Roger Fingas
While Apple is leading in the American Customer Satisfaction Index's PC and tablet category, the company is just barely ahead of Amazon and Samsung, which tied for second in the Index's latest update.
Apple scored 83 in an ACSI report published on Tuesday, just as it did in 2017. Amazon and Samsung each managed 82. The figures were based on interviews with 6,062 customers.
Samsung's score was also flat year-over-year, but Amazon's was up from 79. The latter vendor of course doesn't make any PCs, but it has been steadily improving its Android-based Fire tablets, its next offering set to be the Fire HD 8 with Alexa voice controls and an optional "Show Mode" charging dock.
Apple often markets the iPad as a potential laptop replacement, especially when it comes to Pro models. Amazon's tablets are less powerful and intended mostly for media consumption, but have the distinct advantage of price: the Fire HD 8 will cost just $79.99, whereas even the cheapest new iPad is $329. An iPad Pro is at least $649.
Apple has yet to update the Pro this year, and is expected to deliver a significant overhaul with the addition of Face ID — possibly in landscape mode — and an edge-to-edge display. It may even offer some form of USB-C, given apparent support for 4K external displays.
The MacBook Pro was updated earlier in 2018, but other Macs have yet to see upgrades. Rumors have suggested that the Mac mini and MacBook Air could see long-awaited revamps.
Charles Martin
Malcolm Owen
William Gallagher
Christine McKee
Wesley Hilliard
15 Comments
Let’s watch the spin on this from the usual suspects. Are Amazon and Samsung just behind Apple because their products are improving or is it because Apple’s products are declining in satisfaction? Make sure you have plenty of popcorn and beer for this one. Bias confirmation is a powerful motivator.
Some people are satisfied with filet mignon; others are satisfied eating from the Dumpster.