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I love apple products, as I know many of you do. I have often told family members when considering buying competeing products, that apple’s customer service was as an incredibly valuable factor to consider. I believe that apple is unmatched in this department, and this has been a huge part of their success.

My brother Michael passed along this article about how to get the most of your trip to the genus bar. Here is my summary:

1. Be honest, especially about water damage – they will know.

2. A manager can exercise “one-time exception” and replace an item regardless of the circumstances, s0 be nice!

3. A Genius can replace a device up to 45 days after the warranty expires

4. If you have battery issues and are out of warranty, apple replaces “the battery” by replacing the entire phone for $80

5 & 6. Earbuds and accessories that came with your device ARE covered under your apple warranty.

7. If there is a widespread known issue, Apple will swap immediately. So look up your issue to see if many others are reporting it before your Genius bar visit.

8. There are no shortcuts to get an appointment – so set one up online ahead of time.

9. You can be 15 minutes late and won’t be punished.

10. Update your device with the latest software before you bring it in.

Feel free to chime in with your experiences!

This video reminded me of a story that technology expert Clay Shirky told a few years ago about his friend’s daughter looking for the mouse behind their television. Shirky made the point that the emerging generation has a different set of expectations when it comes to information and technology. They expect to interact, and create, not just consume.  He summed it up by saying,  ”a screen that ships without a mouse, ships broken.” In recent years, touch screens, motion and voice controls are replacing the mouse as our input devices – but I think Shirky’s point still rings true. Our expectations are changing, and this must be addressed by those of us who teach others and share information.

[HT: www.tuaw.com]

Comedian Louis C.K., once again, makes some brilliant observations about technology and culture (WARNING LANGUAGE).

Networking company Cisco recently conducted a survey global survey of 18-29 year olds from 14 different countries. 33% of the more than 1400 surveyed said that internet access has become a basic need ranking behind air, water, food and shelter.

64% said they would prefer an internet connection to a having a car.

40% said that the internet is more important than dating or going out with friends or even listening to music.

[ht: michael novelli]