Filed under: Analysis / Opinion, Hardware
It Wasn't a Test Drive Anyway
I'd just like to chime in on this Mac Mini Test Drive thing and say good riddance to bad rubbish. I'd also like to know who's bright idea this was in the first place, and how on earth they sold it as a "test drive." First off, a "test drive" means that you aren't paying money up front to test a product - typically, with a car for example, you don't have to leave much more than a license to take it for a spin. Second, this was nothing more than a glorified return policy - and a shady one at that: the "test drive" would have begun the moment you placed the order online, and not when you received it. Three cheers for "30 days!"
Nice try, Apple Marketing. Any more bright ideas lying around?
[Thanks lackman15, via Laurie, for the pic. Bonus points to the first reader who can name where this pic's from!]
![TUAW [Cafepress]](http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.tuaw.com/media/tuaw-cafepress-promo.png)
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Vin said 10:49PM on 8-31-2005
That image is from the original iMac commercial. :)
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Vin said 10:51PM on 8-31-2005
Sorry, I should correct myself, not the original original Jeff Goldblum iMac ads but the flat screen model.
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Michael Wren said 10:57PM on 8-31-2005
http://live.watchmactv.com/?p=18
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Mike said 11:31PM on 8-31-2005
hey guys the image is from here http://www.tuaw.com/images/2005/08/TongueOut.jpg how fast you forget muahaha
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Brad said 11:55PM on 8-31-2005
Damn you all!
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Wheels said 12:02AM on 9-01-2005
Can we all say FURBAR?
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Wheels said 12:05AM on 9-01-2005
FUBAR even...grrrrrrr!
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David Chartier said 3:15PM on 11-02-2005
One weird thing I don't get: there's no explanation for the cancellation. I can't track anything down yet. I first heard from Apple Affiliate partners who received a simple email that just said "hey the program's over. Sorry." The whole thing's kinda strange.
My only guess is they had an onslaught of customers ticked off that the retail stores weren't participating.
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some dude said 1:55AM on 9-01-2005
iirc, this is not the first time apple has attempted a "test drive" promotion. i believe the first one was either with one of the apple ][ series, or one of the first macintoshes.
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Mans said 3:54AM on 9-01-2005
Haven't you guys seen the 'Waowwaaa-wooom' commercial? French (soccer) striker Thierry Henri promoting the small Renault sportscar? Its him, dammit!
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Dan said 9:29AM on 9-01-2005
David, I don't really understand your negative attitude to this program. If you're upset because they offered 30 days and the user has to make his or her decision in less than 30 days due to shipping times, then I think that's a bit shortsighted on your part. I think this program is perfect for people on the fence who need that last little push to try out the affordable mac mini. Now, the customer may have to cover the cost of shipping, and so you have a problem with Apple calling it a "test drive?" Would you be more satisfied if they called it "Try Before You Buy For 30 Days (Less Shipping) Offer*"
That does have a certain ring to it.
Give them a break for trying something new.
"*Note: This is NOT an actual test drive as no mac mini currently operates as a motor vehicle."
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David Chartier said 3:15PM on 11-02-2005
Dan, you have to buy it before you receive and play with it for 30 days. That's why it isn't a test drive.
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andy said 11:05AM on 9-01-2005
I kind of agree with David's idea that it wasn't a "Test Drive" per se, but I do think it was a very clever promotion hook. I am seriously perplexed about the pull out. What I'm wondering is if the people who purchased Minis and Mice and Keyboards (Oh My!) in the 15 or so hours that the promo was active still "qualify."
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PXLated said 12:03PM on 9-01-2005
Dave...Picky, Picky, Picky. Keep blogging, you'd never make it as a promotion writer, well maybe for Microsoft ;-)
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fra said 12:56PM on 9-01-2005
You people really thought Apple Computer. were willing letting people take a computer home... or send a computer out for nothing!?!?
I love my mac mini anyway, so I don't really care anyway tbh.
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Albert said 2:50AM on 9-02-2005
This article clearly states the mindset of the author. It is intelligently drafted to create intrest of the reader. It brings out the worth of the subject.
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