07-06-2007, 08:20 AM | #1 (permalink) | |
Junkie
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Apple's Iphone bait and switch
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070705/...e/apple_iphone
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07-06-2007, 08:28 AM | #2 (permalink) | ||
Tilted Cat Head
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Location: Manhattan, NY
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I would hardly call this a bait and switch. A bit sensationalistic if anything. It was well known prior to the sales, that there was no replacement of the battery midday. What was unknown was how either Apple or other 3rd party would deal with it. Again, I'm 100% positive that someone out there will create an iPhone cracker (maybe some of you remember the old MacCrackers for the original Macs) to easily disassemble the unit, and replace the battery. Mother Necessity mixed in with some Capitalism.
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07-06-2007, 08:35 AM | #5 (permalink) | |
Tilted
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Where are they going toi get the extra battery, just walk into Wallmart and buy one? Please. Talk about being delusional. You also ignore the fact that all of the memory in the damn thing gets wiped when you replace the battery, so unless you want to waste time throwing all your photos and illegal MP3's and illegal downloaded vids and address book back into the thing you have to waste time backing all that shit up on your i-pod. Yeah, that just makes me want to rush out and buy 10 of the goddamn things. |
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07-06-2007, 08:38 AM | #6 (permalink) |
Submit to me, you know you want to
Location: Lilburn, Ga
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yeah....I've never lost any of the information on any cell phone I had by replacing the battery....thats just ridiculous
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07-06-2007, 08:38 AM | #7 (permalink) | ||
Tilted Cat Head
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Most of the sites I've seen that responded to this press release corroborate maybe a 7 day turnaround. With Apple Stores being across the nation. I see the service working well. You walk inside the store, fill out a form, possible get a rental unit from them, and oh look! new shiny Macs!! possibly buy a new Mac or other accessories. Return back to the store to pick up your iPhone and return rental. Two visits to the store. IMO this is Apple managing the PR in the wake of things like the original iPod wherein there was no program in place to replace the battery nor third party vendors. I'd also wager that by the time the battery fails, the 2nd or 3rd generation units will be available. Electircal engineering is an exact science today. They can pinpoint and manipulate the exact fail points for expected lifetime. Quote:
Same thing for the iPhone. You just have to make sure that you sync before you give it up. As far as the battery is concerned, you can buy battery packs for iPods in some stores already that were originally sold by ipodbattery.com. You may live in bumblefuck nowhere, but I can currently go to J&R Musicworld in downtown Manhattan and purchase an iPod battery replacement. I'd be back to work in 30 minutes. and if you don't have a J&R World near you, Circuit City carries them too. I don't see what the news is about this, except to take snipes at Apple. Mind you, I don't care for Apple nor their business practices, they lost me as a customer when the Mac 128k came out, but their business model is as sound as any others out there.
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07-06-2007, 09:13 AM | #8 (permalink) |
Big & Brassy
Location: The "Canyon"
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The cost of "the latest high-tech gadget" has always been high. You wanna be kewl and have the hottest shit on the market, be prepared to shell out big bucks for it.
This marketing ploy (and that's all it is) doesn't surprise me at all. Apple has all of their iFlock ripe for the picking, and seeing as how the rest of technology has caught up to (and surpassed?) Apple's gadgets and computers at a lower cost, what else can they do except introduce a new "gotta have it" toy? Then force you to pay up the whazoo for the gadget itself, the overpriced service, overpriced activation and overpriced battery replacement. Then again, if you can afford a PHONE that costs $600, you can afford the upcharges that come with it.
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07-06-2007, 09:16 AM | #9 (permalink) | |
Kick Ass Kunoichi
Location: Oregon
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My thoughts exactly. It's like buying a gas-guzzling SUV--the guys that buy Hummers are the ones that can afford to put the gas in the Hummer. As for the battery replacement issue, most every article I read on the iPhone prior to its launch mentioned speculation of precisely how Apple would address the battery replacement issue, and most of them assumed it would be similar to the iPod battery replacement strategy--wow, they were right. Not really a big surprise. And I'm sure, as Cyn suggested, the market will adjust to meet consumer's needs--sure, there aren't third-party people out there yet replacing iPhone batteries, but give it a year and there will be.
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07-06-2007, 09:26 AM | #10 (permalink) | |
Registered User
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Yeah because using the sync feature is just <i>SO</i> troublesome and time consuming In the iBrick thread you were so angry about the iPhone.. and it's repeated here.. seriously.. if you don't like it then don't buy one. Why all the crazy hatred? If people wish to spend their money on a gadget that's their right to do so.. even if you don't think it's viable.. it's not your cash. Apple has a great business model and an even better advertising agency. Apple could sell Steve Jobs turds if they wanted to. In the end.. big fucking deal. They've done a great job with marketing and why anyone would be so full of hate for that is beyond me. Besides, if the phone is so terrible, that leaves room for the competition to make a move. |
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07-06-2007, 09:39 AM | #11 (permalink) | |
Tilted Cat Head
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The slick Apple marketing machine has almost caught me back a couple times, but so far, it hasn't. and yeah, people even clamour over Fake Steve Jobs. Go figure!
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07-06-2007, 09:39 AM | #12 (permalink) | |
Winter is Coming
Location: The North
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That doesn't mean that people didn't know it was coming or anything else, but it does mean that there's no reason the ambiguous "someone" shouldn't have come up with a more elegant solution. On a side note after reading Cynthetiq's post, I'd rather the iPod had a command for sync'ing instead of doing it automatically. The whole process devours my system's processing power for some reason (I think it's just that the windows iTunes port is horribly inefficient) so it'd be nice not to have it auto-load iTunes and go through all that just because I plug it in. Last edited by Frosstbyte; 07-06-2007 at 09:41 AM.. |
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07-06-2007, 09:53 AM | #15 (permalink) | ||
Tilted Cat Head
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People I know sent their ipods to 3rd party vendors, again, happy with the end result. where's the disconnect? Quote:
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I don't care if you are black, white, purple, green, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, hippie, cop, bum, admin, user, English, Irish, French, Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Buddhist, Muslim, indian, cowboy, tall, short, fat, skinny, emo, punk, mod, rocker, straight, gay, lesbian, jock, nerd, geek, Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, Independent, driver, pedestrian, or bicyclist, either you're an asshole or you're not. Last edited by Cynthetiq; 07-06-2007 at 09:55 AM.. Reason: Automerged Doublepost |
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07-06-2007, 09:57 AM | #16 (permalink) | |
... a sort of licensed troubleshooter.
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Again, non-story. |
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07-06-2007, 10:02 AM | #17 (permalink) | |||
The Reforms
Location: Rarely, if ever, here or there, but always in transition
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Apple figured this in its way to promote a solid service for something that would eventually need taken care of, as it did with the iPods: the space-saving, non-tamper, integrated battery. It learned that this was a way to endorse the sleek look of its model, whether it be the iPod or the iPhone, and also have a sure money-income with the battery-replacement deal. Those that can afford to buy the iPhone and have it last, well, surely the would send it in to a trusted company that can assure a quality replacement job with guaranteed results. That is the way business works: you identify a market, and then you target it with a quantifiable service that would be able to indugle the market. This is what Apple learned, how to be a successful company that a fair share of consumers wouldn't mind spending extra for their services. Simple as that.
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07-06-2007, 10:04 AM | #18 (permalink) | |
Big & Brassy
Location: The "Canyon"
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07-06-2007, 10:13 AM | #20 (permalink) | |
Tilted Cat Head
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But yes, that is a very good assessment of their business model.
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07-06-2007, 10:20 AM | #21 (permalink) | |
Asshole
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Either way, Apple is very good at convincing people that they need the latest device.
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07-06-2007, 10:55 AM | #22 (permalink) |
Winter is Coming
Location: The North
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My iPod battery has effectively ceased to function after two years. I would much rather walk to my friendly neighborhood electronics store, buy a new battery and be on my way than dealing with sending it in and waiting and then having it come back. People (by that I mean devoted consumers of Mac products) don't seem to be particularly perturbed about it, so I guess it's working for them, as Jetstream observed.
To me it's another of Apple doing things the way they want to do them which makes me pay more and use more time for something that ought to be quick and easy. I guess I'll just have to content myself with that opinion and with buying other products when I can, since I still think it's a bad solution to a straightforward problem. Again, it's not about spending money, even a lot of money. It's spending extra money to do something I can do myself. It's like the dudes in the bathrooms of swanky clubs and restaurants. I don't need you to open the door. I don't need you to hand me a towel or turn on the faucet. In fact, I'd rather not have you sitting there watching me take a piss and then giving me a dirty look when I only put a dollar in your tip jar. Last edited by Frosstbyte; 07-06-2007 at 10:59 AM.. |
07-06-2007, 11:06 AM | #23 (permalink) | |
Tilted Cat Head
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As far as the bathroom attendant, why put anything in if you don't use the services?
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I don't care if you are black, white, purple, green, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, hippie, cop, bum, admin, user, English, Irish, French, Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Buddhist, Muslim, indian, cowboy, tall, short, fat, skinny, emo, punk, mod, rocker, straight, gay, lesbian, jock, nerd, geek, Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, Independent, driver, pedestrian, or bicyclist, either you're an asshole or you're not. |
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07-06-2007, 11:06 AM | #24 (permalink) |
... a sort of licensed troubleshooter.
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Well one argument that can be made is that the removable battery makes the whole unit less strong.
Anyway, this is what happens when people start running out of things to complain about. People made similar complaints about the iPod, and it now controls around 80% of the mp3 market. Assuming Apple Inc. can produce a cheaper version that works on any network, the same thing could happen to the cell phone market. Sorry, Nokia. |
07-06-2007, 11:56 AM | #28 (permalink) |
Submit to me, you know you want to
Location: Lilburn, Ga
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They really disappointed me with this whole you have to send this back to us to get it to work again kind of thing when the Ipod's came out...to see that they are screwing over people again with this phone that could almost double as a remote control for the space shuttle makes me even madder.
If someone wants to give them their money, great go for it. Me? Im happy with my Motorola phone and my creative labs mp3 player
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07-06-2007, 12:01 PM | #29 (permalink) | |
The Reforms
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As human beings, our greatness lies not so much in being able to remake the world (that is the myth of the Atomic Age) as in being able to remake ourselves. —Mohandas K. Gandhi |
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07-06-2007, 12:52 PM | #30 (permalink) | |
Registered User
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Sure, I won't be looking at the iPhone until it is available with a replaceable battery, but that's only because I go through batteries like crazy and I like to keep an extra battery handy. I don't really see how it's screwing people over. People have known for quite a while that the iPhone would be released without a removeable battery, and the people who purchased one, weighed that factor against the others and decided it wasn't much of an issue. Charging for the replacement is only common sense to the business model of any company. I could understand anger if the batteries failed every couple weeks or after a few months, but the fact that the iPod batteries handled so well is testament that this phone with it's non-replaceable unit will be around long enough until you see v2. So basically, are you saying that if I handed you a Macbook Pro you wouldn't take it?? |
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07-06-2007, 01:27 PM | #31 (permalink) | |
Tilted Cat Head
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I don't care if you are black, white, purple, green, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, hippie, cop, bum, admin, user, English, Irish, French, Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Buddhist, Muslim, indian, cowboy, tall, short, fat, skinny, emo, punk, mod, rocker, straight, gay, lesbian, jock, nerd, geek, Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, Independent, driver, pedestrian, or bicyclist, either you're an asshole or you're not. |
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07-06-2007, 01:30 PM | #32 (permalink) | |
Junkie
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Every other company on this planet has figured out how to put moduler batteries into their devices. Is the modular battery going to go the same way as the 2nd mouse button? |
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07-06-2007, 02:05 PM | #33 (permalink) |
Adequate
Location: In my angry-dome.
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The warranty isn't invalidated unless the tech screws it up. But, relative values would mean ~$7k+ for the Porsche battery.
Really, it's not the biggest issue. People who don't buy because of the battery would find something else wrong anyway. Or maybe it's better to say those who want it aren't going to be dissuaded by the battery issue alone. They know 3rd party rapid replacements will be available before they need one. /me wonders what a Porsche dealer charges for the first 12mo service.
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There are a vast number of people who are uninformed and heavily propagandized, but fundamentally decent. The propaganda that inundates them is effective when unchallenged, but much of it goes only skin deep. If they can be brought to raise questions and apply their decent instincts and basic intelligence, many people quickly escape the confines of the doctrinal system and are willing to do something to help others who are really suffering and oppressed." -Manufacturing Consent: Noam Chomsky and the Media, p. 195 |
07-06-2007, 02:25 PM | #34 (permalink) | |
The sky calls to us ...
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07-06-2007, 10:51 PM | #36 (permalink) |
<3 TFP
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It's not bait and switch, but it's bad business. First of all, some things people just expect, like being able to replace their cell phone battery. It'd be like HP making a laptop that doesn't have a screen, then in the ad they put "*No screen". First of all, most people just would think it was a misprint if they read it. Secondly, a lot of people may not notice. I mean, who the hell makes a laptop with no screen, right? Who makes a cellphone without a replaceable battery. Yes, it's their first. Yes, it's like an iPod. However, consumers have certain expectations.
I dunno, I just expect WAY more from Apple. I mean, they're Apple for pete sake!
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07-07-2007, 07:41 AM | #37 (permalink) | |
A Storm Is Coming
Location: The Great White North
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We have so many things that are "wants" and very few that are "needs." I didn't need an iPod but I wanted one and enjoy it. And I wanted a smaller version when they came out. My wife still uses my old mini after 4 years and we've yet to need to replace the battery. And she uses it all the time teaching yoga classes. And I've yet to replace the battery on my Nano. However...I have no desire to get an iPhone!
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07-07-2007, 07:53 AM | #38 (permalink) | |
... a sort of licensed troubleshooter.
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07-07-2007, 08:14 AM | #39 (permalink) | |
Registered User
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07-07-2007, 08:42 AM | #40 (permalink) | |
Adequate
Location: In my angry-dome.
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I'm sure we could guess most of the reasons for making iStuff batteries difficult to replace - longer design time, it'd be thicker, it'd be heavier, it'd be weaker, it'd cost more, they'd make less on service, etc. - but knowing their formula wouldn't change that they've been pretty consistent in this area. I put the battery thing in the annoying-but-not-a-deal-breaker category. My breakers are: 1) no phone-as-modem; 2) AT&T data service sucks. I'd have to buy data service from another carrier. Right. SOL for now.
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There are a vast number of people who are uninformed and heavily propagandized, but fundamentally decent. The propaganda that inundates them is effective when unchallenged, but much of it goes only skin deep. If they can be brought to raise questions and apply their decent instincts and basic intelligence, many people quickly escape the confines of the doctrinal system and are willing to do something to help others who are really suffering and oppressed." -Manufacturing Consent: Noam Chomsky and the Media, p. 195 |
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apple, bait, iphone, switch |
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