Vasilis Tsoulis, Education Market Manager at ELITECS

Author: Mosaiko Staff Writer
Vasilis Tsoulis, Education Market Manager at ELITECS, turned his love for new technologies, Apple Computers...and the humanities into a job.

Wouldn't you love to get paid to do something fun, something you like to do in your free time? Vasilis Tsoulis has found a way. He got a job as Education Market Manager at ELITECS, a well-known reseller in Greece for the famous California-based tech firm, Apple, and while he still listens to his iPod, tells his friends about the latest and greatest stuff from Apple, now he gets paid to do it. Mosaiko.gr got a chance to interview Vasilis, a.k.a. Billas, about his career move, why he chose Apple, and when the iPhone will appear on Greek store shelves.
What made you decide to work in technology and, specifically, at Apple?

I always had close ties to both. Even though I chose to study in the humanities, I was always interested in technology and developments in the field. I've been "stuck" on Apple for 10 years now. I was an active participant in several different Apple groups in Greece and so it was a natural - and fortunate - development for my hobby to become a job! In addition, I work with the company's educational programs, and so in a sense I've joined my academic interests with my work environment.

It probably goes without saying that you have an iPod. What are your favorite songs or albums at the moment?

Yes, I have a 2GB iPod Nano (time to upgrade!). Recently I've been listening to some relatively new songs, but also some older "foreign" and Greek music. I especially like the new CDs from Travis (Closer, Battleships, My Eyes), Bruce Springsteen (Long Walk Home, Radio Nowhere) and James Blunt (1973, Carry You Home, Can't Hear the Music). Also in my "favorites" are songs from Mika (Relax, Take It Easy, Grace Kelly), Sugababes (About You Now), Maroon 5 (If I Never See Your Face Again, Makes Me Wonder) and Seal (Amazing, Loaded). Last, John Legend is one of the "permanent residents" on my Nano (Save Room, Stereo, We Just Don't Care), along with Robbie Williams' Me and My Monkey. Among "domestics," Alcestis Protopsalti (Endless Void, Last Time), Tsaligopoulou ft Mikro, Alexiou live, Pliatsikas (Who Has a Reason in Love), and Onirama fill out my list! Of course, the "current" tunes, Last Christmas and Let It Snow, are on there as well.

What do you see as some of the differences between an Apple computer and others on the market?

The biggest difference for the Mac is its operating system, which is Apple's own creation. That's the heart of the Mac - its operating system - and not just now but from the first day it existed. The most recent version has been around since the end of October and is called Mac OS 10.5 - Leopard. Also, Apple does both the software and the hardware, so it can offer a complete package - its really unique design, ergonomics and silky smooth operation.

What are the company's most popular products in Greece?

Without a doubt, the iPod - and especially the Nano and Classic, but recently also the Touch. In addition, Macbook laptops are really popular and the iMac (Apple's desktop model) - after the summer upgrade and the "generous" reduction in price!

Have you used the iPhone? When will it come to Greece and what kind of reception do you think it will get?

Although it hasn't been brought into Greece yet, many people have already gotten a hold of the latest member of Apple's family, an iPhone - in different ways, like - for example - as a gift from Greek-American relatives or friends, and I've seen many of them by now. In my opinion, the iPhone is the most elegant, simple, and operational product in its class. Its big touch screen is an important advantage, while its huge storage space, wireless navigation capabilities certainly give it a top spot in the difficult market where it belongs. I can back up this opinion with the hundreds of people who ask daily for information about it, like when it'll come to Greece, what it'll cost, etc. Unfortunately, for the time being, there are no definite answers to all these questions. We'll need to keep being patient for just a little longer!

Are there any sites or blogs that offer advice to people interested in Apple technology?

There are a lot of websites with Greek users interested in Macs. One of them is the "local" Thessaloniki group, www.thesmac.gr. There's also the Greek Mac User Association page, www.helmug.gr. On both pages you can get updates about new products, new versions of Apple programs, support on different topics and, last, updates on events being organized by various clubs and other organizations.

After iPhone and iPod Touch, what's next for Apple?

Apple always like to keep its new product lines a secret, and it always denies chance "rumors"...until just a few hours before it unveils a new product! So, the "rumors" in 2008 have it that there will be a new laptop with a 10-13 inch screen and "super advanced and powerful" features, as well as an upgraded version of the iPhone.

What's your absolute favorite new technology?

My new MacBook Pro, 2.2GHz with the Mac OS Leopard! It's an awesome combination that allows me to do my various work-related tasks (iWork '08 - Keynotes and texts for speeches for a variety of things - seminars, database management, etc.) optimally, and at the same time it provides a "best friend" during my free time (iLife '08, FrontRow - films, mp3s, podcasts, gaming).

Link
http://www.elitecs.gr