Debuted in front of a national audience during the 2012 London Olympics, Apple launched three new advertisements that are designed to highlight the superior intelligence of the twenty-something employees stationed at the Apple Genius bar within retail locations. However, two of the advertisements aren’t very flattering of Mac owners and make them too inept to figure out simple programs like iPhoto or iMovie.
For instance, the two men in the first two advertisements have been comically portrayed as having a difficult time remembering important events regarding their significant other. One ad shows a panicked man attempting to create a movie for his wife’s anniversary which he forgot until 27 minutes before his plane was supposed to land and the other ad shows an oblivious man more interested in learning how iPhoto works rather than taking his wife to the hospital in order to give birth to their child.
While certainly humorous, it can also be taken as embarrassing to dedicated fans of Apple products. The third advertisement shows a consumer that lacks the intelligence to research the difference between an Apple computer and any other brand of computer, but finally understands after the Apple genius shows him the error of his purchase.
However, the man isn’t portrayed as a complete bumbling buffoon, but rather someone that got suckered into purchasing a laptop that was supposed to be like a MacBook by an unscrupulous, slimy PC salesperson.
It’s possible that these Apple Genius ads could be the start of a new massive campaign centered around the Genius bar, thus creating another recognizable brand spokesperson for Apple. Prior to the celebrity-filled commercials featuring Apple’s Siri on the iPhone, one of the most popular Apple ad campaigns was the Mac versus PC ads featuring Justin Long and John Hodgman. That campaign was also recreated for the British market by using the comedy duo of David Mitchell as PC and Robert Webb at Mac.
Let’s say you are Apple, and your entire marketing campaign is based on how “easy” your product is to use, how “cool” mac users are compared to those “dorky, nerdy” PC users, and then charges you double what comparable PC rig costs.
And you are surprised that the company considers you, it’s customers, are a bunch of foolish, trend following, computer illiterates with more money than sense? Mac users, wake up and smell the Caramel Hot Chocolate Organic Soy Decaff Latte. Despite (or perhaps because of) your slavish, mindless loyalty to all that is Apple, they hold you in contempt.
I liked it when they just made fun of Windows computers, that was pretty funny… with the big fat dorky “PC user”. The new Apple is more friendly I guess and doesn’t want to offend, Steve Jobs didn’t give a shit though, he loved making fun of Windows and it was refreshing to see that kind of honesty from a CEO.
Maybe this is the reality of what a Genius has to deal with.
Wealthy customers following a trend and not having any idea of what to do with their machines.
The difference between a PC and a Macintosh user is that the ones who own Macs that cannot use a computer have free technical support with apple for all time so they come into apple stores and ask thousands of questions without even trying something themselves.
Watching these ads is uncomfortable like overhearing a pubescent retail store worker gripe about some stupid customer he had to help. I think these ads are meant to suggest that the genius bar guys are a lot more helpful than the buffoons that work at stores like Best Buy (which is very true). But the ad also plays on the tired caricatured “too dumb to do it on his own” male consumer.
Yeah I have to agree with most commenters that these ads are not directed at tech people. They are directed at crowds that are less tech literate and just want simple. Someone like our parents, for example. People that don’t have the time and patience and just want an easy solution.
And I see nothing wrong with advertising to those people, in fact, that’s what they should be doing. The people that know tech already know how good Apple’s products are, so why bother preaching to the choir, as they say…
What’s wrong with our country? Yeah, it’s full of “People that don’t have the time and patience and just want an easy solution.” Sheep.
It seems pretty clear that these ads are aimed at NEW Mac users… especially those switching over from Windows.
These ads are NOT aimed at Mac users who are well-versed with Macs and OS X.
If I thought that these ads were meant for me (someone who has been using Macs for a long time), I probably would feel insulted… but I don’t. TV ads are not always advertising to everyone, but usually to specific audiences.
Obviously if you know the Mac, you don’t need to see the Genius at the Apple Stores… but there are a lot of people who do, and make appointments to get what we would consider “basic” help.
I know A LOT of people in my circle of family and friends who are like that, and who ask me for basic help or to answer simple questions.
These ads are made to remind those people that they can easily get the help they need by speaking with a Genius.
I’m with you on this one. The ads are clearly targeting mainstream consumers that may not be familiar with a Mac. And Apple is showing that you get more than just a “PC” when you buy an Apple product, you get a support team there, ready to help you. Something you will not get with an HP, Sony or other brands.
I actually think that these ads are quite good. They are amusing and light hearted. I disagree that they make “Apple fans” look inept. There are all kinds of users out there and they all get in to a jam.
This article is kinda like the pinheads in Hollywood who analyze what the majority of people want, only to give them the opposite. “The Last Man Standing” slapped them in the face stating that viewers wanted family shows.
Not to get off subject here, but….Let’s stop over analyzing commercials and start reporting on things that matter.
Scott
(Windows 8 early adopter, Linux User, Mac User)
If Apple users wanted to look inept and foolish, they would just use Microsoft Windows the default standard for inept and foolish.
:-D
Good one!
Let’s not fool ourselves. Each side has their fair share of inept users.
I imagine anyone who “advocates” for Mac’s consider themselves “Tech savy”. Don’t most people with a PDA soldered into their hand also consider themselves “Tech savy”? Your all just consumers of products created by intelligent people and marketed, especially in Apples case, by unscrupulous people. I loved the Mac vs. PC commercial, especially after Apple dumped Motorola and switched to Intel for their CPU. I have designed and built computer hardware and written software in assembler on through to basic. I have done consulting work for the JPL and fortune 500 companies. Mac’s are for people who need things done for them, PC’s are for engineers. Mac’s are too propitiatory and Apple now tries to maintain its market share through law suits and intimidation. The idea that Mac users are more intelligent and creative is only indicative of Mac users gullibility and susceptibility to Apple’s marketing. Buy the least expensive computer you can find that matches you minimum system requirements and go make some money with it rather than the manufacturer constantly making money off of you. Otherwise your just another dupe for Apple
“propitiatory”…try another word as I’m sure that’s not what you meant…
I’m a Mac user w/ a sense of humor and think these ads are funny. I don’t need much help w/ Mac programs, but can sympathize w/ new users who may not realize how creative they can get w/ a Mac. To think that I would find this personally insulting is…personally, insulting. get a life!
I don’t get why PC users assume that Mac users think of themselves as better than everyone else or that they are somehow tech savvy for buying a Mac. I see Macs as more of a simple man’s computer. It’s a solution that for the vast majority of the target market will do everything the user requires and with fewer headaches than a PC. I use a PC all day at work and I couldn’t do all of my work on a Mac even if I wanted. However, when I get home and plop down with my laptop I have a greater overall user experience with my Mac than I ever had with the multitude of PCs I’ve owned.
I also haven’t given Apple another dime in support of my laptop since the initial purchase.
Because most PC users don’t have to ‘assume’ — a vast majority of the Mac enthusiasts that I’ve ran into will simply tell it to your face.
Its clear what type of customers Apple wants/ would like to have.
Apple Vs PC is like comparing Lego to Meccano ( http://www.meccano.com/ )
IMHO Apple should just get a life and do what they exceed in best ;)
Sue every company that trys to make anything that remotely has a chance of being just as popular as what they make.Ironically they want to sue Samsung for making thinl rectangular devises like their iPhone while in reality they actually copied/based their unique concept from a Sony smartphone design themselves LOL
Its a wonder they haven’t sued framers yet for growing Apples lmao
Oh well I’d rather have a PC and a android tablet than just an iPad because they cost just about the same
Look, all this Mac hate is pretty ridiculous. I’m tech savy. I’ve used PC, OS X, and Linux. Mac was by far the most easiest and user friendly OS I’ve ever used on a desktop. With my PC, there were ALWAYS problems. I got sick and tired of hunting down DLLs, fixing that blasted registry, and all the malware and viruses that came with it. Linux was the best OS but has a VERY steep learning curve. OS X has just worked for me and worked flawlessly. I know you PC heads hate hearing this but some people don’t have time to sit down in front of a PC and fix this or fix that or defrag this or boot into safe mode to fix viruses. We just want to sit down and do the task we want without any problems. I bought my iMac in January 2006. 6.5 years later its still runs beautifully. Only issue I ever had was the hard drive went and I got it replaced. I lost nothing because I keep everything on externals. It doesn’t freeze, I’ve NEVER had a virus or malware infection either.
So with that said, not all Mac owners are dumb or think they are superior. Some of us just don’t have the time nor patience to deal with computer issues.
“by far the most easiest”
Well I think that pretty much sums it up. I guess the ads are right. Mac people aren’t the brightest bulbs in the lamp.
^^^ The obligatory PC head response. As usual, resorting to name calling.
Works both ways dude. You gotta admit, you aren’t going to have a lot of cred when you say something is the “most easiest”. Bottom line is if you’re used to a Mac, a Mac is going to be easy for you and a PC will be totally confusing. Likewise, a PC person on a Mac is going to be a dolt.
I don’t think Apple is doing themselves any good by portraying their prospective customers as idiots who can get help at the Apple store, which BTW, will be more than happy to sell you more stuff you don’t need. Apple had done a fantastic job of developing their brand and I think they are flushing it down the toilet with these ads. It comes across as the computer to buy for the clueless. Not sure I care to be identified with that group. Just saying.
No it doesn’t. Clearly my context showed it was most easiest TO ME. PCs are NOT confusing to me. I own 4 of them. My iMac is my goto machine because its the one that give me the least amount of problems, and that is a FACT, at least for me.
Not every computer user wants to write code, or build custom boxes, or diagnose and fix issues. Its my opinion that is where a lot of you PC superusers get it wrong. A LOT of users just want to sit down in front of their computer and get their task done with little to no problems from the computer itself. If a windows box does that for you, good for you. If a Linux box does that for you, good for you. If a Mac does that for you, good for you. It just so happens that my iMac does it for me.
When I sit down in front of my computer, I’m only doing a few things. Im either writing docs in WORD or google docs, browsing some of the very few sites I visit, checking/sending email, listening to music, or streaming movies to my TV. Other than that one hard drive failure 3 years in, my iMac has not failed me. My PCs on the other hand need constant attention. Somethings always freezing or quitting for no good reason. I just get tired of fixing them, and yes, I know how to fix them.
Some of you PC heads are as bad or even worse than the Apple users you put down. Some of you guys seem to have this air about you all like you guys are elite or above Apple users or any user who doesn’t know how to fix or build their own PC, because you use a PC, or you can build a PC, or you know how to write programs, or whatever.
I am not an apple fan but like I said, I appreciate that my iMac does not give me problems. I guess the best way to put it is I am not OS myopic. I use what works best for ME.
As far as Apple ads, yes, they are quite irritating, INCLUDING the justin long ones. Apple is GREAT at marketing and a lot of people drink their kool-aid. I am not one of them. Take for instance the iPhone. Whenever I read those articles that claim that iPhone users are wealthier than Android users, or Apple users have more sex than Android users, I cringe. Its this type of snobbery that truly puts distaste for a brand in people’s mouths. I own a Galaxy Nexus and in my very humble opinion, it is better than the iPhone 4s in every way except the camera quality.
I agree, I own both and these days I use “Parallels” to boot up Windows 7 on my Mac when I need it. I find the “genius” people at the Mac store usually treat me ok but because I’m 63 they think I don’t know anything about computers and it gets really annoying at times. I’ve been in the computer business for 40 years now and I’ve built them, serviced them and programmed them. I don’t go to the Apple store any more unless I need something right away. I do like their cell phone cash registers and their online receipts – very cool. I wish it were that way everywhere else.
I agree. The only thing more annoying than an Apple fanboy is an anti-Apple fanboy.
Most of the “former” windows users that went to mac, had a 7+ year old computer running XP that they had their kids use, that had games, crap and malware on it.
So of course a brand new mac, that mad salespeople tell them they are smart for buying, appear better.
Anything newer that hasnt had crap loaded on it, works heaps better!
OSX is a pain! Most of the fixes make no sense and everything is program independent, profiles etc.. People complain about “registry” settings but its 1 place to fix things. OSX simply has crap that simply DOESNT work, or there is a freak script that the program writer made you have to lookup and run. Intuitive my arse!
Readjust?
Its like saying the emperors new clothes are beautiful, you just have to learn to see them !!
Sorry but the emperor has no clothes, and any jackarse that says otherwise is hiding their own stupidity!
Also:
Apple makes you think paying them money will give people intelligence and the excuse for their computer ignorance in the past. It doesnt, a stupid user on a PC is also a stupid user on a MAC, its just a new OS, and a worse designed one in comparison.
My kids play games on my Mac all the time and I’ve not had any of the problems you mention. However, my PC, the ones my kids use, has problems all the time and its running Vista.
Linux.
Nuff said.
Yeah, I’ve seen the ads. At first, I thought this article was saying the kid in the blue shirt looked inept and foolish. I’m sorry but just because you know how to use a couple of “Apps” doesn’t make you expert.
Besides, Apple has always been a hybrid tech company (hardware and software). Their hardware is usually high quality and their software is usually reliable but sub-par, lacking in functionality. So I’m not sure why all of a sudden they are trying to highlight their software. Maybe they are finally learning the lesson Microsoft and IBM learned a long time ago: No one cares about expensive hardware; what they want is good software.
This is not new news. Apple users have always been inept.
In real life I would estimate that 80% or better of all PC or Mac users a inept, you only learn by doing so several of the comments posted here are way out of line and indicated pizza faced punks that use mommy or daddies PC to go on line, I base this assumption on the fact that I made my living working in the computer industry for 45 years, and have worked with hundreds of self proclaimed experts who are in reality trolls who haven’t figured out that the general public has no time for their smart ass comments.
Well, Sir, I am not one of these so-called “pizza-faced punks” as you say. I don’t see where the comments “are way out of line” either.
Apple “geniuses” are the people in the store who help with HARDWARE issues…. not software and projects like it shows in the ads. Those people are called “creatives” and they do all teaching/software/projects/one on one appointments. You’d think Apple would pay attention to that.
Mac owners *are* foolish and inept. If that were not true, Apple could not sell them off-the-shelf PC hardware with an extra 50% markup.
HAHAHA! How true. You said in a few word what I was try to say in a lot of words.
Again, it’s all about the software and user experience. Lots of people don’t want to deal with hackintoshing a PC just so they can get bottom-of-the-barrel pricing. Also, Apple build quality is exceptionally high. You seem to be trying to make it sound like there is absolutely no reason to pay more for a Mac. And you are mistaken.
hackintoshes are in violation of the OSX EULA (which apple will sue for), and mac build quality is “meh”, there are consistently better parts on the market when they finalize their “early/mid/late” builds. The heat dissipation issues serve to strongly discount their build quality.
That’s leaving alone the fact that they’ve started soldering and gluing the things together.
There *is* no reason to pay more for a Mac. You can put together superior hardware for half the money, and install a superior and free OS. Unless you’re foolish and inept, of course.
A superior and free OS? Which one would this be? And please don’t say Linux.
Linux is a Kernel.
Touche.
But of course my meaning is apparent.
Agreed
This story needs better quality commenters. I have to wonder about the new Apple ad campaign. I wasn’t so much offended by what it implies about Mac owners and potential Mac owners, as I was offended by the poorly produced commercial I saw (the pregnant wife spot). It was neither creative or funny. You have to wonder what Steve Jobs would be saying about this now. Gone are the minimalist ad spots where all Apple needed was images of a Mac to sell a Mac. As for DAZZAJ’s absurd comments, I can’t stop laughing. Who are you people?
I’d like to respectfully ask what is absurd about his comment? Yes, the commercials were all in poor taste when you look at it from a professional perspective. They were poorly made as well. But, there is an abundance of truth to them. I personally detest this constant, new age political correctness that shields everyone’s feelings from reality.
Oh, the commenters don’t meet Apple’s stringent quality standards?
Dazzaj’s comment is entirely valid. Apple users have this belief of superiority, but the fact is most of the userbase is completely computer illiterate and were fed a misconception that OSX will alleviate al their fears. I do off the book tech work for friends and family and the people that seem to have the most problems are the Mac users. Unfortunately I often find out they paid a ludicrious sum of money to a “genuis” to do something as simple as upgrade ram or a hard drive.
It is the greatest racket of all time. A large number of indoctrinated people willing to pay significantly more for a equivilant product and then constantly pay for service on the product. This group is unwilling to take a step back and re-evaluate, and are happy to throw away their money. Worst of all, they try to convince others that their products are in fact “easier” and superior, without any real knowledge of the products. It’s amazing that many of these users still believe that their computers are impervious to viruses. As market share has increased, which is still low in all devices besides tablets (a fad that will die in the next handful of years), virus have grown in occurances and numbers at an equal pace.
I have no problems with someone who wants to use an OSX PC. If they were 50% less expensive they would be solid PCs. I just have options, upgradability, and MUCH more power out of my Windows based PC than any Mac PC could imagine offering at a price point anywhere in the same stratosphere.
That said who are you? An Apple tool with blinders on?
So, what’s new and/or controversial with this ad? A large company finally telling the truth? Apple’s motto really should be, “Simple computers for simple people.”
If you look at the average Apple user, they really are quite inept and computer illiterate. Unfortunately, I see this all day long in my line of IT work. There is a lot of truth to these ads; wait… I bet that’s why there is controversy, because nobody tells the truth about anything anymore. It’s shocking to the consumer when they are faced with the truth of reality!
Well, most are suckered into buying them because of Apples successful marketing strategies (placing Apple in schools, etc.). Stupid people fall for “if it’s expensive, and shiny, it must be the best”.
Here’s the message — “you old guys are so lame and technically ignorant, but the children will save you”. I guess that would be a great message if only folks under the age of 20 were allowed to buy Apple stuff.
No problem — age is the last legal prejudice.
You’re right, Sir. Age is the last legal prejudice. Funny thing is, I have been using, working on, and building my own computers since long before the 20 somethings were born. I haven’t bought a desktop since the IBM PC (a mistake!). Only reason I buy laptops is because the only components are in kit form. I don’t own Apple. Never have. Never will. For many reasons. Overpriced. Overhyped. Contempt toward customers. To name but a few.
How come only men shown in the ad???
(sorry if a double post)
i am seriously not being snarky, but can someone tell me what he’s wearing around his neck??? google is not helping me on this one.
All of the Apple Genius weenies wear an ID badge. It’s basically one step up from the stick on badge that says “My name is…”
All I can say is, if Apple is going to glorify the Geniuses at the Genius Bar, it would be really cool if they’d also pay ‘em. http://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/24/business/apple-store-workers-loyal-but-short-on-pay.html?pagewanted=all
Too bad…Volkswagen runs a similar ad in Latin America where a man who ignored his wife sitting in labor in the car and got into a flimsy discussion about the car with an officer. It also reflects the reality of a world obsessed with fantasy and materialism.
New article by Mike Flacy makes author seem desperate, in need of news topics.
Amusing, since I’ve stopped sending people to the Genius Bar thinking they’re going to get help. It seems that many of the times I’ve suggested folks go to the Genius Bar, they’ve come away frustrated or — in several cases, been sold new computers when their old one simply needed one of the component parts replaced. (Or what *would* be a component part on a generic computer but is so ‘integrated’ with other parts inside the Mac, you have to practically gut the thing.)
Exactly what I’ve learned about the so-called “Genius Bar”. They fault the customer. Now, Apple is making where NO ONE can repair Apple products because the parts are all glued in place, and together. And, battery replacement on a Mac cost on the order of $200. I replaced my battery on my Dell laptop, with a 9-cell (in place of a 6-cell) from eBay for less than $40 shipped. And, that battery had the same lifespan as the original. Also, it takes about 10 seconds to replace the battery.
Yup. When an iMac motherboard is $800, why bother replacing a single component if it’s out of warranty (or if they simply won’t honor the warranty, which is pretty common with Apple) when you can spend double that and get a new Mac. It’s so silly! But hey, that’s how they make their money. Gouge their inept users who follow with blind loyalty and never question anything the “Geniuses” say.
I’ve never spent that much for an entire computer. Laptop, and especially desktop since I have built all mine, and the family’s myself.
Apart from the moral superiority you get from assembling components into a unit, like a 10 year old gets from making his first lego kit, what exactly have you done with your computer that has made you money?
Moral superiority? The satisfaction I get is that I know EXACTLY what has gone into said computer. Including the OS with NO bloatware. What does building my own computer have to do with MAKING me money? It SAVES me money. And, it gives me satisfaction.
Run tech services with a computer that’s 2-10x more efficient than any commercially assembled computer at it’s price. Assembled a small scale server to host local business backups to pay rent. Used the raid array to improve repair rates. I wouldn’t call it moral superiority but rather tech superiority. I guess I could do what my friends have done and assemble the worlds best computers out of the best commercially available parts to naive gamers and people who don’t realize how useful these skills can be.
But you know, things like learning excel and building a fixed gear bicycle are important too.
boo-urns this is not good. not good at all. shut it down. make cool commercials
This just underlines the contempt that apple has for it’s consumers. Remember the iphone antenna fiasco? Apple told iphone owners that they were “holding the iphone wrong”. Genius Bar helpful, and friendly? From what I gather, from other people telling me, they are blamed for every issue they have with their Apple products.
Apple is a great, multi billion dollar, MARKETING company. Always have been. They use the media to get free advertising by leaking information about the “latest, and greatest” Apple product. Which gets all the fanboys/fangirls drooling, and talking all over the internet (more free advertising).
Apple computers use the same internal hardware (CPU, harddisk, etc.) as the major PC manufacturers. The only differences are the cosmetics, and the OS. I could care less if Apple uses “minimalist”, shiny designs with a prominent logo. Looks like their OS is difficult to use from what I gather from one of the previous posters.
I don’t own Apple products. Never have. Never will. Overpriced. Overhyped. And, contemptuous company.
And this is why Apple’s customer service is consistently rated at the top of customer satisfaction surveys? Just be happy that you passionately hate Apple’s success, and enjoy your whatever non-Apple device.
Show me the statistics is what I say to that. Because, time and again, I have consistently heard that the customer is usually blamed for the problem, and repairs are very expensive. I don’t passionately hate ANYONE”S, including Apple’s, success. I despise Apple, and their products, because of their attitude toward customers, their rabid litigation, and their exorbitant pricing. Steve Jobs admitted to stealing others ideas, but Apple sues anyone for even looking like they might imitate an Apple idea.
I happen to happily own a Dell laptop, which has been trouble free for over three years. I replaced the battery, a 6-cell, with a 9-cell last year for less than $40 from a vendor on eBay. It took me 10 seconds to replace. I had to replace the keyboard. I did something stupid, and screwed-up one of the keycaps. It cost me $12. And, took removal of four screws and 10 minutes to do. I’ve increased the RAM from 2 to 4 GB. It takes the removal of a few screws to clean the dust from underneath every once-in-a-while. I’ve never had to take my laptop to anyone for hardware, or software. I’ve always done everything myself, and this has been since the ’80s. I build my own desktops.
I think you miss the point. The modern world requires people, most people in fact, to use computers to accomplish many daily tasks. Whether it’s email, or research, or management of an online banking account, they have to be able to at least approach it in the easiest manner possible. You either assume that most most folks should have your skill to build their own computers, or that the general public is being “duped” into buying Macs, since it would be so simple to build and maintain a computer out of standard components. What about all other other people out there who don’t have your computer skills, or perhaps don’t care to learn them? You don’t have to be a mechanic to drive a car, and you don’t have to be a computer wiz to use a computer. Apple has indeed brought personal computers into the home, in unprecedented fashion. Try to install additional hardware on a Windows machine, then go install that same hardware on a Mac (scanner, printer, or whatever). Yes, Windows machines can be customized ad infinitum IF YOU KNOW HOW AND NEED THAT. So what? Most people have better things to do. They want something that will work, will not be endlessly challenged by spyware, viruses and crashes – and something that will come with great customer support that isn’t redirected to some bad phone connection in India or Indonesia. In my experience as an IT professional, Apple has usually gone beyond the call, REPLACING hardware for FREE in many cases, even if the warranty had recently expired. I don’t know who you’ve been talking to regarding Genius Bar experiences, but your description does not jive with reports I’ve received, or my own experience with the stores. (We’re an independent tech support firm, and not affiliated with Apple). There are more folks out there without your computer skills than there are savvy do-it-yourselfers capable of building their own PC. So what’s your problem? Apple serves them, and serves them well.
As someone who worked for Apple I can tell you first off: Most of what Daddyd01 said was right about employee contempt (even more so if you’re claiming to be a mac support and have to go to a genius bar to get things fixed instead of going through GSX yourself). Second: Installing printers, scanners and cameras is not something Apple does. Further there is no support for your banking software or you real estate software from Apple. The reason why Apple replaced your hardware for free is because you probably aggressively approached the issue and Apple does not say “no” to customers or retaliate when customers become hostile. People that purchase Macs because they “don’t get viruses or malware” are the same people who have OSX/Crisis right now and MacDefender before that because they think they really are the 1000000th visitor and will receive a free prize if they just download and fill out this “paperwork” file.
TL:DR most of the stuff you said was a lie – Someone is actually an Apple-certified Tech
It’s okay to be an apologist though, just try a little harder.
Funny. I own a Dell laptop. I’ve never had problems with viruses, spyware, etc. since I run McAfee at all times. I never have had crashes. I paid way less for the Dell than I would have an equivalent Apple. I guess that makes me dumb since Apple makes you smart. The times that I have spoken with someone at Dell, it has been a person in the USA. And, their support was fantastic. I’m sorry but Apple DOES overcharge for their hardware, and repairs (if the repairs can be made at all since they are gluing everything together).
Oh brother. So many Apple haters, and usually those who “don’t own any Apple products”. From your comments, that is quite clear. Comparing Windows machines to Apple Machines, and saying they’re the same but Macs are just shiny and more expensive, underscores that you don’t have a clue. I own an IT firm that specializes in Mac support. Windows users are constantly calling for help, while Mac users basically need help with setup, and then perhaps some maintenance once every two years or so. It’s no secret that Microsoft basically knocked off the Mac concept when it unveiled Windows. It’s an accepted fact. And, the iphone and iPad sales speak volumes. One poster claims the tablet thing is a “fad that won’t last long.”
Wonder how long laptops will last, now that tablets are quickly surpassing them in sales. The future will be voice recognition and tablets. Period. No laptops, few desktops, and an integrated system in every home – with Smart televisions being the core of the system. As usual, you Windows fanatics carry on rants against Apple, but don’t know what you’re talking about.
“Windows users constantly calling for help…” Does it matter that Apple only has around 12% of the PC market? Sure you’re going to get more calls if 88% of the market are the callers.
Have you sat down with a regular Apple owner? Not a geek or tech but a regular person trying to use OSX!
The Apple system itself is not very user friendly once you get past the basics, and many of the owners have this impression that “it simply works” which, from many experiences, “it simply doesn’t work”.
Apple is sold generally to those who are not computer literate and hence needs the support techs to install a simple programs etc.
The adds depicts the Apple idea of its users. Remember Jobs himself use to state “people don’t know what they want until you show it to them!” – This seems to be the Apple mentality and the type of people they are aiming at!
Frankly, I think Jobs would have HATED this new ad campaign. Really poorly done, even if I am usually an Apple fan. When I saw the ads, I had to utter WTF?
I suppose every company makes mistakes. These ads are pretty bad, and cringe-worthy.
This article is trying to make something out of nothing. The whole point is that no matter how scatter brained, novice, or non tech savey the customer might be, the genius bar will be friendly, effective, and helpful for each customer’s needs. What is negative about that message?
Funny… unless you have no sense of humor… all Mac users have a sense of humor, right?
Those are all former windows users. Give them time to readjust. Don’t be hasty.
Years is not hasty, there are people calling that have had macs since the 80s and still don’t understand copy/paste so I’d say fielding 20k+ calls a day pertaining to that stuff is enough to draw a decent conclusion.
Just to weigh in on the gravity of these situations, having worked Apple tech support normally the users are this inept or worse because they believe they shouldn’t have to read tutorials or click the help menu because they believe everything should be intuitive even if it’s your first time at a computer. So are these commercials inaccurate portrayals? I’d say sadly, no.
You get the customer base you advertise for.