Monday, July 11, 2005
I don't think I'm going to buy an Apple
I've been back and forth a million times on what computer to buy when I return stateside. The laptop I currently own is a piece of you know what. It's a pretty basic model Toshiba. I didn't want all the bells and whistles, so I went with the lower model. Well, now my screen is cracked, my wireless switch is broken, my power cord input is messed up (i have to keep pressure via duct tape on the cord for my 'puter to charge), and some of the keys are sticking. I've taken good care of it too. It's always clean and dusted. Oh well.
Anyways, I was thinking of replacing it with an Apple G5 desktop. This year Apple will be using the Intel processors. That will be kick ass.
Here's my problem. I have an Ipod (doesn't everybody?). My click wheel started acting up on me about 6 months after I bought it. It was progressively getting worse. I would have to turn the lock on, and then off, for the wheel to work. That was fine for awhile. Then it started freezing. I would have to plug it into my computer or a charger for it to turn on. Then I lost all my files... twice. Then when things couldn't get any worse I went on my leave to Germany. Somewhere along the way, with my Ipod in my front pocket (in it's Apple brand hard case), the screen got cracked in the corner. WTF!?!? It was in a case. I didn't sit on it. It was okay though, because I could still see the letters on the screen. Then to top it off the click wheel quit working in it's entirety. No click wheel. I could select, music, playlists, and then my first playlist. My 400 dollar MP3 player was reduced to a 100 song shuffle player. When I returned to Iraq, I sent it home to my father to take care of. My good friend is a real Apple man (and the reason I'm considering an apple) and he said he'd help my dad with it.
That was in March. After 100 phone calls, 50 emails, and my father sending the Ipod in (only to be returned untouched) we got the final news today. (it really took 5 months...i'm not kidding you)
Apple says they won't cover it under warranty because whatever damaged the screen probably damaged the click wheel, and they don't cover LCD damage. (why not? Is it that bad?) Okay. That's fine with me for a number of reasons. But so what? It's a 400 dollar hard drive for pete's sake. You'd think something so expensive would have a little quality in it. How about a stronger screen? (I swear it was in the case, I have witnesses) How about a click wheel that works!!! I'd still be using it now. I give a poo about the stupid screen. The damn Ipod doesn't even work right. And to top it off, now I have to find a 3rd party to fix it. That's another thing that bothers me... Apple will do warranty work. Actually I doubt they cover anything anyway, but why can't they just fix it and send me the bill?! That would be convenience, and good service. But no... They just send it back without a word. (my dad had to plug it in to find out if it was fixed or not) They sent it back with no letter, no email, no phone call. Now, maybe I'm missing something from my end, but that sucks.
Does anyone know of any place that fixes Ipods? I could find one online, but if someone has experience somewhere, that would be good for me. Also, is this reason enough to just buy a Sony? Or should I give Apple another shot. (sans the whole software, compatibility, ease of use argument.... I can handle an Apple)
Let me know what you all think. I'm too angry/disappointed right now to make a decision.
Anyways, I was thinking of replacing it with an Apple G5 desktop. This year Apple will be using the Intel processors. That will be kick ass.
Here's my problem. I have an Ipod (doesn't everybody?). My click wheel started acting up on me about 6 months after I bought it. It was progressively getting worse. I would have to turn the lock on, and then off, for the wheel to work. That was fine for awhile. Then it started freezing. I would have to plug it into my computer or a charger for it to turn on. Then I lost all my files... twice. Then when things couldn't get any worse I went on my leave to Germany. Somewhere along the way, with my Ipod in my front pocket (in it's Apple brand hard case), the screen got cracked in the corner. WTF!?!? It was in a case. I didn't sit on it. It was okay though, because I could still see the letters on the screen. Then to top it off the click wheel quit working in it's entirety. No click wheel. I could select, music, playlists, and then my first playlist. My 400 dollar MP3 player was reduced to a 100 song shuffle player. When I returned to Iraq, I sent it home to my father to take care of. My good friend is a real Apple man (and the reason I'm considering an apple) and he said he'd help my dad with it.
That was in March. After 100 phone calls, 50 emails, and my father sending the Ipod in (only to be returned untouched) we got the final news today. (it really took 5 months...i'm not kidding you)
Apple says they won't cover it under warranty because whatever damaged the screen probably damaged the click wheel, and they don't cover LCD damage. (why not? Is it that bad?) Okay. That's fine with me for a number of reasons. But so what? It's a 400 dollar hard drive for pete's sake. You'd think something so expensive would have a little quality in it. How about a stronger screen? (I swear it was in the case, I have witnesses) How about a click wheel that works!!! I'd still be using it now. I give a poo about the stupid screen. The damn Ipod doesn't even work right. And to top it off, now I have to find a 3rd party to fix it. That's another thing that bothers me... Apple will do warranty work. Actually I doubt they cover anything anyway, but why can't they just fix it and send me the bill?! That would be convenience, and good service. But no... They just send it back without a word. (my dad had to plug it in to find out if it was fixed or not) They sent it back with no letter, no email, no phone call. Now, maybe I'm missing something from my end, but that sucks.
Does anyone know of any place that fixes Ipods? I could find one online, but if someone has experience somewhere, that would be good for me. Also, is this reason enough to just buy a Sony? Or should I give Apple another shot. (sans the whole software, compatibility, ease of use argument.... I can handle an Apple)
Let me know what you all think. I'm too angry/disappointed right now to make a decision.
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I've been an Apple gal since the very early 80s, I will never switch to the dark side. My Apples have never let me down. I have a dependable G4 desktop and a trusty little iBook that goes with me everywhere, and I mean everywhere. The only problems I have had with them are because of something stupid I did, but I have always been able to fix it.
Here is a site the guy at the Apple store told me to go to for my ipod, the battery started acting up when I dropped mine, still haven't gotten it fixed so I can't tell you how well the service was but I suppose it's worth a shot, www.ipodresq.com. Can't believe I am going to say this, but I understand ipods have a short lifespan, so it might be wise to make the switch, just take me out back and shoot me now.
According to the latest issue of MacWorld only some of the Intel models will be available by 6/06, majority of them not until the following year. Here is the link to the article I am referring to so you can decide for yourself.
http://www.macworld.com/2005/06/features/intelfaq/index.php. They answer that question of, should I buy now or wait till next year?
Hope this helps in some way shape or form :o)
Here is a site the guy at the Apple store told me to go to for my ipod, the battery started acting up when I dropped mine, still haven't gotten it fixed so I can't tell you how well the service was but I suppose it's worth a shot, www.ipodresq.com. Can't believe I am going to say this, but I understand ipods have a short lifespan, so it might be wise to make the switch, just take me out back and shoot me now.
According to the latest issue of MacWorld only some of the Intel models will be available by 6/06, majority of them not until the following year. Here is the link to the article I am referring to so you can decide for yourself.
http://www.macworld.com/2005/06/features/intelfaq/index.php. They answer that question of, should I buy now or wait till next year?
Hope this helps in some way shape or form :o)
# posted by 
: Monday, 11 July, 2005
: Monday, 11 July, 2005
I understand your frustration at the IPod thing - and I'm sorry it turned out to be such a bust. But I have to say that with the demand that has been asked of Apple on the IPods, it doesn't surprise me that they are having 'short lifespans.' But don't let this spoil your opinion of Apple.
Because I will say that when it comes to computers - it's Apple all the way. I have to admit I used to be a die-hard Windows person. Then I became a computer techie. After supporting hundreds of users in a high stress/usage environment for 6 years, I have to say this - the 20 Mac users I had, I never saw except to install software, hardware, or udate virus definitions. 6 years of little to no breakdowns, very little viruses, easy updating (no formating half the time) and smooth running. I saw a good portion of my Windows users on at least a weekly basis.
As for the software compatablity issue - you'd be amazed what you can run on a Mac. There are even versions of Windows that are built for a Mac platform, and the Word package for Mac runs with many less glitches. You can now take your work straight from MAC to PC (just make sure you get a PC formatted disk so that Windows can read it - MAC had no problem identifying them or saving to them now - you gotta love X). Add to that the fact that 90-something percent of viruses are built to a Windows platform (the last figure I heard was 95%) and it seems for me that it is an option of Apple or Linux!
I bought a new IMac about a year ago and haven't had a glitch or problem/malfunction yet.
Oh, about service, Apple does do service...I don't know why they sent it back wihtout at least fixing and charging (crazy!)...But I know that Apple stores have service counters where you can go and get the computers fixed, no problem, and often while you wait...
I hope that helps!
By the way - I'm really enjoying the blog! Keep writing....
Because I will say that when it comes to computers - it's Apple all the way. I have to admit I used to be a die-hard Windows person. Then I became a computer techie. After supporting hundreds of users in a high stress/usage environment for 6 years, I have to say this - the 20 Mac users I had, I never saw except to install software, hardware, or udate virus definitions. 6 years of little to no breakdowns, very little viruses, easy updating (no formating half the time) and smooth running. I saw a good portion of my Windows users on at least a weekly basis.
As for the software compatablity issue - you'd be amazed what you can run on a Mac. There are even versions of Windows that are built for a Mac platform, and the Word package for Mac runs with many less glitches. You can now take your work straight from MAC to PC (just make sure you get a PC formatted disk so that Windows can read it - MAC had no problem identifying them or saving to them now - you gotta love X). Add to that the fact that 90-something percent of viruses are built to a Windows platform (the last figure I heard was 95%) and it seems for me that it is an option of Apple or Linux!
I bought a new IMac about a year ago and haven't had a glitch or problem/malfunction yet.
Oh, about service, Apple does do service...I don't know why they sent it back wihtout at least fixing and charging (crazy!)...But I know that Apple stores have service counters where you can go and get the computers fixed, no problem, and often while you wait...
I hope that helps!
By the way - I'm really enjoying the blog! Keep writing....
# posted by : Tuesday, 12 July, 2005
: Tuesday, 12 July, 2005
Hi Taylor. This is Tammy - your dad's awesome Office Manager. He has been going through hell with this IPOD thing. I hope this new contact for fixing it works out for you. Your dad is excited about putting this piece of electronics behind him. I think you should send the repair bill to Apple just for a laugh.
# posted by : Tuesday, 12 July, 2005
: Tuesday, 12 July, 2005
Taylor,
It's your good buddy Nick here, and I'm gonna give you the same lecture I've given you a dozen times. For those of you who don't know me, I'm Taylors friend from back home in North Dakota and I'm his Apple knowledge resource.
So, here's the skinny. Apple fucking rules, hands down, no question. There is NOTHING that windows has on Apple. Some may argue that there are more software titles available for windows, but I think that can be attributed to the 500,000+ varieties of anti-virus/pop-up blockers that are out there. And when it comes to windows, you'll need all the help you can get. As it stands now, there are over 18,000 software titles for the Mac, many of which are not just cross-platform knock offs, but are specifically designed to run on an Apple. Why? I return to my thesis statement. APPLE FUCKING RULES, HANDS DOWN, NO QUESTION.
Speaking of operating systems: Windows is the polio survivor of operating systems. It's been through a lot of turmoil and has only come out slow, nearly crippled, and with a weakend immune system. OS X, on the other hand, is a model of innovation. Over the last 5 years, Apple has continuously improved on its product. If something wasn't right, they made it right. Although it may be cliche in an Apple/windows debate, everything on an Apple just works. I can cite a few examples off the top of my head.
After moving into my apartment in December, I went and bought a wireless cable modem. Totally sweet, totally expensive. Anywho, I plugged it in and opened up Safari (for those of you not in the know, Safari is Apples mozilla based web browser. It's like Internet Explorer minus the SUCK). LO AND BEHOLD! I have internet! I give the good word to my roomies, who are both running windows XP. The fire up IE and LO AND BEHOLD, nothing happens. I worked on those machines for three days just to get the internet to pull up on them. I still do biweekly maintainance. That's weak sauce. A computer should work and work all the time.
Here's a fun new analogy for you. You're out on a raid and you get into a fire fight. You're Microsoft rifle, the M16XP, is at the ready. You pull the trigger, but nothing happens. You fuss with the magazine and try again. BANG! One shot one kill. Next target. Pull the trigger again and this time the barrel falls off. You reattach the barrel, pull the trigger, and the magazine pops out. You pop the magazine back in and pull the trigger, but the barrel, the magazine AND the butt stock fall off. Oh, and it starts firing wildly, only the bullets are angry Africanized bees.
I have my Apple rifle, the M4X. I pull the trigger, and the bullet travels to the head of each terrorist, killing them all, then flys by the bank, pays my bills, picks me up an sandwich and gives me a back rub. That's the way it should be!
So, in conclusion, Apples rule, hands down, no question. Buy an Apple, Taylor. As soon as possible.
~Nick~
It's your good buddy Nick here, and I'm gonna give you the same lecture I've given you a dozen times. For those of you who don't know me, I'm Taylors friend from back home in North Dakota and I'm his Apple knowledge resource.
So, here's the skinny. Apple fucking rules, hands down, no question. There is NOTHING that windows has on Apple. Some may argue that there are more software titles available for windows, but I think that can be attributed to the 500,000+ varieties of anti-virus/pop-up blockers that are out there. And when it comes to windows, you'll need all the help you can get. As it stands now, there are over 18,000 software titles for the Mac, many of which are not just cross-platform knock offs, but are specifically designed to run on an Apple. Why? I return to my thesis statement. APPLE FUCKING RULES, HANDS DOWN, NO QUESTION.
Speaking of operating systems: Windows is the polio survivor of operating systems. It's been through a lot of turmoil and has only come out slow, nearly crippled, and with a weakend immune system. OS X, on the other hand, is a model of innovation. Over the last 5 years, Apple has continuously improved on its product. If something wasn't right, they made it right. Although it may be cliche in an Apple/windows debate, everything on an Apple just works. I can cite a few examples off the top of my head.
After moving into my apartment in December, I went and bought a wireless cable modem. Totally sweet, totally expensive. Anywho, I plugged it in and opened up Safari (for those of you not in the know, Safari is Apples mozilla based web browser. It's like Internet Explorer minus the SUCK). LO AND BEHOLD! I have internet! I give the good word to my roomies, who are both running windows XP. The fire up IE and LO AND BEHOLD, nothing happens. I worked on those machines for three days just to get the internet to pull up on them. I still do biweekly maintainance. That's weak sauce. A computer should work and work all the time.
Here's a fun new analogy for you. You're out on a raid and you get into a fire fight. You're Microsoft rifle, the M16XP, is at the ready. You pull the trigger, but nothing happens. You fuss with the magazine and try again. BANG! One shot one kill. Next target. Pull the trigger again and this time the barrel falls off. You reattach the barrel, pull the trigger, and the magazine pops out. You pop the magazine back in and pull the trigger, but the barrel, the magazine AND the butt stock fall off. Oh, and it starts firing wildly, only the bullets are angry Africanized bees.
I have my Apple rifle, the M4X. I pull the trigger, and the bullet travels to the head of each terrorist, killing them all, then flys by the bank, pays my bills, picks me up an sandwich and gives me a back rub. That's the way it should be!
So, in conclusion, Apples rule, hands down, no question. Buy an Apple, Taylor. As soon as possible.
~Nick~
# posted by : Thursday, 14 July, 2005
: Thursday, 14 July, 2005
Cuskey, I've said it once and I will say it again: you are a pimp... and Taylor, listen to the nice pimp.
FYI, my Dell laptop is a piece of s***. I had it professionally reformatted, and it worked great for about 2 months (reformating was required because the darn thing became infested with a few 'trojans.') Then I noticed that the DSL jack was broken, not a problem caused by windows, but by Dell's cheap components. This wouldn't have been a big deal, but my built-in wireless card decides when and where it wants to work, possible a Windows problem. By no means do I claim to be knowledgeable when it comes to computers, but I can hold my own, and I know crap when I see it. Apples are a little bit more expensive than comparable Windows based machines, but they are well worth the extra money. I will buy an Apple when I have to money to replace my current machine. Everyone, and I mean everyone, that has made the switch to Apple absolutely loves their products. For example, Taylor, you remember DeKrey right? He bought a little PowerBook, to carry with him on photoshoots and the like. The battery life on it is something ridiculus like 6-7 hours! I'm lucky if my 2 year old Dell lasts 20 minutes. Plus, his computer came with some great music and photo software. I know you have a lot of music and pictures. Apples are untouchable for their ease of use in this realm. Taylor, you also know that I have an older 40 gig Ipod. I have had no problems with mine. I was lucky and bought the 4-year warranty plan with Best Buy, but luckily have not had to use it. I have heard that their customer service department is good, but I have no personal experience. That's enough rambling for now. Bottom line, buy and Apple.
dirk
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FYI, my Dell laptop is a piece of s***. I had it professionally reformatted, and it worked great for about 2 months (reformating was required because the darn thing became infested with a few 'trojans.') Then I noticed that the DSL jack was broken, not a problem caused by windows, but by Dell's cheap components. This wouldn't have been a big deal, but my built-in wireless card decides when and where it wants to work, possible a Windows problem. By no means do I claim to be knowledgeable when it comes to computers, but I can hold my own, and I know crap when I see it. Apples are a little bit more expensive than comparable Windows based machines, but they are well worth the extra money. I will buy an Apple when I have to money to replace my current machine. Everyone, and I mean everyone, that has made the switch to Apple absolutely loves their products. For example, Taylor, you remember DeKrey right? He bought a little PowerBook, to carry with him on photoshoots and the like. The battery life on it is something ridiculus like 6-7 hours! I'm lucky if my 2 year old Dell lasts 20 minutes. Plus, his computer came with some great music and photo software. I know you have a lot of music and pictures. Apples are untouchable for their ease of use in this realm. Taylor, you also know that I have an older 40 gig Ipod. I have had no problems with mine. I was lucky and bought the 4-year warranty plan with Best Buy, but luckily have not had to use it. I have heard that their customer service department is good, but I have no personal experience. That's enough rambling for now. Bottom line, buy and Apple.
dirk
# posted by : Thursday, 14 July, 2005
: Thursday, 14 July, 2005Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
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