WWDC mugging victim gets replacement iPad, word from Jobs
updated 01:20 pm EDT, Mon June 14, 2010
'Safe travels home,' exec says
Apple has reportedly given special treatment to one Chinese developer, who was attacked last week while attending WWDC. Known online as Stone, the developer works with Tencent, responsible for China's popular QQ messaging client. While riding a bus in San Francisco Stone was mugged, suffering injuries including a broken rib and marks on his face. An iPad brought with him was bent and cracked, although technically still functional.
The tablet was replaced for free at an Apple Store by a Genius worker, who is said to have felt sorry for Stone when he brought his iPad in for repair. The developer is later reported to have received personal e-mail from Apple CEO Steve Jobs, simply wishing him "safe travels home."
San Francisco has had recurring problems with theft of Apple hardware, likely owing to the city's cluster of tech companies, and the proximity of Apple in Cupertino. An assistant district attorney, Brian Buckelew, recently claimed that "probably half" of the robberies in the city involve iPhones.
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2009
Excellent PR!
I remember the feeling years ago when I was in Lisbon, riding a public bus, and my wallet with $600 in it was pick-pocketed. Being in a foreign country made it all the worse, as it was all the money I had at the time.
This was an excellent PR caper for Apple and SJ. You can tell the man was genuinely pleased and relieved.
I love SJ's terse e-mails. Kind of in the tradition of haiku.