January 17, 2012
Note: At the end of 2016, Apple’s One-to-One program disappears completely. Too bad. But during 2016, a small segment of Mac owners — like me — can still access to the program. This is only because right before Apple announced the death of 1-2-1, I bought a new laptop AND a new 1-2-1 membership. So new Apple computers owners in my boat can use 1-2-1 for one year of training or until the end of 2016 — whichever comes first. I’ve heard that Apple will offer some type of alternative program in 2017. Stay tuned for more.
As we all know, embracing technology is key to both personal and professional success. Note the key word: “Embrace.” Absolutely, passion makes a difference. But if you’re not feeling the love for tech stuff, this post might offer you both help and hope.
The information below is about Apple’s One-to-One membership for Mac training. I initially signed up when I bought my first MacBook in 2007. True confessions — getting into an Apple head took a while. The initial learning curve was quite steep. But then I was hooked on the patient, individual attention from Personal Training and started going nearly every week. The happy ending? I fell in love with my Mac.
Now, look at me! Getting tech-savvy transformed my life as a teacher, artist and journalist. Learning how to use my computer has opened countless doors for marketing myself, making connections and getting paid. Shhh, don’t tell anyone that I’m still a dunce in many ways. It doesn’t matter because when I have a question, I just go ask the smart Apple trainers.
Step One: Get yourself a new Mac computer, either a laptop or desktop. This step will cost you at least $999. But the Mac is a thing of both beauty and functionality. It is also the future. When I started teaching college students seven years ago, about half of them used Macs. When I left teaching last year, a Mac was everyone’s first choice (finances permitting, of course).
Step Two: While you’re buying your love machine at the Apple Store, be sure to also purchase the $99 One-to-One membership. The membership is renewable for $99 for two additional years. One-to-One is a program that will teach you everything you want to know about computers.
Just think — these days, $100 will barely pay for a single house call from a technician, or a visit to the doctor’s office. By comparison, this program will allow you to take at least one weekly Apple lesson with a live, smart trainer who believes in customer service.
Signing up used to be more flexible — you could buy a membership whenever. But now, because the program is so popular, you can only get in on it at the time of computer purchase.
Step Three: Use that new membership! One-to-One gives you four ways to learn your Mac. For starters, you will have access on your computer to endless short videos explaining various Mac functions and software programs. You can watch them by yourself, any time. In addition to that, there are three types of training you can get in the store — any Apple Store.
Apple has a three-minute video about One-to-One (click here to watch it). In terms of making reservations, you can schedule to take your lesson at any store, anywhere (a good tip for travelers). The reservations are made online; if you have trouble navigating it, the trainers can help.
Remember, you can only book one Workshop at a time, one Personal Project at a time and one Personal Training session at a time. BUT, that means in one week, you can attend one Workshop, one Personal Project and one Personal Training.
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that might help you maximize your One-to-One usage:
This is a long post. But now, you know everything I know about One-to-One. The only point I will add is one that some of you have heard from me in the past: As a single woman, the Mac is the best love affair I’ve ever had. My Mac is thoughtful, intuitive, smart, classy, strong, reliable, challenging, good-looking — and always remembers exactly what I like and how I like it. Add to that the virtues of One-to-One, and the love affair grows to create a lovely life. :)