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AppleCare

There's no denying that I'm a big Apple fan (although oddly enough, I don't build my websites on their operating system). I've followed them since 2000 when I got my first Apple computer; an iMac DV (a lovely indigo model). Since then, I've had multiple iBooks, MacBooks, iMacs, PowerMacs, MacPros, iPhones, iPods, AppleTV to name but a few, and in all those years, I've never had to resort to using the provided AppleCare to fix my product if (god forbid) they ever went horrendously wrong.

Until, of course, very recently.

I got myself an iPad 2 a few months ago, and ever since getting it out of the box it's had this minor problem thats bothered me somewhat. It really was fairly insignificant if I have to be honest, and probably not really the effort in sending it back. My wife and daughter had never even noticed the flaw until I whimsically flourished over it.
In the upper left corner of the screen there was a green blemish, probably the size of two thumb prints, with the same texture. You could only see this mark when the screen went black (i.e as a movie or game faded to black) while using it in the dark. When the screen Was bright and using it normally, there was no notable fault.

However, in the back of my mind, I knew that when the time came, and the iPad 3 comes out, I would want to be putting my iPad 2 on eBay. I would have to mention the green splodge and that will automatically devalue the unit.

So I thought I'd try my luck with AppleCare. I visited Apple's website to investigate further, and found the form to make a claim.
All I had to do was login, enter my iPad's serial number and complete the form. I didn't even have to say what the problem was - just pick a general fault from a list. I clicked submit, got an email to say my case was opened and two days later I got a returns package, all prepaid and ready to send my iPad back. I packaged everything up, booked a collection from UPS and the next day my package was collected and whisked away. The following day I received an email from Apple to confirm the receipt of my iPad.

Great, all good so far. I Just have to wait a couple of weeks for the unit to be fixed and returned to me. I'll survive. Just a couple of weeks. Surely?

Nope. How wrong I was.

A parcel was returned to me THE DAY AFTER I received Apples email. And inside? A brand, spanking new iPad 2. Without any fault and without question from Apple.

I was gobsmacked. If I have to be honest, I was expecting my old unit to be returned with a note saying "there's nothing wrong with it! Stop being daft!" - which I would have accepted and gone on my way.

But no. Apple have this marvellous affinity with their customers. It's the first time I've realised that Apple goes beyond merely producing outstanding products, to also offering outstanding after sales customer service. Never mind sending a product back and going through the motions of getting it fixed to receive something back that's still not quite right. What does the customer want? The customer wants a fast turnaround and a new product. And their happiness. And Apple delivered on all accounts.

If you''re looking for a bespoke website solution, then I may be able to help in a number of ways. I can assist in the development of your new website, including:

• Web development & build
• Web design
• Bespoke Content Management Systems
• Site builds in XHTML, CSS, ASP, Javascript, JQuery, SQL
• Web Hosting
• Email Hosting
• SQL Database Programming
• Social Networking integration
• Standard SEO
• Streamlined Code
• W3C Compliancy
• Multiple Browser compatibility
• Mobile Device Compatibility
• Non-dependant on third party plugins
• Form Building

But not only that, if you require additional marketing help, I can also assist with:

• Logo design
• Flyer & Brochure Artworking
• Posters
• Stationery
• Printing

If you want to see some of my previous work, have a look at the websites page or if you're in the market for a new website, feel free to contact me and request a quote. I'm surprisingly cost effective compared to big city equivalents!

Give me a go!

If you want to find out more about me, have a look at my photography page, or my words page. Alternatively, have a look at my flickr account, twitter, youtube, or LinkedIn account.