Why Apple Sucks

This past X-Moose season, I ordered an Apple iphone 4S as a gift for a relative. I found out, if you’re ordering such item and not modifying any cell phone carrier contracts you need to pay what was described as “the full retail price,” which in this case was almost seven-hundred dollars ($700.00). But I digress…..

Anyway, I was unsure of which carrier the relative had so I opted to order the “unlocked” version. Or, not locked to any one carrier and, supposedly, can be used with the recipient’s choice of carriers. Or one (1) would think.

The phone arrived, late for X-Moose, and was gifted. When the recipient attempted to activate it and use it – trouble. The recipient went to a store of the carrier for assistance. The carrier store person looked the phone over (inside and out) and declared it incompatible. An unlocked (not locked to any carrier) phone was declared incompatible.

So, maybe Apple shipped the wrong one (1). I called them. I talked to one (1) person, was transferred to a second (2nd), and then a third (3rd), and then a fourth (4th). We finally arrived to the truth of the matter. Apple had, in fact, shipped the correct unlocked (not locked to any carrier) phone. However, the unlocked (not locked to any carrier) phone won’t work with Verizon (the carrier the recipient uses).

I say, “So the phone is only sort-of unlocked.” The rep says, “No, it’s unlocked. It just won’t work with Verizon.” I reply, “So, sort of unlocked.” After a few back and forths repeating “sort of unlocked” versus “unlocked” with the rep, I say, “I just want to get this swapped out with one that will work.” The rep says, “Hang on. Let me look into this.” I was put on hold again.

The result – I was told I need to call back. Evidently I'd reached the number of times I could be transferred during one call limit. Fine. I call back. I explain that I need to exchange a phone (and don’t go into everything as I didn’t want to get sucked into another call transferring infinite loop again). I was asked for and gave the online order number. I was asked for and gave the serial number. The result – the phone can’t be exchanged. Instead, I’d have to return it and then initiate a new order. You’ve got to be fucking kidding me.

This is one (1) reason why Apple sucks. It is another reason why I’ll never (and never have) own an Apple product. Now, I know people who own Apple stuff and are perfectly happy with it. I’ve used other’s Apple stuff. If you are one (1) of those people and feel compelled to let me know how wonderful Apple products are all I can say is save your breath / typing effort. You go your way, I’ll go mine. Maybe ignorance, either in my regard or your regard, truly is bliss. I’ve used Apple stuff, I’ve now dealt with Apple reps – I’m not impressed in the least.

Ride On.