The Laptop Salesman

Buying a laptop is not an easy matter and then when you get help from the 'sales guys' in the retail shops and showrooms, it could actually turn out into a nightmare.

I decided to buy one and and the first step I took was to go through the renowned companies websites about the latest models and their basic features. I also did a fair amount study on the net reading up reviews by different magazines knowing fully well that they are always biased more often than not. So armed with some reasonable homework and shortlists I first visited a well know retailer here in Kuwait.

I went round the shelves and laptops on display and could find none of the models shortlisted. The explanation was that they were yet to be introduced in this market, or they were not meant for this market, or they are now obsolete or whatever other reasons you could think of.

Having resigned to the fact that I have to depend on market availability I sought help of a salesperson. The conversation as follows:

SP: So what exactly are you looking for?
Me: Err, I was uh. looking for a laptop.
SP: Do you have any choices?
Me: (I took out my pocket notebook)..uh...well none of them are here.
SP: So what kind of a model are u looking for?
Me; Meaning? I want a reasonable laptop.
SP: I know. (Thanks a lot!!). Which company?
Me: Maybe HP, Dell. Lenovo?
SP: Why don't you try Asus?
Me: (Then why did yo ask me) Well I am not sure, soooooo.
SP: Why don't you see this one . Its an I3, 2 Gig, 500 SATA, in built webcam, 512 Nvidia, and we are giving you a bag free!!! Price XXX.
Me: The display is a bit small.
SP: Oh, you did not tell me.
Me; You never asked!!
SP: We have this bigger display and this is really selling sir. HP 15.6 inches, I5 Chip, 500 SATA, 3 GIG and SAME PRICE!!!
Me: Then why didn't you offer me this one before!!
SP; The earlier one came with a bag also sir!!
Me; Thanks for your help. And by the way what's difference between I3 and I5.
SP: Sir I3 and I5 not much of difference.
Me: But the two models you showed me...the clock speeds were different too!!
SP: That won't make so much of a difference!!
Me: Thanks for your help!!

I was seemingly confused and imagined how a normal customer without any knowledge of PCs would be a taken by this massive misdirected ride by the SPs. They would hound him with I3/I5s and I7s, throw in some Gigs(Giga Ram memory), and some other technicalities leaving the extremely confused as ever.

The next stop was at a major electronics special store and the conversation went somewhat similar to the eaelier one except that I was enlightened with some more details like AMD chip, Radeon vs Nvidia Graphic Card, USB 3.0 vs USB 2.0 and more.

But basically all these technical innuendos determined my resolve to crack them quickly so that I could have my product in hand the next day!! The next few hours at home had me searched through Chip sites, Chinese reliability, video cards and their errors, and all other such concerns.

So I had decided on what I wanted and then when I went next day to some other showrooms I finally got extremely confused on Prices, Model Nos like 57xgtuJ vs 88789PC vs GTYPP98. Why can't the manufacturers keep the model names simple!!

I finally gave up and called my knowledgeable friend and told him that these are the things I want my machine to do. Not hang(too much to ask!!), reasonable graphics for amateur photo editing, would still be under Microsoft OS(purely becos this was cheaper :-P), good amount of storage, some gaming and Office 2007!!! I got my answer in 5 minutes and I was crystal clear on what I needed to buy. I wish the Salesperson behaved more like a consultant in these showrooms rather than hounding poor customers with technical mumbo jumbo. Are these the type of Sales Reps companies want at their front ends!! Sphere: Related Content

Silly Points - ICC World Cup 2011

Not that I haven't watched Cricket Tournaments earlier and especially the enjoyable ones where we won - Like the Benson & Hedges WSC held in Australia in 1985/86 and of course the World Cup 1983 in England and a few other championships here and there. But I felt that this one was special. The World Cup 2011 was special. As a country we had done well in Tests and we had done well in the various One Days too in the last couple of years. But this one was a biggie and we were supporters carrying this huge baggage of emotions.

I went through this nervous tension in every game we played right from the first one held at Mirpur. As it is I need a blood pressure medication whenever Sehwag bats and then when he went on for such a long time, it was a palpable situation. Some how the strain and anxiety took its toll over the last 50 days or so as we progressed from match to match and as usual we saw doom for no reason, when we fell to SA. Exceptions prove the rule and that loss gave us new resolve to get on with it.

The last three matches have been exhilarating, with their ups and downs and fortune changes. We prevailed and we all played some part positive except perhaps Sreesanth. No harsh words for him, but perhaps arrogance is the reason that is behind his failure. Dhoni is good, in fact an excellent captain though I would still disagree with a few decisions he has taken. He coming in at 3rd down in the final was however a brilliant, brave and responsible decision.

The emotions finally gave away when MSD hit that six and all Indians like me were overjoyed with this virtual orgasm of glory. The group photographs, the uncorking of champagne bottles, the victory lao are all vignettes floating by since yesterday evening and would stay for some time to come. And a complaint to MSD - do come forward for group pics - you deserve it.

And then I remember the corrupt top of the BCCI and the ICC. God help us from them.

I also don't grudge the money committed to cricketers but i would have preferred that the extra funds being announced should rather go to deserving cricketers trying their hand in the state competitions and the Ranjis. We need more MSDs from Ranchi and perhaps Tonk or Dondaicha. Those are the places we want to hear of.

And now on to IPL, but trust me, its not the same thing!!

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