From: micro19@cbis.ece.drexel.edu (A Techno-Discordian)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.mac.misc
Subject: Merits and Faults of System 7.1
Date: 10 Nov 92 05:35:16 GMT
Organization: Drexel University, College of Engineering, Philadelphia, PA

Since System 7.1's introduction, and the change in Apple's OS distribution
policy, there have been numerous messages posted on the net about the good
and evil of the change.  Some feel that Apple has become a money grubbig
company, while other feel that this will bring improve customer support.

Apple's reasoning for charging for System 7.1 is to make the system pay for
itself.  Apple's margins are declining, and OS R&D cost a great deal of money,
so they'll follow the path that Microsoft is taking with DOS and Windows.
Another reason they gave was distribution.  They claimed that since it was
free, no retailer would stock System 7.1, so people with no access to the net
could buy the new system.

The price itself sounds reasonable enough.  System 7.1 retails for $99, but
the upgrade is $34.  This is reasonable for full manuals and a year of tech
support.  One of the biggest problem with the Macintosh is the lack of
customer support.  Apple will always want you to refer to a dealer.  Dealer's
quality of service varies from poor to excellent.  In may area though, I
haven't been able to located a decent dealer.  Apple has also made it possible
to order System 7.1 directly, and deliver the system on 1.44 Meg or 800K disk
with 2-day shipping.

On the other hand, some of the pricing is pretty slimey.  People who brought
System 7.0 after Sep 1 is eligable for a free System 7.1 upgrade.  People who
brough machine that comes with 7.0 after Sep 1 have to pay $34 to get System
7.1.  In additional, MacWeek has recently stated that Apple is still including
System 7.01 with currently shipping machines, and including System 7.1 only
on machine that needs it (IIvx, Duo, new powerbooks, etc).  Macweek quoted
an Apple Spokesperson stating that the Macs were not shipped with System 7.1
because they were not necessary to run the machine.  Owners of new "older"
machine will also have to fork out $34.  This seem to run counter to the
theme that they want to improve distribution.

There is still no word on large volume site license, but the 10-user pack
CD is absurdly priced.  It list for $499, but if you purchase 10 single packs,
you pay 34x10 = $340.  Someone at Apple does not know how to do math.

System 7.1 supposedly include all of these new technology such as worldscript,
Quickdraw Gx, and system enablers.  Unfortunately, none of these things are
available yet.  The Chinese modules for example are not yet available until
November, and Apple has yet to work out a distribution policy.  Quickdraw GX
is not available until next year, and many of the enablers are not available.
There is no support for Adobe type 1 fonts.  System 7.1 appears to be nothing
more than a more integrated version of system 7.01 with tuneup.  

Because of this, I am going to adapt a wait and see strategy.  If I buy System
7.1 now, I am getting absolutely nothing new, and they might charge me for
future minor updates.  I like the improved support, and better distribution,
but the rest of System 7.1 is still vaporware.  I have call Apple customer
service and complained about this.

If anyone is interested in ordering directly at 800-769-2775.  If you had
brought System 7.0 after Sep 1, you can also call this number for a free
upgrade.

On the other hand, if you don't like the present policy, call Apple at the
customer service number at 800-776-2333.  This line will be very busy, so
stay on the line for a long, long time, and complain about why you don't like
Apple's new policy.  This is a much better way to get Apple's attention than
bashing it out in the net.  Try to be polite to the customer representative,
he or she is not responsible for the policy, they can only log your problem.

I hope this has all been helpful.  Thanks for listening.

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Paul Siu
upsiu@mcs.drexel.edu

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Criminals are a supersititous, cowardly lot, so I must wear a disguise that
will strike terror into their hearts!

And, as if in answer, a baseball crash through Bruce Wayne's window.

A bat!  That's it! It's like an Omen!  I shall become a Bat!
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Newsgroups: comp.sys.mac.misc