What's your opinion of Apple's "One to One" service?

[Luba]

I did a search and was surprised there's are no posts on Apple's "One to One" for $99 per year.

I thought it was an hour training once a week in an Apple store on most any topic you like, and if you didn't use your weekly session you would lose it. But reading the info on Apple's site there are multi-hour sessions, and at some locations you can get trained in pro app's. I wonder if you're involved in a big project whether you could get training on multiple days during a particular week??

Anyway, what's your opinion of "One to One." From Apple's point of view it gets you into their store every week, and gets you hooked with their software and products.

 

[alphaod]

Well they did change it recently to only be available to buyers of new computers; in the change they also now allow you to come every day for one-hour sessions. That's pretty much means 365 hours of lessons year. For example you can turn Final Cut Pro, Color, and Motion; for the same classes via professional school (which might be one-to-one, you're looking a few hundred for year; One-to-One is $99 and it's a terrific deal. I will be getting it for sure when I buy my next computer (I would get it now, but my computer is a few months out).

 

[thegoldenmackid]

The two people that I know that have it are addicted to it.

Also, when I was in the Apple Store the staff was very busy with One-to-One users and one staff member I was talking to said he spends nearly all his time helping repeat "students" that constantly book him. Even if you go once a week, it's still a bargain.

 

[sls2001]

One to One is a lifesaver!

For those of you who live near an Apple retail store you are sooo lucky. I changed to macs 2 years ago and have been going to one to ones everyweek since then. It has saved me so many times for business documents or challenges on the computer. It is also a great way to keep learning and growing. The trainers are really excited about empowering you to learn all you can. They will work with you on the apple software and although not part of the service, they will go to great lengths to help with peripherals and third party solutions when possible. It is fun! A great hobby. You just need to understand what they can and cannot do -- You will find it difficult to get an appointment everytime that you want but you can go to the personal projects sessions (like study hall)

A shout out to the great retail store staff at the Apple store in Perimeter Mall in Atlanta. Apple is partly about the "experience" and they make it exciting to learn. Thanks,
Susan

 

[kbe]

Disappointed

I thought that One to One was going to be the kind of thing where you could pick from a list of topics and plan out a schedule for the things you want to learn. Unfortunately, you can only sign up for one class at a time - can't sign up for another one until the first one is over. So I'm signed up for my first class 1 1/2 weeks away, and by the time that class is over, the following week will likely be full already so I'll have to wait more than a week again. In addition, the classes are all held during normal workday hours with the latest at 3-4pm. Since I work during the day, that further restricts my ability to get classes scheduled, and means that it will take many months to accomplish what I had hoped to do. This may be somewhat dependent on the individual stores, but I have to say I'm pretty disappointed. I'm not sure I'm going to be able to get my money's worth out of it due to these limitations, which were NOT possible to find out before I purchased (I did some research).

I'll see how I feel after my first couple classes or if I figure out a strategy to be able to get signed up for time...

 

[cicarron]

A waste of time and money

I bought One to One with my 2011 MacBook Air and was excited to get personal training on my first ever Mac. I have been to about 5 sessions in my first month and let me tell you, the honeymoon is over. I almost wish I'd never even bought a Mac.

The data transfer from my old PC was sloppy. They created duplicates of every photo and music album on my machine, so my brand new 256 GB disk was literally completely full when I got it back. I ended up having to sift through all the files to try and figure out which ones were doubled. This is exactly the time-wasting, annoying grunt work I wanted to avoid by paying $99 for One to One. None of my playlists were transferred either. When I asked if they could please get them back for me, I was simply told it couldn't be done.

To top it off, I went into the store for an iPhoto training session yesterday. The trainer accidentally erased all of my contacts from my Mac, which promptly synced with iCloud, and instantly erased all contacts off my iPhone. I left the store after 90 minutes having learned nothing about iPhoto, with all all my contact information gone. I got a support call from Apple today, and they still haven't fixed anything.

I bought into the Apple hype. I loved my iPhone, so I thought the Mac would be simple and useful as well. The bottom line is, Apple is a huge company now, and many of their staff are under qualified and resort to Google for tech support solutions. I can wreck my own computer, but paying $99 to have an "expert" wreck it for me is insulting.

 

[bluelett]

Very happy with my One to One so far

I've had wonderful beginning experiences with One to One. I signed up for both a workshop (on iCloud) and a One to One session that occurred on the same day. Both were led by very positive, honest, helpful employees. I feel if I even attend 2 sessions my $99 has paid off. 1:1 instruction with someone knowledgeable isn't cheap in any area.

I am disappointed that I can't sign up for the next One to One until I complete the current one.

I'm also frustrated that my closest Apple Store has very few time options available. It was suggested I let them know this is a problem... if enough people want this, they may make it happen.

Luckily I live in an urban area and have 2 within 20 minutes of where I live and another about 35 min. away.

The iCloud workshop had 4 of us "students" at different levels. It was a good overview and the leader took another half hour afterwords to do some troubleshooting with me, getting help from other people as well. It didn't get fully resolved when I had to leave to go to the other Apple store for my One to One. He also was pretty honest about limitations of some of the features (and also unhappy about them), and not willing to hide the limitations. Which I appreciated. It seems like it would have been so easy for Apple to made things work more seamlessly and have fewer limitations. That's disappointing about my newest computer and I worry I shouldn't have upgraded right now.

The One to One session was soooo helpful. After getting my new computer about 3 weeks ago, I had encountered a few things that weren't working correctly. This person fixed them, showing me how, having me do most of the steps myself so I would learn, and explaining the why behind it all. He was patient in listening to me. He was knowledgeable and clear on what he knew vs what I'd need to meet with someone else for. He gave me suggestions on who to go to (workshop, One to one, genius bar) for specific issues I might have (sounds like one to one is the best for anything at this point).

I was very happy with the people I've met so far from the day I picked up my new computer. I have another session scheduled for next week. I'm interested in seeing if I end up feeling so positive about all sessions. Hopefully I'll remember to check back here and add more feedback on my experiences.

 

[wingie]

new One-to-one a disaster

The revamped one-to-one is a disaster! I’ve been using the service for 5 years and it’s been a great help in making FinalCut Pro, Motion, and Logic Pro user friendly.

Just tried to book a session and the page I had bookmarked for that purpose had changed with NO LINKS -NO REDIRECT to the one-to-one session registration page. Had to search on Google for 10 minutes to figure out how to register for a session.

When I attempted to register, I found there are stinky new rules. Used to be that you could review a page showing all availabilities during the coming week for ones area of interest. You could pick the one that fit your week’s schedule. Very user friendly.


But no more. Now you’re shown the single next available appointment, and if that doesn’t fit your schedule, TOUGH! Get lost!

This revamp of One-to-one totally sucks! Wish they’d told me what was coming before I plunked down another $99. Can I maybe get a refund?

 

[Drewski]

The revamped one-to-one is a disaster! I’ve been using the service for 5 years and it’s been a great help in making FinalCut Pro, Motion, and Logic Pro user friendly.

Just tried to book a session and the page I had bookmarked for that purpose had changed with NO LINKS -NO REDIRECT to the one-to-one session registration page. Had to search on Google for 10 minutes to figure out how to register for a session.

When I attempted to register, I found there are stinky new rules. Used to be that you could review a page showing all availabilities during the coming week for ones area of interest. You could pick the one that fit your week’s schedule. Very user friendly.


But no more. Now you’re shown the single next available appointment, and if that doesn’t fit your schedule, TOUGH! Get lost!

This revamp of One-to-one totally sucks! Wish they’d told me what was coming before I plunked down another $99. Can I maybe get a refund?

Another unwelcome addition to the One-to-One scheduling is that it seems you can only schedule from your apple device. I can by no means understand the advantage to the customer of having to schedule an appointment only on your iProduct. I used to schedule my appointments from work, on a PC laptop. Unfortunately, I can't really plan these until the day of, due to my work requirements; and since I don't have one at the office, I can't schedule same day. Nice.

Unless i'm missing something...?

 

[dontcallmyname]

I'm about to buy an imac and, while I've had macs for a few years, I was thinking it could be something good... after all I only thought it was $99. IF it could help me get icloud working well or even if it made me appreciate pages more (I use word), it would be worth it. Of course, I'd love to work more on final cut pro etc.

I just looked it up so I could see what was available here... it's $130 in Australia and I feel like it's a rip off. Of course, I haven't used the service, but considering the dollar, I don't see why it's $30 extra. jmho

 

[Zwhaler]

I bought One to One with my 2011 MacBook Air and was excited to get personal training on my first ever Mac. I have been to about 5 sessions in my first month and let me tell you, the honeymoon is over. I almost wish I'd never even bought a Mac.

The data transfer from my old PC was sloppy. They created duplicates of every photo and music album on my machine, so my brand new 256 GB disk was literally completely full when I got it back.

Just so you know, there's a feature in iTunes for duplicates File -> Display Duplicates (might be different if you're not on Snow Leopard)

 

[dkornf]

Be careful if you use them to transfer data

Be sure to thoroughly check all of your data when you get your computer back from Apple if you have them do the data transfer for you. I bought One to One mainly just for the convenience of having them transfer my data for me. When I got home, I discovered they hadn't transferred my Picture folder, iPhoto folder, Downloads, Web Sites folder, not much of anything really. Several days later I discovered they hadn't even transferred all of my Documents folder. It looked like they had, but when I opened various folders, nothing was there.

Originally they had told me they would transfer all of my programs; I would just have to re-enter my serial numbers for some of them. When I picked it up, they told me they hadn't transferred any of them because some of them wouldn't work with Mountain Lion. I could deal with that, but I was dumbfounded when I found out they hadn't even transferred my pictures.

When I called to complain about it, they said I could come in and use my One to One to get help transferring all the things they were supposed to have done.

Hours later I had my files--I thought--didn't notice the missing documents until a few days later. Unfortunately, the drive I had them on is failing, and I may not be able to retrieve them now. If I'd known they were missing, I could have gotten them earlier.

Now I wish I'd made two back-ups!

So--I wouldn't recommend having Apple transfer your files.It may take a long time, but it's easier just to do it yourself. And from now on I'm having two back-up drives!

 

[OnceYouGoMac]

I'd sooner watch Ocean Finance TV* (or a shopping/God squad/psychic/Fox News channel) while eating glass than do the One to One sessions. I don't know why, I'm just not a fan of it. Am I the only person who doesn't think much of Apple's One to One service? What do the One to Ones provide that books, this forum or Google won't? And is the Apple Store really a good learning environment? Sorry for the 20 questions...

* To anyone not from the UK - Ocean Finance is a UK loan company and they used to have their own TV channel, which was a load of rubbish really but it was quite funny to watch when there was nothing else on the TV. They also used to have adverts with people wearing lightbulbs on their heads. They were hideous.

 

[JimWPVB]

Absolutely Great!

Unless you know it all (somewhat common with some folks on these forums), it is GREAT. I've learned some great stuff after 6 years with iMac and MBP. Indispensable? No. Helpful? Yes. Recommended? Absolutely, unless you already know it all.

 

[OnceYouGoMac]

Unless you know it all (somewhat common with some folks on these forums), it is GREAT. I've learned some great stuff after 6 years with iMac and MBP. Indispensable? No. Helpful? Yes. Recommended? Absolutely, unless you already know it all.

How long have you been using the One to One service? How do you find the guys at whatever Apple Store you go to?

 

[JimWPVB]

Length of One to One Service

I have used 1 to 1 for several months, officially. But I live near an Apple Store, and go in frequently for workshops. Sometimes, I am the only participant in the workshop and, in essence, those become 1 to 1's. I find the level of knowledge on the 1 to 1's exceptional.

 

[Big Stevie]

Ive just purchased a macbook with one to one. Can it be renewed after the 12months?

 

[sos85]

In fact we can search all the answer in the forum and internet, 99$ is a little expensive , as the MBP failed times is too little in a year.

 

[OnceYouGoMac]

I have used 1 to 1 for several months, officially. But I live near an Apple Store, and go in frequently for workshops. Sometimes, I am the only participant in the workshop and, in essence, those become 1 to 1's. I find the level of knowledge on the 1 to 1's exceptional.

Aren't the workshops free? How near the Apple Store do you live? Next door? I guess it's cool when the workshops become One to Ones. At least you have the trainer's undivided attention (no, get your mind out of the gutter please!) and can ask all the questions you want! Do you like the One to One sessions? I personally wouldn't use the One to Ones but it seems they have some use. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to watch TV shopping channels, claim back my mis-sold PPI and trade in my gold for cash

 

[JimWPVB]

Workshops Are Free

Yes, the Workshops are free. To clarify an earlier answer, the level of knowledge seems higher with the 1 to 1 than with the Workshops, which can be spotty (in my experience). As to living close by, they have a cot for me in the back...

 

[karatekidk]

Geez, I totally forgot about the "One to One" I bought three years ago when I bought a MBP until I saw this thread. I never activated it and sold my MBP because I got another one from work. Now, two questions:

1) Has my "One to One" already been expired?
2) If not, am I able to bring my work laptop for it?

Thanks!

 

[ixodes]

Of the three Apple stores in my area, the largest must not talk about it, or attempt to sell it. Due to the amount of Mac gear I have, I tend to be in the store rather frequently. Not once have I heard it brought up, or seen anything promoting it.

Interesting.

 

[OnceYouGoMac]

Yes, the Workshops are free. To clarify an earlier answer, the level of knowledge seems higher with the 1 to 1 than with the Workshops, which can be spotty (in my experience). As to living close by, they have a cot for me in the back...

Maybe the people who do the One to Ones are more specialised as I think the workshops are quite basic? Sounds like you live next door to the store

Of the three Apple stores in my area, the largest must not talk about it, or attempt to sell it. Due to the amount of Mac gear I have, I tend to be in the store rather frequently. Not once have I heard it brought up, or seen anything promoting it.

Interesting.

Which Apple Store is it? I think I need to visit that one At least I won't have the urge to watch demonstrations of steam cleaners on TV (H20 Mop X5 anyone?) or get cash for my gold after visiting the Apple Store Every time I go to one and I see the One to One sessions going on I have the urge to go home, turn on the TV and watch the crappiest stuff I can find

 

[Oshima]

Geez, I totally forgot about the "One to One" I bought three years ago when I bought a MBP until I saw this thread. I never activated it and sold my MBP because I got another one from work. Now, two questions:

1) Has my "One to One" already been expired?
2) If not, am I able to bring my work laptop for it?

Thanks!

1) Nope, if you didn't activate it, it's still good.
2) Sure thing, you can get training on any Mac product including iPads, iPhones, etc.

 

[OnceYouGoMac]

1) Nope, if you didn't activate it, it's still good.
2) Sure thing, you can get training on any Mac product including iPads, iPhones, etc.

I always thought you had to activate the membership within a year or it would expire. Don't know what made me think that though. *switches on TV*