As a baby boomer, I find technology, especially Apple products daunting. Apple actually is not just a computer system; it’s a culture. For my birthday my kids got me an Apple iPad. As I experienced little hitches and glitches, like how to operate it, I found myself having to attend an Apple store to get some support. That in itself was an experience.
You go to an Apple store and what you see are swarms of clerks or “team members” sporting navy blue or red Apple sweatshirts. They are each distinguishable from one another by the tattoos they sport. That’s not exactly accurate. You can also tell them apart by their body piercings.
As expected, all the staff are 110% tech savvy. You enter a store and you get greeted by some millennial, usually with a name like Cal. You tell him you want to ask a question as you have just spent two hours trying to figure out why the delete button does not delete. Cal refers you to a colleague, usually with a name like Jared. Every Apple store has a Jared. Cal then sends a quick text to Jared describing your issue. Jared by the way is standing about one meter away from Cal. I suppose doing a 180 degree turn and talking to Jared is passée.
They also seem to know everything about you. When I recently attended and gave Cal my name, he said, “Hey Marcel! I hope you enjoyed your scrambled eggs and whole wheat toast this morning.” He was pulling my leg. Or was he? He likely got this accurate information after clicking a couple of times on his Apple watch.
You do get the feeling that the staff treats you differently if you look like you are over 55 years old. I have salt and pepper hair. (OK, mostly salt. OK, no pepper.). The guy at the front of the mall store, this time by the name of Zach, greeted me like I was an Amish. The patronizing look he gave me clearly said, “I trust you found ample parking for your horse and buggy.”
I tried to hide my scratch pad and pencil, but it was too late. He asked me, “What are those strange implements thee art holding.”
As for the issues I had, my 10 year old granddaughter Laya instantly confirmed the “delete” solution showing me that on Apples you put the curser after the word, not before. After her demo I certainly had an “Ah huh” moment. This makes eminent sense to me. I have no clue why Windows is so primitive.
I’m starting to get good at this. If anyone wishes more information on whether or not they should toss their PCs and switch to Apples, feel free to get in touch with me. Just give me a call. I implore you, please, do not send me a text.
