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How lower Mac price points and Windows 7 will affect Apple troubleshooting
As a Mac guy, I am completely in favor of this. As a writer for a Mac-centric blog that focuses on troubleshooting, I am somewhat wary. Let me explain. Let's say Apple's advertising campaign, coupled with lower price points on their most popular models, create yet another surge of new Mac users. It is no secret that Apple has taken incredible steps to make the computing experience more intuitive--the fact that separates Mac OS X from others the most. But with an influx of users that have been using Windows for years, I think we will start to see a shift in how troubleshooting is conducted. We, as troubleshooters, will need to adjust our coverage of issues.
The biggest issue I see with new Mac users is not knowing "the given" steps. Repairing Permissions, installing the Combo Update packages, resetting the PMU and PRAM. With Apple Stores cropping up all over the country, it's not enough for people to learn about these basic troubleshooting tasks. Now, they make an appointment and have a Genius fix it. And why not? It's free, if only for a little hassle trying to find a convenient appointment time.
As I moonlight as a Mac consultant in the Portland area, I have found that more and more people simply do not want to "deal" with fixing their computer--no matter how simple the solution may be. Often my clients have very basic needs that are thoroughly discussed in detail on sites like MacFixIt or in knowledge base articles directly from Apple. Yet, they are convinced that they must pay my ridiculous hourly rate to have me repair their permissions and install their OS updates.
To me, that's the Windows way of thinking. "Computers are too complicated for me," seems to be the most common reasoning when I ask about what my clients have attempted to troubleshoot. So where does that leave us? Troubleshooting now, I believe, is less about sifting through complex bug issues inherent to the operating system and more about finding a way to teach users about basic techniques to keep their systems running smooth. Many of our articles here on MacFixIt delve into the Terminal underbelly of Mac OS X, but most Apple customers (and certainly the newest ones) need something much more basic.
They need the understanding that it is okay to fix your own machine; that there are resources available online and otherwise where you can learn about the operating system, what makes it tick, and what to do if the ticks aren't quite right. That is the new troubleshooting. A lot less Unix commands to change permissions on a root level directory and a lot more tutorial-esque resources on preventative maintenance and basic troubleshooting. Of course, MacFixIt will continue to offer the very best in basic and advanced troubleshooting news and solutions. But, thanks to Windows 7 and aggressive marketing by Apple, that shift may be getting a lot closer in the next couple weeks.
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Recently, I helped a friend diagnose and repair her Mac, over the phone, by holding her hand and walking her through the steps. Once I de-mystified the process for her, she gained the confidence to perform all of the preventative maintenance tasks required to keep a Mac in tip-top running condition. This is where the trouble-shooting guides need to focus.
This does boost people's confidence in what they can do on their own, without resorting to giving the problem to a friend, relative, geek-down-the-street or to a regular PC repair shop.
But the real digger (as implied in the title) is the idea that Apple will "compete" with Windows 7 by lowering prices. Lets face facts: people can still go to any discount store and buy a brand new PC for around $400. I doubt (ha-ha!) Apple is going to lower even their lowest priced model to that level.
Also, Apple controls their product line strictly: you can't get your nephew to build a "Mac clone" for $250 as some people I know did when they wanted a Windows PC. I don't believe for one second that Apple even wants to "touch" that lowest end of the market: which means they also don't want that big of a market share.
I think it's more of a modern times mindset. They expect computers to work for you, and if they don't then someone else should have to fix it. I've met just as many people afraid to fix their own Macs as I have those afraid to fix their PCs. I guess we've just had different experiences.
I look forward to Apple lowering its prices. Competition is great for the market and Apple has an excellent operating system. Sounds like a great thing. Can't wait to see what happens. :D
When you're logged in as an Administrator and you're told you don't have permission to do something?
When something goes wrong and you're told something failed because "an error occurred?"
Don't get me wrong, Apple's error messages are very rarely useful, either, but at least being UNIX-based Mac OS X is better about leaving error logs that can at least point you in the right direction.
Then there are registry issues...
THAT is what mind boggling
Windows is for people who want a toaster with no controls other than a push up down handle
While Macs work out of the box, they generally dont fit well with those who want technology handed to them on a platter-you CAN go in a do some things in a Mac that you never will with;
It was fun to watch Stever Balmer squirm when asked by a ZDNet interviewer WHY there were SO MANY differing and expensive versions of Windows when Mac has but ONE for ALL- at around $100;
Jeezus the gobbledygook flowed thick and fast while he tried his best to con the interviewer that there were only 3 flavors to choose from!
WHEN PRESSED- he did admit that it would be "a chore" to upgrade Vista to W7 on even some of the new machines;
Compare that to APPLES $25 (amazon) upgrade-easy as pie
Windows 7 is a legacy product from the 20th Century-gussied up in new clothes;
I suspect that as time goes on, 21st Century IT advances will be much less kind to Windows
While Windows was a great 20th Century product-i can already see that as time goes on, the 21st Century will be cruel and unforgiving to MS;
This has nothing to do with snobbery-its a simple matter of, as example
Would you put worn retread tires on your car or new ones with the coming winter?
MS represents to me the worn retreads-and there is a storm coming
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by sebring
October 19, 2009 11:33 AM PDT
- Let's be blunt. If Microsoft ever got to 75% of what the Mac OS offers today, Apple has a problem. It certainly would have with me. I just had a four year old iMac crap out - a fairly common video card problem, but on this model, Apple soldered the video card to the mother board so would cost almost as much to repair the machine as it would to replace it. Then, since I live in Canada, I see that Apple's prices in this country are 15% higher than US prices for the same machine even though the two currencies are almost at par. I understand the concept of currency volatility, but if Apple doesn't want to cut its Canadian prices, the least it could do is offer a time-limited processor or RAM upgrade or some other benefit to its Canadian customers. We order through a different Apple store, so it shouldn't be hard to do something to level the pricing between the two countries.
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(13 Comments)Right now, I refuse to pay 15% more than Americans for the same machine. I'm using my laptop and if it goes, I go to Windows 7.