked up, the introduction of Bootcamp got my attention even more. The current MacBook has great hardware options for the price and I figured if I couldn't stand the OS, I could always fall back on Windows or Linux. You see, that's probably my biggest hangup with Macs, the OS. I'm not sure how to say it nicely, but I'm used to an OS that takes a little more nudging to get it to do what you want. I don't think that's a bad thing. I'm just really not a "drag and drop" kind of guy. So, the ability to load my beloved OS was a must for me buying an Apple.

Well, here it has been two weeks and I must say I love my MacBook, OS X and all! Yes, it is a very simple, easy to use OS, probably great for beginners, but for what I use my MacBook for it's perfect too. I had to learn the keyboard shortcuts, which I really didn't use all that often on my PC, but for a laptop without an external mouse installed (most of the time), it works much better because things are easier to access that way. I also do enjoy eye candy, and OS X is pretty sexy.


Now, for the one bad part of buying my MacBook...the Apple store. As I said, I did my homework when it came to a laptop and I studied computer engineering as an undergrad. I don't want to sound pompus, but I "know my stuff."

So, I walked into the Apple store, and when approached, I told the salesman very bluntly that I wanted a "MacBook 2.0 Ghz with 512MB of RAM and a 60 Gig hard drive." I also stated that I was a student and would like the discount. He told me that he would have someone get on that while I took a look at cases. Shortly after picking a case an "Apple dude" with trendy spiked hair and accessories approached me telling me that he had "heard a student wanted a MacBook." I told him that I did, what my background was and what I'd be using it for. I again stated the exact system I wanted.

And then the diatribe began. He went on a non-stop, nearly 20 minute presentation on how to check my email, create a website, share my pictures online and all the "cool" things I could do with my Mac. I literally couldn't get a word in to stop him. I stood there while he went on a rehearsed sales presentation meant for a computer novice that wasn't quite sold yet on a MacBook! After he had finished (an my patience was worn thin), I turned down his offers to buy a .Mac account and extended service plans. I thought the "fun" was over. After waiting in line for a person behind an actual register (those guys with the portable credit card readers can't wait on computer buyers, I'm not sure why they were out in a 5:1 ratio to those behind the counter), the cashier rang up my MacBook. Much to my suprise the cost was much more than I had expected. The "Apple dude" had gotten the 1 GB of RAM model with the 80GB hard drive instead of the one I asked for. I had planned on upgrading the RAM on my own and had thoughts of using an external drive or web-based drive instead of shelling over the extra cash for Apple's larger drive. I was so frustrated I just bought the darn thing and got the heck out of there.

I've been long-winded and I apologize for that. I just wanted to get on here to say that I really like my MacBook but I really hate the Apple store. I've always had a "thing" against the snobby stereotypical Apple type (no offense to you "normal" Mac owners), and I found out that they work at the Apple store. However, much to the joy of my graphic designer wife, who uses Macs exclusively, I have found that I not only like the hardware, but the software it pretty nice too.

Thanks for reading!

 

[ZoomZoomZoom]

Yuck. What bad salesmanship. Sort of reminds me of those people who give completely memorized speeches, oblivious to the audience. I would have asked the guy, "What's your name?" And then left. And then I would buy online (I love buying online!) while telling the Apple store manager that one of his employees cost him a switcher.

Congrats on the new computer though

 

[spicyapple]

Interesting choice of a word. Hopefully your experience will be better than at the Apple store.

 

[WildCowboy]

Wow....that's a long post.

Unfortunately, you'll find that the folks in Apple Stores aren't all that more well-trained than people you find in other retail stores. They have a spiel, and they stick to it. They also see a LOT of people who have no idea what they're doing, so they just go into auto-pilot. That said, the Apple Store can be very helpful. I walked into one near me with a dead iPod shuffle that was under warranty and walked out the door with a new one five minutes later...very convenient. But yes, it's a crapshoot whether you get a great salesperson or not.

You should have stuck to your guns regarding the model they sold you though. It would have taken them only a few seconds to run to the back and get you the model you really wanted. It's their fault, but you have the right to make you sure you are sold what you asked for.

 

[balamw]

It's their fault, but you have the right to make you sure you are sold what you asked for.

Or, if you read Q's thread on haggling, you could get the upgraded machine for the same price as the one you asked for.

Welcome to the fold. The transition is always easier for Linux users since bash is only a click away...

B

 

[JacoFunk]

Interesting choice of a word. Hopefully your experience will be better than at the Apple store.

LOL. Yes, I chose my word carefully.

As I said though, so far I'm extremely happy with my Mac. I honestly can't believe I'm saying that, but I am. I still use my PC, but using the MB has been a lot less painful and much more seamless than I thought it would be. I've been able to network my non-Mac computers with the MB with less difficutly than I thought I'd encounter. I do like the design as well. Sleek and simple, perfect for a portable computer.

 

[nickelbackmac]

This reminds me of a recent event.

A bit back, I ordered a wonderful 17" MacBook Pro with a 120GB HD, Glossy screen, 1GB RAM, that good stuff. But, my son (one of the 3) was heading off to college and needed a laptop (you know where this is going). So, as you know, I sold it after 15 minutes (it surprised me, that's when he came by to tell me this) so he'd be ready for college the next week, I figured it would be enough time to move his files from his PC over. I know, it was stupid, but he payed the Bill Me Later or whatever for it PLUS the same amount for me to do whatever so in total he payed $6000 . I told him he could've bought a much nicer spec'd one, but he needed one that moment and somehow found out I got mine.

What did I do with that money? Bills were needing payment which upset me because I wanted a MBP.

OK, to the point here is the "recent event"

I got a call from Apple wanting to talk to me. So said "Yes, it's me". And right after I said that I heard the most annoying loud screech. And then a few number presses from his end. The next thing I heard was:

"Uh yes I was calling about your 90-day AppleCare on your MBP. It's almost up, and I was wondering of you'd like to purchase the 3 year plan to protect your MBP for the longest available time. Now that's until 2009 (he emphasized the nine part like I was stupid), so that's pretty good coverage ya know. And with this you get 3 FULL years of uninterrupted support, and unlimited help from Apple's support, which if you don't have AppleCare costs $50 to get help with to agree to our Terms. Now, I know you might be wondering 'What are the disadvantages of AppleCare if I purchase that?'. Let me explain it to you in just 1 word. Nothing. That's right, nothing at all. You get (I'm not gonna type everything I just said again, you know what he said)... So that comes to a total of let me see here, ah yes only $349 and with this you get (everything, again. I'm serious). Would you be interested to do this Mr. Turner?

By then I checked my phone's timer. 22 MINUTES!

"Sorry, I don't own that laptop anymore."

"Oh I'm sorry, I didn't know that. OK."

And this is where I made a mistake

"Do you own any other Macintoshes that you purchased recently?"

"Yes, my Mac Mini I just got earlier this month"

"Great. I'd be more than happy to tell you the service we offer for Mac Mini's!"

And it started all again.

 

[georgi0]

"Yes, my Mac Mini I just got earlier this month"

"Great. I'd be more than happy to tell you the service we offer for Mac Mini's!"

And it started all again.

with these guys you have to be rude ! either hang up or show them who's the boss from the start.

25 minutes on the phone for something you don't want!!???!!, i got pisted just reading it !

 

[nickelbackmac]

with these guys you have to be rude ! either hang up or show them who's the boss from the start.

25 minutes on the phone for something you don't want!!???!!, i got pisted just reading it !

1. I wouldn't want it

2. If I wanted, I still have no MBP. So I'd be payng $350 for something I don't have!

3. I have been rude, even my kids (whom ask Apple specialists would like to purchase bumblebees). I've said "Your service is really p***ing me off with Apple. You should be fired!". But, I stick with Apple.

 

[kalun]

lol, I ordered it online...so i guess i wouldn't know your pain....

 

[miles01110]

I had a few run-ins at the Apple Store also. They all act like they are paid on commission. bah!