steveau

Visiting Sydney a few years back my iPhone died. By the time I got back to my hotel and raced (on foot) to the Apple Store it was late. I explained that I was flying out tomorrow, had appointments that night and in the morning the next day and was then flying interstate. The assistant took my phone and told me to wait. The expert in iPhones arrived a few minutes later. He told me that the battery had died and after hearing my story he said "I have two possible answers, but first what's more important to you: speed or cost?" I said speed and I walked out with a new phone, new case, screen protector, transferred SIM, transferred data, apps , etc. about 45 minutes later - still in time for my dinner appointment! I have had similar experiences, the only thing that I don't like is the on-line service booking app.

Australia avoided recession during the 2008 Global Financial Collapse (or GFC, as it is accurately titled in Australia and NZ), because the big banks did not fail, and because the Rudd government sent every taxpayer a cheque for $1000 - some of which was spent on Apple products (at least in my family). That said this does look like a big cartel clutching at legal straws in an attempt to smash Apple's deal with ANZ and Amex.

Congratulations Daniel, that is both an insightful and well written article! Every year or two Apple Insider should publish a book of its best pieces, favourite pieces by others and the best comments and predictions. Including this one: By 2025 Watch will be able to act as a standalone phone and internet browser, replacing the iPhone and the iPod for those who want to go totally wearable. The screen and earpiece will be available in multiple options - direct to the watch, built into some cool sunglasses, head's up display on the windscreen, handover to iPad, etc.

apple ][ said:

rob53 said:

I'm sure all the non-Americans watching this fiasco are laughing their a**es off. 

Have you seen the rest of the world lately? It's a complete mess, and the majority of world leaders are class-A, clueless morons.

The opinions of 100% of all non-Americans are completely irrelevant as they have zero say in OUR elections. They can all go and screw themselves. Many countries are in complete collapse, now that is hilarious! We'll see who gets the last laugh.

The only places in the world that are a complete mess are places where the US has encouraged or actively assisted in the creation of war and insurrection. Namely, Syria, Iraq, Libya, Yemen and Ukraine. Most of the other countries, with the exception perhaps of Greece and parts of Africa, are doing quite well, thank you. And, while I accept that my views are completely irrelevant to the outcome of your elections (as, thankfully, are yours when it comes to our elections) I do hope that you can elect someone who can stop your military industrial complex from generating ever more profit form other people's misery and instead support companies like Apple that provide us with the power to be our best.

My dear rogifan_old, iAd lasted six years, and is not dead yet - just reinventing itself. Carol Bartz only lasted from January 2009 to September 2011 - 2 years and 8 months! She was one of a long and almost forgettable line of Yahoo CEOs. Of course we remember Jerry Yang because he was a founder, but after Carol Bartz it has been Tim Morse (interim), Scott Thompson (the one who laid off 2,000 workers and then got sacked himself a month later - that was memorable!), Ross Levinsohn (interim) and finally Marissa Mayer, the one who believes that micro-managing telecommuting and maternity leave will save the company. A notable crew indeed!