Apple Pulls Plug on mini Test Drive

August 31st, 2005 at 3:00 PM - Reports by Brad Gibson

It appears Apple has discontinued its US Mac mini test drive deal, within 24 hours of initially launching it.

On Tuesday, the company launched a new program to entice people to the Mac platform called "Test drive a Mac mini." The program allowed users to purchase a new Mac mini, including an optional Apple keyboard or mouse, and use it for 30 days. At the end of the 30 days, if the user is not satisfied with their Mac mini, they can return it, along with the mouse and keyboard, to Apple for a full refund.

"Weire so confident youill love your new Mac mini, weill let you test drive it for 30 days with no risk. If you decide you donit want it, weill take it back," Apple said.

For reasons which have not been disclosed, Apple withdrew the offer Wednesday night from its Web site and retail stores. A link to information is now re-directed to Appleis main online store.

Calls by The Mac Observer to three west coast Apple retail stores confirmed that the offer was no longer available, but sales staffers declined to provide further details. "All my manager told me was that the offer has been pulled," said one sales person at Appleis retail store in San Francisco. "I was given no reason, but I get the feeling (the offer) isnit coming back."