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Show Al MITTON/UVU Review APX flunks out of the Better Business Bureau Opinions writer To any student even remotely aware of their senses, APX Security has come to represent a big-shot company on campus and within Utah Valley. With recruiters frequently on campus showcasing a business that assures us they are "protecting families," many students seeking wealth embark on an out-of-state adventure to sell for APX. But taking a look at the Better Business Bureau's (BBB) records on APX reveals lesser-known information about the company that one will be hard-pressed to find on any of their fliers or billboards; APX currently has an F rating with the BBB. Why is APX struggling to make the grade? It's because the BBB has processed 1,619 complaints against APX in the last 36 months. Jane Driggs, president of the BBB in Utah, said the excessive number of complaints, combined with incidents of government action against the company, are the cause of their bad rating. She also said that, in her opinion, the F is justified. Now, the BBB, a non-profit organization, knows that evaluating a company must take into account the company's size, volume of transactions, the nature and number of complaints; and the company's response to those complaints. This is why they evaluate companies using an algorithm that takes these complex variables into account. In APX's case, an excessive number of complaints have been submitted to the BBB for a variety of reasons, including sales practice issues, service issues, advertising issues, and more. Stuart Dean, director of media relations for APX Security, said the company has some differences in opinion with the BBB regarding their bad rating. According to Dean, APX believes that many of the complaints against the BBB aren't from customers but from people who've felt bothered by APX salesmen. In fact, he said APX estimates that 30-40 percent of the BBB complaints that have led to the rating are from noncustomers. "There are limes, in our opinion, when the BBB fails to properly assess a business like ours," said Dean. "They do not take into consideration the number of consumer interactions properly." But according to Driggs, only complaints from actual APX customers have given the company an F rating. "While the BBB does take complaints from consumers who have not done business with the company, those are not included in the total number shown in our reports," Driggs said. It seems that APX misunderstands the rating process of the BBB. It may be convenient to say that many of the complaints against their company have come from non-customers, but even if that's true, none of those complaints were used to give them an F rating. Only complaints from APX customers were used by the BBB to evaluate the company. Driggs said that, to their credit, "APX has always listened to the BBB and is constantly implementing new ways to try and eliminate Hi, I'm a Mac Hi, I'm a PC if you like having the same inflexible, out-of-the-boxsame-as-everyone-elseUnlike my superficial, computing-machine, buy trend-obsessed, metrothe Mac. sexual rival, I find that Think about it: PCs are there's more to a computer initially less expensive, than a pretty case. Comput- they're easier to code on, ers aren't they are supposed to made for be overpriced I admit that gaming, they paperweights, Macs are everysport a ridicas so many thing they say ulous number they are, but that Mac users of ways to really doesn't treat them. be customadd up to much, Don't believe ized to your does it? me? Keep exact specireading. fications, the Let's warranties be honest: your average are cheap and when your college student uses their computer isn't covered by computer only for word the warranty, you can fix it processing, listening to without financing the new MP3s and checking their parts and service by selling . Facebook every 15 minan organ. And that's just utes. Why spend two grand the tip of the iceberg. on a computer when you I admit that Macs are can get all of those things everything they say they for one-tenth the price with are, but that really doesn't a PC? add up to much, does it? PC producers know I mean, Paris Hilton is that there are billions of good looking, worth a lot people on this earth and of money and easy to use, each one is unique. If you but that doesn't mean you need a big hard drive, a should, because trust me, faster processor, a highthe viruses will show up end graphics card, or lots one day. and lots of RAM, there's a I guess now that I think computer out there that's of it, there is one reason I'd feuiIt to meet your exact buy a Mac. It would finally specifications. If you can't get all of those annoying, find one, you can buy the holier-than-thou Mac fanparts and build one in a few boys to leave me the hell hours. On the other hand, alone. the complaints. They also resolve all complaints." Driggs also said it's important for consumers to evaluate a company, not just through the BBB, but also through other resources. So while the BBB's evaluation of APX indicates big problems within the company, potential customers should do more research before deciding whether or not the company is a good fit for them. Before you set out to sell for APX next summer, or let their friendly salesmen in the door, be aware that.the company isn't as picture perfect as they look on their large format freeway advertising. The company has received enough ire among their customers to cause concern —enough to earn an F grade on their BBB report card. <error725373> Opinions writer vs JORDY KIRKMAN/UVU Review I'm proud to be a Mac for so many reasons 1 can't count- new reasons pop up ever)' day. Macs just work. My computer and its operating system are made by the same company, making a beautifully seamless harmony between hardware and software. The Mac OS is the most advanced operating system on the market, running on a solid UNIX core that has zero viruses. Can PC's say the same? If its not enough of a hassle to remove a virus, its even more of a hassle keeping up with the latest virus protection software. Did I mention Macs don't get viruses? Everything from your web browser and video editing software is made by the same company that sold you your keyboard, screen and CPU and they are specifically designed to take full advantage of every ounce of power your computer has to offer. Microsoft makes PC's operating system and Dell, Gateway, Acer. eMachines, HP etc., are making the hardware. Can they really be successfully collaborating on all levels? PC Magazine rated Macs number one in customer support. Walk into an Apple store and you have a Mac Genius at your beck and call. PC support? Who do you call, Microsoft or Dell? PC World rated Macs first in reliability which, no doubt, has something to do with the fact that all updates, software and security, come from the same place. Innovation drives Macs. PC's are years behind. Everything from unibody aluminum (probably bullet proof) laptops and magnetic safety release power cables to battery life that last almost an entire work day make it a no-brainer that Macs are rated number one in customer satisfaction. Did I mention that iTunes, another Mac product, is the most popular music store in the world? iTunes, along with the rest of the iLife software that comes standard on every Mac, turns your computer into the command center for your digital life. Macs make creating and organizing music, movies, pictures and the web as easy as it is to decide to buy one. But let me say something good about PC's: The best part about PC's are, of course, that without them we really wouldn't know how good we, as Macs, truly are. • |