Qantas removes Apple iMacs from all Sydney lounges

[CamDownUnder]

Qantas has removed most of the Apple iMacs from its three Sydney airport lounges as part of a month-long trial to see if today's laptop-lugging and tablet-toting business travellers really need desktop computers. The Qantas Club, Qantas Business Lounge and even the invitation-only Qantas Chairman's Lounge are now largely desktop-free zones, except for a handful of iMacs.

Qantas trials removal of Apple iMacs from airport lounges - Australian Business Traveller

Not sure what its like in the QP but taking iMacs form the J lounge won't change much in terms of extra room. Where Qantas should ditch most of the iMacs is in the Sydney F lounge, down near the 'library', they're a waste of space.

 

[Mr_Orange]

I use them occasionally as I do not travel with a laptop for work or leisure and sometimes the tablet is in my checked luggage and the mobile screen is too small so hopefully they keep a handful.

 

[markis10]

Qantas trials removal of Apple iMacs from airport lounges - Australian Business Traveller

Not sure what its like in the QP but taking iMacs form the J lounge won't change much in terms of extra room. Where Qantas should ditch most of the iMacs is in the Sydney F lounge, down near the 'library', they're a waste of space.

It will make a significant difference in Brisbane should the idea be expanded.

 

[whughes3]

More often than not, when I want to use one of the lounge PC's, I find myself having to wait for someone else to finish; I don't know where they got the idea that they are under-used. This has a smell of penny-pinching about it.

 

[serfty]

... This has a smell of penny-pinching about it.

Agreed - I use them all the time (have a USB with Firefox Portable so I can easily access my preferred sites).

 

[docjames]

I've stopped using them - because they are always in use!

I think if you measure use there are peak times and long periods where they are idle.

I'd say it's a cost cut, but not unreasonable given free wifi access, and as long as they maintain a few for use (perhaps with a time limit per use).

 

[moa999]

My main issue is with Printing.

I have occasionally used them to print Boarding passes, hotel details etc.. last minute presentations to markup on a flight.

I understand that the Qantas printers have support for Apple AirPrint, but what about support for users of Android phones/tablets (Google Cloud Print would be a possible solution) or PC laptops. I note I havent looked at this recently so don't know if this has been addressed or not.

I recall in the AA lounges for a number of years they have had a Print via Email function where you can send a PDF to a dedicated email and it prints.

 

[DrA]

I see kids using them fairly often. Shudder to think how those kids are going to entertain themselves without them.

 

[markis10]

My main issue is with Printing.

I have occasionally used them to print Boarding passes, hotel details etc.. last minute presentations to markup on a flight.

I understand that the Qantas printers have support for Apple AirPrint, but what about support for users of Android phones/tablets (Google Cloud Print would be a possible solution) or PC laptops. I note I havent looked at this recently so don't know if this has been addressed or not.

I recall in the AA lounges for a number of years they have had a Print via Email function where you can send a PDF to a dedicated email and it prints.

They have printers that support both

 

[boomy]

I don't understand this decision. SYD J lounge is spacious enough, I never have trouble finding a place to sit at any time of the day. Also, as other said already, the computers are very popular so why trying to fix a problem that doesn't exist?!

 

[JohnK]

An absolutely atrocious decision.

A slap in the face for loyal travellers who do not carry iPads and would like to do some real browsing on a computer and be able to print things. Yes I cannot stand the majority of mobile websites.

The instructions to print look convoluted.

In Brisbane business lounge they removed the 4 desks and have put tables and chairs to sit ~10 people. Fantastic. Most times I see 1 person sitting there where 2-3 chairs are arranged in a cluster.

What is the point again of this downgrade?

 

[serfty]

I don't understand this decision. SYD J lounge is spacious enough, I never have trouble finding a place to sit at any time of the day. Also, as other said already, the computers are very popular so why trying to fix a problem that doesn't exist?!

Maybe it a problem with who's paying the direct costs for provision of those computers ...

 

[TonyHancock]

I heard* a rumour that the iMacs were being removed to prevent lounge occupants using them to take advantage of the cheap fare rort to obtain status.


*started

 

[Jaryd]

No!! I work for a company with citrix-based everything, so they issue us with iPads on the move... has anyone ever tried to use excel without a mouse?! The QF iMacs were my saving grace before I get on flights.

Time to have a chat with IT I think...

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

Pity.
They were a good way to pass time.
Wonder if this is going to be for all other QF lounges around Australia.

 

[moa999]

Excel without a mouse.

Absolutely.
Anyone who uses Excel properly will never use a mouse - Shortcuts are much quicker and more accurate - you just need to learn them.

Without a keyboard on the other hand.

 

[boomy]

Maybe it a problem with who's paying the direct costs for provision of those computers ...

Maybe... I'm sure they did it for a reason.
What bothers me is the answer I received from the lounge dragons when I asked what is the reason behind the recent change. There is no capacity problem in SYD J, it's just a lousy excuse.

 

[russ]

I generally avoid using public computers due to privacy/security issues
If they are acknowledging that people are using their own iPads etc, they should be putting in more power points so I can be fully charged before getting onboard

 

[markis10]

Random obs - MEL J lounge, 2 Macs being used from 7, all booths occupied with full lounge at 3PM

 

[bismarck]

Excel without a mouse.

Absolutely.
Anyone who uses Excel properly will never use a mouse - Shortcuts are much quicker and more accurate - you just need to learn them.

Without a keyboard on the other hand.

Absolutely. If you're using a mouse, you're probably doing it inefficiently.