Briefly: Boston retail; OS X vs. WinXP

The count of batteries being recalled in the linked story is 4.1 million, while the link on this page says 1.1 million.

Yet another showing of Apple coming and taking over another reseller's turf. Virtually behind the alley is the local Apple Specialist which happens to be about as good as they come. Tech SuperPowers was one of those resellers that made Apple what it is today. TSS was an example of how a reseller should be. They should be working with them, not trying to steal their business. Jeff Hanson and Tim Cook, once people that worked with resellers to push Apple in tough times now works to put the same group out of business. TSS made things happen for Apple, as have other resellers Apple has come in and cannibalized off of. TSS put money where their moths were and promoted Apple, gave back to the community and made a shining example of how great resellers should be. Now, Apple comes in and in their traditional style of offering discounts resellers cannot match, and giving away services where a reseller actually makes their money, how is that fair? Oh, wait, Apple does not play by any rules, even the rules it sets (1999).

No, I don't work for TSS. I am a customer. I used to work in the industry, but was lucky to get out before this all started.

I lament the passing of old time Apple retailers as well, but give us a break when trying to sanctify them. Most of these businesses were "life-style" operations, not going business concerns. They were toys, not serious business operations (and, yes, that lax approach is part of what made those operations fun places to hang out and talk Mac). However, if they had done a better job at promoting Apple, or growing their own businesses, rather than just getting by on a comfortable survival niche, perhaps Apple wouldn't have had to reinvent their whole channel strategy. Apple has moved into these markets for exactly the reason that these local-level retailers have NOT done a good job at promoting themselves as businesses--or of promoting Apple. If they had, their businesses would be stronger and they wouldn't be in such a weak condition that having Apple in the neighborhood is a problem.

The proposed Apple store in Boston is an attractive modern design. It reminds me of the wonderful Cato Institute building in Washington, DC. That building, however, sits on its own, on a projecting corner, in a unique context of its own. The proposed Apple store, on the other hand, is part of a context that includes other buildings immediately adjacent--and it turns its back on them in the harshest, most inorganic way. The building is a jewel, but in a way that makes its neighbors look shoddy, bringing down the whole context in which the store's survival depends. It is indeed a challenging site, but I can't help but think that Apple, with its incredible design acumen, can do better.

I know that not all resellers were the cat's meow, but this one, like a few others I know did make a difference. They were the ones that were marketing and marketing in new and creative ways. The only reason Apple is in retail is that they now make the whole pie, not the majority of the pieces. They can spend far more money having all pieces of the puzzle and still make more money in the back-end than any reseller ever could.

Just another example of Apple's long-term disintermediation strategy when it comes to resellers.. Starting in 1998/1999 when they discontinued Educational licensing to resellers.. The latest being the sparse line of standard Mac Pro configs and the refusal to offer any price reduction on Power Mac G5s still sitting on shelves (one in my city currently has 20 in stock, still sitting at pre-Mac Pro prices, with no offer from Apple to reduce cost like they usually do with new product roll-outs)..

Apple wants resellers GONE.. Those of you purchasing online and expecting to find a local reseller to offer third party accessories and support - it's your fault.

All you people whining and complaining about how Apple is being unfair to these resellers, get over it. These resellers are 99% useless and have done absolutely nothing to increase Apple's market share. Speaking from experience and after having visited 20 different resellers around the globe, I'm surprised they haven't shut down on their own a long time ago. Apple is 100% right is pursuing their own interests THEIR own way. It's THEIR business, THEIR company, THEIR rules. Can't take the heat? Get out of the kitchen. This is business, not the Mickey Mouse club.

Funny, I lived in Boston for 8 years (starting in 1994), and never even heard of them. I would say they didn't have much of a presence to cannibalize off of. At some point Apple had to make a decision. Be mr. nice guy, or survive. Relying too much on resellers is partly what got them into the mess they were in. It is a good thing that they are taking a more proactive approach now.

I just have to put my support behind the good folks at TechSuperpowers--- One of the best vendors I've ever had the pleasure of doing buisness with. I work for a small non-profit in Boston, and will continue to do all my computer buying with them-- They always go above and beyond with excelent customer service, and their staff is top notch... It's not a little Mom & Pop-- these guys are pros with a unique way of doing buisness--- They actually care about their clients and give back to the neighborhood. Everyone I've worked with over there seems to have a real passion for what they do. I hope they find a way to survive when the ne Apple Store opens-- if not they will be missed.

Another vote for Tech SuperPowers. If you'd ever worked with them or been to one of the monthly BMac meetings when they attended, presented, or just brought free goodies, you'd know they're more than just another local reseller. I'm not going to curse Apple for their efforts--it's all business and I certainly want the best for Cupertino. Tech will probably survive, as they have talent to which most Genius Bars could anly aspire.