ahhh, the good ole days of waiting in a line 100 people long for hours just to get in...
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Many Apple Stores Not Carrying Retina MacBook Stock on Launch Day
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ahhh, the good ole days of waiting in a line 100 people long for hours just to get in...
Grand Central Station
I went to the Grand Central store this morning and all colors of the Retina MacBook were out on display. There was also no line to play with the Apple Watch too, though I did have to go through the formality of making a reservation in person.
I went to the Grand Central store this morning and all colors of the Retina MacBook were out on display. There was also no line to play with the Apple Watch too, though I did have to go through the formality of making a reservation in person.
I thought it was pretty awesome. And I just got the 2015 13" rMBP last week. Not sure why some professional reviewers claimed it was not powerful enough, unless they were confused on the intended purpose of the device.
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It's a joke.
The keynote was a masterpiece of marketing and gave this product a lot of traction despite its compromises. If you were in the market for a new laptop (like I was) and watched the video, then you have already waited a month to get a look at what you're ordering.
That is a long time to stay loyal to a product already.
Apple stores have had huge posters displaying the new Macbook all over the walls ever since the keynote. I was expecting to be able to walk into one of London's two Apple stores today and walk out with a new machine. Failing that, at least have a go on a demo machine to try out the keyboard.
But I looked in the Regent Street store this morning and there were zero new Macbooks. The place had a really weird vibe - new security guards and Apple watches, but with the Macs lurking forlornly in the back corners. It honestly felt more like a grubby discount warehouse than a high-end boutique.
Apparently there are no Macbooks on display in the whole of the UK.
Just makes me feel even more justified in my decision to buy a 13" Pro instead last weekend. I'm sure many others in my position will be looking today at a new Dell or ASUS instead.
What happened to having products available on the day you announce them? You only get one shot at a 'launch day', and 'launching' products people can't even try out is not the way to sell stuff. I remember this happened with one of the Google Nexus phones - launch day not one 'flagship' phone store on Oxford Street had one available, so I ended up buying an HTC instead.
The keynote was a masterpiece of marketing and gave this product a lot of traction despite its compromises. If you were in the market for a new laptop (like I was) and watched the video, then you have already waited a month to get a look at what you're ordering.
That is a long time to stay loyal to a product already.
Apple stores have had huge posters displaying the new Macbook all over the walls ever since the keynote. I was expecting to be able to walk into one of London's two Apple stores today and walk out with a new machine. Failing that, at least have a go on a demo machine to try out the keyboard.
But I looked in the Regent Street store this morning and there were zero new Macbooks. The place had a really weird vibe - new security guards and Apple watches, but with the Macs lurking forlornly in the back corners. It honestly felt more like a grubby discount warehouse than a high-end boutique.
Apparently there are no Macbooks on display in the whole of the UK.
Just makes me feel even more justified in my decision to buy a 13" Pro instead last weekend. I'm sure many others in my position will be looking today at a new Dell or ASUS instead.
What happened to having products available on the day you announce them? You only get one shot at a 'launch day', and 'launching' products people can't even try out is not the way to sell stuff. I remember this happened with one of the Google Nexus phones - launch day not one 'flagship' phone store on Oxford Street had one available, so I ended up buying an HTC instead.
HobeSoundDarryl
macrumors G5
Daekwan, any flaws? Anything jump out to you beyond lack of ports? Did you try going to youtube and playing some 1080p video on it (or something else a little more processor intensive)? Did you open a few windows or maybe get a few (multitasking) things going to see how well it handled some load?
Did it have enough to make you think about returning that rMBP and go with this instead?
Did it have enough to make you think about returning that rMBP and go with this instead?
Call Center RE-Routing
This gets even better. If you try to call a local store, the call is IMMEDIATELY rerouted to an Apple call center, where they tell you that there are none in stock at the store and you have to order online.
Hey Angela, Marketing 101, have stock!!
This gets even better. If you try to call a local store, the call is IMMEDIATELY rerouted to an Apple call center, where they tell you that there are none in stock at the store and you have to order online.
Hey Angela, Marketing 101, have stock!!
Good point. I think it is also smart for Apple to get as many online orders as possible, I think many people will be turned off by seeing the animation lag in person.
New Macbook is different type of Macbook in my opinion. People expected it to be something it's not. If you are looking for power or a bunch of ports, then this is not the device you want. It's ridiculously tiny. Like thinner than Original iPad thin. And has a 1.1ghz core M processor. It was never going to be speedy in processor intensive apps, but all of the basic Apple apps I tried it seemed fast enough. Best way to explain it as a 12" iPad with a permanent keyboard.
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The one port thing is also being ridiculed but people don't understand how USB-C or USB 3.1 works. It's an open standard that supports up to 100watts of power. The laptop only needs 29watts to charge. So one port is all that is needed. Once the 3rd party market starts making cables and adapters you be able to find $10 cables all over Amazon and EBay that have 2 or 3 port USB-C hubs built into them.
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I went to the Georgetown store in DC around 10:30am and it was pretty packed. Was able to play with the new Macbook in Gold and the Apple Watch for as long as I wanted. Took plenty of pics & video.
I did set my alarm for 3am EST this morning.. and could have ordered the new Macbook in Gold w/256GB SSD that was scheduled to ship in "1 business day" but figured why wait till Monday or Tuesday to get it. When I could just go to the store right now and buy it immediately. Doesnt have to be said how disappointed I am that I had to order online and was quoted 3-4weeks for delivery.
I went to the store in Tyson's Corner outside of DC. Arrived at 9:15am and the lady in the front (store does not open until 10am) told me they had demos but none in stock. She did let me see it for about 2-3 minutes. It looks amazing. I have the 11" and my wife has the 13". This screen looks huge compared to my 11", but that's due to the higher resolution. The 12" has the same resolution as the 13". I didn't play with it very long, just messing around real quick.
I've ordered it online with a expected date of 22nd. However, I will be checking the stores here next week. Have a feeling they will have it in stock.
I wouldn't be surprised to see a USB-C cable with built in 3 port USB hub, HDMI, ethernet and power for $20 bucks. USB-C is designed to eliminate ports on the device, allowing the device to be as small and portable as possible. Ports aren't needed on the device because they can be easily daisy chained thru a cable or adapter.
Something just like with HDMI & power added.
Something just like with HDMI & power added.
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I liked it too. It was "zippy" enough, and the force touch trackpad was surprisingly realistic. The only thing I couldn't do was pry open the MacBook without setting it down on the table first -- it's just too light to open while you're holding it.
From my experience this is always happened. All calls to any Apple store are routed to the main call center first. I have never been able call the Apple store directly (not that I have very often). All you have to do is say "Store Manager" and the system directs you to the store.
No one in their right mind does that, equally no stock or display models in the vast majority or stores is just poor management.
Q-6
Same thing here.
I've done this song & dance before with the 2011 MBA release. Wasnt sold in stores on launch day, so I had to order online and wait. Went back to the store a few days later and sure enough they had them in stock. Cancelled my online order right from the store.
Hoping for the same with the new Macbook. Will check back at the stores this weekend and next week.
Agree - Apple should have just included one with rMacbook and that would have made most people happy.
Always quoted as "Angela Ahrendts".
She has a long way to go before getting the "Phil, Tim, Eddy, Jony friendly neighborhood status" as others executives do
She has a long way to go before getting the "Phil, Tim, Eddy, Jony friendly neighborhood status" as others executives do
I didn't think about playing 1080p Youtube video (because that would definitely make the fan kick up to high speed on my '11 MBA) but I will give that a try when go back to the Apple store. There's a good chance I'll be going back to the Apple store tomorrow, as the Gold Macbook purchase is a gift for my fiancee.. and I want her to see it/test it to be sure she wants it. Her job issues her an older MBP with the optical drive.. and she wants a smaller computer. Just not sure if she would be better off with the new Gold Macbook or something a little more robust like the '15 MBA.
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That would have definitely calmed the haters. But knowing Apple, including a USB-C cable with built in USB 3.0 hub, ethernet and HDMI would have bumped the price up another $100.
I'm telling you, once USB-C/USB 3.1 catches on.. these cables will be $10 bucks in no time. And more importantly we will see tons of new devices coming to market with USB-C ports. I'd imagine even the next wave of smartphones will use USB-C as the single port.. and that same cheap hub/ethernet/HDMI/power cable will be just as useful there for phones & tablets.
HobeSoundDarryl
macrumors G5
I don't expect wonders from it but am curious to see what happens with a little load. The counterpoint for "light computing" but "thinnest" could be iPad or iPad + Keyboard at a much cheaper price. So this separates itself a bit by being able to do a little more than what that iPad can do (besides just running OS X).
If you get one 1080p video going in a window with no problem, maybe get another going in another window at the same time. In other words, push it a little to see where it might begin to struggle as someone's sole laptop.
And did it make you think you might want to return your rMBP to go with it instead? If not, why not?
If you get one 1080p video going in a window with no problem, maybe get another going in another window at the same time. In other words, push it a little to see where it might begin to struggle as someone's sole laptop.
And did it make you think you might want to return your rMBP to go with it instead? If not, why not?
Total shambles
Ordered the watch online then went to my local store (Cambridge UK) to pick up the Macbook (2 of them actually). Strangest experience walking up to a store with about ~20 staff and 2 security guards and nobody waiting inline.
Told that Macbooks weren't available until 24 April and they didn't have any to see. Figured I'd have a look at watch, but told needed appointment. Walked past the guy and just had a look at one on demo (whilst 5 staff stood around doing nothing).
1hr later called London Covent Garden store, told that they had Macbooks but had sold out. Called London Regent Street who said they had some, including display, but they were selling fast. Decided to wait until later and call again as I was busy with work.
Called Regent Street 2hrs later, only to be picked up by a call centre (Ireland I think). Told that no UK stores had them. I indicated that I was told earlier they had them, guy went away for 10mins and checked only to tell me that I must have been told inaccurate information before.
Strangely all 3 people on the telephone had Irish accents so I suspect on all occasions I had gone to a call centre. Bit sad that twice they fed me incorrect information and pretended to be the store.
All in a all a total shambles. A simple message upfront of 'no UK stores will have Macbooks so order online' would have saved me a wasted trip and also gotten me the machine ca. 4 weeks earlier now.
Ordered the watch online then went to my local store (Cambridge UK) to pick up the Macbook (2 of them actually). Strangest experience walking up to a store with about ~20 staff and 2 security guards and nobody waiting inline.
Told that Macbooks weren't available until 24 April and they didn't have any to see. Figured I'd have a look at watch, but told needed appointment. Walked past the guy and just had a look at one on demo (whilst 5 staff stood around doing nothing).
1hr later called London Covent Garden store, told that they had Macbooks but had sold out. Called London Regent Street who said they had some, including display, but they were selling fast. Decided to wait until later and call again as I was busy with work.
Called Regent Street 2hrs later, only to be picked up by a call centre (Ireland I think). Told that no UK stores had them. I indicated that I was told earlier they had them, guy went away for 10mins and checked only to tell me that I must have been told inaccurate information before.
Strangely all 3 people on the telephone had Irish accents so I suspect on all occasions I had gone to a call centre. Bit sad that twice they fed me incorrect information and pretended to be the store.
All in a all a total shambles. A simple message upfront of 'no UK stores will have Macbooks so order online' would have saved me a wasted trip and also gotten me the machine ca. 4 weeks earlier now.
test runs for iphone launches? iphone lines aren't what they used to be.
http://www.theverge.com/2014/9/20/6641673/iphone-lines-apple-stores-casey-neistat-chinese-mafia
Just noticed you were in the DC area. I'm going thru the exact same frustrations. Even more so.. because my fiancee's 6 year old Macbook was stolen two weeks ago and she's been itching for a replacement computer. Thank god for time machine. The backup should get her going, right where she left off!
Oh please, 100 watts of power? At 5V that is 20 amps of current -- somehow I doubt the skinny gauge wires used in these cables is going to pass 20A of current without seriously overheating.
You know lots of us were saying, before the 'Spring Forward' event, that Apple were unlikely to launch MacBooks and other stuff at the same time as the Watch?
We should have been right.