Does working at Apple require me to own Macs?

[FerraraZ]

So I'm currently in the hiring process for Apple as a Specialist. I've passed the group career seminar and my first one on one interview. I have another interview with another store manager coming up.

I'm currently in the market for a new laptop and while I do love macs I kind of want to save money and get a core i5 laptop for under 1200.

Quick question, will possibly working at Apple require me to have a macbook or would it just be a good benefit for me to have one?

 

[TheWart]

I can't see how they could 'force' you to own one. I do believe that you will get a pretty nice employee discount, so perhaps wait until you get hired and then use the discount on a macbook?

In the end though, as long as you know how to troubleshoot OSX and hardware issues, then I don't think it matters.

 

[PCTC2]

It's nice if you want to do any work at home or fiddle with the OS or get more experience with it, but I doubt it's mandatory. But many people do buy MBPs when they work there.

I personally work in an Apple Enterprise Environment (a company with an Apple GSX Support Contract) and some of the people bring Windows laptops to work even though every work computer is a Mac.

 

[Kmax82]

So I'm currently in the hiring process for Apple as a Specialist. I've passed the group career seminar and my first one on one interview. I have another interview with another store manager coming up.

I'm currently in the market for a new laptop and while I do love macs I kind of want to save money and get a core i5 laptop for under 1200.

Quick question, will possibly working at Apple require me to have a macbook or would it just be a good benefit for me to have one?

I think that it'd benefit you to own one if you truly care about being an effective specialist. I can't see how you could really be familiar with an OS and troubleshooting, if you weren't actively using the OS, but that's just me. Although I guess, if you're just working on typical genius tasks, then most of them aren't super complicated.

 

[FerraraZ]

Is there a certain amount of time needed to be working at Apple to take advantage of the employee discounts? I'm afraid it would send the wrong message if I take advantage of a discount within the first week.

 

[Kmax82]

Is there a certain amount of time needed to be working at Apple to take advantage of the employee discounts? I'm afraid it would send the wrong message if I take advantage of a discount within the first week.

Eh.. only if you truly don't plan on staying there a while. If you work there and they give you that benefit, why not use it?

Well, maybe wait a week. I could see it coming across wrong if, on your first day.. you used your employee discount on a 17" decked out MBP. But if I was Apple, I'd just take that as dedication..

 

[KeithP]

I'm currently in the market for a new laptop and while I do love macs I kind of want to save money and get a core i5 laptop for under 1200.

I believe, but I am not positive, you would get a 25% off once a year discount as an employee, on a complete system (among other things). If that is correct, the base i5 MBP would be $1350 with discount.

I would wait to see if you get the job and grab a MBP.

-KeithP

 

[Kadarin]

Is there a certain amount of time needed to be working at Apple to take advantage of the employee discounts? I'm afraid it would send the wrong message if I take advantage of a discount within the first week.

I suspect your coworkers and management would be happy that you took advantage of the discount to choose a Mac laptop. It shows that you're onboard with supporting the company, and gives you a headstart on learning more about the product.

 

[FP]

Why in the world would they care which laptop you own? How would they even know?

 

[Tegeril]

25% once per year on a complete system. 15% off 3 times per year on various items. Other discounts from specific brands on products sold in the store. Base 13" MBP would cost you $899 with the complete system discount.

 

[accguy9009]

I suspect your coworkers and management would be happy that you took advantage of the discount to choose a Mac laptop. It shows that you're onboard with supporting the company, and gives you a headstart on learning more about the product.

This, and don't forget the Applecare and MobileMe !!