Comments on: Apple Store Belfast: I must be missing something

By: Alan in Belfast

Alan in Belfast — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 22:09:35 +0000

I nearly bought a Macintosh LC (the pizza box model) from CEM a long time ago … however, bought a Dell 480 50Mhz instead (still boots up in Windows 3.1 or Linux/Slackware) … delaying my eventual purchase of a Mac by 15 years!

Am I excited about the Apple Store opening in Belfast? Honest answer: no! But it will be nice to see new iPods etc and try them out before going to the till and claiming the corporate discount (which works in-store as well as on the website).

By: Russell McQuillan

Russell McQuillan — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 11:33:20 +0000

I think the prices are inflated everywhere! as its Apple, personally as my business is based in Dublin, I get my apple products from the 02 Experience store, with the 21% vat rebate and 21% exchange rate difference, this is much cheaper for me. But not all!

By: pm

pm — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 10:02:15 +0000

I am from southern Ireland and looking forward to driving over the border to buy apple products at non inflated rep. of ireland prices.

By: mj

mj — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 07:59:34 +0000

Hi Ruth,
I don’t think that’s fair as has been explained several times on this web site. Mac-Sys receive their parts supplies from Apple and if Apple cannot supply the part then there will be a delay. The option for all customers is to register the repair and take their machine home again for when the part arrives (which is usually next day if in stock).

What you describe as a ‘little cosmetic problem’ is a much bigger issue if lots of people have the same issue (constraining parts) or it’s expected to be covered by warranty (where Mac-Sys would have to argue with Apple for coverage as cosmetic damage is not covered under the limited warranty on Apple’s machines).

Hardware problems will be very unlikely to be sorted ‘while you wait’. Apple’s parts requirement would be huge and though they may be able to carry a lot more parts than Mac-Sys are permitted to carry from week to week, to expect every part to be just there is unreasonable.

By: ruth e

ruth e — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 07:38:05 +0000

another good thing about the mac store is not having to send things off to macsys to get fixed anymore. I I I can see your point but there are some reasons to be excited about the new apple store.

I had a little cosmetic problem with my iBook a while back and thought it would be away with macsys 2/3 days tops but they took 2 weeks!!! So I’m looking forward to just walking into the shop and having problems sorted while I’m there.

And like others have said the seminars will be available, something I’ve never been able to stick around in a mac store for long enough to catch cos I’d be waiting for a flight or whatever.

By: Russell McQuillan

Russell McQuillan — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 21:34:51 +0000

I am looking forward to it. I have been trying to get a cable to go from my macbook to my HD TV, sounds simple. However PC Worlds Mac store (if you can call it that) offered me a 3 cable solution, another local store told me It did not exist and when I was in regent street apple store I was told ‘one of these two works, buy them both and return one’ easy if you live close!

The other aspect of the store which I hope is embraced in Belfast is the seminars and learning classes. These are good to go to if you are trying to pick up something new.

One last reason for visiting is to find out why my macbook wont print to an IP printer and to get the bluetooth fixed!

By: Stephen Barnes

Stephen Barnes — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 21:22:49 +0000

Well, I can see where you’re coming from. I’m not an Apple fanboy by ANY means, in fact, the only time I’ve ever used a Mac was in the very store on Regent Street of which you speak.

I own an iPod – my fourth, and I’d hate to be without it. My last one is the first I actually bought, the first three being competition wins. The only reason I actually put hand-in-pocket was because my previous one fell down the toilet. In work. Before I’d a chance to flush. No 2′s, before you ask.

I hold no brand loyalty to Apple, other than I like the way iTunes works, and I like the seamless synching. And I’m completely addicted to Podcasts – forget music, that’s just so last century.

But, to say it’s just a shop is selling it short. It is ludicrously cool, even I’ll admit that. Where else can you go to play with a company’s full catalogue of expensive technical gear without being pressured to move on with the constant bickering: “Can I help you with anything?”

You can go in, pick a Mac, and surf the net. You can pick up an iPhone and call your mates. You can sit at their ‘learning centre’ or whatever they call it, and, for free, watch as an expert shows you how to use GarageBand or Aperture.

Try going to PC World and getting the same experience.