Some years ago, I got stung by Telstra for a punitive amount of $400.00 merely by changing over within their structure, despite assurances prior to changing that there was no penalty applicable. This was a phone deal, and ever since I stopped purchasing any of their products. This then brings me to Apple.
As a birthday present two years ago, I was given the latest iPad by my boys. Its capacity is a nominal 16GB. I called in to one of the Apple Help Centres the other day as I was unable to sync it with my PC. The message was that "there is insufficient capacity to sync the phone". So when I went to the Centre, I was told that it was my gallery (370 pics.) that was taking me close to being over capacity. The assistant advised me that I would have to sync. the iPad, but she also ventured the opinion that "at two years, the iPad is nowsomewhat old technology". Brilliant. Anyway, home I went to try and sync., but there was no option to actually do this. Well, in frustration, I decided to phone the Apple Company Helpline.
I got onto some chap located somewhere in Asia, and he was clearly singing from a hymn sheet, to soften me up for the kill. You know, how did you get your iPad, are you happy with it, we give you three months warranty, is the sun shining in Australia, or are you phoning from America, the sort of garbage that they are reading from. Anyway, we would be very happy to assist and advise you if you would contact us within three months of purchase, but outside that period, we have a scheme to assist customers like yourself with a maintenance programme to help you enjoy our products. You can choose from twelve months, up to five years, and you will be able to ring us anytime for advice. Basically, that was the spiel. So, I asked what were the charges ? If you choose five years, it will only be $414.00, or for twelve months, $175.00. Just to confirm, I asked him directly if he would be able to provide technical advice, or would I have to pay first ? Yes, you pay first, then we help you.
That signalled the end of the phone call and, quite frankly, loss of interest in purchasing an Apple product at future times. Optus and HTC (a superior phone in any case to the Apple i4) do not charge for technical advice. I mean, why would I engage in a five year maintenance contract when it has been indicated that a two year old iPad already falls into the obsolete category and, furthermore, if you want technical advice, one is hard pressed to comprehend the operator located in Asia. One other thought - the question of the originating call - America or Australia ? I wonder if Aussies pay extra because, in my view, corporations regard Australia as a happy hunting ground for demanding excessive payment for goods and services. Anyway, that's my experience for all it is worth, but I am afraid it does not come with an Apple recommendation. Regards Styria
As a birthday present two years ago, I was given the latest iPad by my boys. Its capacity is a nominal 16GB. I called in to one of the Apple Help Centres the other day as I was unable to sync it with my PC. The message was that "there is insufficient capacity to sync the phone". So when I went to the Centre, I was told that it was my gallery (370 pics.) that was taking me close to being over capacity. The assistant advised me that I would have to sync. the iPad, but she also ventured the opinion that "at two years, the iPad is nowsomewhat old technology". Brilliant. Anyway, home I went to try and sync., but there was no option to actually do this. Well, in frustration, I decided to phone the Apple Company Helpline.
I got onto some chap located somewhere in Asia, and he was clearly singing from a hymn sheet, to soften me up for the kill. You know, how did you get your iPad, are you happy with it, we give you three months warranty, is the sun shining in Australia, or are you phoning from America, the sort of garbage that they are reading from. Anyway, we would be very happy to assist and advise you if you would contact us within three months of purchase, but outside that period, we have a scheme to assist customers like yourself with a maintenance programme to help you enjoy our products. You can choose from twelve months, up to five years, and you will be able to ring us anytime for advice. Basically, that was the spiel. So, I asked what were the charges ? If you choose five years, it will only be $414.00, or for twelve months, $175.00. Just to confirm, I asked him directly if he would be able to provide technical advice, or would I have to pay first ? Yes, you pay first, then we help you.
That signalled the end of the phone call and, quite frankly, loss of interest in purchasing an Apple product at future times. Optus and HTC (a superior phone in any case to the Apple i4) do not charge for technical advice. I mean, why would I engage in a five year maintenance contract when it has been indicated that a two year old iPad already falls into the obsolete category and, furthermore, if you want technical advice, one is hard pressed to comprehend the operator located in Asia. One other thought - the question of the originating call - America or Australia ? I wonder if Aussies pay extra because, in my view, corporations regard Australia as a happy hunting ground for demanding excessive payment for goods and services. Anyway, that's my experience for all it is worth, but I am afraid it does not come with an Apple recommendation. Regards Styria
