- Top Features:
- War Room
- Glenn Greenwald
- Broadsheet
- Joan Walsh
- Camille Paglia
- Since You Asked
- Follow Salon:
Read other letters about this article
I bought an iPod Shuffle on the Apple.com website, before it ever shipped. $149 for the 1GB model.
It worked for three months, then gave up the ghost.
I called Apple and they said I could mail it in (wait three days for the mailer to arrive, and another week to ten days for it to return by msil) or bring it to an Apple Store to have it looked at. It was still under warranty.
When I arrived at the Apple Store, I was told I would have to make an appointment to see an 'Apple Genius' - and there were no appointments available until 5PM (It was 1PM).
I explained that it just plain did not work, I had other things to do that day and all I wanted to do was exchange it under warranty for a new one. No go - have to see a Genius.
Could I leave it to be looked at and call back later? No.
They told me if I wanted a 'Pro Care' service contract, they could look at it right away! How much? $99!
So I could pay an additional $99 for a $149 item to be looked at immediately under its existing warranty, or come back in four hours.
Naturally I found it odd that by paying more money, the previously engaged Genius would suddenly have time for me. Hmmm . . .
I had not drunk the Kool-Aid that day, so rather than making a scene or coming back later, I left the store, broke the Shuffle in half and threw it away.
I like the products, but not the attitude.
