A n a p p o i n t m e n t a t The Apple S t o r e 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 o f 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 wail in line Many o f 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
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on providing creative support. ProCarc Apple's OS X operating system is known for its security and
Ai
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reliability. In fact, the most common complaint I've heard from people who've signed u p for a n extended Apple warranty is that they never had to use it. ProCare is a little different in that i t provides access to six services and supports u p t o three computers (registered in your name). The cost is S99 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
Apple's computer sales are on the rise. The company shipped over 1.5
movies —and also your mail, calendar and address book.
million Macintosh computers during the fiscal 200? second quarter, which
Also Included is an annual tune-up. Bring your Mac into the Apple Store and
marks a 36 percent increase from the same quarter last year. 'The Mac is
they will run system diagnostics, update your Apple software and clean your
clearly gaining market share...more than three times the industry growth
monitor and keyboard. (Keyboards are notorious for harbouring bacteria
rate, says Steve Jobs in a recent press release.
though, so you should really be cleaning it more often than this. J
Whether it's due to the Get a Mac campaign, the rise of the iPod, the
Anyone who's ever had t o rely o n traditional forms o f technical
increasing number of retail stores in shopping malls, or all those movie
support—online, email, or telephone— knows what a nightmare the process
cameos— the Mac is drifting away from its cult status as an elite system for
can be. With ProCare, you get some new options. Rapid Repairs provides
the non-conformist individual to a machine with mass market appeal. Yet
same•day, in-store service on your machine. Or, if you don't feel like waiting
Apple retains its unique identity in the computer manufacturer market by
in line for the next available technician, you can just drop off your computer at the store for a OuickDrop repair. You can also pre•book a one-on-one appointment with a Mac Genius ( u p t o 1 4 d a y s i n advance) f o r guaranteed q u a l i t y t i m e between y o u , y o u r machine, a n d a technician. (My mother recently purchased her f i r s t M a c a n d b o u g h t 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,
ogio o n e :one
but are lacking in the creative department, One t o O n e i s a n o t h e r 5 9 9 a n n u a l membership option that allows you to book an unlimited n u m b e r o f o n e -one-one training sessions w i t h Creatives ( a s opposed to ProCare's Mac Geniuses). This
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