The task of purchasing a computer. Everyone needs one today. As a result, everyone musts go through this process. So buying a computer isn’t just for those in IT service and IT support. Many technicians and costumers brag on the Apple Mac. But let’s look at Apple Macs: Are they that great? You decide.
First of all, Apple Macs lovers boast about how the software and hardware go together. In fact, recently, they make their own hardware, especially with machines like the Surface Pro. This tested hardware is made specifically for Apple Macs. That’s a smart move on Apple’s part. Furthermore, people brag of the software and quality. For instance, they praise software apps like GarageBand and Photos. They come free with Apple Macs and are easy to use. Other popular Mac apps include Tweetbot and iA Writer. And guess what? They’re exclusively for Apple.
Yesterday,? I talked about Apple products, and the technicians fixing them, are facing growing security threats. But overall, Apple Macs lead the league in computer security. Statistically, they get far fewer viruses than PC’s. But keep in mind no system is 100% safe. Apple users love how their iPhones and other Apple devices easily connect with their Macs. Beleive it or not, Apple has a lot of satisfied customers. You’ve got to respect that.
But let’s look at what’s not so good about the Apple Mac. They’re bulky. Have you tried lifting an Apple desktop lately? I have. I almost broke my back. Also, they’re expensive. Go to any store or any shop. The Apple Mac costs way more than any PC brand. I’m like most people; I’m not ready to drop that kind of money on a machine. That’s especially true when the PC’s serve me just as well, thank you very much. Plus, from my observation, they’re harder to fix. In my computer service shop, Apple mac parts take longer to get here than PC’s. Also, Apple macs are a bigger headache to fix than PC’s. They take longer to fix, too. So while there’s a lot to admire about a Mac, there’s a lot to be weary of as well. So are Apple Macs that great? You decide.
In the last several years, Fitbit emerged from a great idea to a mega tech powerhouse. This health and fitness tracker now rivals Apple’s iWatch. What drives this success and purpose? Let’s get inside the mind of Fitbit CEO James Park.
James Park is also Fibit’s co-founder. I saw Park’s interview with CNBC ‘Mad Money’ host Jim Cramer. His mission is for Fitbit to be a digital healthcare company as well as a consumer electronics company. His goal is to get Americans healthier, and use 2010s technology to do so. Not long into the interview, Park stated average health care costs for Fitbit wellness plan users are 25% less. That’s according to a third party study, not by Fitbit. That’s good for employers as well as employees. Park praised his users for helping his cause for health and fitness. Users recommend Fitbit to loved ones. They use Fitbit to compete and challenge one another. Fitbit can also be used to hold others accountable in their fitness goals.
Fitbit doesn’t go without struggle. In 2016, Fitbit stocks fell over 50%. It was poor business guidance that caused the slide. Consumers and insiders often compare Fitbit to Apple’s iWatch. That’s a comparison Park tires of. He insists Apple isn’t Fitbit and Fitbit isn’t Apple.
But Fitbit is overcoming these obstacles. Stocks climbed back 15% since June. Their Fitbit Charge 2 is now the top selling fitness tracker on Amazon. I love it when a CEO has a deeper purpose than just making profit. I know some cynics may say, “He’s just putting on a front. He’s just making himself look sincere.” Maybe that’s true. Maybe Park really is sincere. But Fitbit is something America needs right now. Have you seen our obesity rates recently? Park is fighting the good fight about that, and I applaud him. What do you think of Fitbit and/or it’s CEO?
May is the month when many celebrities and public figures speak at college graduations throughout the US. This year, one tech leader’s speech should teach us all a thing or two.
Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg gave the commencement address to the University of California-Berkeley’s class of 2016. Sandberg got their attention immediately when she started with this statement: “I’m not gonna tell you what I learned in life. Today, I’m gonna try to tell you what I learned in death.” Here, she referred to the sudden death of her husband, David Goldberg, back in May 2015. She used her time of mourning to encourage the new graduates to persevere in the face of hardship, challenges, and especially tragedy. She shared the hard lessons she learned on overcoming difficult times. Sandberg reflected on the gratitude she found for family and friends. She reflected on the little things, like the laughter of her children. She urged the graduates to be grateful on any day and in any situation, good days and bad. She told them to never take life for granted, or take their loved ones for granted. Sandberg recalls asking herself the question, “What would she do if she had 11 days left to live?” She reminded the crowd that every day is precious and urged them to be there for their loved ones, not just through technology.
From what I’ve read, Sheryl Sandberg’s commencement address is one of the best graduation speeches ever. So many others give you advice about jobs, careers, and such things. Sandberg’s gives you advice about two things we will all face: living and dying. As techies, it’s easy for us to post a message or texts to our loved ones and think we’re doing something. I’d like to challenge us to write a hand written letter, make a phone call, or even pay a visit. In this fast pace world of technology, let’s slow down and appreciate the little things. When I look at the world situation, I don’t see it getting any better. Sandberg is right; we need to appreciate every day we get. What did you think of this commencement speech?
What’s this I hear about businesses filing lawsuits when a customer gives them a bad review online? Not only am I disturbed about this, but so are some in Congress. They want to protect your right to review.
Four US Congressmen introduced a bill called the Consumer Review Freedom Act. This bill would prevent businesses from censoring customers, especially when it comes to writing negative reviews on sites like Angie’s List, Yelp, and all other review sites. This bill stems from a real life case. A toy company tried to get $3,500 from a Utah couple who posted a bad review about them. The company claimed it violated a contract. The couple refused to pay and the case ended up in court. The judge dismissed the claim and sided with the couple. Review sites like Yelp and Angie’s List support Consumer Review Freedom Act. Representative Eric Swallwell, a California Democrat, is a staunch supporter of the bill. He believes customers shouldn’t be punished for honest reviews, whether they be good or bad. He said, “This is commonsense legislation to ensure the rights of consumers are protected and to penalize businesses attempting to silence fair criticism.? But the Consumer Review Freedom Act has a difficult road. A similar bill was proposed in 2014. It didn’t make it out of Congress.
I hope Consumer Review Freedom Act passes. Customers should not be censored or bullied for expressing their praise or complaints. I understand some reviewers lie and post negative reviews for more sinister reasons, and that’s another story for another time. But most reviewers are honest in their assessments. Do businesses want better reviews? Then give your customers the best goods and services you possibly can. Do right by them. Treat them like you’d want to be treated. Give them a fair price and don’t rip them off. Then your reviews will take care of themselves. If we let them tell us how to post reviews, then?where will it stop?
