Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with applestore

Wireless possible, or no?

BlahLaLa — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 20:37:12 -0800

Did the Apple salesperson do me wrong? I bought an AirPort Express to go wireless with my Mac Mini but now I think I got screwed. Okay, it's embarrassing to admit this on Metafilter, where almost everyone seems to be very computer savvy, but I DON'T KNOW ABOUT COMPUTERS. I use 'em, but I don't know how they work.

I have an older Mac Mini. I've had it for two years, but it was used by someone else previously and I don't know precisely how old it is. I want to set up a wireless network in my home, and I called the Apple Store to see if that would be possible with my model. The phone rep talked me through looking at my computer. I have a new-enough OS. I do not have an AirPort card. I do have firewire. She said I can connect through firewire.

But the AirPort Express arrived, and when I looked at the documentation, it says I must have the AirPort card installed.

So...is that true about this alleged firewire? Can I connect wirelessly, or am I out of luck? If not, can I keep my Mac Mini wired to the modem, and hook up the AirPort Express so my husband can use his laptop elsewhere in the house?

If I need to return this thing: Have you had experience with the Apple Store? Are they going to easily accept the explanation that I only bought this because the salesperson said it would work with my computer?

Please speak to me as if I am your mentally challenged great aunt. I really need it step by step, spelled out.

Refurb Macbook Pros - How current?

pzarquon — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 13:57:57 -0800

A friend of mine (ahem) is eying a refurbished MacBook Pro. (Even though a new one is supposedly imminent, we're sticking with refurb in this scenario.) How many generations old are the units in Apple's refurb store? How can you tell? Does the 2.4GHz 15" model there today include the "new" LED monitor technology introduced in February, for example? The Macbook Pro page brags: "The 15-inch and 17-inch LED backlit displays are lighter, more power efficient, and they deliver full screen brightness the instant you turn them on." And I know that was introduced on the 15" first in February. But you could get a 2.4GHz 15" MBP before then. There's a matrix at Wikipedia, but it notes "Merom" versus "Penryn" there, and of course the official product details don't tell you the chip codename.

Basically, does the refurb story only carry refurbs of the current product line? I'd guess so but want to be sure. Thanks!

Apple Store vs ATT Store

alms — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 12:38:42 -0800

Is there any advantage to buying an iPhone at an Apple Store rather than at an ATT Store? There is an ATT Store within walking distance of my home. The Apple Store(s) require a drive to the mall. I expect there will be lines at the Apple Stores. I never see lines at the ATT Store when I walk past it.

Mrs. alms and I are currently on a Verizon family plan. If we make the jump, we will be moving over both phone numbers to iPhones with an ATT family plan.

Assuming the ATT Store has the iPhones in stock, is there any advantage to going to the Apple Store? I'm a long-time Mac fan boy, so I'm used to the Apple Store, but in this case it just seems like an unnecessary hassle.

The address of the official Apple Reseller in Taipei?

sharkfu — Fri, 23 May 2008 13:57:19 -0800

I'm looking for the address of the official Apple Reseller in Taipei, Taiwan. Languages complications within. My friend is in Taipei, Taiwan. She needs something from an Apple Store. Apparently there's not an official one in Taipei, but there is an official Apple Reseller. She needs the address.

Here's the difficulty:

She speaks (and reads) Chinese but doesn't currently have internet.
I can't speak or read Chinese but have internet.

There's a news story (with pictures) of the opening of the reseller store here. Perhaps the address is in that thread?

Ideally, I guess someone someone could write out the address in traditional (or is the article in simplified?) chinese and then I could cut and paste it into an SMS text message via computer-->bluetooth--> phone (or maybe the free GizmoSMS program they have now).

Of course I'd take any suggestions for better ways to handle this.

Heating the Apple Store

cgs — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 12:17:15 -0800

How does the Apple Store keep all its heat from rushing out its open doors? I apologize if this is a New York centric question. The Apple Store on 5th ave has an entrance on the street w/ a gaping open door... you then walk down a spiral staircase to the main store, underground. (Do their other stores have this design?)

Now that it is winter, I expected to feel a draft as all the hot air rushed up and out through the doors, into the cold exterior. That wasn't happening and I couldn't figure it out. I didn't feel any major blowers pushing it down either.

Thanks for tips!
-cgs

How to be a Mac Genius?

Anonymous — Thu, 10 May 2007 09:06:09 -0800

I scored an on-site Mac Genius interview. Now what? Can you help me figure out what to expect? How best to prepare? My biggest problem is that I have spent my entire life taking apart and troubleshooting Macs, and it's like a second language to me. But like a second language, I can't always explain what it is I'm trying to do: often I can just intuit the correct course of action and make things work. There's no luck to this, just an inability to express why certain ingrained "Mac grammar" is correct. Help!

Refurbished Mac - stupid or smart?

contessa — Fri, 02 Feb 2007 22:09:58 -0800

Refurbished Mac: Good idea? Bad idea? I'm thinking about buying a refurbished mac from the Apple store (online) in the next 3 or so months. Is this a wise choice? I really, really, really want a Mac (either Mini or iMac - leaning toward iMac even though I don't need it for the monitor, I just like the over all specs), but given my budget for a 2nd computer, new Mac prices are much more than I'd like to pay. Refurbed machines seem right in my price range, however. (I would definitely get applecare if & when I make this purchase.)

Is a refurbished Mac a crappy computer, or is it a good computer with a previously disgruntled owner? Is a refurbished Mac from Apple no better than a refurbished Mac from a reseller? Any and all wisdom on this topic is appreciated.

Camping Outside Apple Store

chrismear — Wed, 17 Nov 2004 00:50:40 -0800

Suppose you were planning to stake your claim to Mac Geekery by camping outside the new London Apple Store the night before the Grand Opening.

What would you do to ensure your: (a) warmth; (b) safety; and (c) comfort? The store's at the Oxford Circus end of Regent Street, which I'm guessing is quieter than the heart of Soho, but I still don't fancy my chances hanging out on the street with a PowerBook. I don't know London very well. Am I likely to get much trouble on a Friday night/Saturday morning, sitting on Regent Street with a book?

Also, I'm hoping to get away with just a folding chair and warm clothes -- sleeping bags seems a bit over the top. Or am I just being foolish? What would you bring to keep yourself warm and entertained?

Is it worth buying an Apple 'lucky bag' at an Apple store opening?

ascullion — Mon, 15 Nov 2004 15:30:04 -0800

Is it worth buying an Apple 'lucky bag', or is it just a scam? The Apple Store in London opens on Saturday, and I might get try to get one if it's worthwhile. Also - on the basis of other Apple store openings, how early would I have to get there to get one?