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"A MAC?! You're Crazy!" (9/27/97)
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If you've ever gone to a large-chain computer store like Circuit City or CompUSA looking for a new Mac, you already know what Apple's just found out: the salespeople try their darnedest to steer you away from Macs and towards the Wintel offerings. Techweb's got the scoop.

What's interesting is the way in which Apple confirmed this ugly practice, which involved the use of a top secret underground task force. Secret Apple agents disguised as mere mortals visited lots of stores and pretended to be interested in buying a Mac. (Shades of the Mod Squad!) More often than not, the infiltrators were dissuaded from making such a heinous purchasing error. ("How about a nice Sony VAIO instead?")

AtAT staff occasionally asks salespeople about Macs just for the hell of it, and has, on more than one occasion, been told that Apple has gone out of business. We recommend this hobby to all Macophiles. You will be amazed and entertained by the misinformation you get. Start soon, though, because the sport may not last long; this task force was Steve's idea, and sources say the Big Guy has plans for the retailers who aren't playing fair. One of the spicy bits in Techweb's story is how Greg Rhine, the Apple VP of channel and sales, resigned a few days after the task force reported its findings. Coincidence? Iron Fist of Jobs? You decide.

 
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The above scene was taken from the 9/27/97 episode:

September 27, 1997: (Sorry—this was before we started writing intro text for each episode!)

Other scenes from that episode:

  • 27: Merry Christmas After All (9/27/97)   As if in response to our wonderings yesterday, MacWeek tells us that the new Gossamer PowerMacs should be debuting in November just in time for the Christmas season, which has us jumping for joy at AtAT...

  • 28: Powering Down... (9/27/97)   The troubles continue for beleagured computer manufacturer Power Computing. (Thought we were going to say "Apple," didn'tcha?) The Austin American-Statesman has an interesting story about PCC selling off its 154 acres of Georgetown, TX land and closing its manufacturing plant...

Or view the entire episode as originally broadcast...
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