Apples strategy is plain and simple. We make the best OS, the Best Computers, and offer the best Service.
You pay to play. Apple has never been interested in people looking for a bargain or scrounging together a computer. They are the BMW of computers and they have the product and attitude to go with it. I like that too. I am glad Apple's market share isn't with everyone in the universe. Owning an Apple is something you can still be proud of. Apple charges you for the quality and time in there products. If you want a cheap computer... Buy an Emachine with Windows. You get what you pay for.
I know this will fall on deaf ears. But, while I agree with you on a couple points. Being a Apple Certified Warranty Technician I can you that:
They make the best OS. Plain and simple. Well... for consumers. FreeBSD is pretty bad ass.
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They don't make the "best" computers. Depends on what you are looking for in a computer. There are much higher spec'd computers out there. For less. Just not with OSX. Which is a big negative. People always say "Macs are more expensive" But, I would factor 100 to 200 dollars more just for using OSX. Which makes it pretty even or cheaper.
Their service is outwardly excellent. But, wait till you have a non-recall with a "should be" recall issue or are clumsy with it. OR you need Enterprise level service. HA. Try to get any Enterprise level service even if you manage 1000 Xserves. They have nothing for you. Bet on that. NOTHING. You want image deployment and management?? They direct you to third party support. InstaDMG they say. HA! If you want the best warranty in the industry (But, a fairly crap computer) go to Dell. With CompleteCare you could slam it against a pole or chuck it off a building and they will replace it. (Believe me, or don't. I am a Dell Warranty Parts Direct Technician as well. WPD rocks!) OR if there are any driver issues with BootCamp. HAHA. They tell you it's Microsoft's fault. EVEN their techs; they will tell that.
Working at an Apple Store is NOT working at Apple. Whoever thinks that is fooling themselves. Apple Geniuses have no room for growth. 32K a year. Forever. No not really, but don't even think that you will move to corporate. Ever. Haha. So, whoever says they work for Apple and work at their retail stores is full of ****. They don't know crap. Yeah, they can log into gsx.apple.com. But, that's the closest they get to Cupertino. (Well, except to get certified.) Which is amazing that they do that. I might add.
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AND I hope they are not the BMW of computers. Have you seen an X6? or driven one? Gawd! They have really fallen off the wagon. No pun intended. Try a Lotus or Alfa then come talk to me. WHICH ARE Cheaper/Same price. Best "OS".
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Long winded. But, starting to piss me off. Blah Blah Blah. "I know how Apple works! Blah Blah" I don't even pretend to know. I don't know crap and I have a fraction more knowledge than most. I gots no ideas!
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