[X4U] AppleCare (UK)

[Simon Forster]

<rant>

What a shabby, sorry process.

I have a 12" PowerBook and the hook for its magnetic catch has just 
fallen off. As I transport the machine every day, being able to close 
the lid is reasonably important - so I thought I'd get it fixed under 
my AppleCare warranty.

I've been on the phone for circa 45 minutes trying to book this in. 
This is on a national rate phone call. First time round I gave up 
having been on hold for so long. Having eventually booked in the 
PowerBook for repairs, I understand that a box will be delivered 
"tomorrow or the next day" and that the repair will take around 10 days 
- "It may take a little longer, it may take a little less". Of course 
there's no guarantee that Apple will fix this relatively trivial 
problem within any defined time period. Meanwhile, my primary work 
machine is out of action.

</rant>

Apple positions itself as a premium brand for which one pays a premium 
price. While I like Macs and love the OS, frequently I feel as if I'm 
fighting the tide by going with a non-Windows machine. In many ways, my 
life would be far easier, and probably more profitable, by just giving 
in and going with the flow (Windows). Experiences such as this one just 
reinforce this perception.

Apple's availability and service in the UK is abysmal.

I'm off to buy a PC portable (possibly).

Simon Forster
_____________________________________________________
  LDML Ltd, 62 Pall Mall, London, SW1Y 5HZ, UK
  Tel: +44 (0)70 9230 5244   Fax: +44 (0)70 9230 5247
_____________________________________________________