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May 08, 2006

reviews

Consumer Reports: Apple tops reliability, tech support

Authored by Dan Moren at 9:06 AM
Category | Hardware » Reviews
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AppleCareThe latest Consumer Reports just landed on my doorstep, and Apple comes out looking quite shiny. The 20” Apple Cinema Display, Core Solo Mac mini, and MacBook Pro were all labeled as CR Quick Picks for reliability and support and the MacBook Pro scored the highest of all the tested laptops.

Apple has been a reliable brand, with the best tech-support record. Macs reduce exposure to spyware and viruses. This Intel Core Duo Mac scored higher overall than the Windows models. It’s comparable in weight and price to the slim-and-lights.
Also amusing from the Consumer Reports issue was a large section on “Easy PC Fixes,” about do-it-yourself troubleshooting: while they made brief mention of Apple in passing, almost all of the specific troubleshooting tips were aimed at Windows users.

In fact, Apple took home top marks for brand reliability and tech support across the board; the only PC company to come close was IBM/Lenovo, but there was still a substantial gap between them and Apple.

Now, even the most devoted Machead knows Apple’s tech support doesn’t always come up roses. We’ve even shared a couple of Apple tech support horror stories here before, which makes me wonder what the heck they do to you when you call the low-scorer, Compaq: Shoot needles out of your phone? Yell and scream at you? Play Jon Tesh while you’re on hold? Though, as I recall, my best friend in college had a Compaq freshman year, and that was punishment enough itself.


Comments

I also had a compaq my freshman year of college and I HATED absolutely, positively HATED computers. Then, I got a 17" Powerbook and now I work at an Apple reseller!!!

Posted by: Jessica | May 8, 2006 07:01 PM

Didn't I see an entry here about a review comparing the Apple and Acer laptops that listed tech support as a draw? Maybe someone should sent him a subscription to CR so he'll have a clue next time.

Posted by: Dan | May 9, 2006 06:07 AM

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