More trouble for Apple’s MobileMe service

As if the initial launch troubles, downtime, and other errors weren’t enough, it looks like Apple is experiencing even more hiccups with their new MobileMe service. Many customers are unable to access the email portion of their MobileMe account. Apple has posted a bulletin indicating that the issue is a known problem, and is effecting less than 1% of the user base. This may be true, but a quick scan of the Apple discussion boards reveals growing contingent of infuriated customers that seem to be getting no where with Apple’s support team. Furthermore, British customers that signed up for a free trial of the service are victims of a flawed billing system. It seems that Apple’s billing system inadvertently placed a 121 Pound pre-authorization charge on many new customer accounts. Whoops. Apple, to their credit, is providing effected customers with an additional 30 days of free service which, when tacked on to the 60 day trial and initial 30 day free credit, provides customers with a full 120 days of free MobileMe access. That’s great, but if the downtown and issues continue, no amount of free service will make up for an unreliable offering.

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