Apple Tops U.S. PC Customer Satisfaction Survey for Eighth Consecutive Time

[CWT1965]

Love them übermenschen.

Must be great to be a superior being.

Plus I don't look down on people who do not have Apple products with a smug superiority, I educate them in the error of their ways and work on them to see the light and start buying Apple products, I have converted many people I know and work with into buying Apple products and will continue to do so

 

[*LTD*]

How apropos, I was just talking about this in a different thread.

This is what happens when you don't license out your OS to everyone and actually care enough about your product to give some attention to the hardware it will be running on.

 

[linuxcooldude]

Norman Computers in Norman Oklahoma is one. Low volume, high quality standards.

While assembled in the USA, but are all the parts manufactured in the US?

 

[*LTD*]

Velocity Micro, Falcoln NW, Digital Storm, Maingear, Origin, Puget PC - even Voodoo and Alienware even though they were acquired by HP and Dell but probably still operate autonomously.

All of these company probably score higher than 87% in most customer satisfaction surveys out there.

Not if they run Windows. In satisfaction surveys where it's between PCs and Macs, you're still going to get comparisons consumers make between elements of the *other half* of the equation: software. Windows vs. OS X.

 

[Tones2]

Remember that PC hardware makers don't really "make" anything except for the case design, if that. They are just assemblers of 3rd party components. It really depends on the quality of components that are chosen to determine the quality of the PC. Heck, I can and have built quality PC's by myself at home in a few hours from purchased components. There's really not much differentiation to PC of any kind anymore, especially since most people can actually choose their configuration and components to a large degree when ordering. And Apple OS and Win 7 are pretty much equals now - I use both and they pretty much operate the same for the most part.

Customer satisfaction in terms of the PC industry probably rely more on customer SERVICE experience, asthetics and marketing brainwashing rather than the PC itself, all of which Apple excel at - the first one being real, the second semi-important and the third being a gimmick. Other PC makers suck at all of these things big time, and thus the survey results.

The satisfaction survey also reflects the nature of the customer themselves. PC / Windows buyers are demanding grouchy technical people or demanding never satisfied business people, whereas Apple PC buyers tend to be more in the arts and education, the latter being a MUCH easier to please.

That is why Apple will ALWAYS come on top in these surveys. Other than the customer service aspect, it doesn't mean a whole lot to the consumer, although it does mean more business for the manufacturer.

Tony

 

[BaldiMac]

Says the guy in debt, I bet...

Weren't you just in another thread with an off topic rant about how other people should stay on topic?

 

[Tones2]

Not if they run Windows. In satisfaction surveys where it's between PCs and Macs, you're still going to get comparisons consumers make between elements of the *other half* of the equation: software. Windows vs. OS X.

I think most surveys would put Windows 7 in line with Apple OS at this point, subject to the same caveats I noted above. Even Apple dropped their PC vs Mac ads when Win 7 came out.

Tony

 

[Therbo]

One of the reasons why other manufacturers have a lower (by no means poor) rating is because they lack control over their computers, for example.

You have a Acer laptop, it BSODs. You call Acer, they tell you to goto Microsoft, Microsoft say its a Hardware fault, goto Acer, Acer say its a issue with Windows not picking up the hardware correctly, goto Microsoft.

With a Apple product, you get a issue, you contact Apple, and they know pretty much all the issues.

 

[linuxcooldude]

Not if they run Windows. In satisfaction surveys where it's between PCs and Macs, you're still going to get comparisons consumers make between elements of the *other half* of the equation: software. Windows vs. OS X.

I think most consumers look at the name brand of the computer, not what runs on top of it. If something goes wrong.

 

[pgiguere1]

Not if they run Windows. In satisfaction surveys where it's between PCs and Macs, you're still going to get comparisons consumers make between elements of the *other half* of the equation: software. Windows vs. OS X.

Exactly.

I'm pretty sure a lot of people who took this survey rated down their PC manufacturer for software problems related to Windows, not the computer hardware itself.

I can't say it's completely unfair though, as nothing prevents them from doing like Apple and create their own OS, if they think Windows is not up to their standards and create customer dissatisfaction.

I remember HP announced they would make a special version of WebOS for computers when they announced the TouchPad. They scrapped WebOS altogether when they stopped making TouchPads though.

 

[FuNGi]

I agree until recently. I've had a fan and earphones replaced effortlessly, a 8600 graphics card replaced in the same laptop three times before getting a new MBP, a ACD with a loose wire fixed, and bad third party RAM replaced. All great experiences. Now I have a new 2011 MBP which doesn't play nice with my ACD that worked fine with my older MBP and my Air. Apples says a "software fix is coming". The Thunderboldt-based problem has existed for nearly 7 months now.

 

[accessoriesguy]

they did fix a couple issues i had with snow leopard. i would report the problem, and fixes actually came, I was plenty surprised.

If apple does the same for Lion, i can die a happy man

 

[pgiguere1]

I think most surveys would put Windows 7 in line with Apple OS at this point, subject to the same caveats I noted above. Even Apple dropped their PC vs Mac ads when Win 7 came out.

Tony

It's not necessarily Windows itself that is the problem. Often it's just the hardware/software compatibility or poorly written drivers.

Apple has so few computer models that they can test intensively all their computers and make sure everything works as intended. That's something PC manufacturers can't seem to do.

Also, PC manufacturers tend to preinstall unnecessary bloatware, search toolbars and trials on their computers to get additional revenues. Not only are they annoying as hell, but they slow down your computer and a lot of people don't even know they can remove them. They just assume they are part of they OS, and then they start hating Windows for something only manufacturers are responsible for.

I work in a computer store, and opening most PC demos is a pain. You get several popups from a shitloαd of preinstalled software you don't need when booting, and it's not uncommon to see error messages from driver software/bloatware/trials that fail to boot along with the computer. The computer is brand new, and if you check the task manager, there are like 30 user processes running and slowing down the computer.

 

[GoodWatch]

Come on, every company on the list would use Chinese labour, add the likes of Sony and Panasonic into the mix as they rely on Foxconn too

The idea that every gadget on the market is manufactured on campus at the tech company's American factories is laughable, every company on that list uses chinese labour to keep cost down, don't be so high and mighty

True, but with 76 billion dollar in CASH, Apple could make a different choice and move production to a country that respects basic labour rights. It would take away some of their 60% margin but is that a bad thing? Who's high and mighty here?

 

[MacNewsFix]

One of the reasons why other manufacturers have a lower (by no means poor) rating is because they lack control over their computers, for example.

You have a Acer laptop, it BSODs. You call Acer, they tell you to goto Microsoft, Microsoft say its a Hardware fault, goto Acer, Acer say its a issue with Windows not picking up the hardware correctly, goto Microsoft.

With a Apple product, you get a issue, you contact Apple, and they know pretty much all the issues.

Well said!

 

[Consultant]

Apple also topped the JD Power customer satisfaction ratings for smartphones released earlier this month.

Apple is great at making products that consumers love.

Google is great at making products that advertisers love.

Microsoft is great at making products that IT departments love.

Fixed it for you.

 

[Shrink]

Plus I don't look down on people who do not have Apple products with a smug superiority, I educate them in the error of their ways and work on them to see the light and start buying Apple products, I have converted many people I know and work with into buying Apple products and will continue to do so

If this was from anyone else, I'd know they were joking. However...

The magnanimity and kindness expressed in your willingness to educate the ignorant and unwashed masses is overwhelming. Thank you, so much, on behalf of those too stupid to know that Apple are the only electronics worth owning. You are certainly a sainted missionary plowing the fields of the electronically challenged.

 

[Consultant]

True, but with 76 billion dollar in CASH, Apple could make a different choice and move production to a country that respects basic labour rights. It would take away some of their 60% margin but is that a bad thing? Who's high and mighty here?

Apple does not make 60% margin.

Foxconn just opened a factory at Brazil.

The problem with other countries is that basically, no other countries in the world allows fast factory expansion and construction like that of China.

 

[AppleInLVX]

True, but with 76 billion dollar in CASH, Apple could make a different choice and move production to a country that respects basic labour rights. It would take away some of their 60% margin but is that a bad thing? Who's high and mighty here?

Point of confirmation: While RIM isn't on the list, they were the biggest fish for a long time, with an excellent product, and they make everything here. I'm sure the processors and some parts are coming from overseas, but the assembly and as much work as possible is here.

Apple *could* do that. Not that anyone gives a damn as long as the end product rocks.

 

[Edward C.]

Well I may get flamed for this but I have had Macs since 1995 ( Power PC ) and yes they are very good with nice software but I also have PC's ( Gateway's, Dells, H.P's as well as Compaqs ) in my stable and although XP is kind of stale and have never used Vista my new Gateway slim form factor Win 7 machine is great! I actually use it most of the time over my Macs due to AutoCAD but with that said even without AutoCAD I would probably still find myself using the Win 7 machine much more than my Snow Leopard machines due to the level of GUI customization Windows allows me. I have to admit I have never had a bit of trouble from any of my machines and usually end up giving them away after a few years when I upgrade. By the way the Gateway was $ 349.00 for a 2.8 Ghz. Pentium dual core with a 1 Tb hard drive and 6 Gb. of Ram and is whisper quiet, that is one heck of a deal if you ask me. Best reguards to all!!! Ed

 

[AidenShaw]

fact check fail

I remember HP announced they would make a special version of WebOS for computers when they announced the TouchPad. They scrapped WebOS altogether when they stopped making TouchPads though.

That's simply wrong - HP stopped the WebOS hardware operations, but is keeping the WebOS software as a software-only enterprise.

http://h30458.www3.hp.com/us/us/smb...&DIMID=1014362052&DICID=taw_sep11&mrm=1-4BVUP

Why did HP discontinue operations for the TouchPad and webOS phones? Is webOS going away?

No, webOS is not going away. Since its launch, webOS software has been praised for its differentiated user experience. We know that many developers feel the operating system is elegantly designed and is a respected platform. However, our webOS devices have not gained enough traction in the marketplace with consumers. By discontinuing operations for the devices, we will be able to focus more resources on areas where we can lead and create greater customer value.

We are now focused on finding ways to expand the webOS software as a platform and to benefit from the recent shifts in the mobile space. We will also continue to support and deliver over-the-air updates.

 

[*LTD*]

True, but with 76 billion dollar in CASH, Apple could make a different choice and move production to a country that respects basic labour rights. It would take away some of their 60% margin but is that a bad thing?

From a business perspective, absolutely. Apple is managing to maintain consumer satisfaction with Macs and profit from 60% margins, and outpace the industry in growth. Doing anything to change this nice little formula (deliberately) would be pretty insane.

 

[CWT1965]

True, but with 76 billion dollar in CASH, Apple could make a different choice and move production to a country that respects basic labour rights. It would take away some of their 60% margin but is that a bad thing? Who's high and mighty here?

Apple and other tech companies are keeping these people in jobs, what will happen if Foxconn lost all its contracts from the tech companies on moral grounds ? tens of thousands of people with no money and no food and no roof over their heads turfed onto the street, there is not a social security system in china it is work or starve so while Foxconn conditions are not up to western standards the lives of the workers would be a whole lot more ****ed up if they had no job

Apple and the like are doing them a favour

 

[inkswamp]

Ah, but remember everyone. Macs are just the same as PCs. They're all made out of the same parts. This whole "customer satisfaction" thing is purely subjective and just a way for all of us to feel better about paying the Apple tax.

 

[TheSideshow]

Weren't you just in another thread with an off topic rant about how other people should stay on topic?

Ha, yeah I just like taking jabs at people who think they are better than others because they own a Mac (seeing that a few people I know who buy Macs have issues with paying +$10/month rent).