MPN Specials

Well, as you saw in my previous post, I decided to get an Apple MacBook Air.

I got very lucky!  I found a used one for sale by a friend of mine, so that helped make the decision easier for me.

However, I wanted to do a clean install on it, so it was completely configured with my own data, files, configurations preferences, and not have any hidden remnants of her’s.

Now, if you are not familiar with the MacBook Air, it does not have it’s own DVD/CD drive.  You need to use one remotely, that is on another computer.

I wanted to do a fresh install of Mac OSX Leopard, then do an upgrade to the latest version, which is Snow Leopard.  Although the procedure an tools are very easy to use, for various reasons I ran into one problem after another doing the install. I am relatively knowledgeable with computers and great at debugging problems, but there comes a point where it is sometimes just easier to get “professional” help.

Sometimes, the have done what you are looking for many times, they have immediate access to other knowledgeable people, and most importantly, they have all the tools and equipment right there.  Besides, I sometimes just enjoy going into the store to talk to the employees to get the latest updates, a different perspective, and new insights.

Such was the case this time. Let me explain the entire experience:

1. I tried doing the installs at home, but ran into one small problem after another.
2. I went to www.Apple.com and made an appointment for the Genius Bar.
3. At the appropriate time, I went to the store.
4. I was immediately greeted by an Apple Rep at the door, who asked if he could help me.
5. He “checked” me in for my appointment, and told me to wait in the back of the store, next to the Genius Bar.
6. I went to the back of the store and my son immediately found an iPad to play with the entire time I was being helped.
7. Almost right on time, they were ready to help me.
8. I explained my problem and told what I needed, I also thought of any possible question I could.
9. He pulled out a portable disk drive with all the necessary software already on it.  Connected it to the USB port on my computer, and installed the latest versions of OS X (Snow Leopard) and iLife.
10. They took an hour to install, during which time I went and did my own thing elsewhere, came back and picked up my computer and went home to complete my software migration and configuration process.

Overall, I give the whole process of using Apple’s Genius Bar an “A grade”.  It was an easy, pleasant experience that went smoothly.

Cheers,
Richard Lazovick