Like every business in today’s digital marketplace, Bob Abbate Marketing relies on computers to get the job done. Perhaps more than others. Our Macs are more than productivity tools. They are creative tools. Virtually every strategy, idea, schedule, TV spot, radio commercial, search ad, media buy and client communication originates on a computer. When one of our computers goes down for service, part of our business can grind to a halt. That’s one reason BAM runs on Macs. 100%. What’s the difference? Too many to list. But here’s an example.
The anti-reflective coating on the screen of my personal MacBook Pro laptop started to flake off. Not a lot, just in one corner. I Googled around to see if others are having the same problem, and it turns out that they are. And Apple acknowledged the problem. And they actually want to fix the problem.
Steve Jobs, former Apple CEO and co-founder.
The screen issue on my MacBook wasn’t a big issue that prevented me from getting things done. It was more like a blemish. But there it was, and know it was there irritated me. I’ve been an Apple customer since Apple has been Apple. I ordered my first Macintosh the day after their famous “1984” commercial aired on the Superbowl that year. 23 years later, I emailed Steve Jobs directly about a problem my daughter was having with her first MacBook. He replied personally. I still have that email. To say I’m an Apple “fanboy geek” would be an understatement.
So back to my computer. I made an appointment with the Genius Bar at my local Apple Store in Trumbull, CT. At appointment time this evening, I walked in, was offered a seat, and was promptly assisted by an Apple associate who took a look at my screen and informed me that a new screen is about $700, but that Apple will happily cover the screen replacement under my AppleCare warranty. Wow. But it gets better.
The Apple Store in Westfield Trumbull Mall on opening day. I was in that line. (photo: CT Post)
I left my beloved MacBook Pro in the hands of the Apple Genius at 5:08 pm this evening. At 6:12 pm I received an email from Apple informing me that my computer was ready to be picked up. Had to be a mistake, right? I was told the repair would take 3 to 5 days. But just over an hour? Couldn’t be.
So I hopped back into my car and headed back to the Apple Store. And it was true. The new screen was installed, the computer was tested, and it was ready for me. In an hour. They actually had a new screen in stock, and they actually listened to me when in conversation I mentioned that “when I’m without my computer I’m basically out of business.”
So kudos Apple. One hour from drop off to pick up. Your service is amazing. Once again you have exceeded my expectations. I bet Steve is looking down and smiling.