Mac Mini and Shuffle at Best Buy

[MacRumors]

MacObserver reports that Best Buy retail stores will begin selling Mac Minis and iPod Shuffles in the next 30 days.

Highly reliable sources at a number companies that manufacture third-party add-ons for the Macintosh have confirmed to The Mac Observer that Best Buy will be displaying and stocking the Mac mini at all of its retail stores, and not just a selected few.

Best Buy and Apple have recently held a limited trial period of selling Mac products (again) at select Best Buy stores. This pilot program was only available for a limited period of time.

Apple's Mac Mini has also briefly appeared on the online Target.com store... but no official word on availability of the low-end Mac at retail Target locations.

[Mechcozmo]

Looks like Apple is really pushing these two low-end things... getting them into Walmart, Best Buy, etc.

[Dr. Dastardly]

I hope it doesnt turn out to be a giant flop like last time they tried to sell Macs there. Most stupid Best Buy goons don't know anything about Macs or OSX.

But since they have them now at Target and Best Buy, anyone think we might start seeing Mac Mini commericals?

[dotdotdot]

Originally Posted by Dr. Dastardly

I hope it doesnt turn out to be a giant flop like last time they tried to sell Macs there. Most stupid Best Buy goons don't know anything about Macs or OSX.

Or Windows PCs

[SiliconAddict]

Originally Posted by dotdotdot

Or Windows PCs

I was going to say the same thing. Most Best Buy guys are there to sell computers and really don't go over the features of the software. Or at least all the ones I've ever seen. Why is it that people think you need some rep to convince people to buy a Mac and OS X. If Apple would simply provide a running screen saver like they do on some systems in retail locations and a box of flyers explaining why OS X rocks and its virtues it should be good enough.
You don't need some computer equivalent of a smooth talking car salesman to talk someone into getting a Mac.

[SAukland]

Originally Posted by SiliconAddict

You don't need some computer equivalent of a smooth talking car salesman to talk someone into getting a Mac.

No, but at some point you will need to compete with those slick talking PC blue-shirts...

I can't remember the last time I walked into Best Buy and wasn't flocked upon by at least 7 of them... and to a person that doesn't know the basics, there will be no contest.

[SiliconAddict]

Originally Posted by SAukland

No, but at some point you will need to compete with those slick talking PC blue-shirts...

I can't remember the last time I walked into Best Buy and wasn't flocked upon by at least 7 of them... and to a person that doesn't know the basics, there will be no contest.

The thing is that most of these guys aren't out to screw over Apple. Hell I was in there the other day looking to upgrade my GPU. I was talking to one of the guys and they were honestly interested in the Mac Mini. Just because these guys are trained to deal with PC (to a limited extent.) Doesn't mean they have been indoctrinated into some PC cult that has an Intel logo branded on their butt and where their oath swears that they will hack on Apple and OS X at all times.

[shumacher]

Originally Posted by SiliconAddict

I was going to say the same thing. Most Best Buy guys are there to sell computers and really don't go over the features of the software. Or at least all the ones I've ever seen. Why is it that people think you need some rep to convince people to buy a Mac and OS X. If Apple would simply provide a running screen saver like they do on some systems in retail locations and a box of flyers explaining why OS X rocks and its virtues it should be good enough.
You don't need some computer equivalent of a smooth talking car salesman to talk someone into getting a Mac.

No, a screen saver won't do it.

The dominant customer of electronics superstores don't shop there because they're savvy and capable of making a decision on their own. They shop there because they can talk to a human who will listen to their needs and concerns and make an allegedly informed decision.

The problem is that the salespeople aren't geeks either. Sure, they have, as a group, a higher than national average ownership of computers and broadband, but most are on the internet for AIM, pr0n and some MMORPG.

Oh, and they do all that on Windows.

The only thing I can think of is putting the Mac on the desk of the people that sell machines in these stores. Put it at their house, with Warcraft, Battlefield 1942, Halo, all of it, right there on their Mac. Let them use it for a few weeks. If there is no fear in the salesperson, things will be fine, and Macs will sell much better.

[narco]

I think selling the mini at Best Buy is a good thing. I've heard good and bad things about Best Buy's protection plans, so I'm not sure if it's a good thing to buy from them if you have the chance to get it at an Apple store.

I wonder how many people will see the mini next to the huge towers and just figure that it's an external hard drive or something. I wonder what kind of display it'll be hooked up to.

Fishes,
narco.

[jared_kipe]

Originally Posted by narco

I think selling the mini at Best Buy is a good thing. I've heard good and bad things about Best Buy's protection plans, so I'm not sure if it's a good thing to buy from them if you have the chance to get it at an Apple store.

I wonder how many people will see the mini next to the huge towers and just figure that it's an external hard drive or something. I wonder what kind of display it'll be hooked up to.

Fishes,
narco.

Mmm, a 23" Cinema display?

[yoda13]

Well, I don't know if it will be anymore successful than previous stints in Best Buy, but I have to admit, I like the products in their stores better than in Wal-Mart, but that is just me I guess.

[VicMacs]

alright, lets talk dirty about best buy, this is GOOD

[mac n cheese]

The good news is, you can get Best Buy's service plan instead of Apple Care, and it might actually serve you. It covers accidental damage, which is the number one reason I would even consider any service plan.

If you need Apple Care's tech support to run your Shuffle, then stick to a Sony Walkman(yes the tape player kind). Other than that, skip Apple Care and get a coverage plan that actually covers you. I think its great.

As far as the sales staff not being knowledgable about Macs... it can't be any worse than the Apple store. "Apple Pro's" my a$$. If you've ever asked one a tougher question than "how much memory does this have?", then you know what I'm talking about

[Koodauw]

Originally Posted by mac n cheese

The good news is, you can get Best Buy's service plan instead of Apple Care, and it might actually serve you. It covers accidental damage, which is the number one reason I would even consider any service plan.

No, it doesn't cover accidental damage.

More exposure in BBY, Wal-Mart, Target etc, Can only help. Even if it helps apple to increase sales by only a little, isn't that worth it?

[zellin]

Originally Posted by Koodauw

No, it doesn't cover accidental damage.

More exposure in BBY, Wal-Mart, Target etc, Can only help. Even if it helps apple to increase sales by only a little, isn't that worth it?

True, I know from personal experience. The salesmen have always told me that it covers accidental damage. But, when my cell phone screen cracks accidentally, all of a sudden it doesn't cover it. Not that Best Buy is pulling something - if you look inside the pamphlet it clearly says it does not cover accidental damage... dumb salespeople as usual.

[mac n cheese]

Originally Posted by Koodauw

No, it doesn't cover accidental damage.

More exposure in BBY, Wal-Mart, Target etc, Can only help. Even if it helps apple to increase sales by only a little, isn't that worth it?

I'm open to being wrong. But, I confirmed 20 different ways with the sales person that any accidental or not accidental damage would be covered. eg. What if I stick it under the tires of my car for an impact test? -YES What if my daughter puts it in the toaster because she thinks its a pop tart? -YES

If they are straight out lying, then OK, but I don't believe thats the case.

[Mechcozmo]

Originally Posted by mac n cheese

As far as the sales staff not being knowledgable about Macs... it can't be any worse than the Apple store. "Apple Pro's" my a$$. If you've ever asked one a tougher question than "how much memory does this have?", then you know what I'm talking about

Apple Store near us, the people are on the ball. I asked some guy what RPM the drives were in the iBooks vs. PowerBooks and he knew right off the bat for all sizes. He didn't have the RAM speed memorized, but thats OK. He did recommend that I get 512 MB more for my 12" PowerBook (something I was thinking about anyways). And I've heard how they talk about iPods, explaining the differences between the Windows and Mac versions, explaining the different sizes, what it means, etc. Explaining what Exposé is. I even chatted with one of them about Tiger for a little bit, but he didn't know anything beyond what we know...

[mac-er]

Originally Posted by Mechcozmo

I even chatted with one of them about Tiger for a little bit, but he didn't know anything beyond what we know...

I was in an Apple Store browsing to buy my next Mac, and the "Specialist" didn't know what Core Images was. When I mentioned it was in Tiger, he looked away (you know that nervous look when someone asks something you don't know and you are either ashamed you don't know it or are trying to make up an answer)...I highly suspect he didn't know what Tiger was.

And, yes, this was an Apple Store.

[jared_kipe]

Originally Posted by Dr. Dastardly

I hope it doesnt turn out to be a giant flop like last time they tried to sell Macs there. Most stupid Best Buy goons don't know anything about Macs or OSX.

But since they have them now at Target and Best Buy, anyone think we might start seeing Mac Mini commericals?

Much of that might be due to the fact that Best Buy's Computer sales staff are not only stupid, but stupid PC users. I went in there and I was looking at the hard drives, and a guy comes up to me and goes, "Is there anything I can help you with." and I go "yeah which of these hard drives are compatible with Macs?" He goes "umm.. umm none of these are mac compatible,.. or at least.. none of them say they are mac compatible (as he picks one up)." Wow, very "helpful" Mr. Bestbuy.

[SiliconAddict]

Originally Posted by jared_kipe

Much of that might be due to the fact that Best Buy's Computer sales staff are not only stupid, but stupid PC users. I went in there and I was looking at the hard drives, and a guy comes up to me and goes, "Is there anything I can help you with." and I go "yeah which of these hard drives are compatible with Macs?" He goes "umm.. umm none of these are mac compatible,.. or at least.. none of them say they are mac compatible (as he picks one up)." Wow, very "helpful" Mr. Bestbuy.

Ummm Macs account for what % of the market. I don't blame anyone for not being up on whether or not a hard drive is compatible with a Mac. Does or does not the current PowerMac only ship with a SATA interface. (Seriously I don't know.) How is a salesperson who's only experience being PCs expected to know this.

[billystlyes]

Best Buy has never done Apple right. At least on the computer side. Maybe this time because of the Mini's price they can attract more hype and sales.

[Mr_Ed]

Originally Posted by SiliconAddict

Ummm Macs account for what % of the market. I don't blame anyone for not being up on whether or not a hard drive is compatible with a Mac. Does or does not the current PowerMac only ship with a SATA interface. (Seriously I don't know.) How is a salesperson who's only experience being PCs expected to know this.

The failure here isn't just on the part of the salesperson, it's on the part of Best Buy management. As a business selling systems and components, it would be in their best interest to train staff on compatibility/applicability of what they sell. Every time a Mac owner is misinformed by ignorant staff and walks away thinking a component (for example, a hard drive) is not compatible with their Macs, that's revenue walking out the door.

That said, I have had "sales/clerk" positions before and I made a point of learning about whatever I sold. A capable/confident salesperson will sell more than an uninformed nitwit. Does a salesperson have to know every little detail about every product? Of course not, but whatever happened to taking the time and giving the customer the courtesy of an answer like: I'm not sure, but if you have a minute, I can try to find out for you.

I said that many times to customers and found they appreciate it, mostly because they don't feel like you are completely blowing them off or possibly feeding them a load of crap as a response to their query. There was an up side for me whether I sold the item or not: I learned something new I can use to sell the next time around.

[Chip NoVaMac]

Originally Posted by jared_kipe

Much of that might be due to the fact that Best Buy's Computer sales staff are not only stupid, but stupid PC users. I went in there and I was looking at the hard drives, and a guy comes up to me and goes, "Is there anything I can help you with." and I go "yeah which of these hard drives are compatible with Macs?" He goes "umm.. umm none of these are mac compatible,.. or at least.. none of them say they are mac compatible (as he picks one up)." Wow, very "helpful" Mr. Bestbuy.

Problem is that people want low prices and smart sales people. You can't really have both if you don't pay people well.

[Zadillo]

Originally Posted by jared_kipe

Much of that might be due to the fact that Best Buy's Computer sales staff are not only stupid, but stupid PC users. I went in there and I was looking at the hard drives, and a guy comes up to me and goes, "Is there anything I can help you with." and I go "yeah which of these hard drives are compatible with Macs?" He goes "umm.. umm none of these are mac compatible,.. or at least.. none of them say they are mac compatible (as he picks one up)." Wow, very "helpful" Mr. Bestbuy.

That seems pretty bizarre though....... most Best Buys stock Maxtor, Seagate and Western Digital HD's, all of which I think pretty clearly state Mac compatability on their packaging.

-Zadillo

[dguisinger]

Originally Posted by jared_kipe

Much of that might be due to the fact that Best Buy's Computer sales staff are not only stupid, but stupid PC users. I went in there and I was looking at the hard drives, and a guy comes up to me and goes, "Is there anything I can help you with." and I go "yeah which of these hard drives are compatible with Macs?" He goes "umm.. umm none of these are mac compatible,.. or at least.. none of them say they are mac compatible (as he picks one up)." Wow, very "helpful" Mr. Bestbuy.

I got in a fight with a local best buy employee a few months back. My hard drive died in my Dell, and I went in and was looking at S-ATA drives to replace my ATA66. And the rep kept insisting that S-ATA was incompatible with everything and that standard ATA drives were faster; and then he went on talking about the Athlon64 was the only way to go because it was the fastest thing out there. I hate it when these sales guys do everything off their personal beleifs and nothing with actual fact. A $20 adapter card would have made that drive compatible, and it would have been 2x the transfer speeds of my old driver. And AMD may have nice CPUs, but the CPU of choice unless you have numbers to back it up, is just a personal preference. Me, I've always liked my PCs to have Intel, i've found them more stable...I don't have proof to back it up; but I can tell you my early athlon and my K6-2 hit the trash heap quickly. Its the one nice thing you don't have to worry about with Apple; will the machine work reliabily? Answer: Hell yeah, lol.