Apple Splitting 'ProCare' into 'ProCare' and 'One-to-One'

[MacRumors]

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com)

http://images.macrumors.com/article/2007/04/30/onetoone.png

MacRumors has heard that Apple will be relaunching its ProCare product on Wednesday, splitting the $99 service into two separate $99 services.

Apple's current ProCare package (http://www.apple.com/retail/procare/) offers a number of services for a $99/year cost. These services include:

- Personal Training - up to 52 one-hour sessions over a year.
- Fast Track - priority repairs and available same-day service at the Genius Bar.
- Advance Reservations - schedule appointments for the Genius Bar and The Studio up to 14 days in advance.
- Yearly Tune-up - system diagnostics, update your Apple software, and even clean your monitor and keyboard.
- Computer Setup - transfer all your existing files to your new computer, organize everything into convenient folders, and set up your system and your new software.

Apple is expected to split their ProCare service (http://www.apple.com/retail/procare/) into two separate services:

ProCare - $99.
- Fast Track
- Advanced Reservations
- Yearly Tune-up
- Backup Consult
- Complete Setup

One-to-One - $99. ($79 for teachers)
- Personal Training - up to 52 one-hour sessions over a year.
- Complete Setup

So, customers interested in purchasing ProCare should considering purchasing ProCare before Wednesday as benefits will reportedly be honored under the old terms.

[zap2]

weak...I've never had a huge urge to buy Procare, but if I ever did its was nice to know there was the extra bonus of the one on one thing

[mikes63737]

They should have dropped the price a little bit too. It's still worth it, but not as good of a value as before.

[bearbo]

What?! So now they are gonna charge double for the same service, essentially? That's rip-off!

[Zwhaler]

I am I the only one who wants Pro Care because of the cool looking card? :D

[Psychic Shopper]

- Computer Setup - transfer all your existing files to your new computer, organize everything into convenient folders, and set up your system and your new software.

If your old Mac has a firewire port it's real easy to transfer files, it was a snap for me

[delahappy]

I am I the only one who wants Pro Care because of the cool looking card?

Yes

[MacNtoss]

I am I the only one who wants Pro Care because of the cool looking card?
No :D

[Eraserhead]

Maybe they'll make ProCare acceptably good for Business customers.

[reallynotnick]

I am I the only one who wants Pro Care because of the cool looking card?

Well I did not want pro care before, but now you tell me there is a cool card? I am interested now.

But doesn't that show that you know nothing about Apple or you wasted $100?

[Whistleway]

What's the source for all this? Official information?

[arn]

What's the source for all this? Official information?

sorry for not specifying. I added "MacRumors has heard..." to the story. It's a rumor, though seems pretty likely.

arn

[amac4me]

I think One-to-One will be a hit ... great for switchers.

[iMacZealot]

I don't understand...they're splitting one very important part of a $99 service into a separate $99 service so customers will have to spend $200 on a service that used to cost them $99 for really no apparent reason whatsoever????

[xfiftyfour]

i'd never have paid for the service anyways, but if you're going to split a service up into two, then the price ought to be reduced as well.

bad call apple.

[rmapple]

I've had Procare for 9-10 months and I already had doubts of keeping the membership. If the services change with an increased price, I will not renew my membership.

[nagromme]

ProCare always sounded like a waste (or something to bundle with AppleCare) and still does.

One-to-One, at 52 hours for $99, sounds like a great deal if you like to be taught/shown, and find enough topics of value.

Both include "setup" help, which sounds like a good thing for Mac newcomers.

[iJawn108]

What is the service for allowing users of pro apps to contact apple about technical problems in the software?

[Chrispy]

If this ends up being true Apple is just out to make another buck while they are already making good profits. So much for customers first :rolleyes:

[bgarlock]

I bought ProCare, just for the "FastTrack" service, which is supposed to put you at the head of the pack for AppleCare repairs. The one time I flashed my card, and needed my machine repaired, *after* all the parts had come in, I was told that I would have to wait up to 24 hours for a keyboard replacement.

I bet I could do the replacement in about 1/2 hour, maybe less. I have added several HD's to iBook G4's, and that is about as tough as replacements get. Replacing a keyboard on a MBP is not rocket science, but in order to keep my machine under warranty, I need to have the "Genius" do it.

I still have not brought my MBP back to have the keyboard replaced (backlight issue).

So, read the fine print! I read where there is no guarantee that FastTrack folks will get their machines added to the top of the repair list, but the marketing material sure does seem like it should. I never would have purchased ProCare, if there was not this supposed "quick" repair turn-arounds. I am still fuming about it. I can't give my laptop up for 24 hours - I use it as my daily machine. Maybe I can convince them to give me a loaner, and I can boot from my Super Duper image, on one of my external drives.

Has anyone else experienced something like this? I wish they would just give me the part, and let me do it.

[puckhead193]

this is complete horse poo. It was fine the way it is.
Also limiting the number of classes throughout the year....pifff...

[Di9it8]

If this ends up being true Apple is just out to make another buck while they are already making good profits. So much for customers first :rolleyes:

Looks like putting customers pockets first.
Also it seems to me, rather than pro or expert care, it is becoming novice care, or even am care :eek:

[MLeepson]

I am I the only one who wants Pro Care because of the cool looking card?

No, I already have one and I love it (the card and the service)! :D

[Zwhaler]

Well I did not want pro care before, but now you tell me there is a cool card? I am interested now.

But doesn't that show that you know nothing about Apple or you wasted $100?

I actually know all about Pro Care, it was kind of a joke... I don't even want it...

I'll add a ":D " to show I'm not serious, or perhaps lots of people here are unable to detect sarcasm. :confused:

[Shintocam]

I bought ProCare, just for the "FastTrack" service, which is supposed to put you at the head of the pack for AppleCare repairs. The one time I flashed my card, and needed my machine repaired, *after* all the parts had come in, I was told that I would have to wait up to 24 hours for a keyboard replacement.

I bet I could do the replacement in about 1/2 hour, maybe less. I have added several HD's to iBook G4's, and that is about as tough as replacements get. Replacing a keyboard on a MBP is not rocket science, but in order to keep my machine under warranty, I need to have the "Genius" do it.

I still have not brought my MBP back to have the keyboard replaced (backlight issue).

So, read the fine print! I read where there is no guarantee that FastTrack folks will get their machines added to the top of the repair list, but the marketing material sure does seem like it should. I never would have purchased ProCare, if there was not this supposed "quick" repair turn-arounds. I am still fuming about it. I can't give my laptop up for 24 hours - I use it as my daily machine. Maybe I can convince them to give me a loaner, and I can boot from my Super Duper image, on one of my external drives.

Has anyone else experienced something like this? I wish they would just give me the part, and let me do it.

Interesting. As much as I love my Powerbook - when I need repairs, I long for the days of having my Dell (no seriously). We have lots of laptops at work - a mix of Dells, Apples, Toshibas etc... Problem with an Apple? Bring it to an authorised dealer, leave it for a few days, wait...get it back.

Problem with a Dell? They call me to set up a convinient time, show up at my office with the necessary parts for repairs, fix it in front of me, and then wish me a good day. Seriously - had that happen for a screen replacement, keyboard replacement (two different machines). And usually they show up within 24 hours....

Still, I'm not going back - my next laptop will be a MBP but still there are still things Apple can learn from Dell.

[Rocketman]

Were they overburdoned with people using the service under the old terms so they had to raise the price to ration limited space and time? Or is this the marketing department performing some example of unexplicable magic?

Rocketman

[Object-X]

I won't be renewing mine. I don't think ProCare has really been worth it. I can see it for the training if you need that, but a $100 for service? They are going to charge $100 so I can make an appointment for service? What exactly are you getting for your money? Well, they won't be getting mine. :(

[elppa]

Greedy. Very greedy.

And while we're on the subject, I think everyone should be able to book at least a day in advance for appointments.

AppleCare
ProCare
One to One
.Mac
iWork

That's a fair few additional items to try and sell with every computer. Hopefully iLife + iWork will be bundled with Leopard to make up.

[jmsait19]

i'm not saying this was a good idea... but if they were going to charge the old price (full service) for the one-to-one (partial service) shouldn't they have given you more opportunities to use it??

i agree, bad idea if this is true... just seems like they aren't really thinking about the customers on this one...

[color guy]

Just thought i'd jump in here...

If you think what it must cost to pay someone for 52 hours, including payroll
taxes, insurance, overhead etc., it's seems like a great deal to me IF
you need this type of service. It would have been super helpful when i was
starting out. I think this would be ideal for switchers, noobs.

[biturbomunkie]

It was fine the way it is.


i, for one, feel the current procare IS already a total ripoff. i got it only b/c apple refused to transfer data from my MB to the replacement unit without charging a fee (could have done it myself, but they wouldn't let me to take both MBs home). i figured if i paid $30 more, i could get procare which would give me priority at the genius bar... WRONG... 3 out of 3 times i was turned away by the genius bar at my local apple store cos they were booked the whole flippin day. i was forced to drive 40-min (one way!) to another apple store to fix recurring RSD. when i did make an appointment, i was made to wait 30 mins and then got yelled at by a store manager for no reason (i didn't even complaint about the wait!). called and wrote to apple's PR, no response or follow-up. i certainly don't see the "pro" in procare. they should pay me $200 for the crap that i had to go through.

with that said, i think if apple wants to separate procare, they should at least combine each separated service with .mac to make them look more reasonably priced.

[chicagdan]

What?! So now they are gonna charge double for the same service, essentially? That's rip-off!

Amazingly, Apple took a complete rip off service and made it an even bigger rip off. What's next, dividing the .Mac benefits in two?

[PlaceofDis]

Both include "setup" help, which sounds like a good thing for Mac newcomers.

... for Mac newcomers, this is directly who this is aimed at.
i'd say the vast majority of users and regulars here wouldn't be interested in either, but for someone just switching... the "One-on-One" is great.

[Chrispy]

Problem with a Dell? They call me to set up a convinient time, show up at my office with the necessary parts for repairs, fix it in front of me, and then wish me a good day. Seriously - had that happen for a screen replacement, keyboard replacement (two different machines). And usually they show up within 24 hours....

Still, I'm not going back - my next laptop will be a MBP but still there are still things Apple can learn from Dell.

AGREED! My Dell Latitude D620 at work had its hard drive go bad and it was fixed the next day. Another unit had a bad optical drive and Dell overnighted a replacement drive (hot swappable) and I was in business the next day. Apple could definitely learn from this level of service for business users.

[Analog Kid]

Bad news. It's always bad when a company turns service into a profit center. It's only a matter of time between that decision and the realization that they could make more money by building crappier products...

[bgarlock]

Problem with a Dell? They call me to set up a convinient time, show up at my office with the necessary parts for repairs, fix it in front of me, and then wish me a good day.


Yea, I'm not going back to Dell either, and you make an excellent point here. How great would it be if Apple made house calls? I know I am going to suggest this to Apple. Maybe if they here it enough, we might see something. For Dell to do that for "home" users, is a big deal, and a certainly welcomed service for the consumer. I wonder what is holding Apple back?

[mashinhead]

I think One-to-One will be a hit ... great for switchers.

seems thats the way their selling that feature. But what about seasoned users? How in depth does this one-one training get. i mean if it's just this is how to navigate a mac and use iphoto and idvd.. eh. But if i'm getting 52 hours of training on FCS 2 and Logic 7. i'm down. Anyone know? Cos i might get this since it's being retired on Wed. And can i renew under the old terms if i do?

[mashinhead]

Amazingly, Apple took a complete rip off service and made it an even bigger rip off. What's next, dividing the .Mac benefits in two?

shhhh. don't give them any more ideas. i'm the only schmuck who pays for that service.

[majordude]

Amazingly, Apple took a complete rip off service and made it an even bigger rip off. What's next, dividing the .Mac benefits in two?

DON'T GIVE 'EM ANY IDEAS! :eek:

[johnmcboston]

If this ends up being true Apple is just out to make another buck while they are already making good profits. So much for customers first :rolleyes:

Yah - this is definitely a 'screw the little guy' move. it was a tough enough decision to buy it the first time. Now you have folks like me that you would have gotten $99 from, and no you get $0 from... And just because you can get 52 sessions, doesn't mean you do. Most folks may do 4-8 of those - declaring 52 sessions as a value is a bit misleading.

[aristobrat]

Maybe they'll make ProCare acceptably good for Business customers.

I think One-to-One will be a hit ... great for switchers.
I think those two quotes sum it up.

I wouldn't be surprised at all if Apple Stores started marketing ProCare to its local business customers (did the old ProCare allow you to get Genius Bar service on three systems?), while marketing One-to-One to consumers, especially switchers or first-time computer buyers.

I think the old-ProCare was an insane value to the seemingly few (from reading this thread) people who actually used it to get access to both the Genius and Creative Bars. :eek:

The MacRumors article didn't mention this, but AppleInsider mentions (going back to ProCare being targeted towards businesses/professionals):
The first $99 package will retain the "ProCare" brand and continue to offer Genius Bar reservations up to 14 days in advance, "Fast Track" priority same-day repairs, and general Genius Bar expedited service for up to 3 computers.
http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/07/04/30/apple_procare_service_revamp_to_offer_less_bang_for_buck.html

[johnmcboston]

i, for one, feel the current procare IS already a total ripoff. i got it only b/c apple refused to transfer data from my MB to the replacement unit without charging a fee (could have done it myself, but they wouldn't let me to take both MBs home). i figured if i paid $30 more, i could get procare which would give me priority at the genius bar... WRONG... 3 out of 3 times i was turned away by the genius bar at my local apple store cos they were booked the whole flippin day.

You may have foudn the real reason. If to many people buy the 'cut to the head of the line card', then everyone is back to the same place they used to be, and it becomes harded to sell the service.

That's how they got me the first time. "We can fix your mac in a week, or if you buy this plan, it will be ready tomorrow morning..."

[johnmcboston]

If you think what it must cost to pay someone for 52 hours, including payroll taxes, insurance, overhead etc., it's seems like a great deal to me IF you need this type of service.

Well, to continue down this path. By your logic, I'd want a professional or expert. Often the 1-1 is the guy who happens to be in the store who knows the most about application X. I often stump them. I often get a 'kid' who wants to show me something cool I can do rather than answer my questions.

If you're going to double the price for this, I want a real person.

[Rocketman]

seems thats the way their selling that feature. But what about seasoned users? How in depth does this one-one training get. i mean if it's just this is how to navigate a mac and use iphoto and idvd.. eh. But if i'm getting 52 hours of training on FCS 2 and Logic 7. i'm down. Anyone know? Cos i might get this since it's being retired on Wed. And can i renew under the old terms if i do?

Well . . . kinda.

They have "classes" you can attend where they go over the basics of the program (for each of many programs). After you sit through a 45 minute monologue you can ask questions.

But wait. You can do that at a Genius Bar. Or a usenet newsgroup, or a website chat or forum.

This is targeted to new users, and users of recently purchased programs. There are mostly 101 level classes, but there are a "few" 202.

I needed a "Genius" and had to drive about 100 miles to access this magic. Could I schedule in advance? Nope. I had to drive down, schedule an appointment for the next day, which I did, stay overnight, come back the next morning and have them deal with my issue. They did "to a degree" but not to the degree my actual problem was solved (back up an iTunes library to any media at all besides the HD). I am not a moron either.

One of several things the Genius discovered is the iBook G4 which had only recently come back from Applecare (free!!!) had installed in it 128mb of memory (of the 256 it originally came with in the box and of the 640mb it was upgraded to by MacMall at time of purchase). Hmmm.

So I had an "independent" re-upgrade the memory at my expense. I still have an entire iTunes library stranded on what is probably a corrupt or partially corrupt HD since downloading via Firewire disc mode, or ethernet file sharing or emailing the file to myself, does not work.

Bottom line is not the drama of the computer (my first Apple Lemon ever, plenty more to this story), but WHY COULDN'T I RESERVE MY APPOINTMENT WITH THE GENIUS FROM 100 MILES AWAY AND SAVE AN OVERNIGHT?!?

Rocketman, likes Apple, but NOT an apologist.

[macintologist]

This is basic economics, people.

Demand far outnumbers supply, which pushes the price up, and now Apple has found the new equilibrium. Now they will set the price so that the number of demanders and the amount of supply have reached an equilibrium.

[aristobrat]

Well, to continue down this path. By your logic, I'd want a professional or expert. Often the 1-1 is the guy who happens to be in the store who knows the most about application X. I often stump them. I often get a 'kid' who wants to show me something cool I can do rather than answer my questions.

If you're going to double the price for this, I want a real person.
If you signed up online for your Creative Bar appointment, you would have been assigned an Apple-trained Creative that knows the app that you picked when you signed up. The slots that are open for you to pick from coincide with the schedules of the Creatives and what they know. i.e. if only one of the four Creatives knows Final Cut Pro, you're not going to be able to pick an appointment when s/he's not working.

If that particular Creative wasn't able to be at your appointment (i.e. s/he was sick that day) and they pulled a Specialist off of the floor to fill his spot, they'd call you in advance, but if they couldn't get ahold of you, you wouldn't be "charged" one of your 52 hours.

[swingerofbirch]

I have a problem with Apple's support as well. And I understand Apple is a smaller company than say Dell. But on the college campus I went to Dell had a set up with the IT department where you could just bring your Dell in and they had Dell certified people working in our computer department to fix the computer right there and they could order parts right from Dell.

As I've described at length in another post, when I needed help with my eMac, and could not drive to an Apple store, Apple did sound out a tech. However, he was not apple certified. He told me he had never worked on a Mac before, and long story short, he basically broke the eMac trying to fix the screen. He was part of a military contractor firm, and Apple doesn't know why he was sent out.

I again have a problem with the iMac they replaced it with and I have to use it in its constantly crashing state until my parents are finished with work for the summer so they can drive me the hour plus to get to an Apple store to get the iMac looked at. So i've been using for months now a computer on the fritz because their plan doesn't have real on site support, even though apple care is supposed to include on site support (if you call into apple care they basically say do on site repair at your own risk since they don't know who they are sending which is pretty bad imo). I think the fact that I bought apple care should at least give me the opportunity to make an appt for the specific time I know I will be able to bring the computer in. Not everyone has a car or knows how to drive, and even more people don't live particularly close to an Apple store.

Since they don't have the infrastructure to send out qualified on site reps, I think they should have a mail in program for iMacs. An iMac is not huge. And I know they CAN do it because when my eMac was broken they sent me a brand new CRT which is much heavier than an iMac and then wanted the old CRT sent back (even though I knew the problem was with the logic board..but that's a different story).

And if you want to speak in environmental terms, I think it is better for the environment to send computers to a centralized repair depot than for lots of individuals to drive back and forth to stores which can be hours away (and then drive back and forth again when the computer is repaired).

[Turkish]

Ripoff? Compmared to what?

Where in the world can you get 52 hours (one a week for a year) of one-on-one personal training for $1.90 an hour???

Greedy. Very greedy.

And while we're on the subject, I think everyone should be able to book at least a day in advance for appointments.

You can - go try it right now. You can make an appointment up to three days in advance.

[EricNau]

So, for the extra price of $198/year will Apple actually fix my computer? :rolleyes:


I can't wait for next week's headline:

Only pay for the .Mac features you want!

.Mac email - 250 MB storage - $99/year
1 GB iDisk Storage - $99/year
iWeb webpage - $99/year
Syncing - $50/year
.Mac iChat screen name - $25/year
Exclusive .Mac Member widgets - $10/each (hey, at least we get 'em)



...And the week after that Apple will start charging an entrance fee at all Apple Retail locations:
$5 basic fee ($15 for fifth Avenue - elevator ride not included)

[aristobrat]

But if i'm getting 52 hours of training on FCS 2 and Logic 7. i'm down.
The Creatives are expected to train on Apples Pro apps. Part of their training involves flying out and spending 2-weeks in Cupertino training on all of Apples apps.

Apple's Creatives are typically artists. At the store near me, one of the Creatives is a composer, the other is a photographer, and the other draws/paints. They can all cover the basics of the Pro apps, but for example, if you schedule an Aperture session, you're going to wind up with the photographer.

Your best bet is to call your local store and see what their Creatives excel in. They should be able to tell you right out if anyone there really knows Logic or Final Cut, or if they'd just be able to go over the basics with you.

[Turkish]

seems thats the way their selling that feature. But what about seasoned users? How in depth does this one-one training get. i mean if it's just this is how to navigate a mac and use iphoto and idvd.. eh. But if i'm getting 52 hours of training on FCS 2 and Logic 7. i'm down. Anyone know? Cos i might get this since it's being retired on Wed. And can i renew under the old terms if i do?

You can train on Shake, Motion, Logic and FCP if you like.

Anything Apple makes.

[aristobrat]

You can - go try it right now. You can make an appointment up to three days in advance.
Cool. I had heard that non-ProCare members would be able to make Genius Bar appointments at least 48-hours in the future. Glad to see it's real.

I just tried (as a non-member) to make a Genius Bar appt for an iMac at the Norfolk, VA store. I was able to schedule a time either tomorrow or on Wednesday.

[Rocketman]

Every time from now on a troll posts we are all Apple apologists (Kool-Aid drinkers) Arn can refer to this thread. He already refers to thread 500 and 2 for other purposes.

Rocketman

[whatever]

The current ProCare is the best deal at Apple. For $99 you get 52 one on one training sessions. Granted if you don't have knowledgable working at the your Apple store then it's not worth it, but for me it is.

They not only cover Mac products but also Adobe/Macromedia products too. They even allow you to bring in projects that you're working on and help you with it.

Another cool thing is, at least my Apple Store allows it, that they allow me to lend my card out to others and bring a guest along to my one-on-one sessions. Very cool.

And it's also a good way to network! I've been able to network and get freelance work with several customers, because of my contacts via ProCare. You just never know who else carries those cards around and when they might ask a ProCare trainer if they know someone who can do XYZ.

[Silentwave]

I am I the only one who wants Pro Care because of the cool looking card? :D

Nope, that was part of why I did it.

Glad to hear they'll honor the old benefits. I would be very angry otherwise. ProCare at twice the price isn't such a great value anymore

[whatever]

You may have foudn the real reason. If to many people buy the 'cut to the head of the line card', then everyone is back to the same place they used to be, and it becomes harded to sell the service.

That's how they got me the first time. "We can fix your mac in a week, or if you buy this plan, it will be ready tomorrow morning..."

Do people really understand what this is?

ProCare is not AppleCare. Yes, ProCare allows you to jump in line, but that's only to allow in store Apple reps to look at it. After a year, if you don't have AppleCare, you basically screwed.

The service side of ProCare, the jumping in line, to me has always been a joke. Mainly because, before I had it I would walk in, get a "Genius" and tell them my problem. Never any waiting. Granted I know more about Apple Hardware than the employees at the Apple Store, which helps, but all they do is check my warranty info and then tell me how much it will cost to fix. If a machine I have them looking at has AppleCare (all of our laptops do) then I have them ship it out for repair and I normally have it back within a couple of days. Good as new.

Now the training part of ProCare, as I stated earlier, is awesome. Mainly because Apple staffs their stores with mostly parttime employees who actually use the software for their full time jobs. I've met more Video Editors and Sound Engineers working at Apple (for the discount or because they own their own businesses). And they really know how to use the software and withing be very honest about the limitations.

[grouper]

i was told (by an apple store employee) that you could get around the one a week thing by going to a different store. (thats not possible everywhere because most places only have one store). itwas one a week per store

do you think that will still be the case?

[icloud]

No :D

OMG...you must be some kind of sorcerer... I always wanted to get the card because it looked to damn cool

OMG...you must be some kind of sorcerer... I always wanted to get the card because it looked so damn cool :)

[VicG]

Interesting. As much as I love my Powerbook - when I need repairs, I long for the days of having my Dell (no seriously). We have lots of laptops at work - a mix of Dells, Apples, Toshibas etc... Problem with an Apple? Bring it to an authorised dealer, leave it for a few days, wait...get it back.

Problem with a Dell? They call me to set up a convinient time, show up at my office with the necessary parts for repairs, fix it in front of me, and then wish me a good day. Seriously - had that happen for a screen replacement, keyboard replacement (two different machines). And usually they show up within 24 hours....

Still, I'm not going back - my next laptop will be a MBP but still there are still things Apple can learn from Dell.

Yep.

[Zwhaler]

Every time from now on a troll posts we are all Apple apologists (Kool-Aid drinkers) Arn can refer to this thread. He already refers to thread 500 and 2 for other purposes.

Rocketman

Think that ones bad, check out thread 501 :D "iPot iPot iPot is what you should be smoking if you think this things a hit"

[Earendil]

ProCare always sounded like a waste (or something to bundle with AppleCare) and still does.

One-to-One, at 52 hours for $99, sounds like a great deal if you like to be taught/shown, and find enough topics of value.

Both include "setup" help, which sounds like a good thing for Mac newcomers.

Exactly.

Do you know how much I'd charge to set up some peon of a windows user's computer, and then answer 52 hours worth of questions?
Pardon me, but I think it's a great deal.

We are, after all, not the target audience. The mere fact that we know MacRumors exists puts us leaps and bounds above the people this service is for.

So, in other words, stop whining.

[koobcamuk]

ProCare always sounded like a waste (or something to bundle with AppleCare) and still does.

One-to-One, at 52 hours for $99, sounds like a great deal if you like to be taught/shown, and find enough topics of value.

Both include "setup" help, which sounds like a good thing for Mac newcomers.

Setup is so easy I could do it in my sleep. Apple even make it easy. All I ever needed was my $3 firewire cable!

[fredr500]

I am waiting until WWDC to buy my mac pro. Can I buy Procare today but not start it until mid June?

Fred

[swingerofbirch]

I just remembered that Apple already has an education program called One to One. Having remembered that, I really wonder whether they would create another program under the same name?

http://www.apple.com/education/onetoone

[twoodcc]

not sure if this is good or bad? it doesn't really affect me though.

[CuteMacGirl]

seems thats the way their selling that feature. But what about seasoned users? How in depth does this one-one training get. i mean if it's just this is how to navigate a mac and use iphoto and idvd.. eh. But if i'm getting 52 hours of training on FCS 2 and Logic 7. i'm down. Anyone know? Cos i might get this since it's being retired on Wed. And can i renew under the old terms if i do?

I have a procare card now and the store by my house has taught me how to use Final Cut. I know that when yo make an appoitment Logic is an option too.

[Spymit007]

Just thought I'd chime in with my $0.02 on the matter. First off, ProCare is an amazing deal but it's not for everyone, I would guess the majority of people here would never have a need for it.

As some before me have said, where else can you receive 52 hours worth of one on one, personalized, private training with either a Mac Creative or a Mac Specialist? As for the training itself, it is truly world-class. At the Apple Store I go to, the creatives there are so smart and knowledgeable in all the iLife and professional Apple Apps and well as all the Adobe software suite and even Microsoft software. To be a creative at Apple, you need to go through training and thus you are flown to Cupertino where you are trained by guess who? The people at Apple who MADE THE SOFTWARE. So for $99 a year, I am getting training by someone who actually spent time learning Aperture from the software team at Apple who created that software. Still seem like a rip-off?

As for the FastTrack service, it's good if you are in a hurry and want to drop off your computer instead of waiting around for your name to be called in the queue. Non ProCare customers can't just drop off their computer. Also, as far as next in line service goes, Apple explains in their fine print that next in line service is meant only for quick consultations. So if you've got a massive problem on your hands which will need a lot of time to diagnose and service, Apple highly recommends that you make an appointment for that at the Genius Bar which as ProCare members, you can do up to 14 days in advance as opposed to non ProCare members who can only make reservations up to 48 hours.

So now Apple has split ProCare as we knew it up in two and is charging the same amount as it did previously for each service. Truth be told, and I can say this based on what other ProCare members have told me, those who got it for the training barely ever used the FastTrack option and those who got it for the FastTrack service barely utilized the training. Also a lot of switchers and new Mac users when being told about ProCare get so intimidated by it because of the "Pro" in the name. I think one to one is going to be a better success for Apple. I've talked to ProCare customers who got it for the training who expressed their hesitancy to get ProCare because they felt because they knew so little about computers, they would be wasting their time with a Creative or Specialist who knew so much more about computers than they did. Semantically, renaming the training portion of ProCare to one to one is a smart move.

As it was, ProCare was an amazing deal. With the split of it into the new ProCare and One to One, I think it's still a fantastic deal. But again, it's not for everyone. I would guess that with the split, Apple is going to add new features to both the new ProCare and the One to One. The backup consultation is one and I'm sure there will be better training techniques employed or something we've yet to even think about.

Again, just my $0.02. Take it for what you will. If you're deadset on thinking ProCare as it was and the New ProCare and One to One is a rip-off, then that is your opinion but by no means do I think this maneuver by Apple is based in greed or profiteering. Quite the contrary, I think Apple thought of the customer first in coming up with this new system.

[pmackin]

This is a total rip off .. why should anyone pay and extra 99$ for one new service "Backup Consult" !

[Attonine]

My parents were going to get the one to one care programme, until they saw it in action at their local store. You simply sit at the genius bar with someone walking you through this weeks application. Not good enough. They (Apple) need a private room, without the hustle and bustle and noise of the store. It is also totally innapropriate to expect individuals of my parents generation to sit on what amounts to a bar stool for the duration.


The whole thing just didn't have any look or feel other than an ad-hoc operation.

[Tacitus]

.........They (Apple) need a private room, without the hustle and bustle and noise of the store. ....

I tend to agree and in some of the larger flagship stores they might find the space. However, in most of them I doubt it is available.

Regarding the value proposition. I have ProCare and the only thing I have used is the training element. Where I am, the Genius who does the FCP stuff is first class. He works part-time at the Apple Store and runs his own graphics and video business for the rest of the time.

I doubt I will renew the ProCare element, but I would sign up for the one 2 one training which for me is very good value.

[Di9it8]

My parents were going to get the one to one care programme, until they saw it in action at their local store. You simply sit at the genius bar with someone walking you through this weeks application. Not good enough. They (Apple) need a private room, without the hustle and bustle and noise of the store. It is also totally innapropriate to expect individuals of my parents generation to sit on what amounts to a bar stool for the duration.


Are you 5 years old and your parents are in their 20's? ;)

To get ProCares 52 sessions for $99, works out at amazing value. To expect a private room for that is expecting too much. But I would have thought if they had asked to go somewhere quiet, I am sure that could have been sorted out.
I have been in many of the "private" rooms at my local apple store including the board room, just to discuss the state of my logic board.

[japanime]

It's only a matter of time between that decision and the realization that they could make more money by building crappier products...

Based on my personal experience (Apple has replaced my MacBook five times already, and even the fifth one has problems), they've already started building crappier products.

I am also a ProCare member, and the "first in line" feature is also a bunch of bull. I've tried it, it doesn't work. (Unless you call waiting 40 minutes beyond your scheduled appointment to meet with a Genius "first lin line.")

Granted, my experience is at the Tokyo Apple Stores (both Ginza and Shibuya), and so the service might be better in other countries.

[Kaiser Phoenix]

Yes

No ur not the only one, the card is really cool, Pro care should be standard with apple care or something :p

[mdntcallr]

This is a horrible idea.

Apple shouldn't do this. its a decent deal as is. For the extra fee above applecare, procare ought to be left alone.

With this, Procare and the other would be too expensive and crappy.

Apple, you are making enough money right now, no need to turn into microsoft and extort money by making it several product lines with less in it than before.

[Eraserhead]

This is a total rip off .. why should anyone pay and extra 99$ for one new service "Backup Consult" !

Because I imagine you will get Business level service with it, which as far as business is concerned is one of Apple's biggest weaknesses.

[ITPro]

It has been mentioned before: service could be much better.
My iMac had a problem with its power supply (factory fault).
I had to miss it for more than a week, just to replace a well-known piece (I even have a ACPP); I even had to bring in my iMac myself.
Apple can learn a lot from Dell; that's for sure.

[Kaiser Phoenix]

I bought ProCare, just for the "FastTrack" service, which is supposed to put you at the head of the pack for AppleCare repairs. The one time I flashed my card, and needed my machine repaired, *after* all the parts had come in, I was told that I would have to wait up to 24 hours for a keyboard replacement.

I bet I could do the replacement in about 1/2 hour, maybe less. I have added several HD's to iBook G4's, and that is about as tough as replacements get. Replacing a keyboard on a MBP is not rocket science, but in order to keep my machine under warranty, I need to have the "Genius" do it.

I still have not brought my MBP back to have the keyboard replaced (backlight issue).

So, read the fine print! I read where there is no guarantee that FastTrack folks will get their machines added to the top of the repair list, but the marketing material sure does seem like it should. I never would have purchased ProCare, if there was not this supposed "quick" repair turn-arounds. I am still fuming about it. I can't give my laptop up for 24 hours - I use it as my daily machine. Maybe I can convince them to give me a loaner, and I can boot from my Super Duper image, on one of my external drives.

Has anyone else experienced something like this? I wish they would just give me the part, and let me do it.

Wow that is ridiculous, coz in Japan, I got my keyboard replaced in 30 minutes WITHOUT procare...

[bgarlock]

Wow that is ridiculous, coz in Japan, I got my keyboard replaced in 30 minutes WITHOUT procare...

Yes, it is ridiculous, and why I was fuming. I was nice to the Genius, but he knew I was not happy when he told me to come back in 24 hours.

[cwedl]

how can any one rate this as positive, essentially they are charging twice for the samething.

[Turkish]

I'm guessing most of you who think this program is crap have never had to deal with the like sof the Geek Squad.

People whining because they actually have to take their computer somewhere to get it fixed. And yes, I have had one of those "on-site" technicians from Dell try to fix one of my PC's. Useless as all-purpose flour by itself.

Yes, it is ridiculous, and why I was fuming. I was nice to the Genius, but he knew I was not happy when he told me to come back in 24 hours.


Why didn't you ask to speak with a manager?

[TraceyS/FL]

I had a very positive experience with ProCare and getting the eMac fixed. 48 hours (because they needed a 2nd part) instead of 7-10 days. Maybe that would be different today though.

I was at the Apple store in Orlando (@Millenia) before they opened, they had about 8 people in there with their own computers hooked up in training. There were 4 more waiting to start their sessions when the store opened. THis was a complete pain however because well - that store was being remodeled and about the size of a shoe box :D

But, it appears to be used A LOT. I've spent significant time at the other Apple store in town - FL Mall location - the past 3 months. THe kids were taking the Apple Youth Classes - so i was there for about 2-3 hours a pop. Lots of 1 on 1 going on right up till the kids class started. That store has a "studio" at the back of it, so that is where they do all the classes. My only beef with it is that they didn't make one end of it lower for the Wheelchair set. My Dad has a hard time dealing with it - and like another posted, couldn't sit on the stool for an hour. He wouldn't walk for a week if he did.

I'm saddened they are doing this though - i will have to weigh whether to go buy another membership today. We messed up and didn't register my computer in my Dad's name, we all live in the same house, but the computers have to be registered to the same person. Which is a switch - before it was $99 per machine.

I guess if i got it for me, it would then put the eMac under it - which has Apple Care until the end of the year. Hmmm.......

[lakhdip]

Most of us on this forum are Apple customers, so it's understandable that we see a negative reaction to pricing increases - however, there's nothing wrong with making profit.

If the split goes ahead as expected, that could indicate:

1) Apple was making a loss on Pro-Care and feels it can break even or better by splitting the services and charging seperately, or

2) Different sets of customers were using different aspects of the services. Breaking them out can help to market them better to these different sets and sell more of the services.

The one-on-one package offers 52 hours of personal attention for $99.
That's less than $2 an hour - none of us here would work for that!
It's clear that Apple are providing you with an opportunity to get so much value from this package that they would make a loss, i.e. they're not ripping you off.

The anticipated split of pro-care into two packages still represent value to customers. It's just that they've adjusted the price to better match the value given.

[johnmcboston]

I even had to bring in my iMac myself.

Try living in the city. subway in with the imac. Then have to subway back home with the empty box, because they don't want the computer box in their back room with your computer. Then subway back in another day with an empty box, then back home with the machine proper...

Since we're harping on Apple... :) A while back a lot of the 'good' geniuses were leaving, since most of the problems were simple ipod replacements, and they felt they weren't using any of their expertise. Has this trend slowed down or reversed itself?

[weg]

ProCare always sounded like a waste (or something to bundle with AppleCare) and still does.

One-to-One, at 52 hours for $99, sounds like a great deal if you like to be taught/shown, and find enough topics of value.

Both include "setup" help, which sounds like a good thing for Mac newcomers.

Does the One-to-One really mean that there's a dedicated Apple engineer teaching you stuff? Because then it sounds like a really good deal.. or is there just a computer program (tutorial) that you walk through? What stuff are they teaching you? If that'd exist for programs other than Mac OS X (e.g., Photoshop and Illustrator) I'd be so willing to pay that $99 :)

[elppa]

Can one of the 27 people who voted this as being positive explain why?

[Turkish]

Can one of the 27 people who voted this as being positive explain why?

ProCare is a crap service, admitted. I'm not hip on buying one's way into better service. I've never liked this aspect of the program.

One-to-one? What other retailer offers personal training for < $2.00 an hour? How is that not positive? I have several people that I have switched and they all got the personal training - they love it! They use their new Macs for so much more (photos, music, creative projects) than they would ever consider using a PC for - and they tell everyone they know how great their experience with Apple is, which is what Apple is banking on.

[formerMG]

I was initially somewhat taken aback by this development, but upon reflection, it makes quite a bit of sense. As a former Apple retail employee, I think I do have some perspective here.....:)

The fact is, the One-on-One training is BY FAR the most-used component of the current ProCare program. And it is an UNBELIEVABLE value, as others here have pointed out. There is simply no other training available at the price. Even if a customer only used it 5 times in a year, that's still $20/hour for private, one-on-one, on whatever topic the customer chooses. And you can use it up to 52 times per year. Not a canned presentation - a private 'conversation'. Also, be aware that over the past 12–18 months, Apple has ramped up the whole Creative side of the current ProCare - these are the folks who provide the one-on-one sessions. As noted previously, substantial training in Cupertino....

Example: The store I worked at had two Creatives doing one-on-one just 9 months ago. They now have 4 or 5. One-on-One is VERY popular, and especially valuable to switchers and older folks just getting started with computers.

Bottom line - separating out One-on-One makes the program:

1) more visible
2) less confusing when being sold to a customer (the whole expedited repair/appointment thing doesn't mean much to MOST customers, especially new users)

On the ProCare side, this offering can now be more focused toward the customer for whom rapid service is critical (typically, business/heavy-user customers), and for whom $99 makes sense. Also, the typical ProCare customer doesn't need or isn't interested in the One-on-One component.

Another thing to consider. Once split, the two programs can then be enhanced individually - services can be added to either, as needed, without confusing the issues.

My take - once you sit down and analyze it, this makes perfect sense, and doesn't really hurt anyone. Sure, when the two were lumped together, it was an even more amazing value, but separated, they're still good values (well, honestly, I think ProCare needs some attention, as its execution varies from store-to-store, but One-on-One is fantastic!)

:) :apple:

[sishaw]

ProCare always sounded like a waste (or something to bundle with AppleCare) and still does.

One-to-One, at 52 hours for $99, sounds like a great deal if you like to be taught/shown, and find enough topics of value.

Both include "setup" help, which sounds like a good thing for Mac newcomers.

That's what I thought when I switched, and Procare turned out to be a big waste o' money. There's nothing sufficiently difficult to do on a Mac to require training.

[iSee]

I know this doubles the cost to a user that wants to have everything procare used to have but consider this:

52 hours of computer training for $99 is an absurdly low rate. The only possible way Apple can offer this (whether at $99 total, or as part of a $99 package) is if people are only using only a small fraction of the training available to them. I'm talking an average of a few hours.

If people start using the training at a higher average rate, then there is really no choice but to raise prices. For example, if average usage goes from 3 hours to 6 hours of training, Apple's cost basically doubles, and they've got to do something.

So splitting the training part of procare out into a separate item allows the rest of procare to stay relatively cheap. I mean, this is a big price increase, but the training remains incredibly cheap.

[alec]

And I thought airlines charging for blankets was classy.

[kwood]

Anyone else seeing a trend with Wednesday now? First the colour iPod Shuffle, the the 8 core Mac Pro and now maybe this?

...interesting

[aristobrat]

My parents were going to get the one to one care programme, until they saw it in action at their local store. You simply sit at the genius bar with someone walking you through this weeks application.
With the old ProCare/the new One-to-One, when you schedule your appointment online, you choose the application you want to be trained on -- there is no preset "this weeks application". :confused:

You also set the pace and tone of the training. Unless you specifically tell the Creative to "drive" for you, they don't just start clicking through menus expecting you to take notes and keep up. They'll ask you what you want to do with the application and then work with you on accomplishing that, with you driving the computer, at your pace.

As for it being done in a private area, that's a personal preference. I've seen some sessions at the store near me that looked like a total blast, with multiple Creatives chiming in, or where they send the customer out on the floor with a camera to get some pictures they can use for iWeb training. There's a lot of spontaneity that happens at the bar that would never happen in a 5x10 room in the back of the store. And FWIW, the stools are Italian and not as uncomfortable as you'd think. :)

[studbike]

hey all, im brand new to this forum, and i just registered to post here. I apoligize, i didnt have time to read every post, so i hope this isnt repeat.

I want to throw it out there that apple's entire approach to customer service is crap. If you dont pay for customer service, you basically dont get any. Ive never had to wait less than an hour at the genius bar, and i really dont care for some pimpley high school kid that cant solve my problems to be referred to as a genius. You have to pay for customer service via the phone, which i consider to be almost criminal. And in my opinion it drives up the cost for third-party apple repair specialists, who charge twice as much as PC repair guys because they can.

And with this new move, they have really jumped off the deep end. What they dont realize is that if they just charge $100 more for their computers and throw in all that service for free people will line up around the corner to buy their products. People pay a premium for macs because they are getting the latest and greatest high quality product, and they should complement the service with it.

I used to work at a bike shop, and we gave impeccable service to our customers and over-charged out the arse for our bikes. And people kept coming back, often telling me they were overpaying, but happy to do so because they dont want to be left in the dark when expertise is needed. For a company that is built upon the notion of simplicity, I am really baffled by this move.

That said, I agree that the 52 sessions per year is a hell of a deal.

[goosnarrggh]

...(thats not possible everywhere because most places only have one store)...
I've never even seen an Apple company store in person! Just authorized dealers around here.

[CuteMacGirl]

That store has a "studio" at the back of it, so that is where they do all the classes. My only beef with it is that they didn't make one end of it lower for the Wheelchair set. My Dad has a hard time dealing with it - and like another posted, couldn't sit on the stool for an hour. He wouldn't walk for a week if he did.


Actually at all the apple "bars" they have something on the side that will pull out and make alittle table, so if you are uncomfortable sitting on the stools you just have to tell them, you can either sit in your own wheel chair if you need or ask them for a chiar.

[acerbas]

What a great business model. Almost as bad as when they made you pay for .Mac, and then bumped the price from $49 to $99. As a retiree on a fixed income I'd probably pay $49 for .Mac, but any more than that, no way. They ought to have tiered pricing. But I guess the price of fuel for Steve's jet is going up.


"More than any other time in history, mankind faces a crossroads. One path leads to despair and utter hopelessness. The other, to total extinction. Let us pray we have the wisdom to choose correctly."
~ Woody Allen, author, actor, and filmmaker (1935- )

[joeshell383]

i, for one, feel the current procare IS already a total ripoff. i got it only b/c apple refused to transfer data from my MB to the replacement unit without charging a fee (could have done it myself, but they wouldn't let me to take both MBs home). i figured if i paid $30 more, i could get procare which would give me priority at the genius bar... WRONG... 3 out of 3 times i was turned away by the genius bar at my local apple store cos they were booked the whole flippin day. i was forced to drive 40-min (one way!) to another apple store to fix recurring RSD. when i did make an appointment, i was made to wait 30 mins and then got yelled at by a store manager for no reason (i didn't even complaint about the wait!). called and wrote to apple's PR, no response or follow-up. i certainly don't see the "pro" in procare. they should pay me $200 for the crap that i had to go through.

with that said, i think if apple wants to separate procare, they should at least combine each separated service with .mac to make them look more reasonably priced.

It seems to me that is why they're raising the price, so people who have it (there will be less subscribers with price increase) will actually get fast service and a benefit to subscribing. It's just like V.I.P. passes, if they lowered the price so everyone could have one it would defeat the purpose.

In essence it is supply and demand, only the shortage caused is not a product per se, but the ability to get V.I.P. service.

[Evangelion]

ProCare is a crap service, admitted. I'm not hip on buying one's way into better service. I've never liked this aspect of the program.

One-to-one? What other retailer offers personal training for < $2.00 an hour? How is that not positive? I have several people that I have switched and they all got the personal training - they love it! They use their new Macs for so much more (photos, music, creative projects) than they would ever consider using a PC for - and they tell everyone they know how great their experience with Apple is, which is what Apple is banking on.

Now, I might be wrong but... Wasn't "one-to-one" basically part of the old $99 ProCare? Now they ripped that part of the deal in to a separate deal worth $99, while keeping the price of ProCare same. So basically if yo want to get the same level of service you could get with the old $99 ProCare you would have to get the new $99 ProCare AND the $99 one-to-one.

So, how exactly is that a "good deal"?

[Spymit007]

That's what I thought when I switched, and Procare turned out to be a big waste o' money. There's nothing sufficiently difficult to do on a Mac to require training.

ProCare may be a waste of money to you but then again, I doubt you are a 70 year old retiree or someone else who has never touched a computer before. You are most likely not the target audience of ProCare.

Also, because you say that there is nothing difficult to do on a Mac to require training I will assume that you are an expert at using Final Cut Pro, Aperture, Logic Pro, Motion, DVD Studio Pro, Motion, and Shake. I'm sure I can mess around with these applications without any training and create the next Hollywood blockbuster...With ProCare, you get to learn how to use these applications. Now if you yourself have no need to learn any of these applications, that's a different story but saying that there is nothing difficult to do on a Mac that requires training is completely egotistical on your part not to mention ignorant of other people's needs.

[iSee]

hey all, im brand new to this forum, and i just registered to post here. I apoligize, i didnt have time to read every post, so i hope this isnt repeat.

I want to throw it out there that apple's entire approach to customer service is crap. If you dont pay for customer service, you basically dont get any. Ive never had to wait less than an hour at the genius bar, and i really dont care for some pimpley high school kid that cant solve my problems to be referred to as a genius. You have to pay for customer service via the phone, which i consider to be almost criminal. And in my opinion it drives up the cost for third-party apple repair specialists, who charge twice as much as PC repair guys because they can.

And with this new move, they have really jumped off the deep end. What they dont realize is that if they just charge $100 more for their computers and throw in all that service for free people will line up around the corner to buy their products. People pay a premium for macs because they are getting the latest and greatest high quality product, and they should complement the service with it.

I used to work at a bike shop, and we gave impeccable service to our customers and over-charged out the arse for our bikes. And people kept coming back, often telling me they were overpaying, but happy to do so because they dont want to be left in the dark when expertise is needed. For a company that is built upon the notion of simplicity, I am really baffled by this move.

That said, I agree that the 52 sessions per year is a hell of a deal.

Sorry, this is a repeat. Please go back and read all the posts ;)

[TraceyS/FL]

Actually at all the apple "bars" they have something on the side that will pull out and make alittle table, so if you are uncomfortable sitting on the stools you just have to tell them, you can either sit in your own wheel chair if you need or ask them for a chiar.

There isn't anything here - the Florida Mall store, this is where all training happens:
http://photos.imageevent.com/justhandy/family/february2007/0221applestoreclass/websize/Photo_022107_002.jpg

I was just in the Millennia Store today - they recently remodeled. They have one "counter" across the back wall with doors on both sides/ends, I doubt the fire marshall would allow either to be blocked. That is the 1 "register" and 2 Genius computers. On either wall on the sides of the store there are built in counters - same as the above studio - with 3 or 4 iMacs set up on each. Again, just high and not "accessible". I'm truly shocked at it - especially for a store that was just remodeled.

The FL Mall store has an employee in a wheelchair - he was giving a class at the last one i was at (in the Studio) and it was a HUGE reach for him to be able to show the customer how to do something.

The stores are not wheelchair/scooter friendly - and until you are in the customer end of it you can't relates as much.

Here is my Dad during the class helping Ash with the music mix:
http://photos.imageevent.com/justhandy/family/february2007/0221applestoreclass/websize/Photo_022107_006.jpg

Him shopping for his MacPro
http://photos.imageevent.com/justhandy/private/private2/websize/Photo_022107_004.jpg

[seashellz]

Based on my personal experience (Apple has replaced my MacBook five times already, and even the fifth one has problems), they've already started building crappier products.

You went through FIVE defective Macbooks from a single purchase, or over the years?

That would scare the hell out of me-I was thinking of buying one.

APPLE, now that your on the verge of getting big, dont snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.

[color guy]

the ibook i'm using now came from a series of 4 replacements i've been through.
Gotta love that applecare.
Getting the upgrade bumps was nice, loosing data and spending time waiting
at the bar cancelled out that pleasure. probably cost 50 hours of my life.
design flaws, quality control- not great.
This last one has been a winner, though.

[dpaanlka]

You went through FIVE defective Macbooks from a single purchase, or over the years?

Don't misinterpret one user's online story as representing the majority (or even significant number of) experiences. The people who have good experiences don't say anything.

I have a MacBook Pro and a MacBook in my family, and four MacBook Pros in my close friends list, and all of them work perfectly fine. And those are just the MacBooks, not iMacs or Mac Minis or Mac Pros or anything else that I know of...

[MacLoyal]

This caught my attention because I am a ProCare member about to come up for renewal. Thus far my ProCare has been a marvelous experience for me. I have owned Macs since 1989, so I'm hardly a newbie. I've never felt remotely close to knowing how to do everything on my Mac. I will be a student of my programs as long as I can still manage to type.

Switching to Pages is a great pleasure now, but initially I was pretty lost. After several one on one lessons working specifically on an elaborate project I created, I feel pretty proficient. My partner got her logo updated so she can print out her own letterhead and business cards. She is a switcher (to my credit!) and her creative was a graphic artist, so he basically just whipped it out for her, showing her some pointers as he did it.

I had major problems with iPhoto 5. I outgrew iPhoto and decided to leap into Aperture. I've cherished the hand holding guidance I've received in my lessons. I take notes as I run into stumbling blocks and then I go to me lesson to get it figured out. My favorite teacher gave me wings. I'm beginning to feel I know what I'm doing.

I've used the Genius bar to tune up two of my computers last year. I got my iPod replace and it's cord repaired. It's been valuable, but not to the point of raving about it being great. I will rave about the training!

I wish I'd read this report before my lesson on Tuesday (May 1st) because I would have renewed early. I don't know that I'll get the ProCare. I may just get my computers in for their tune ups before the end of my coverage. I will definitely renew my training option.

While it says you can go in up to once a week, this is not actually possible the way our scheduling got changed at the store I go to (which is an hour's drive away). You can now schedule out up to two weeks away, but if you do, that's the only class you can get into during that period. The classes have become so popular that they may already be booked up more than a week away. Especially if you're in a position as I am where you must work and travel, I have a small window on one day that works. If I can't get that time slot, I have to keep trying for the next week or two out.

I still find it an amazing opportunity and value, even if I were to only get into a class once a month.