“Is it also possible that Browett’s experience at Dixons, and before that Tesco (the world’s third largest retailer) might just be right what Apple needs as it continues on its path towards world domination?”

We, and pretty much the rest of the blogosphere were, shall we say, slightly bewildered when Apple announced its new SVP of Retail, John Browett.

Browett is, at first glance, an unusual hire because the retail organization he is leaving seems to be the exact opposite of what Apple stands for. He was the CEO of Dixons, the well known British technology retailer.

Big box retailers couldn’t be further from Apple’s model of clean, spacious, bright and minimalistic. Apple employees always want to help, knowing that when you are in their store you have already chosen their brand. They are highly service-oriented. Big box sales staff are all about making the sale. They couldn’t care less what brand of TV you jam into your SUV after you slip the cashier your credit card.

Apple also has a tradition for promoting from within. So it begs the question, “Why did Tim Cook make this decision?”

It’s easy to criticize, but let’s remember that if we are outsiders to this decision. We haven’t seen Tim Cook as the face behind too many senior hires at Apple, but it’s safe to say that he’s very experienced hiring and firing. You don’t hold the COO position in any company without lots of people management experience.

So while it might seem like his old home of Dixons is the polar opposite of what Apple stands for, could we be guilty of looking only at the cover of the book (or the inside of the store)?

The aspect of this hire that intrigues me the most is that Apple is getting a guy with big company CEO experience. The Apple retail business can easily be thought of as a separate company. It requires inventory, sales staff, and a service organization. It requires growth plans.

And what makes running a big box retailer so difficult? Margins, pricing strategy and competition. Well guess what? Browett doesn’t need to worry about those problems. Those are Cook’s problems. Browett just needs to use his CEO skills to keep the ship moving in the right direction.

I don’t think Cook is looking to Browett for sales innovation.

Apple is already in excellent shape after 11 years of retail leadership under Ron Johnson. Apple has top-shelf problems to deal with such as how to open more stores faster (and in new markets) without screwing up the shopping experience.

There’s no question Apple has room to grow in its retail store lineup. As of the most recent financial results, Apple generated $3.5 billion in store sales, which is only 12.7% of total company sales. To me this suggests Browett’s job is more about growing the existing business and generating upside for Apple. The downside of him performing poorly is probably not something I’m interested in seeing happen, but as a shareholder this is far from my biggest worry.

Is it weird that Tim Cook is bringing in a Dixons guy? Yeah. But is it also possible that Browett’s experience at Dixons, and before that Tesco (the world’s third largest retailer) might just be right what Apple needs as it continues on its path towards world domination? Yeah. It might.

Online shipping estimates for the iPad 2 have now dropped to 2-3 weeks. This comes just a few weeks after shipping estimates jumped to 3-4 weeks or more shortly after the iPad 2 became available in the US. The estimates reflect both US and international availability and go for all 18 models including the Verizon and AT&T 3G options.

A quick check at a couple of local Apple Retail Stores revealed that most locations are still having a difficult time keeping stock on-hand, but when you pair this news with the new iPad 2 commercial Apple started airing last weekend, it seems they’re more confident and better positioned than before to meet consumer demand.

Did you recently order an iPad 2 online? Let us know what your own shipping estimates look like in the comments!

[Apple]

Following the Verizon iPhone announcement in January it looks like Apple and Verizon surveyed Apple Retail Store to determine which ones needed additional antennas installed to improve Verizon reception.

Not huge news considering big buildings like malls can play havoc with reception and extra antennas are typically used to provide better reception in many of them. It is nice to know Apple and Verizon are doing everything possible to make the launch go as smoothly as possible.

Just remember, it isn’t the signal strength at a store you should be paying attention to, but the signal strength at home, at work, at school, and at any other location you frequent. If in doubt ask colleagues, friends, and anyone else using Verizon (or AT&T) in those areas what their reception is like.

Full letter after the break. Pre-orders start tomorrow!

Adding to the endless Beatles loops and festive iPad snow globes, Apple Stores now have their very own FaceTime Santa in the windows, spreading Christmas cheer to boys, girls, families, elves, and Mrs. Clause alike.

I caught this one on video at my local Apple Store tonight. Have you seen FaceTime Santa at yours yet? Any idea how he explains to the kids that they can indeed have an iPhone 4 under the tree but they have to ask daddy and mommy to foot the bill for the monthly voice and data plans?

Ho. Ho. Ho.

Ever wonder how many dead pixels you have to have on an iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad, or Mac before Apple will issue you a replacement? Well it looks inside sources has given BGR the answer. What you see above is leaked document that appears to lay out general guidelines for Apple Retail Stores, and it seems they’re set by screen size.

An iPhone or iPod touch can have as little as 1 dead pixel, and that’ll warrant you a replacement. An iPad will have to have 3 to warrant a replacement, as less than that is considered acceptable. MacBook Airs will have to have at least 8 (ouch), and most iMacs or Cinema Displays would have to have at least 9 to 16 in order for a replacement to be warranted (double ouch).

Apparently it is noted that a replacement is up to a Genius at the end of the day. They can warrant replacements even if you fall within the normal tolerance. I don’t know about you, but if my 27″ iMac had 15 dead pixels, I think that should warrant a replacement, no questions asked. A friend of mine had an issue with a dead pixel on an iPad (just one) and had it replaced, as the pixel was located right where you’d typically type web addresses into safari (in another words, you saw it ALL the time). Maybe placement matters as well. I’ve never had issues with Apple myself and the guidelines for smaller screen sizes seems pretty fair. I’m not too sure about the larger sizes though. At the end of the day, these are just guidelines. If you’ve got dead or stuck pixels, I’d still say it’s a safe bet to try your luck at your local Apple store.

What do you think?

Boy Genius Report

What’s the best way to get Apple to do a non-warranty repair on your bricked or broken iPhone or iPad? Simple: tell the truth.

I have seen all kinds of schemes cooked up by people who have done something ill-advised to their devices. They have a strategy. They know how to fool the liquid sensors. They have a story for the dent they couldn’t pound out. They play innocent when their product is mysteriously bricked. They have a plan for every contingency.

When all else fails, they make noise, complain to the manager, write angry letters to SJ and the media. Finally, they post on internet forums and try to win in the court of public opinion. Well, I’m here to tell you, there is a better way.

Last night, I called the local Apple store to tell them I had bricked my iPad. I made it clear that it was my fault. They told me to go ahead and bring it in anyway and made an appointment for that night.

When I was called, I repeated that it was bricked because of something that I did, and just hoped they could reset it. They gave me no guarantees, but promised to try, and try, they did. After about an hour, they told me that it was as good as fried. I thanked them and did my best to hold it together.

The rep was not done talking. She said they would consider it a warranty repair, and simply gave me a brand new, 32 GB 3G iPad. I was shocked. I told her I couldn’t accept it, as they owed me nothing. It was not a warranty issue and I didn’t want anyone to get in trouble over my mistake. She told me that Apple was more interested in making me happy. She also told me not to ever do that again.

My wife was also floored by the generosity of service. I know that if I had gone in with some lame story, I would have been out of luck. No need. This was not my first, such experience, but it was the most dramatic.

If you damage your device, don’t try to hide the evidence, or make up a story. Just tell the truth. There is a reason why Apple keeps getting the highest scores for customer satisfaction.

This is an official entry by dandbj13 in TiPb’s next top blogger contest. Think you have what it takes to join Team TiPb? Bring it!

Forget those rumors about a 7-inch iPad coming sometime soon, it looks like Apple Retail Stores suddenly have a whopping 55-inch iPad in stock.

Well, on display is more like it. Similar to the giant iPhone 3G/3GS that used to dominate the windows, the new 55-inch iPad shows off all the photo, web, and other features available on the regular sized device.

The displays sit atop giant sized books, newspapers, and other assorted old media. They show how Apple is positioning the device as something decidedly for the mainstream, even if they do look a little out of place in the ultra-modern Apple Store.

Sadly, they wouldn’t sell it. Not even to a fanboy with creds like mine…

More pictures after the break.

Here’s what you need to know:

iPhone 4 will be available from Apple Retail Stores, carrier stores, and carrier resellers (from the big boxes to the franchises). We’ve heard some store are opening at the stroke of midnight, others at 7am, others only at regular hours. Be sure to check with the store you’re going to so you aren’t surprised. (If it’s in a mall, check what time the mall opens as well.)

Carrier plans, hardware upgrade pricing, and what-not is, as usual, sparse so be prepared for last minute announcements, customer service reps who haven’t yet been told about them, and carrier computer systems crashing often and hard. In other words, be prepared to be patient and persistent.

iPhone 4 requires a MicroSIM, so you might want to swing by your carrier early, get one, and have it activated on your line — if they’ll let you — now before things get hectic later.

Many countries will also have iPhone 4 available SIM-free and unlocked so if you’re willing to pay the ~$650 to ~$750 unsubsidized price you can just buy one and go. Given previous years where early upgrades were $100 off for a 1 year contract extension, it’s something to think about.

Let us know where you are and what the line’s like, and add your photos to our forum gallery, and if you’re already camping out — good night and good luck!

Pics

Marc Edwards from Bjango in Australia, Doncaster shopping center

MacRumors says they are recieving several reports from their sources claiming that Apple is ready to debut their official retail store application for all iOS devices.

“Apple is planning to launch a new iOS application tomorrow that will offer customers access to the company’s online store and iPhone pre-ordering, as well as the ability to book Genius Bar appointments at brick-and-mortar retail stores.”

MacRumors also claims to have gotten word from a customer who emailed Steve Jobs last month regarding the possibility of an iPhone-friendly online Apple Store and received a reply of “Coming soon” from Jobs. This is one of those applications that we figured to have seen in the App Store long ago but with iPhone 4 pre-orders taking place tomorrow, the timing seems perfect.

[MacRumors]

Apple is launching the iPad Wi-Fi + 3G in the US today, and if you’re planning to pick one up at your local Apple Retail Store, it’s been confirmed they’re closing from 4pm to 5pm local time to get ready for you.

No doubt they’ll be stocking up and getting the demos ready, but will there be crowds again?

Let us know if you’re planning to check it out, or if you’re sitting at home waiting for the delivery truck to come to you.

[9to5Mac]

9to5Mac is reporting, based on multiple sources, that Apple is now selling unlocked off-contract but still locked to AT&T iPhones at US Apple Retail Stores, at list price.

List price means $499 for 8GB [for iPhone 3G], $599 for 16GB and 32GB is $699 [for iPhone 3GS].

Gizmodo scored the pic above. It’s unknown whether or not this is in response to the unlocked AT&T-friendly Google Nexus One being released (or the Palm Pre on AT&T… we guess), or just part of an ongoing, unrelated sales strategy.

It’s limited right now to one iPhone per person, per day, and who knows how long it will last so if you want your officially unlocked device — go get it! And tell us what your local Apple Retail Store says when you ask for it.

UPDATE: Macworld is saying the reason may be the difficulty in applying the screen protectors and associated increase in return rates. (They should just send people to Georgia’s video, embedded again below for satiric effect).

iLounge is reporting that Apple Retail and Apple Online will no longer carry screen protectors for iPhone, iPod, or anything else, either sold separately or packaged with cases. That includes plain protectors, anti-glare, privacy, mirror, or any other kind of film meant to be placed over an iPhone or iPod screen. iLounge further speculates this is a move by Apple meant to emphasize the durability of their screens — you don’t need no stinkin’ protector, so to speak.

We have trouble believing any of this; it sounds unbelievable. If true, manufacturers will simply stop bundling screen protectors with their cases and customers will have to purchase them separately from a different, non-Apple channel [like the TiPb Store -- cheap plug!]

Hopefully there’s some misunderstanding here but we’ll keep an eye on the story and update as it develops. Meanwhile let us know your thoughts in the comments.

[iLounge via Gear Diary]

YouTube link

The Examiner is claiming Apple will be training Apple Retail Store staff on the iPad starting March 10 followed by TV commercials to air starting March 15 (focusing on iBooks), and will likely be made available for sale March 26. (With overnight campers being rewarded with a “special gift”).

The sources are said to be “insiders” and a SoCal Apple Store Manager who wishes (obviously) to remain anonymous.

9to5Mac thinks the commercial might be the top secret little number shot back in August.

Sound reasonable? Anyone breaking out the camping gear? (Or are you watching, waiting, and considering gen 2 instead )

(And is this more reason than ever to get in on TiPb’s countdown to iPad give-away?)

< AppleInsider has a great, exclusive look from ifoAppleStore at the new iPod touch-based EasyPay system Apple Retail Stores are set to roll out, replacing their old WindowsCE gear.

Those who have seen the system for processing credit card, debit card and cash purchases, dubbed “EasyPay touch,” said it combines iPod touch features with a magnetic stripe reader, advanced barcode scanner and Apple-written software to speed plastic and cash transactions.

It definitely bulks up Steve’s ultra-thin portable, but it’s no doubt refreshingly modern technology — and Apple’s own — going into the hands of employees. Check it out via the link above and let us know what you think.

According to Macrumors we may just start seeing iPhone dedicated activation areas as well as designated iPhone staff in our local Apple retail stores starting today.

These new staff members, rumored to be called “iPhone Experts”, will obviously be there to help streamline the sales of iPhones along with providing a dedicated “expert” that can accommodate all of your iPhone needs. The whole concept behind this new layout sounds ideal for those of you who are first time Apple shoppers.

So if you happen to pass by your local Apple store within the next few days, stop in and say hello to your very own “iPhone Expert”.