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Reader: No GHz G4s at some CompUSA's

updated 03:40 pm EST, Mon February 18, 2002

A MacNN reader has noted that CompUSA stores that do not have a full-time Macintosh Representative will not be carrying Apple's Dual 1GHz Power Mac G4.

"I just found out that CompUSA has decided not to carry the Dual 1Ghz G4 machines in any store that doesn't have a full time representative. This is an outrage. I work in one of those CompUSA's and I am a very knowledgeable Mac User. Something has to be done, raise a stink, I don't care, but it is stupid and unfair to Mac Customers. I work in the Lexington, KY store and cater to a huge Mac market, and believe it or not, there is a huge demand for these machines."

by MacNN Staff

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MacNN.com Reader
Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Jul 2001

0

02/18, 04:01pm | report spam | close Reply |
Duals in Demand

Funny, I'm doing demos at Compusmart locations in Canada (Toronto) and it seems people are either buying the dual 1 gigs or the older 733 (non-Superdirve model). Same with the iMac g4s. People are only interested in the top models.

dhanushan
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02/18, 04:02pm | report spam | close Reply |
Notiy Apple

Instead of starting a chain of letters venting about this outrage, the individual who works at the CompUSA store should inform Apple; perhaps though their PR channel.

If Apple doesn't care, unfortunately, there is very little that can be done to sway CompUSA's position.

-Dhanu...

Mystigo

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02/18, 04:16pm | report spam | close Reply | delete
Ladder

The Comp USA in Duluth, GA has a very qualified ladder that never leaves its post in the Mac section. Perhaps it can demo the new machines.

MacNN.com Reader
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02/18, 04:21pm | report spam | close Reply |
Uhm

Can anybody please explain that kind of logic to me ? What is the correlation btw dual Macs and single proc Macs AND a trained rep. Does it take a Ph.D in engineering to be allowed to present the duals ????

Why is it that I feel like living in the bizarro world as a Mac user ???

nmirkis
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02/18, 04:53pm | report spam | close Reply |
CompUSA

I was checking at a CompUSA in Jacksonville, FL yesterday. First, only one of the G4 towers has a price marked. They did have a price on the 17" flat panel. Which could lead a first time buyer to think that it was the price for the whole system. When I asked a sales rep why there were no prices he replied that I didn't want to know how expensive they were. There was no mention of the Screensaver promotion. and directly across from G4 endcap display is an Intel desplay with a cpu and flat panel touting Intel's digital might.
CompUSA is doing more harm than good. Customers buy the wintel box thinking they made an informed decision. The sad truth is from a corporate point of view, going straight to the bottom line, they can increase thier profit per system sold by selling Macs, nevermind the systems real advantages.

MacNN.com Reader
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02/18, 04:59pm | report spam | close Reply |
foolishness

A poster above me sums it up with "Why is it that I feel like living in the bizarro world as a Mac user ???" This is another one of those stupid quirks that continues to hurt our platform of choice.

phe
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02/18, 04:59pm | report spam | close Reply |
not really surprising...

It's in Apple's best interest to have direct control over the point of purchase displays and demos... they've been burned so badly by all of this in the past. I still see so many terribly set up or maintained displays... they do a lot more harm than good for Apple
With Apple's online store, the real need is to get actual working models & evangelists in front of people. With all due respect to the retailers who know their stuff, there are a lot more who aren't doing Apple any good.
Retailers who want to carry the best-moving models will need to conform. Kind of a tough decision between... does Apple at least have the visibility of having retail channels in front of people... or do they go with retailers who don't know/understand their product and aren't motivated to sell it? No good answers.

Del Vach
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02/18, 05:02pm | report spam | close Reply |
Well, it IS CompUSA

Who needs a reason? If CompUSA sucked any more they'd have to change their name to Hoover. :-)

But seriously, is there any business logic to something like this? I know they like to downplay their Mac inventory and stick them in the back (speaking from experience, I know some stores are different), but why not stock the most expensive model?

It just seems like whatever profit they make off these machines would be more than the profit they DON'T make when we buy them from someone who's cranium and sphinctor aren't so close together.

I'm content just to blame it on a Microsoft plot. :)

WRCz
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02/18, 05:17pm | report spam | close Reply |
of course

Nothing that happens at CompUSA surprises me anymore.

My one life lesson here; "The surest way to get a wrong answer is to ask a CompUSA employee."

berserkintosh
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02/18, 06:01pm | report spam | close Reply |
actually

at my local comp usa they use the great big apple posters and ad's at the front of the store in great places only to have customers come in and find a really crappy rundown half stocked spotty mac section with no one around at all. when i asked simply if i could talk to someone about a mac, the red shirt salesman said he didnt know the mac section guy and walked away. maybe they lure with apples icandy just to promote "equal" peecee technologies. either way long may comp usa rest in peecee h***.

hopfrog
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02/18, 06:08pm | report spam | close Reply |
No Clues in CompUSA

I recently went to the Lenox Square CUSA in Atlanta (three hours from home and the closest Apple dealer to me) convinced I was going to buy an iPod. I just had to handle and play with one before making the plunge. Went to the Apple area, saw one connected to the new iMac, and felt my credit card moistening. However, no matter what I did I could not get the iPod to turn on. After waiting 20 mins, I finally collared a saleman and asked him to show me how to work the thing. He pressed and mashed and said "Oops, this doesn't look good, this one is broken". He then said they had another up in the mp3 player area. I went there still planning to buy one but was annoyed that I would be unable to play with the computer interfacing aspect. An iPod connected to a set of speakers was in the middle of the mp3 area, so I began twiddling its dial and nothing was happening. I made the little t*** behind the counter come over and asked him to show me how it worked. He pressed and twirled and said "well, this one has been dropped too many times" and then just walked away. I did too; right out the door. Now I still do not have an iPod and Apple and CompUSA have one less sale, and all they had to do was show me one of the freakin' things in action.

MacNN.com Reader
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02/18, 06:19pm | report spam | close Reply |
not surpriced.

im yet to see a 22" display in a compUSA. h***, the new imacs are still no show in my compUSA.

lkrupp
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Joined: May 2001

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02/18, 06:35pm | report spam | close Reply |
Just keep waiting

Just keep praying that the Apple stores really take off this year. If they do I think you will see Apple pull out of CompUSA and every other retailer that doesn't give a hoot. That'll be a good day indeed!

sc_markt
Forum Regular

Joined: Aug 2002

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02/18, 06:56pm | report spam | close Reply |
Comp USA and Apple

Since Comp USA gets lots of computer foot traffic, I really believe Apple should stock every Comp USA with an employee and show their full line of computers. I say this because I've been to a local Orange County CA. Comp USA store and its well taken care of by the Apple person who works there. When you walk in the front door, there is an iMac setup that everybody sees. The Apple section is also well taken care of. Many times when I've been there, I have seen some of the employees admiring the Macs and sometimes even asking among themselves when this guy was coming in. The guy really knows his stuff and I can tell he's making a big difference there.

cruster
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02/18, 07:07pm | report spam | close Reply |
MORONS!

Let me tell you where I can buy a dual 1 GHz G4 in that case: NOWHERE. I live outside of Tacoma, WA - south of Seattle - and the only place to go within a 45 mile radius is CompUSA. Granted, they are one of the worst retail stores one could possibly deal with - not limiting the choices to electronics only, but to all retail establishments - but Apple is slitting its throat by not offering these machines there. I realize that it's not going to be the top seller by any stretch, but why not have 1 or 2 available at a given CompUSA? They just might make a sale...how many will they sell at CompUSA WITHOUT having it available?

On top of that, I don't understand Apple's plan here...someone mentioned above that Apple needed to "learn their lesson" because they had been "burned before"...but it seems to me that every lowest common denominator, craptastic WinTel box that CompUSA sells itself simply by virtue of sitting on a store shelf. To be honest, I haven't seen that anyone at any of the CompUSAs in my region even knows PCs all that well, and those are walking out the door no problem...

Apple, I love your machines, but you are acting like a bunch of friggin' morons.

MacNN.com Reader
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02/18, 07:16pm | report spam | close Reply |
Re: MORORNS

Hey MORONS,

Didn't you read? CompUSA decided it, not Apple!

MacNN.com Reader
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02/18, 07:21pm | report spam | close Reply |
Re: MORONS

As per definition, morons can't read, thus all their comments are moronic.

GadgetDon

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02/18, 07:34pm | report spam | close Reply | delete
An exception

Well, the CompUSA in Des Moines may be an exception. No, these aren't computer experts, but the people are reasonably knowledgable and more importantly they seem to want to help. While the Mac section isn't huge, they've got computers really running and working. The iPod is at the MP3 section, but there's a Mac there just for showing the syncing.

larry56073

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02/18, 07:51pm | report spam | close Reply | delete
apple

Why can't apple hire a full time guy to work at each compUSA store? Wouldn't it be cheaper than having to put a store up all over the US? AT least for now? One that could show a potential customer what the machine can do and give them information?

MacNN.com Reader
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02/18, 08:02pm | report spam | close Reply |
iPod not turning on

Hit the menu and play button simultaneously for a few seconds and it will reset itself, assuming it has any juice left. It should, unless CompUSA's neglect includes leaving the iPods playing with no computer to connect to, and no power outlet nearby for 12 hours straight.

MacNN.com Reader
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02/18, 08:02pm | report spam | close Reply |
reset sequence above

will only work if the lock switch on the iPod is off.

MacNN.com Reader
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02/18, 08:09pm | report spam | close Reply |
Rockville Md CompUSA

This place is the exception that proves the rule. Apple employee staffs the CompUSA 11 AM to 9 PM 5 days a week, and the CompUSA sales people even wear Apple t-shirts! I went to the Apple employee and asked to be put on the waiting list for the new iMac, and a week later when he said the new iMac would arrive, instead came the PowerMac G4s. The week following the new iMac was there, only 12 days after I requested it. The software selection is fully stacked. 14" iBook, 12" iBook, and all sorts of old style iMacs, and G4 towers are there. The LCD iMac is there on demo with an iPod connected to it. Unfortunately the iBook and TiBook are in security cases you can't pick them up, but at least you can play with them. Some machines are luckily on a Comcast.net cable internet via airport, though not all have the airport card installed. Still overall, the fact they managed to get the iMac in record time says a lot. The only thing missing is putting the Apple section in the front of the store, but they say they do that for security reasons. The Apple Employee is great there. What amazes me though is the CompUSA employees are really helpful! I live in heaven, and wish everyone else could have a CompUSA like this. Ask your CompUSA to look at Rockville Maryland store to get an example of how one should be run.

rworne
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Joined: Oct 2001

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02/18, 08:56pm | report spam | close Reply |
Crappy vendor?

If the vendor pus you off with crappy displays and broken equipment, and you really want one of these great items, do yourself and Apple a small favor. -- Buy it from Apple.

Yes, you don't get immediate gratification, but that markup that CompUSA and formerly CircuitCity and BestBuy gets can now go to Apple. If you'd rather not do that, visit one of the mom&pop Mac shops.

CompUSA gets no great marks from me, from restocking fees to clueless salespeople, they are no real benefit.

Lucky for me there's an Apple store nearby -- unlucky for the nearby mom&pop (MacUniverse) who gets undercut in prices by the Apple store.

extraflav
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02/18, 09:34pm | report spam | close Reply |
CompUsuck?

Compusa does more harm to Apple than good. I get customers coming into my store ( Mac Only) who just went to Compusa and say I'm never going back. No one helps them and if they do they don't know what there taking about. You guys are the only real outlet for Mac users in some areas. All i tell my customers when they tell me they just went to Comp " Sorry to hear that." And They Agree!! Idiots!

extraflav
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02/18, 09:48pm | report spam | close Reply |
CompUsuck?

Compusa does more harm to Apple than good. I get customers coming into my store ( Mac Only) who just went to Compusa and say I'm never going back. No one helps them and if they do they don't know what there taking about. You guys are the only real outlet for Mac users in some areas. All i tell my customers when they tell me they just went to Comp " Sorry to hear that." And They Agree!! Idiots!

extraflav
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02/18, 09:52pm | report spam | close Reply |
CompStilllSUCKS!!

Those guys working as "Apple Employees" are not hired by Apple. There work under Apple but Not for Apple. That way Apple does not have to offer any benifits. I was ask to do that job. but no thanks. No single Rep is going to now everything and if they do there stupid enough to work at Comp. A group of Mac users in a small store is more Powerfull than any "Apple Rep" in a Compusa.!

MacNN.com Reader
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02/18, 11:00pm | report spam | close Reply |
ChumpUSA is pathetic!

My last encounter at ChumpUSA was typical:

All of the laptops had something severely wrong with them. The displays were not set properly and looked washed out and ugly. The keyboards were missing keys. The display hinges were broke on two out of three display models.

The desktops were in better shape, but it was still a very poor setup. Not a single advertisement of the current promo on LCD + Powermac purchases.

One nice thing about OS X is that the Macs are usually in working condition at ChumpUSA now. Before OS X was the default OS on new Macs, I remember going into ChumpUSA and finding EVERY SINGLE MAC either frozen or off (off as in, will not turn on). Of course when I rebooted one and began to poke around, the salesman in the Mac area rushed over and wanted to know what I was doing. Dumbass. He just stood there like an idiot with all these computers needing maintenance.

But OS X solves this problem. Very cool. Now I just go in and sabotage Windows! :P

Another time my mother went in and asked for a printer that works with a Mac...the sales-Chump told her that printers aren't made for Macs anymore. Must have been a windows drone, or mentally handicapped. Whatever it is, I think Apple might do well to pull out of ChumpUSA....or send out a crew to each store that can b****-slap all the ChumpUSA Windows droids into submission.

MacNN.com Reader
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02/19, 02:58am | report spam | close Reply |
Yawn

Yawn, who cares if this store doesn't stock the high end macs? They don't stock all of Sony's or HP's machines either.

Whether it's a "good business move" or not is for them to decide.. I'm sure they're more knowledgable about their business than all of us. =(

None of these $7/hour folks are too knowledgable about the products.. don't even try getting info about PDA's. I was asking about one at Best Buy and the guy didn't even know if it ran PalmOS or PocketPC =(. Apple products aren't an exception.

DISenchanted
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02/19, 05:12am | report spam | close Reply |
Don't blame CompUSA...

This problem is not a "CompUSA" problem, it's an Industry problem. We want all the answers and we want it for the lowest price. The problem with CompUSA is that they are trying to run a business, not answer every question for every customer. Have you seen the margin in any given piece of hardware? It's pathetic, the new iMac's are $1681.74 at cost. That's only $120 of profit per machine. Of that money, $18 goes to the salesman. That means only 100 dollars of store profit per machine, that money has to pay the stockers, shippers, managers, utilities and rent for that store. Sadly that means that the customers suffer the most. I currently work as a TSS at CompUSA but starting next week I cut back to part time because the money is terrible. TSS's are commission only so every minute I spend answering someone's question, is money I do not make. All they are going to do is take my information and go to some online mac retailer to get a better price. Maybe that is not how some of you are, but everyone wants a deal. If you could get a computer with more memory and with no tax for the same retail price you would all jump on it, so would I. I know this post doesn't accomplish much but I hope this makes a little sense, do not blame the minimum wage kids for not knowing the answers to all your questions. You are not paying CompUSA for them, so they do not pay their employee's by their knowledge. If they did, I'd be alot richer...

DISenchanted

escape102

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02/19, 08:37am | report spam | close Reply | delete
is there a supply issue?

just a curious question...besides the possible reasoning of "disciplined marketing" (having consistent displays and representation in the compUSA stores), could the limitation of dual g4s be an attempt to maintain a healthy supply?

it seems to me the rationale of having the top machine as a dual means they had better ghz chip yields, and also that a future machine could be placed above it. perhaps demand is also hotter than expected?

it still seems more likely that it is a indirect form of marketing control (which is clunky).

michaeldmac
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02/19, 09:02am | report spam | close Reply |
Depends On Sales

Not all CompUSA's are run the same. Falling into the thinking that all retail outlets only care about PeeCee's is what got Apple in trouble in the first place. The ASC, Apple Sales Consultant does provide a better experience for the Mac and non-Mac user. No Dual Ghz towers is all based on sales - low sales, no dual towers. It is Apple's job to make sure that their retail outlets hire and train Mac educated sales associates - all CompUSA wants to do is sell whatever they can sell - and that is what all retail outlets want to do.

MacNN.com Reader
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02/19, 09:08am | report spam | close Reply |
If this guy...

was an experienced retail guy, he would know that if he wanted a highend Mac in the store, all he has to do is order one under a ficticious name, then claim that the order was cancelled. Next step, open the box and set up your Mac. This is not a new tactic.
There's always a way to thwart the rules if that's really what you want to do. Bitching and moaning about it gets you nowhere because "The Man" is always right.
Come on, brothers and sisters, let's "stick it to The Man!" Hallelujah!!

MacNN.com Reader
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02/19, 09:28am | report spam | close Reply |
Alpharetta, GA ChumpUSA

When I took my iMac in for repairs, they said they couldn't help me. This after I call and the "Mac Specialist" assures me that they service Revision B iMacs! After I b!tched and complained after driving 150 miles to get there...It's the nearest Apple service center. :

While there, I picked up a copy of the X.1 upgrade. I wanted to see how well (and snappier! hehe) it ran, so while I wait I venture to the Mac section...And then fled in terror! Three towers and four iMacs-and everyone with OS9. None had OSX even on the system. When I asked about why none had OSX installed, the manager said it was too slow. This was a true argument for X.0.4, but they had boxes of X.1 cds!

I asked/argued if I could install OSX with the X.1 upgrade on the DP800; the manager finally gave in. After spending 2.5 hours "fixing" the Macs I finally had the Mac area looking like a top-quality retail display. Just having the OSX screensaver running got some casual inquiries by other customers. :)

If I were to ever go back, I'm sure I will be disappointed again. :(

MacNN.com Reader
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02/19, 10:49am | report spam | close Reply |
Re: Alpharetta GA

You would have been better off going to the Perimeter Mall CompUSA. Sure it's an additional 10 miles, but they actually have a half decent section in there in comparison to that half assed store they have in Alpharetta.

MacNN.com Reader
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02/19, 12:38pm | report spam | close Reply |
Re: Alpharetta vs P. Mall

I was bounced around on the phone being told, "No, I'm sorry we don't service Macs anymore. [insert random Atl store] handles all our Mac repairs." I called Southlake (closest to me), then was told to call Lennox Sq., then told to call N. Point (aka Alpharetta). Sheesh. Hence my statement that the Alpharetta store was "the nearest Apple service center".

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Reader: No GHz G4s at some CompUSA's

updated 03:40 pm EST, Mon February 18, 2002

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