01-16-2012, 10:39 PM

I bought my first Macbook Pro a few weeks ago and I ended up getting their One To One service which is basically training I can get at any Apple Store. I was wondering what your experiences are with this? Have you found it helpful?

01-17-2012, 01:34 AM

What you can get out of One to One is a direct reflection of what you actually put in to it. The person teaching you will generally know a lot about the topics you're going over, but you can't just expect them to do everything for you. Take a notepad with you, or a voice recorder, or whatever method works best for you.. and take notes.

Be proactive about your activities and ask a lot of questions, but try to stay focused on one task at a time. Before you go in, try and figure out what it is you'd like to discuss or learn. You can go over pretty much anything within reason (they're obviously not there to teach you how to use Adobe's CS5 suite).

Is it worth it? If utilized properly, absolutely and without a doubt! Remember that you have to make reservations in advance...

Doug

01-17-2012, 01:19 PM

Originally Posted by Doug b

What you can get out of One to One is a direct reflection of what you actually put in to it. The person teaching you will generally know a lot about the topics you're going over, but you can't just expect them to do everything for you. Take a notepad with you, or a voice recorder, or whatever method works best for you.. and take notes.

Be proactive about your activities and ask a lot of questions, but try to stay focused on one task at a time. Before you go in, try and figure out what it is you'd like to discuss or learn. You can go over pretty much anything within reason (they're obviously not there to teach you how to use Adobe's CS5 suite).

Is it worth it? If utilized properly, absolutely and without a doubt! Remember that you have to make reservations in advance...

Doug

Thanks for the reply. I've noticed the same thing. They can only help you with what you have questions about.

01-17-2012, 05:23 PM

And the more articulate and/or specific you can be with the questions, the better help you'll get. Exactly like here in the forum.

01-18-2012, 10:58 PM

You could also look on apple support forums, buying apple care and calling in, as well as finding a possible mac user group.

01-18-2012, 11:05 PM

Originally Posted by dmarkj

Thanks for the reply. I've noticed the same thing. They can only help you with what you have questions about.

I wouldn't go quite that far. A good one to one teacher will be able to just start messing around with OS X, until you say something like.. wow, how did you do that, and what is the benefit of this etc etc..

And remember, one to one isn't just about the operating system, you can learn how to use specific Apple programs such as everything from the iLife suite, to Final Cut Pro and Logic. As long as it has to do with Apple, it's fair game.

Doug

01-19-2012, 05:46 AM

For people brand new to the Mac who aren't that familiar or comfortable with computers in general, I think one to one is a great program. For people more familiar with the Mac and/or PCs in general, you would probably get a little less out of the program. It is a great program for learning the OS, iLife/iWork applications, even iTunes and iCloud now.

01-21-2012, 03:03 AM

Given that One to One is personal training, I suggest you establish clear goals rather than going in cold. Knowing what you want to accomplish with your Mac will help to steer the direction of your training and will ensure that you leave with the knowledge you need. You might consider creating some scenarios to play out with your instructor or projects that you want to work on together. We learn best by doing, after all.