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Apple Store

4 star rating
based on 55 reviews

Category: Computers  [Edit]

Neighborhoods: Kendall Square/MIT, East Cambridge
100 Cambridgeside Pl
Cambridge, MA 02141
(617) 225-0442
Nearest Transit:

Lechmere (Green)

Price Range:
$$$
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Garage
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes

55 reviews for Apple Store

Review Highlights   

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"the genius bar is always helpful." (in 20 reviews)
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"…access and would instead come here to check my email 2 to 3 times a week…" (in 4 reviews)
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"…is jam packed, so make sure you make an appointment before you go, and if…" (in 4 reviews)
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Sort by: Yelp Sort | Date | Rating | Elites'
Photo of Rebecca S.

Elite '09

19

78

Rebecca S.

Cambridge, MA

5 star rating
Updated - 9/24/2009

Me:  My iPhone is broken
Genius Guy:  Hm, so it is
Me:  My warranty has expired
Genius Guy:  Hm, so it has
Me:  Boo hoo
Genius Guy:  Here, have a brand new iPhone!

OK, so my warranty was 2 months past its expiration.  My iPhone's screen was dimming to the point where it was virtually black, apparently due to a broken wire.  The Genius bar guy reseated cables, and tried a couple of other things.  He noted that my phone was in "pristine condition" (yeah, really, it was!) ... and rather than sending my phone away for necessary repairs at the hefty out-of-warranty price of $200, he gave me a brand new (same version) iPhone!

So obviously I'm loving this Apple Store right now.  The wide-open layout I wrote about earlier is still there, designed to facilitate demonstrations, I think.  Fine.  I needed to get a new protective screen film, and fortunately they did have that in stock -- so no complaints this time about not stocking basic products.

Yep, as good as it gets!

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1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 2 star rating
    8/8/2009

    They seem to have removed most of the merchandise, replacing display shelves with long tables &… Read more »

Photo of Allix T.

Elite '09

268

1155

Allix T.

Allston, MA

3 star rating
Updated - 8/10/2009

Ugh - do you know what really sucks? Dealing with know it alls who insist on "fixing" totally faulty hardware rather than making good on the warranty and giving a replacement.

I've been having issues with my phone the last few months. I'm on the road all the time and really can't be without it - and it's beyond frustrating that when I come in here for assistance I get some run-around BS excuse and a quick fix that leaves the phone functioning (but certainly not at the level a $300 phone should) but not working consistently or properly.

I may just be switching back to Verizon. So damn frustrating.

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1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 5 star rating
    3/4/2008

    Love love love love loooooove!!!

    I just bought my Macbook and let me tell you - the lovely gents and… Read more »

Photo of Matt K.

 

37

38

Matt K.

Cambridge, MA

3 star rating
8/20/2009

I've been here on many occasions and always have mixed feelings about this place.

I love their products, and have a mad crush on the nrrrd girls who work the "genius" bar.

My problem is with the sales people who come off a bit like snake oil salesmen.

Two weeks ago I went in to get a iPhone. (yah, I know I'm a commericlistic whore) and the first thing the sales person did was congradulate me, telling me how the iPhone would change my life.  In fact the entire time I'm picking out my options he keeps telling how awesome it is,  it ends world wars, creates free electricity, and by keeping it in my pants pocket will make my junk bigger.

Only one of those turned out to be true by the way.

As we're talking he asked me do I have any apps in mind. I of course replied that Yelp would be my first download,  then asked if he had any recommendations.

That is when he revealed that he didn't have an iPhone.

WTF dude

WTF

He spends twenty minutes telling me how awesome my new toy is and doesn't even have one himself?  That's like being a vegetarian butcher.

As all is said and done he congratulates me again, knowing that perhaps one day I will need his help buying a new set if ear phones and will seek his constant upselling.

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Photo of greg l.

 

0

8

greg l.

Allston, MA

1 star rating
10/28/2009

I've experienced a world of difference between the Apple store in Cambridge and the apple store in Boston.

This apple store, I found the salespeople to be more trouble that its worth. I bought an ipod and 2 days later they released a new version. For the same price I would get 50 gigs more. Understandably I was annoyed because noone told me about the release.

Asking at the store the salespeople said they have no clue when the releases are (shouldn't the new ipods in your backroom be a giveaway?). I had to speak to the manager and show that I wasn't going anywhere before I got the new and bigger iPod. The service was really not good.

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Photo of Pete S.

 

62

212

Pete S.

Somerville, MA

2 star rating
6/11/2009

It's too bad that Apple is so intent on selling an attitude and a personality rather than its products.  Again and again, I come in with questions that don't fit their script -- not cutesy or unreasonable questions, just trying to figure out how I can do what I want to do with their products.  And more often than not, I get non-answers carefully calculated to not shine any negative light on the product, the store, the company, or the "culture," for lack of a better word.

I understand pushing the brand image, but if you can't be objective and straight with me, I'm going to shop elsewhere.  

I guess you're with Apple or you're against them.  Have fun with your pretty colors and lots of money, guys.  I'm not onboard.

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Photo of Li S.

 

16

185

Li S.

Somerville, MA

5 star rating
6/17/2009

I am a closet consumer. Whenever I experience a dramatic, life-changing event, I tend to live extravagantly beyond my means and buy everything I want. (Hooray for credit card debt).

Is it hot in here? Or is it just the employees. Nerds are adorkably awkward, but sexy Mac snobs are hot. Some people adopt a pet and walk it on the trail in hopes of meeting people through their animals, other (dogs) rub up against your leg at a bar, but these beautiful minds plug themselves into your USB port and get to know you(r computer) from the inside and out.

I 'accidentally' dropped my iPod and slowly picked it up (classic)

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Photo of Jessie Z.

Elite '09

32

122

Jessie Z.

Cambridge, MA

2 star rating
8/14/2009

The only reason i'm giving this 2 stars is b/c the guy was nice. If he was a jerkface they'd be getting no stars. the Genius Bar is a waste of time. we made an appointment and when we got there they told us they can't do what we need them to do. WHY CAN"T YOU LOOK AT THE NOTES IN MY APPOINTMENT BEFORE I GET THERE AND NOT WASTE MY TIME! BLAH!

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Photo of Sara S.

Elite '09

331

580

Sara S.

Boston, MA

4 star rating
3/5/2009

I am very appreciative of the fact that I came to this Apple store on a Saturday morning at 11AM without an appointment and was accommodated quickly. A late-night iPhone tragedy left me discouraged, sad, and in a rush... so I forgot to make one.

The Mac Genius people were able to bump me up on the wait list (thank God) and they were able to resolve the issue quickly. I've also come to this location for computer problems, and they were also resolved during my visit. Yay.

The only thing is that I didn't really appreciate the 'tude I got from the guy who was helping me. I basically got reprimanded because I wasn't using my iPhone as a "complement" to my MacBook. Geeze, sorry. Hence, because I didn't get the chance to synch my iPhone to my MacBook in the month I owned the thing, I would lose my entire address book.

This location really doesn't compare to the Boylston Street location, but it solves the problem. Just please, don't judge because someone isn't as sophisticated or know as much about Mac products as you do.

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Photo of Kat V.

Elite '09

128

111

Kat V.

Medford, MA

5 star rating
4/13/2009

Limited selection of products - but the staff and genius bar more than make up for that.

I tend to buy my techie stuff online, so the lack of certain product availability does not bug me.  But, when I have questions or need help with my iPhone and/or MacBook I want hands on, quality customer service!

Previous apple stores I have dealt with (Boulder, Denver, Minneapolis, Boston) have had days of waitlists for the Genius Bar.  That is a problem if your computer or phone are on the fritz!  Waiting 5 minutes let alone 5 days is painful.  Losing touch with the multitasking electronic friends and family is stressful enough before you have to wait in line and fear the worst!

At the CambridgeSide Apple Store, I got in the next day (and it was a Saturday)!  The staff and the tech were super helpful, pleasant and took great care of me!  They did not try to keep my computer for hours/days either (common occurrence for even the most simple issue it seems).

If you have to bring your Apple in for service, this is probably one of the better locations in the area for availability and customer service.  For product, I would go online or to the Boston stores.

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Photo of Julia F.

Elite '09

85

483

Julia F.

Cambridge, MA

5 star rating
Updated - 1/13/2009

They fixed my computer! They set up my iPhone for me! I heart them. It was hard for my little sister to browse while I was getting my phone set up though - people thought she was just dicking around like the rest of the teens in there using the computers, just cause...

Other than that, I have nothing bad to say about this store, at all.

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1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 4 star rating
    8/24/2008

    I was amazed that this store is always full of people. I later found out from my baby sister that… Read more »

Photo of Jessica W.

 

23

134

Jessica W.

Boston, MA

4 star rating
7/3/2008

I came here to purchase my very first MacBook for college.  (I highly recommend taking advantage of their college deal if you're still in college- you get a free iPod and printer, in addition to some discounts)

My experience was very good.  It's a small store, so it does get a bit crowded, but the people are nice and very helpful.  The process was quick for me, since I've been thinking about my decision for a while and already knew exactly what I wanted.  She was helpful and made sure I knew everything before making my purchase and taking my goodies home.  I asked about my rebates for the iPod and printer, and I was able to go online and claim my rebate right there.

And now I'm in my room, happily Yelping away on my brand spanking new MacBook. =]

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Photo of Sandra K.

Elite '09

55

170

Sandra K.

Boston, MA

5 star rating
11/7/2008

After a tragic pen explosion occurred in my backpack,  intense scrubbing and cleaning left the back of my beautiful baby beluga splotched purple.  After calling this store, I was transferred to Customer Care.  WHICH IS A PIECE OF CRAP.  The woman on the phone actually told me that since accidents weren't "covered," I should consider buying a new laptop.  I told her that I didn't care if I had to pay for a new backside but that I just needed it fixed.  Once again, she told me it "wasn't covered."  Since when does the definition of "coverage" include the ability to actually fix a problem?  

I decided this woman was not going to help me, so I signed on and got an immediate appointment at the Genius Bar.  After checking in, my Genius saw the stain, took my laptop to the back room, and five minutes later emerged with a clean backside to my MacBook.  How?  Rubbing alcohol.  He saved me about $300 in replacement/labor fees and was completely cordial.  I told him the Tech Support had suggested I buy a new laptop, and the Genius proceeded to get the serial number to my Mac so that he could follow up with the Technical Support Rep who talked to me and therefore allow better and more appropriate guidance on that end of the Apple spectrum.  Not only was my problem fixed, but the sour taste I had in my mouth was actually turned sweet knowing that this woman would be corrected.

When I left the store, someone was at the door to make sure all of my questions/concerns had been answered.  EXCELLENT.  Solid Five Star experience.

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Photo of Wilma E.

 

0

8

Wilma E.

Mid-Cambridge, MA

5 star rating
6/14/2009

While I generally get annoyed by hipsters-i'm-too-sexy-for-my-soy-latte-and-my-faux -hawk, the folks here are not only knowledgeable, but agreeable to answering any question you might need to be answered. Hands-down probably the best apple store in the boston region because they will answer your question (albeit laughing at you while you ask it - hey, geeks have sense of humors too!) or will die trying to answer your question. As far as I am concerned, they know more than me - so their poop don't stink and they can act like it as well. Five stars because they put their money where their faux hawk is-- if I want faster service, then I better talk to Jobs because obviously, the cambridgeside apple store is where people go to get things done.

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Photo of april p.

 

7

24

april p.

Cambridge, MA

1 star rating
8/22/2008

I hate this store.

If I go in there to look around, at least 6 employees come up to bother me and ask me if I need help. If I make an appointment to go to the genius bar, I still have to wait at least a half hour to be helped. What is the point of making an appointment (and they are really specific too, in 10 minute increments), if they 1. never see you when you are scheduled and 2. tell you if you leave that small perimeter while you wait for them you will lose your appointment?

Last time I was there, the genius bar waiting area was packed. Some guy who worked in the front came over to ask the woman who 'checks people in' to help him with something. She said hey, I am really busy, and what you need to do is easy, so can you just do it yourself? He tried to make an excuse and then when a customer interrupted them and the woman's back was turned, he just ran away. What kind of customer service is that?

I don't know. I just hate this place. I do love apple products though. I just choose to buy them elsewhere whenever possible so I don't have to deal with this store.

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Photo of Tracey G.

Elite '09

58

54

Tracey G.

Boston, MA

5 star rating
4/15/2008

The Apple store is awesomeness.  The products and the fact that you can test them all out in the store are great (I do have an irrational hatred for that damned one-button mouse though) but it's the workers bump my review up to a five.  I tend to go through electronics like water, and the friendly staff has always been able to either fix my broken ipods without making me feel too sheepish, or replace them with new ones.

Just yesterday, at the end of a god-awful day, I came home to find out that part of my docking station had broken off in my shuffle.  Since I can't survive my commutes with music, I immediately booked an appointment at the genius bar and high-tailed it to the Galleria where one of the staff members drew out the obstruction with a super-fancy method involving a straw and super glue.  Totally made my night!

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Photo of Jordan L.

 

41

22

Jordan L.

Brighton, MA

1 star rating
3/20/2008

This is by far the worst apple store in boston.

i went here to make a few smaller purchases to go with the larger purchase i made at the burlington store a few weeks earlier (p.s. - burlington got 5 stars).

the staff never came to help me and a lot of the things are beyond the reach of us common folk who don't get trained to be condescending and dress like hipsters yet somehow still look 'oh so apple!'

so, if you're going for the first time, or looking to switch from pc to mac but have questions...GO ELSEWHERE!

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Photo of ericalynn g.

Elite '09

268

510

ericalynn g.

Cambridge, MA

4 star rating
6/6/2008

It's really too bad that spilling frozen yogurt on your iBook is detrimental to the lifespan of said iBook (and also wastes precious fro yo) because if I could find a way to combine the two harmoniously, I think the world might have to end.  Two of my most favorite things ever - dessert and the Apple Store.

Here's the game.  Things I love, and things I love MORE because it's at the Apple Store.

I love gadgets.   Well, lots of companies make gadgets.
I love gadgets that are made intelligently and work intelligently.   Hi, Apple Store!

I love store displays.  OK, lots of companies have displays a-plenty.
I love store displays that are effective, organized, not overdone, and displayed with a friendly font and not-so-crazy colors.  Hi, Apple Store!

I love computer nerds.  OK, lots of people claim to be computer nerds.
I love computer nerds who are actually computer nerds, have been raised by CORRECT PEOPLE who taught them SMART IS ATTRACTIVE, and are confident and proud of being a nerd.  Hi, Apple Store!

Nothing but love for this particular Apple Store.  It's a little small but it's also in the middle of a shopping mall, and interestingly enough, there aren't that many stragglers who come in there looking at shiny products on their way back to the food court from Spencer's.  

Many props to Justin the Genius, who was kind enough to let me have my moment when I challenged some of the people at the Genius Bar, including him, to remember what date the iCal (pre-Leopard) sticks to when idle.  (July 17).  Most guessed June.  The others didn't know.  Justin and I were sure it was July 17.   He ran over to a Tiger machine (brought in by a customer) just to check.   That was awesome!

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Photo of Max J.

 

5

13

Max J.

New York, NY

2 star rating
5/12/2008

I am a HUGE Mac fanatic but I had to post my experience this weekend.

I went to the Apple store to get something got Mother's Day. The concierge was very polite. When I informed her that I wanted to apply for a Juniper Card (The Apple/iTunes Rewards Credit Card), she said I could do it at any computer terminal. She also said that she would send a Mac Specialist to assist me. That is when the trouble started.

This Mac Specialist was the most rude, impatient and completely unapologetic person I have EVER been forced to work with.  She asked me if I needed any help and I replied with "I don't think so." Then she disappeared faster than birthday cake at a 4 year olds birthday party.

When I completed the application, I went back to the concierge to let her know I was done. This same specialist came back and SCOLDED me for using the wrong computer! Then when I replied "We'll, why didn't you advise me to use another when you first came over?" She tried to pass the blame off on someone else, saying that she thought I was already being helped. CLEARLY not if you were the first specialist I spoke to!

As my girlfriend and I began to voice our frustrations to her, she WALKED AWAY and went to help someone else! I guess she thought we were not her problem. What made it worse was that no one in the store wanted to acknowledge this lack of customer service, saying it was a mix up.

Word to the wise - DON'T go to the Apple Store CambridgeSide.

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Photo of Ashley M.

Elite '09

3

91

Ashley M.

Brighton, MA

2 star rating
11/13/2008

I was very disappointed. I had made an appointment to have my Macbook Pro checked out. The problem was the charger/battery, which is a common problem with their laptops. I had them check it out and they wanted to bring it in over night to a couple days. I said that it wasn't possible. I am a college student and I need my computer. Not only that they wanted me to back up everything I had first, and I don't have the money for an external hard drive.

I had read reviews about the charger problem before I went to the store and heard of people getting things fixed right there, so that is what I was expecting. I ended up leaving my computer there, since it was useless and by the time I got home it was done. So they hassled me for no reason.

GO TO APPLE STORE ON BOYLSTON!!

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Photo of Susan N.

Elite '09

90

315

Susan N.

Cambridge, MA

4 star rating
7/13/2008

Yeah, I love the Apple store at the Galleria.  When I first moved to the area, I didn't bother to get internet access and would instead come here to check my email 2 to 3 times a week.  When the sales people came up to ask if I need help, I said, nope, just checking my email.  They were all so cool about it!

So I love that it's close to me and that they have a full array of products.  I just wish it wasn't as crowded as it is.  But it is Apple...

But the best part is I'm now typing my review at the store.  Beat that!

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Photo of Daniel S.

Elite '09

56

351

Daniel S.

New York, NY

5 star rating
10/2/2007

It was the worst feeling in the world.  My war buddy who's lived in France with me, been to China, been to Ireland, lived in Nebraska, dabbled in Orange County, taken road trips to North Carolina, my constant companion, my connection to the world at large, had just died.  I had gone to turn him on and he gave a pathetic few beeps, and died.  Died.  Dead.  My baby.
I booked him an appointment at the apple store, and thank-god I did.  The "genius" in the back opened him up, unsnapped a card, pushed it into another slot, turned him over and brought him back to life.

It was like having somebody die and than Jesus walks in and brings them back to life.  Only it wasn't, like, your crappy ol' grandmother, it was someone you really, really loved.

And it was free.  He gave me a little lecture about backing up my systems, cleaned my computer, and than sent us on our way.  If I hadn't lost my wallet earlier in the day, (it was a doozy of a day) than I would have given him a tip (although it didn't seem like he expected one).

Note:  I can't believe this is the only Apple store in the area.  Are you kidding me?  This place is jam packed, so make sure you make an appointment before you go, and if you're buying anything, make sure you're prepped to wait in line for forever.

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Photo of Kristina M.

Elite '09

38

154

Kristina M.

Jamaica Plain, MA

4 star rating
6/6/2008

I bought my MacBook here last year and had a great experience. Severely disabled when it comes to making decisions as I am, I had to come back several times to check out different models and ask a myriad of questions, and every single time the staff was friendly, patient and competent. The only good store in the mall, actually.

One star off only because it tends to get crowded and sometimes the staff is very hard to come by.
(Also, when I had finally settled on what I wanted it was actually sold out, which isn't really their fault. However, I was told to ring in advance next time to find out about new deliveries, but when I did and they only had a couple of the model that I wanted fresh in store, they were absolutely inflexible with regard to holding it for me - even though I was actually going to leave work and come over right away, so they would have had to hold it only for 1/2 hour. It turned out that I was lucky, and they hadn't sold out again by the time I arrived, but the attitude was a bit disappointing.)

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Photo of Kabir H.

Elite '09

169

77

Kabir H.

Cambridge, MA

3 star rating
4/30/2007

Buy your Apple wares online. The staff here are too busy basking in the Apple glow to to offer real answers to your questions, or provide more than cursory support in some cases. It's amazing how good they are at talking down to you, leading me to wonder if it's part of their training.

On one occasion, I overheard a customer asking a basic question that the sales person answered incorrectly, and I had to intervene. I HATE being *that* guy, so fuck you, Apple Store, for making me be *that* guy.

So why 3 stars? Mostly for the displays, which let you play around, near unfettered with just about everything Apple. I espouse trips here to anyone looking to make the Mac switch, so long as you aren't entirely reliant on the staff for answers.

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Photo of Ligaya T.

Elite '09

3131

1041

Ligaya T.

Berkeley, CA

4 star rating
4/28/2007

I want a t-shirt that says "I heart geniuses" that looks exactly like their black ringer ones. These guys were so patient when I brought in my damaged three-month old MacBook, explained everything in detail and referred me to an authorized fix-it shop for repairs. I hadn't even read Aretha's advice about getting pretty. I was unshowered, in galoshes and hat and despondent and they still guided me through everything. Great place to retreat from the weekend mall mayhem.

The 5th star didn't get clicked only because the store is a bit small, but the layout is good and they used the space efficiently. The products are SICK. Apple's done well. I can't wait for the 2nd generation iPhone.

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Photo of Rebecca S.

Elite '09

41

140

Rebecca S.

Somerville, MA

4 star rating
11/20/2006

I'm an Apple addict, so my score is less a reflection of the store, and more of a reflection on Apple itself. This store does tend to be busy, but so is the rest of the mall during the hours that I can go (nights and weekends).

In general though, every Apple store I've been too has been clean, had a friendly staff (albeit that sometimes I know more Mac stuff than they do), and do help you in a timely manner (the handheld checkout is a huge plus in my mind).

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Photo of Amanda H.

Elite '09

196

665

Amanda H.

Brighton, MA

5 star rating
12/23/2007

A few months ago I went to turn on my Ipod and it wouldn't turn on.....So i tried resetting it....and it still wouldn't work....so I completely erased it and reformatted it.....it still wouldn't work.

::PANIC MODE::

After searching the Apple website about how and what was wrong with my Ipod (I barely had it for a year) I finally made an appt at the Apple store for the Genius Bar.  I continued to panic because I didn't have my reciept, so I wouldn't be able to prove when I bought it.

After explaining that my Ipod hated me and wouldn't turned on, the guy asked me if I had already done everything that I previously mentioned, asked me when I purchased it, looked it up using the serial code, said "I'll be right back" And about 5 minutes later, came out with a brand new Ipod.  My eyes went wide, they're just handing me a new Ipod?!? How could this be! He told me to be really careful and to make sure to not get any water on the wheel (I had previously took used it at the gym, and usually would stick it in my bra....well I've learned that is not a good idea, because then it breaks!) SO I bought myself a spiffy armband, and am now making sure not a drop of water gets on my precious IPod.

Now I want a mac, just because I think Apple is awesome.

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Photo of Morgan F.

 

245

207

Morgan F.

Boston, MA

4 star rating
8/10/2007

Its often pretty busy in here, especially because I usually come in to visit the Mac Genius station in the back. BUT if you make a reservation you can MORE THAN spend you time in H&M.

Also, until the NEW Apple store opens, its really the only Apple store in Boston. Until recently I did not have a car, so everything else was out of the question.

All the Mac Geniuses who have helped me here have been very supportive, one kind soul sat with me for about 20 minutes then consulted someone and came back to work on my computer for another 20 or so fixing my Mac Mail over a problem I had caused downloading another stupid program.

Although I would suggest making an apointment online, you still have to wait, but it lease it makes the wait better.

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Photo of Chris W.

Elite '09

35

87

Chris W.

New York, NY

1 star rating
11/8/2007

I guess you can't just show up here to visit the "genius" bar, you need to come (or visit online) first just to reserve a time.

When you come back on time, you still have to wait, because the "geniuses" have fallen behind.

After spending an exorbitant amount to replace my macbook screen, I had to wait about 10 minutes to get my receipt.

The service here is as bad as the applecare warranty.

The pompous attitude they have and those "genius" t-shirts they wear make me wanna just throw down some of my computer science homework and see their know-it-all attitude disappear.

If you're such a "genius," why do you work at the mall, huh?

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Photo of Wut Da F.

 

10

62

Wut Da F.

Somerville, MA

2 star rating
8/19/2007

Look, I'm not typically a Mac user.  So I will refrain from reviewing the availability / quality of products - this is strictly a customer service review.

My boyfriend and I were strolling around looking at laptops.  It was a medium-busy week-night, and store seemed adequately staffed.  Two clerks at the genius bar, one on register, four floating the floor, answering questions.  However,

Problem 1: We were totally ignored for at least 15 minutes.

Problem 2: Two staffgirls left their customers briefly, stood right next to us, and had this exchange.  "I'm still helping that one.  Can you get the other lady?"
"Why don't you help the new lady?  Your lady will be done soon, and then I can get the next person."
Okay, okay, so, everyone's busy.  I get it.  But it was pretty annoying to be standing around waiting, and not get acknowledged with not so much as a "someone will be with you in a minute."

Oh...and we were not the "next person."

Problem 3: My boyfriend finally got a salesboy's attention and broached the subject of Macbook edges that are too sharp and need sanding.  A subject that is waaay more than broached online, by the way, by hundreds of loyal Applettes who have sanded their own laptops.  

Salesboy's response:
"That's ridiculous.  *I've* never heard of such a thing.  Why would anyone sand a 1000 dollar computer?  Hey, [genius bar genius], have you ever heard of people *sanding* their Macbook?"
"Uch - no.  That's COMPLETELY unheard of.   Who would DO that?  The Macbook doesn't even HAVE sharp edges."
Hey, jerks - knowing your product line includes knowing its flaws and knowing how to overcome them.  No need to be snooty, as we weren't talking about sanding the pap warts on your dicks.

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Photo of Anubha T.

Elite '09

17

122

Anubha T.

Boston, MA

5 star rating
2/22/2008

I am an Apple fan. Yeah, I own an iPod and have owned pretty much all their 30GB ones. Except the touch, way out of my league price wise :) I also own a Macbook which I bought from this particular location. Firstly, the genius bar is awesome. Yes, you have to get an appointment first but thats only because duh - they're busy most of the time. Secondly, when I decided to switch from PC to Mac I called to see what time they open and the lady I spoke to immediately got me a personal shopping assistant. That was definitely very helpful since I was undecided on the exact model. The assistant was very well informed about every single detail of the macbook and I ended up with what I wanted. I have to point out here that he was not trying to sell me a more expensive one (unlike some other places i know of), just something that would suit my needs best.

So, I love this store, they are nice to me :) You can randomly see me gawking and drooling at the iPhone from outside sometimes. And I don't see no security guard coming to shoo me off!

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Photo of Chloe B.

 

7

29

Chloe B.

Brooklyn, NY

3 star rating
7/2/2008

I want to be friends with everyone who works here. Matt fixed my achy-breaky Macbook in a jiffy and he did it with a smile.

Of course, it's still an Apple Store in a Mall where I can never find parking...so yeah.

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Photo of Monica L.

 

0

8

Monica L.

Mid-Cambridge, MA

5 star rating
7/25/2009

The Genius bar is superb.  The consistency of Apple's service across all of its stores is astounding - don't hesitate to bring your misbehaving Apple stuff here for a quick fix!

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34

147

Chin C.

Quincy, MA

4 star rating
11/21/2006 1 photo

There are something in the store that keep me go in every time I go to the mall. Even I know most of the time, everything's still the same, I go in.

I like to check on accessories and new ads about new ipod, mac. Yep they look cool but expensive.

On top of everything I like their concept, sell each part separately, a lot of juices.

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Photo of Frank L.

Elite '09

19

113

Frank L.

Honolulu, HI

2 star rating
5/11/2008

I no that everyone probably has some apple product by now.  A computer, an iPhone or at least an iPod.  Apple products really nice but I have to give them a negetive review for taking away the "educational discount"!

I really want a new iPod and I'd prefer to just walk into the Apple Store and pick one up, but now that there's no deal for college students I think that I'll look for a deal online.

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Photo of Aretha W.

 

147

334

Aretha W.

Aquinnah, MA

5 star rating
4/23/2007

It is SOOO smart for apple to have retail stores in malls!

If you have an issue with your ipod, just get all dolled up and put your best damsel in distress act on and the guys at the genius bar will totally hook you up with a new ipod. Even if it's just a bit past warranty! You just have to ask nicely and give puppy dog eyes.

I love being able to go in and check out the newest apple gadgets. Drool over large screen displays that I can't afford. Check my email. The staff are always friendly and knowledgeable.

The best part is leaving an extremely large pornographic image open on any of the desktops while blasting Alice Cooper's "feed my frankenstein" on the itunes.

Yes, I'm immature.

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Photo of Phil D.

 

9

113

Phil D.

Oakland, CA

5 star rating
7/3/2007

I bought my iPhone here and all the employees were friendly and helpful. The cashier was very amused by my immense excitement and called me "duder." She was very nice, though. I also bought my Airport Express here  a long time ago.

I think Apple makes some of the very best consumer products on the market. I live frugally--don't buy fancy clothes, don't own a car--but I will gladly pay a little extra for Apple quality.

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Photo of Alexander W.

Elite '09

25

128

Alexander W.

New York, NY

5 star rating
8/17/2006

Love Apple, and love their stores.  ha.  This one is a bit small though.  

The employees are always interesting.  The one older man laid his hands on a friend of mine when we were checking out the then new black MacBook.  That was not cute at all.  I suppose they can just be a bit too . . . hands-on?

This is the only redeeming factor of an otherwise abominable mall!

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Photo of Whiffen V.

 

5

163

Whiffen V.

Vancouver, BC

Canada

4 star rating
12/11/2006

The store is pretty awesome but my fav remains the APple store in Regent St in London. This one, as usual, has all the toys that a fanboy/girl craves. I was pretty impressed with the genius bar. I know it can be hit- or- miss but my Apple guy was friendly, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic. I knew I left my baby in good hands. One advice, even for "routine" Applecare repair where you think you can just drop off your baby you still have to make a same day appointment at the Genius Bar (I made mine at 0630 on the website and had loads of time slots to choose from). The only reason that I gave it 4 stars is that it's in a freakin mall and to get there I have to navigate the various "mall traffic".
Helmet hair security guy

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Photo of Chrissy H.

Elite '09

51

211

Chrissy H.

Revere, MA

5 star rating
12/23/2008

So- I was stupid and decided to wait to do my Christmas shopping until the 23rd... my own fault I suppose. But I was still shocked to find the mall so packed at 1pm on a Tuesday (am I the only one who doesn't have the entire week off?)
After standing in line forever at the book store and foolishly venturing into the toy store, I walked into the Apple Store and decided that everyone was getting ITunes gift cards this year. So, I stepped into line at the desk and a nice employee (whom I will love forever) offered to ring up my purchase on this little hand held keypad AND he even emailed my receipt to me. Done. That's it. It literally took me 2 minutes to finish my shopping. Why doesn't every store have those things ???
Just for that, I will purchase another MAC soon (this one has had a good run) from this location. Besides, the Apple guys are pretty hot and know their computers. (the girls are hot and helpful too!)

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Photo of Alex L.

Elite '09

47

174

Alex L.

Allston, MA

3 star rating
4/14/2008

So I make a trip here to get my iPhone fixed/replaced (they replaced it) and what happens when I get there? I'm told there is about an hour wait and I would have to put my name down.  So I put my name down and go out and about in the mall to kill some time.  I come back about 5 minutes early and they tell me I'm next up, GREAT! Well, little do I know that the people who work in that "Genius" whatever place each specialize in different Apple products, and there's only one guy working on iTouch/iPhones at the moment.  There's some clueless old guy who looks like he could be a Haaaahvaaahd prof asking a million useless questions about his iPhone, I mean, he's obviously getting a new one, can't he ask any other simple questions about the product to some other salesperson?  My turn FINALLY comes nearly 30 minutes after the time they originally told me and all they do is replace my phone, I literally was at the genius thing for less than 5 minutes.  

All in all, it's nice customer service, but that's pretty shit if I had to wait over an hour and a half for a 5 minute quick switch on phones.  They need to fix their system on how to go about the customer service area.  I pretty much knew they were going to give me a new one, so why couldn't they just do that right away so I wouldn't have wait a million years.

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