Apple Ranks Third in BusinessWeek Customer Service Rankings

[Maserati7200]

Apple's computer's aren't actually expensive if you compare spec for spec. The reason people think Apple is expensive is because they only make high end computers. Example, people say, oh you could get the iMac's specs on a $900 PC. Maybe so, but is that PC an all in one? It turns out, HP and others also make all in ones, and guess what, the iMac beats them in spec and price. Watch the videos below for MOAR examples.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jRb2hbK6eVc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CEYqhrJD7zo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tr97si2u29A
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2De6B0Vg_Z4

don't know about current Dell's, but the ones i've worked with they last for years. few months ago i junked a perfectly working 10 year old Dell computer only because it maxed at 512MB RAM. i know people using 6 year old dell laptops that still work

I have a dell desktop (PIII) from 1998/1999 that still works, it's slow as balls, but it works. I also have a dell dimension 5000e laptop from 2000 that just died recently (HDD failure).

 

[AidenShaw]

fallacy alert

Apple's computer's aren't actually expensive if you compare spec for spec.

That sort of comparison is only valid if the things that are "missing" from the PC are important to the end user.

The high end Toyota cars (which are called 'Lexus' in some contries) have lots of items that are optional on lower end Toyotas.

If you live in Greenland, "air conditioning" might not be important to you. Therefore, to Greenlander's a "Lexus" might be added expense without added value.

 

[MacDawg]

That makes sense, though, since Apple ceased being a "computer" company several years ago. Try coming in with a real OS X or Mac hardware problem - longer waits, staff who possess no troubleshooting skills whatsoever, and the most commonly used response is, "Have you tried re-installing OS X?"

I've ceased using the Apple Stores for service and support in my area (SF Bay) - We luckily have several 3rd party Apple Authorized repair companies that run rings around the "Genius" Bar.

I have done just that... and received excellent service from the Genius Bar

Not every experience is going to be outstanding, and I am sorry yours was not
But the vast majority of them apparently are

 

[msizzle64]

Apple has the best customer service!
Late last year, i began to become very annoyed that Apple couldn't properly repair my 2008 15" Unibody MBP, but after my 3rd repair, they decided to replace it with a new computer, and kindly bumped me to a 17" because i needed the ExpressCard slot, which the 15" doesn't offer anymore. Thanks Apple!

 

[danjferguson]

I wish Best Buy would take a note from them and mimic their customer experience. It would be so much nicer just walking around and seeing nothing but displays and a few random accessories out in the open with a bunch of people ringing people up when they are actually ready to buy. Would cut down on thieves and people could get better service and get out of the store without having to wait in a real line. Customers would be fooled into believing they are just in a happy place spending money.

 

[Maserati7200]

That sort of comparison is only valid if the things that are "missing" from the PC are important to the end user.

The high end Toyota cars (which are called 'Lexus' in some contries) have lots of items that are optional on lower end Toyotas.

If you live in Greenland, "air conditioning" might not be important to you. Therefore, to Greenlander's a "Lexus" might be added expense without added value.

If you are in the market for a Lexus, you would most likely compare it to a competing Acura or Infiniti, not a Honda or Nissan.
It's like comparing a Lexus ES 330 to a Honda Accord. Sure, they both have ~3.5 liter V6's, have horsepower in the 270 range, have FWD, and are about 190 inches long, but they are for two different markets. If you don't want the features of the Lexus, Acura or Infiniti, then they aren't for you. Same with the Macs, if you don't want to pay for features you won't want or need, then don't get one, because you aren't in the market for one.

 

[ArrowSmith]

I guess MSFT should just close up shop after this!