Electronics

[HonnyBrown]

BlackBerry isn't good at marketing.  They never have been.  Which is a shame because they make awesome devices and have a great operating system.

[Cha1k]

@ glb 613 - Yes, you are correct that I have given information in this thread about services provided at Apple Stores because some erroneous information was implied in several posts. I think it is important that people know the opportunities that are available for training and service at Apple Stores.

While those stores are not located in every city, many people have access to them within a reasonable driving distance. Mine is an hour away so I understand that it isn't always convenient to hop down to the mall for an answer to a question about my Apple devices.

For those that are unfamiliar with Apple support (glb knows about it):

If an Apple Store is not easily accessible, Apple offers phone support for hardware problems as well as all software that comes pre-loaded on their computers, tablets, and phones.  Phone support is available as long as the device is under warranty.

[guatmum]

I have an iPad provided by my workplace and a Kindle Fire that I bought.  I can use either one for anything I want.  I ALWAYS go to the Kindle Fire.  For my uses and what I like to do, Kindle Fire is superior.  I also have an android phone and LOVE it.  For those 2 types of devices, tablet and phone, I haven't found anything that I want to do that is done better by an Apple product.  I really think it's opinion, what your goals are, and how important a brand's prestige is to you.  I am a fairly matter-of-fact person.  All I want is a product that does what I need it to do in a fairly easy and reliable way within my budget. Apple just doesn't fit the bill for me for tablets or phones.  That being said, I love my Macbook Pro and do plan to stick with it while I am still working if I can afford to since it is the same as my computer at work.

[HonnyBrown]

Cha1k, BlackBerry offers that as well for their devices that are under warranty.

My husband had to call that number for a problem he had with his iPhone.  After being on hold forever, he was told to contact his service provider.  He ended up going to the store, which isn't far, to get help.

There are also forums, such as CrackBerry, where BlackBerry users can get help from other BlackBerry fanatics, as well as the BB website.

[Cha1k]

@151949,

Your assessment of the situation is not correct, but that could be because I didn't explain thoroughly.

The older people I teach in class are not inclined to venture into technology unless they have guidance.  They remember the old days when fiddling around on your computer could get you in serious trouble, so once bitten they are hesitant to explore on their own.  Generally they are resistant to change and are not self-starters when it comes to learning new things.  They need a little encouragement to be adventerous.

I show them that with today's devices, exploration opens up all kinds of possibilities and the chances of bricking their devices are minimal.  

I saw a need in our retirement community for training on Apple devices because so many children had purchased iPads for their parents -- mostly because troubleshooting computer problems from hundreds of miles away had become bothersome for the kids.  I volunteer to teach 6 week sessions on beginning and intermediate iPad/iPhone basics because that is what I know.  The classes run continually from March thru mid-December.   

This provides an opportunity for citizens in our community to learn how to use their Apple devices for something other than FaceBook and email.  They, or their children, have spent hundreds of dollars on these devices, by their own choice, and they need some guidance in using them.

Even though you think that they may have spent their money foolishly by purchasing an Apple device, it is their decision how they choose to spend their discretionary $$$.  I wouldnt presume to tell them what they should or should not purchase, just as I don't presume to tell anyone on the board what to buy.  I try to present information that I think would help folks make buying decisions that fit their lifestyle and wallet.

[Cha1k]

Android also has tons of websites that provide excellent information and answers to questions that users have.

For those of us who use the internet to learn how to use our devices, the sources for information are tremendous.

But there is a huge segment of the population, especially those who are older, who will not automatically turn to the internet for information.  Those are the ones I help -- the ones who need a little hand-holding.

[Cha1k]

Having a choice is a good thing 

Some of my friends prefer Android too.

[HonnyBrown]

My Mom is pretty computer savvy.  I got her an iPhone because they are very user friendly.  I gave her "homework" every day so she would feel comfortable using it: download an app or send a pic via text...stuff like that.  She loves the phone!  And she is pretty good at using it for more than a phone.

My Dad has a Droid Galaxy.  He'll only use it for talking and texting.  He bragged to my brother and I that he had an app.  I don't know anything about Droids, so I can't be much help, but he will go to the service provider store with his problems.

[debic]

It's all what you get used to.  I'm an "I" person myself, hubby does windows and has a HTC smart phone, we both like what we have.  He's not very good with my stuff and I'm not very good with his.

My son hates all things with "I" in them, but since he's a computer gaming programmer he has them.   He's still using his keyboard Crackberry as far as a phone goes.  

[151949]

IMO - everyone has different needs/uses for their devices - phones or tablets- and what is right for one person is not the best  for another. What fits in one budget may not fit into another. It is up to the individual to assess their needs vs. wants and to know what they can afford and buy appropriately. I don't think anyone has the right to tell me what I must have, and vice versa.Personally, if I was going to spend the big bucks for a trendy tablet or phone it would be a Samsung.