Apologies in advance if you aren't someone who is a) an Apple user, and b) often in the centre of London - because this will have no relevance to you.

I went to Albion Computers (in the Strand, just off Waterloo Bridge), to get my non-charging MacBook Air sorted out under instructions from Apple. I was a bit dubious when they told me to go there; I wanted a proper Apple Store, dammit! But I have to say that having been there, I was very impressed.

Albion is an Apple Premium Reseller. I'm not sure of the exact technical definition of that; but in practice it seems to mean that it's just like an Apple Store, only less crowded. Think of it as a friendly accessible chapel to the Regent Street Apple Store's Cathedral of Cult. It it wasn't for the sign saying "Albion Computers" you'd think you were in an Apple Store. And unlike the Regent Street store, you don't have to book an appointment when you want someone to check out your machine.

I can't say what they're like at repairing things, because it turned out to just be a broken charger. But they were quick and efficient, and since they're nearer to where I work than the Regent Street Apple Store, and certainly less crowded, I think they might become my support destination of choice.

Tags: albion computers, apple