Technology – Page 9

Its fair to say that the iPhone has moved the benchmark on what a mobile phone can be forever. Unprecedented usability for a touch screen device and backed up with it own endless supply of applications that will do everything from fart to monitor your insulin, all tied together with a little bit of iPod culture. Its downfall has always been the mobile network infrastructure that makes it tick and in the UK that is all about to change.

O2 have been the sole supplier of the device in the UK since its launch however that is going to change with both Orange and Vodafone signing deals with Apple to supply the iPhone and the possibility that this will open to all networks later

The above iPhone advert that still shows the “Only on O2” was band in the UK due to Apple not making it clear that the internet speeds on the handset are “subject to availability”. Its that “availability” that has let down a lot of Apple customers when it come to the handset giving them everything they wanted from the £200 they handed over.

So if you thinking about jumping on the iPhone band wagon or you’ve renewing to the latest version; who should to be going with? The networks are going to be dragging in customer with shinny new iPhone talk plans. This however is nothing new and the reality of it is that each network is going to be about the same with some pro and cons regardless which network you may go with. As always Apple will be dictating the price on the handset something you just going to have to live with. Customer service is the next thing to consider but you hear about horror stories from customers on any and all of the UK mobile operators… Just face it none of they will ever get it right every time; you just need to hope and pray that it doesn’t go tits up on your watch. The reality of it is that as long as your provider is giving you true unlimited data the new decider is going to be who is going to have the best “subject to availability”?

According to Ofcom Orange currently have to best 3G coverage in the UK so on face value seem like the best option although not all of that coverage fully supports HSDPA. If however you consider the joint partnership between Orange and T-Mobile that was announced recently it could make for a network in the uk that will give us an mobile infrastructure worthy of the iPhone.

When you work in retail and you are is passionate about Apple’s product there is no greater prestige than getting the opportunity to work for Apple retail. With only 20 stores in the UK jobs for the Retailer are few and far between and when living in the North East you have no opportunity’s available to you at all. Well that was until now. The only problem is that it doesn’t feel very “Apple”.
When you think about buying an Apple product you want to make sure you are getting the best advise available to you and heading in to an Apple store is always the place to get it. When you live in the North East of England you have to make do with the resellers; John Lewis, Fenwick of Newcastle, Carphone Warehouse, Currys and PC World to name a few. When you buy from a reseller you don’t get the same passion in the products that you would get from individuals that work in the Apple stores. Their product knowledge is reasonable but its diluted by the volume of other products that they have to focus on. Apple staff basically, live and breathe Apple. The Apple Stores surrounding environment match the company’s passion for great design and this rubs off on every person that walks through the doors of these stores.
My own passion for Apple products is so great that when a friend decided that when a job with Apple was not for them they thought of me for the role. I live in the North East of England, so with no Apple Stores to be seen; what was the job position?

Design for the planned Apple Concessions at PC World

PC World are going to be rolling out Apple Concessions into their stores that are in locations outside of the catchment area of Apples own stores. The difference in this compared to PC World’s normal Apple product displays is that they are going to be manned by Apple employees instead of PC World staff. These “Lone Rangers” are going to be masters of their own space within the PC World stores. Their role “bring new customers to the Apple brand and increase the sale of computers to users who currently do not own a Macintosh computer and first time personal computer buyers”.
I do think that this is a good move for Apple. Driving revenue and Brand awareness come hand in hand. Having a higher profile for the Apple brand can be nothing more than a good thing for Apple. These concessions will improve Brand awareness to people that may have not considered buying an Apple product.
So what about my application for the job? Well, I won’t be applying.
My reason for not applying despite Apple being one of the only retailers that I would consider leaving my current employer for? As one of my friends pointed out “would you take a job trying to sell fine wines in Lager World” The answer is no! Apple does have a need to increase their outlet locations but I don’t believe that this is the way to do it. People that shop at PC World, shop there because they want a bargain not quality. Apple is quality and although I see a need to encourage new people to buy the Apple brand and these concessions will help towards that; if you’re the person on the front line being paid a commission on selling a brand that you love, to a customer base that is focused on budget; it just doesn’t work.
In time I do hope that this changes the PC World customer base and open their eyes to the same passion I have for Apple and its products but for now I will continue to sell Apple products the same way I always have. Sharing my passion and excitement for Apple products to encourage my friends and family to make the switch.

Do you think I’m right in not applying?

Would you buy an Apple product from a PC World conssesion?

Category: Technology

The iPhone – coming to a network near you.

Not Going for Apple