Elsewhere, I’m sure there’s a link, I’ve mused in my own way about the retail experience at Apple stores. I wonder if that should be Apple Store, Trade Mark? Anyway, killing time isn’t a crime and with downtown caught up in holiday gear-up, I opted for a leisurely trip to the far-flung suburbs, and looked around the Apple store in San Antonio’s La Cantera.
I was in and out of there several times that one afternoon. I opened up my sites on various machines; I lusted after an iPad-mini, and I kept watching my phone, afraid I’d lose track of where I was supposed to be when.
Apple has two advantages, maybe three. Superior product, yes, there’s that, but there’s also the way they’ve taken retail and turned it into an experience. The Apple stores, if memory serves correctly, does more dollar volume per square foot than most, if not all, retail establishments.
The first time, I declined assistance. The second time, I popped a thorny question with no right answer, and the sales associate, a store manager type, declined to answer, demurred, and said he’d get some qualified to answer.
Third trip, I really have no interest in looking at women’s shoes, none, so the third time, the manager, traffic director type sends a kid over to answer my questions.
Perfect, geeky kid. We exchange pleasantries, then he points to exactly where the microphone is on an Mac Book Pro 13, the old model, and then, the new model. I was toying with purchasing an external microphone, as in, I need (want) more gadgets, but the old location, now that I know for sure where it is, and the new one on its way, I know here that microphone is, too, I’m set.
Most common accessory? That’s what got me started on this exploration. I had what was left of a hundred dollar Apple gift Card, the perfect birthday and Xmas gift, as Sister and I exchange this very item each year.
I have a new Apple iPhone, and what’s the most common accessory? A case. What else does it need?
There I was, a little cash in my pocket, and I couldn’t figure a way to spend it. The Apple products, or maybe just most of the i – things, they are complete as sold.
Software, sure I install some of that, but software — for me — is rarely bought in a store anymore. Just the hardware, and even then, mostly online.
I was, at one time, so used to buying and having to modify, just about any product. Clothing, cars, motorcycles, especially motorcycles, and eventually, computers.
My Apple gear? Other than an ugly and protective case, right out of the box, ready to go. It’s complete, as is. Does what it is advertised to do.
Simple.
I want, I lust after an iPad mini, also. Trying to restrain myself, but I can tell that I won’t be strong for long. Totally fallen in love with i stuff.
So did I until I realized the screen wasn’t big enough for typing… then, too, there will be a new iPad Mini in 6 months or less….
I thought I’d wait until the new and improved one came out. Save up my money and all that, rather than buy it on credit. So much will power!
What I’ve heard? “Look, it fits in my new purse!”
And I’ll admit, the allure of the lighter package, slimmer design, makes it very appealing. So far, I’ve resisted temptation to pick an iPad mini, buy one, for, you know, testing purposes.