I've been trying to start a discussion about a suggestion I had for appeasing iPad 3 owners. Unfortunately, I am unable to sign in to the Apple discussion groups for some reason (my Apple ID/password combo aren't working for an "unknown error"). Maybe I can get it out here (I've also sent it to a few other tech sites.). Yesterday I spent 45 minutes on the phone with Apple talking to six agents - NOT ONE of whom could tell me who was in charge of Apple Canada (where I live) or how to contact them via email. For what it's worth the last one - a customer relations supervisor - did give me a case number and said she thought it was a good idea. Here is an excerpt from the letter I wrote Apple on Wednesday. (So far no answer.) :
"yesterday I suggested a plan allowing iPad 3 owners to upgrade to the 4th generation for a nominal fee (50/100$ for wifi/3G respectively). You would still make money from the upgrade fees, as well as selling the previous units as refurbs.
"But today I came up with an even better idea for the trade-ins. Instead of selling them as refurbs, why not donate them to underprivileged schools/community organisations that would never be able to afford iPads. You would generate an incredible amount of positive PR. You would probably also benefit from significant tax benefits for charitable donations. (Of course upgrading would be entirely optional, but to me it would be a win-win that leaves everybody feeling good about Apple as a company instead of cheated.)
"Hope my suggestion is considered, that I hear from you tomorrow, and that Apple isn't just another big business but really does care both about its customers and about making the world a little bit better.
Thanks for listening,
Sincerely,
Jennifer ******
Quebec, Canada"
So how about it people. Would you be willing to pay a certain amount to upgrade, knowing your iPad 3 would be going to a good cause? Maybe we can really get the ball rolling in a positive way for everybody.
"yesterday I suggested a plan allowing iPad 3 owners to upgrade to the 4th generation for a nominal fee (50/100$ for wifi/3G respectively). You would still make money from the upgrade fees, as well as selling the previous units as refurbs.
"But today I came up with an even better idea for the trade-ins. Instead of selling them as refurbs, why not donate them to underprivileged schools/community organisations that would never be able to afford iPads. You would generate an incredible amount of positive PR. You would probably also benefit from significant tax benefits for charitable donations. (Of course upgrading would be entirely optional, but to me it would be a win-win that leaves everybody feeling good about Apple as a company instead of cheated.)
"Hope my suggestion is considered, that I hear from you tomorrow, and that Apple isn't just another big business but really does care both about its customers and about making the world a little bit better.
Thanks for listening,
Sincerely,
Jennifer ******
Quebec, Canada"
So how about it people. Would you be willing to pay a certain amount to upgrade, knowing your iPad 3 would be going to a good cause? Maybe we can really get the ball rolling in a positive way for everybody.