the customer service at APPLE is simply amazing.
 

i cracked my laptop in two spots. the frame around my screen, and the frame next to my mouse pad. i bought this thing OCT 2007, so it is very much out of warranty. i took it in to see about getting it fixed. the "genius" called back to verify the parts were back there, and told us to come back in 30 minutes. we told him to take his time, since i was gonna take my 911 to sonoma to pick up some wine.

on the way home, we shot in to grab the laptop. i had my CC ready to pay for the repairs. the unit came back spotless! new keyboard, new frame around the screen! grand total = $0.00! WTF? the tech said, "yea, it really shouldnt crack like that, so we hooked you up." MAN O MAN! my keyboard is crispy like new, my mouse is sensitive..LOVE IT! i used this thing in the garage, so it got dirty...i looks great. i am an APPLE lover for sure. i am shopping for a desktop, and APPLE will get my money.

what desktop do you guys like? APPLE guys...we surf, and type letters...some work stuff involving spreadsheets, etc.

I'm considering going to Apple but at the moment everything in the house is PC-centric.

Right now I am writing a proposal, updating my resume and a spread sheet, writing this post, watching Watchmen and checking my email on the same PC (media center xp).

(movie is playing on the tele)

edit: forgot to mention that I am also fighting with my Norton AV but I've put that in the background for the moment.

For that stuff you don't need MacPro. The 27 inch iMac is really tough to ignore. If budget is an issue then Mac Mini and add existing peripherals.

I dropped my iPhone the other day - fell out of my pocket onto the tile floor - and the screen went kaput. The glass did not break but the LCD became distorted and illegible. So, I made a Genius Bar appointment and took it in. They not only didn't ask any probing questions about what happened, they replaced the screen for free under warranty. I was in and out in 15 minutes. This was with a PACKED store too, otherwise it would have been 5-10 minutes tops. Impressive.

I've been similarly impressed with the ability to walk into a brick and mortar store and get help right away. They talk at your level, regardless of how much or how little you know about computers, and have the "customer is always right" attitude.

Isn't it time for Island to contribute to this thread? :D

Best,
Tom

i was about to post up a thread on a store ipad..but the store was super crowded. i didnt want to bogart the pad.