A New Lap Top
After depositing my Disability check in the bank, I drove over to Frys Electronics in Burbank. They had advertised a Lap Top, wireless ready, for $499 .
Its a Great Quality Brand, with an AMD processor - but I don't care. I need a new computer.
I got my current computer way back around 1997. It was a "parts is parts" computer.
It lasted me a long time. I even had Cable internet on it for a while at my previous house.
But alas, it was slow. I have DSL now, and when the internet goes to fast or sends to many fancy graphics, the computer would freeze up.
You know how Processors are measured in Gigahertz? Well, my old computer was in Megahertz.
About 5 years ago I had gone to Frys to buy more memory for it. I wrote down all the information in the "My Computer" section that I could. The Salesman looked at it, and wasn't even sure they carried parts that old. He did find one more 256 memory part. But he told me "Thats the last one. And I know we won't be ordering anymore - that is way to old."
And that was 5 years ago.
The computer is fine if you do something simple, like a text document, or Word or Excel spreadsheet.
But anything with the high graphics of the internet, well, forget it.
So I went to Frys and looked at the Lap Tops. I've never been on a Lap Top before, and I didn't even know how to work the mouse. I stood back and watched a few other people use the computers so I could figure it out.
Then one of the customers told me about the 256 memory. Part of it was "Shared" memory - and I don't know how that all works, but he said partial shared memory means you aren't really working with a full 256.
So as I was buying the computer, I asked the Salesman if I could buy more memory. He wrote up my ticket, and said my computer would be at the check-out stand. Then he said for the memory, and the wireless router, I had to go to a different department, but luckily the same department.
At the department where they had the wireless routers and more memory, I really got the impression that none of the Sales-Boys wanted to deal with a woman buying computer products.
They kept walking passed me like I was invisible, and helping other male customers.
I finally waited right by the booth where they write-up the orders. The minute on of the Sales people finished, I blocked his path. Stood right in front of him.
He had no choice but to help me.
Finally, I am in line to pay for my items. The Wireless Router is in my hand. The computer waiting for me at one of the check-out stands, along with the memory.
Standing in that long line, it was funny to see all the things Frys will sell you. And the awful processed snacks like cheetos and doritos. But I also saw boxes of organic green tea.
I get to the check-out stand, and the nice clerk is helping me with my order. I put in my ATM card, and Oh, no, threes a problem. Its declined.
The nice clerk explains the problem "You have probably gone over your daily withdrawal limit".
I guess this happens all the time to him.
I speak to my bank, and they raise my limit for this one purchase. I mean, its not everyday that I buy a computer.
Finally, I am checked-out and ready to rush out the door. Oh, yeah, first I have to go passed the lad's who check your bags.
Then I am out the door, because I need to go home and get ready for the evening.
