I wanted to share with others two experiences I had with two companies us photographers deal with frequently.
I had to bring my 27" iMac into Apple recently for a hard drive recall. The fact that Apple would recall a harddrive on a computer that's three years old is enough reason to commend them, but it was more than that which has prompted me to write this. When I brought it into the store I told them that the screen had dark marks (splotches) in the upper corners of the screen (between the glass and the LCD basically). I'd read that it was a design flaw and wondered if they could fix the problem. Without asking a single question they said, "Ok, we'll replace the display - but we have to order the part so it will take a couple days".
Two days later they called and told me it was ready - I went to the store and picked up it, where they happily let me receive it from the delivery entrance and where they encased it in a bag so it wouldn't be exposed to the snow outside. The "bill" would have been around $800. Again, this computer is three years old and well out of warranty range. In my opinion it would have been nearly impossible to get this kind of service from any other major computer company (Windows may soon be an exception - as they have rolled out their own retail stores). I can pretty much be guaranteed that this computer will run happily for another three years. Oh, and moving everything onto my new harddrive from time capsule was an breeze (anyone can do it) and took about 3 hours.
Now, onto Adorama. Nothing major here - but I bought a used lens from them via Amazon (almost 1/2 of what new lens was). It came to my house (free shipping) in two days and is in absolute perfect condition - it also has a 6 month warranty. I would buy a used lens again from them way before buying a new one from anyone else. Just wanted to pass it along!
Luke, it is always good to hear interactions such as the two you've mentioned with such positive outcomes to each encounter. I cannot comment too much on your seemingly amazing Apple repair / upgrade beyond knowing for the most part they make excellent equipment. From your message here service sounds excellent also.
As for the Adorama / Amazon and the used lens purchase I can concur on many positive outcomes I've had over the years with used photographic gear. Although admittedly most all those purchases were through eBay or KEH they were always positive dealings. During the years I would say I have a record of all used hardware with regard to cameras and lenses. Only once I had a bad lens purchase with an item that was defective and the seller immediately exchanged it for a like item in much better shape.
So, all is good to hear on your recent encounters Luke. I wish everyone could have some of the same outcomes that you've shared here with their Apple products and used camera gear purchases too.
Apple was smart knowing that you will probably be looking to replace that 3 year old computer some time in the foreseeable future. I wonder what brand you'll buy? I've also had good luck with Adorama and in fact am in the middle of another purchase as I write this......
Discussion
2 repliesI had to bring my 27" iMac into Apple recently for a hard drive recall. The fact that Apple would recall a harddrive on a computer that's three years old is enough reason to commend them, but it was more than that which has prompted me to write this. When I brought it into the store I told them that the screen had dark marks (splotches) in the upper corners of the screen (between the glass and the LCD basically). I'd read that it was a design flaw and wondered if they could fix the problem. Without asking a single question they said, "Ok, we'll replace the display - but we have to order the part so it will take a couple days".
Two days later they called and told me it was ready - I went to the store and picked up it, where they happily let me receive it from the delivery entrance and where they encased it in a bag so it wouldn't be exposed to the snow outside. The "bill" would have been around $800. Again, this computer is three years old and well out of warranty range. In my opinion it would have been nearly impossible to get this kind of service from any other major computer company (Windows may soon be an exception - as they have rolled out their own retail stores). I can pretty much be guaranteed that this computer will run happily for another three years. Oh, and moving everything onto my new harddrive from time capsule was an breeze (anyone can do it) and took about 3 hours.
Now, onto Adorama. Nothing major here - but I bought a used lens from them via Amazon (almost 1/2 of what new lens was). It came to my house (free shipping) in two days and is in absolute perfect condition - it also has a 6 month warranty. I would buy a used lens again from them way before buying a new one from anyone else. Just wanted to pass it along!
As for the Adorama / Amazon and the used lens purchase I can concur on many positive outcomes I've had over the years with used photographic gear. Although admittedly most all those purchases were through eBay or KEH they were always positive dealings. During the years I would say I have a record of all used hardware with regard to cameras and lenses. Only once I had a bad lens purchase with an item that was defective and the seller immediately exchanged it for a like item in much better shape.
So, all is good to hear on your recent encounters Luke. I wish everyone could have some of the same outcomes that you've shared here with their Apple products and used camera gear purchases too.