Apple’s computer sales are on the rise. The company shipped over 1.5 million Macintosh computers during the fiscal 2007 second quarter, which marks a 36 percent increase from the same quarter last year. "The Mac is clearly gaining market share…more than three times the industry growth rate," says Steve Jobs in a recent press release.
Whether it’s due to the Get a Mac campaign, the rise of the iPod, the increasing presence of retail stores in shopping malls, or all those movie cameos – the Mac is drifting away from its cult status as an elite system for the non-conformist individual to a machine with mass market appeal. Yet Apple retains its unique identity in the computer manufacturer market by continuing to offer something different to its customers.
In addition to the user-friendly interface so intuitive you can often problem-solve on your own, loads of free software you actually prefer to use, and a secure environment that’s nearly virus-free, Apple accepts appointments at The Apple Store. You can ask questions, receive technical support, or just brainstorm ideas with a real, live person without even having to wait in line.
Many of the services are suited for computer novices and newcomers to Apple, although there are still benefits to be found for the seasoned Mac user and a new program focuses exclusively on providing creative support.
ProCare
Apple’s OS X operating system is known for its security and reliability. In fact, the most common complaint I’ve heard from people who’ve signed up for an extended Apple warranty is that they never had to use it. ProCare is a little different in that it provides access to six services and supports up to three computers (registered in your name). The cost is $99 for one year.
One of these services is a white-glove treatment specially suited for those switching from a PC. Apple will transfer all the files from your old machine (PC or Mac) into your new one, so you don’t lose any of your saved data. This includes photos, music and movies – and also your mail, calendar and address book.
Also included is an annual tune-up. You bring your Mac into the Apple Store and they will run system diagnostics, update your Apple software and clean your monitor and keyboard. (Keyboards are notorious for harbouring bacteria though, so you should really be cleaning it more often than this.)
Anyone who’s ever had to rely on traditional forms of technical support – online, email, or telephone – knows what a nightmare the process can be. With ProCare, you get some new options. Rapid Repairs provides same-day, in-store service on your machine. Or, if you don’t feel like waiting in line for the next available technician, you can just drop off your computer at the store for a QuickDrop repair. You can also pre-book a one-on-one appointment with a Mac Genius (up to 14 days in advance) for guaranteed quality time between you, your machine, and a technician. (My mother recently purchased her first Mac and bought a ProCare membership. Her one-on-one appointments at the Genius Bar in Nashville, TN have been an invaluable source of education.)
One to One
If you don’t require the technical know-how, but are lacking in the creative department, One to One is another $99 annual membership option that allows you to book an unlimited number of one-on-one training sessions with Creatives (as opposed to ProCare’s Mac Geniuses). This new program from Apple teaches you how to get the most out of the applications that came with your machine and start producing creative projects of your own.
"Our Creatives have extensive experience in their field and a passion for teaching," says Simon Atkins of Apple Canada. "Members can choose to focus these sessions on anything from learning more about getting started with a Mac or iPod, to advancing their moviemaking, digital photography and podcasting skills, building a website or presentation, or can even use the sessions to get answers to their specific questions or help with a creative project."
The sessions are personally tailored to your level of expertise, and can be booked up to 14 days in advance. Eleven areas are covered, including a Present and Publish session for business-minded individuals who need help creating dynamic presentations and printing projects. There’s a Music Making session for learning how to create, layer and edit original song recordings. If you have a specific project you want to tackle and just want to brainstorm with someone, you can book a session for an Open Project.
Personal Shopper
Buying a Mac seems like a relatively simple process. You have three desktops (iMac, Mac Pro and Mac mini) and two laptops (MacBook and MacBook Pro) to choose from, with key differences in screen size, storage space, graphics, memory and processor speed. But with pricing ranging anywhere from $679 (Mac mini) to $3099 (17-inch MacBook Pro), getting a second opinion is not a bad idea.
You can avoid long line-ups and frazzled employees by booking your own Personal Shopping Reservation (again, up to 14 days in advance) via Apple’s website. This will give you one hour of dedicated, one-on-one service at a select Apple Store. You’ll get answers to all your questions, and also be able to see and test the products first hand.
In Canada, Apple Store appointments are currently available in three locations in Toronto and one Apple Store in Laval . For more information on Personal Shopping, ProCare and One to One – or to book an appointment – visit www.apple.com/ca.
Whether it’s due to the Get a Mac campaign, the rise of the iPod, the increasing presence of retail stores in shopping malls, or all those movie cameos – the Mac is drifting away from its cult status as an elite system for the non-conformist individual to a machine with mass market appeal. Yet Apple retains its unique identity in the computer manufacturer market by continuing to offer something different to its customers.
In addition to the user-friendly interface so intuitive you can often problem-solve on your own, loads of free software you actually prefer to use, and a secure environment that’s nearly virus-free, Apple accepts appointments at The Apple Store. You can ask questions, receive technical support, or just brainstorm ideas with a real, live person without even having to wait in line.
Many of the services are suited for computer novices and newcomers to Apple, although there are still benefits to be found for the seasoned Mac user and a new program focuses exclusively on providing creative support.
ProCare
Apple’s OS X operating system is known for its security and reliability. In fact, the most common complaint I’ve heard from people who’ve signed up for an extended Apple warranty is that they never had to use it. ProCare is a little different in that it provides access to six services and supports up to three computers (registered in your name). The cost is $99 for one year.
One of these services is a white-glove treatment specially suited for those switching from a PC. Apple will transfer all the files from your old machine (PC or Mac) into your new one, so you don’t lose any of your saved data. This includes photos, music and movies – and also your mail, calendar and address book.
Also included is an annual tune-up. You bring your Mac into the Apple Store and they will run system diagnostics, update your Apple software and clean your monitor and keyboard. (Keyboards are notorious for harbouring bacteria though, so you should really be cleaning it more often than this.)
Anyone who’s ever had to rely on traditional forms of technical support – online, email, or telephone – knows what a nightmare the process can be. With ProCare, you get some new options. Rapid Repairs provides same-day, in-store service on your machine. Or, if you don’t feel like waiting in line for the next available technician, you can just drop off your computer at the store for a QuickDrop repair. You can also pre-book a one-on-one appointment with a Mac Genius (up to 14 days in advance) for guaranteed quality time between you, your machine, and a technician. (My mother recently purchased her first Mac and bought a ProCare membership. Her one-on-one appointments at the Genius Bar in Nashville, TN have been an invaluable source of education.)
One to One
If you don’t require the technical know-how, but are lacking in the creative department, One to One is another $99 annual membership option that allows you to book an unlimited number of one-on-one training sessions with Creatives (as opposed to ProCare’s Mac Geniuses). This new program from Apple teaches you how to get the most out of the applications that came with your machine and start producing creative projects of your own.
"Our Creatives have extensive experience in their field and a passion for teaching," says Simon Atkins of Apple Canada. "Members can choose to focus these sessions on anything from learning more about getting started with a Mac or iPod, to advancing their moviemaking, digital photography and podcasting skills, building a website or presentation, or can even use the sessions to get answers to their specific questions or help with a creative project."
The sessions are personally tailored to your level of expertise, and can be booked up to 14 days in advance. Eleven areas are covered, including a Present and Publish session for business-minded individuals who need help creating dynamic presentations and printing projects. There’s a Music Making session for learning how to create, layer and edit original song recordings. If you have a specific project you want to tackle and just want to brainstorm with someone, you can book a session for an Open Project.
Personal Shopper
Buying a Mac seems like a relatively simple process. You have three desktops (iMac, Mac Pro and Mac mini) and two laptops (MacBook and MacBook Pro) to choose from, with key differences in screen size, storage space, graphics, memory and processor speed. But with pricing ranging anywhere from $679 (Mac mini) to $3099 (17-inch MacBook Pro), getting a second opinion is not a bad idea.
You can avoid long line-ups and frazzled employees by booking your own Personal Shopping Reservation (again, up to 14 days in advance) via Apple’s website. This will give you one hour of dedicated, one-on-one service at a select Apple Store. You’ll get answers to all your questions, and also be able to see and test the products first hand.
In Canada, Apple Store appointments are currently available in three locations in Toronto and one Apple Store in Laval . For more information on Personal Shopping, ProCare and One to One – or to book an appointment – visit www.apple.com/ca.
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