Category Archives: Technology

No Restocking Fee

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It didn’t take long to make a decision regarding my purchase of a 15″ MacBook Pro. As I noted in the last post, I upgraded the display and was having problems with the smaller font which caused some eye strain, a problem I didn’t have with my current/older MacBook Pro. To put this in a little perspective. The base display resolution is 1440 x 900, which is the same resolution on my old MacBook Pro. The upgraded high-resolution display has a resolution of 1680 x 1050. The higher resolution fits everything that’s on a the lower resolution display into a smaller space, thus creating extra screen space on the same 15″ display. However, by fitting more information into a smaller splace, that information also gets smaller, resulting in small fonts that can be difficult to read. Ok, that may not make a whole lot of sense, but it does to me. I attempted to adjust the screen resolution down to 1440 x 900, but all that did was make the screen seem less crisp, a concept I read about online at a few forums. So, rather than deal with a computer that would require me to constantly adjust the screen resolution, I decided to return the computer on Sunday to the local Apple Store in Santa Monica, California. Originally, I was thinking of giving it a try for the full 14 days allowed by Apple prior to returning it, but realized it was going to be an ongoing problem the second I used the computer on Sunday morning.

The process to return the computer was surprisingly easy. I received an email from the Apple Store with the receipt noting the cost of the computer was returned to my credit card. And, the best part, there was no restocking fee! I was actually surprised by the lack of a restocking fee. This could have caused a big dilemma if the fee was high. Afterwards I went over to The Best Buy website and it too had no references to a restocking fee. Apparently cell phone service companies like AT&T, Verizon, and Sprint are one of the last industries that still sport restocking fees.

Shortly after returning the computer I ordered a new one using the Apple Store app on my iPhone. Again, it was surprisingly easy to complete the transaction. It’s now Tuesday and I have not received a delivery notification, so I’m going to venture a guess that it will not be delivered as quickly as my last purchase. Either way, I’ll be happy when it arrives and I get to have a pretty sweet computer for the forseeable future.

Macbook Pro 15″ First Impression

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It’s been almost a full day since I opened up the box with my brand spanking new 15″ Macbook Pro. So far I’m having mixed emotions about one topic in particular, which has me thinking about my options for returning the computer. It should be noted that most of my comparisons and opinions are based off my last Macbook Pro, which also sported a 15″ screen, but was almost 6 years old.

So what is it that has me thinking about returning the computer? It’s the monitor/screen or, as Apple calls it, the display. I upgraded the display to a hi-resoluation anti-glare display. This apparently had implications that I didn’t realize. My first observations, before I even turned on the computer, was the silver border around the display. This isn’t what I was expecting based on the pictures on the Apple website, the computers I played with at the Apple store, and my brothers 13″ Macbook Pro. Turns out the Apple website does indicate there is a silver border on the anti-glare displays. This is something that I can easily get over. What I’m having difficulty with is the smaller font. With the higher resolution and increased screen space comes a much smaller font. I find myself increasing the font size when reading the news on various websites. Considering my eye-sight is just about 20-20 now following LASIK eye surgery, that should give you a good idea of how small the font is and how it would be difficult for someone with slightly less perfect eye sight to get anything done with this screen.

That’s not to say the computer didn’t leave a few positive impressions. First of all, the same display I’m concerned about with regards to font is spectacular with pictures and video. It is very clear and crisp. The battery life is also great. I’ve been using the computer on and off for about 5 hours now and still have a good hour left according to the battery monitor. The keyboard is also solid and easy to type on, a stark contrast to the problems I was having with the older computer, but still better than the older computer when it was at its best. The trackpad takes a little getting used to, specifically the fact that the full trackpad can be clicked, but the numerous swipe options make it worth the time and effort to learn.

So there you have it. According to the Apple website I have 14 days from the date of receipt to initiate a return either through Apple.com or at an Apple Store. I was also surprised at the lack of any language regarding a restocking fee. I may have to contact Apple to ensure there is no restocking fee, which might have an affect on my final decision. Anyway, I haven’t made a final decision, but am mulling my options at this point.

Pants on Fire

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I lied. It wasn’t on purpose and, at the time, it was was I thought to be the truth. A few weeks ago I posted about doing some comparisons between various Apple computers, including the Mac Mini, 13″ Macbook Pro, 15″ Macbook Pro, and various Windows based computers. The results of the compaisons would then be posted to the blog in order to help with my decision on what computer to buy. This is something I did back in 2006 prior to buying my current 15″ Macbook Pro. Well, the comparisons never happened and, if you happen to follow my Twitter account, you know I decided to purchase a new computer yesterday.

To be honest, buying a Windows computer never crossed my mind. The experience I’ve had with my current 15″ Macbook Pro, which I bought almost 6 years ago, has been spectacular. Add the fact that I continue to run Windows using Boot Camp, so why not have the option to use either operating system. During the past 6 years I increased the RAM, operating system (twice), and hard drive. However, I wasn’t able to updrade to the latest version of OS X – Lion – due to the computer being too old.  In all, things just worked and I appreciate that fact. Recently, though, the buttons have started to ware down. There may be a way to fix this problem, I’m not sure, but after almost 6 years I’m ready for a new computer, one with specs that are current.

CNET.com does a good job reviewing various computers in the wild and recommending their top choices. Even their top choices get put into various categories (i.e., budget, mid-size, desktop replacement, netbooks, and ultra-portable). In the overall laptop category, the Macbook Pro is right at the top of the list. In comparison, the Samsung Series 7 (15″) comes closest to the Macbook Pro in specs at about $500 less cost.  Here’s what CNET.com has to say:

Samsung’s Series 7 Chronos 700Z5A-S03 is the closest Windows equivalent to a MacBook Pro in terms of specs, power, and design and even nearly matches on battery life, but it’s $500 less expensive than an entry-level Apple 15-incher.

There you have it. Why do a comparison when others are willing to do it for you?!

Just because I didn’t post any comparisons to the blog doesn’t mean there wasn’t a slew of thoughts going through my head. It was about a week ago I decided to go with the lower level 15″ Macbook Pro, while upgrading the RAM (8 GB), hard drive (750 GB @ 7200 RPM), and screen (high resolution anti-glare). The biggest differece betweent the lower level and upper level include a slightly faster processor, a better graphics card (1 GB vs. 512 MB), and about $300 in total cost. The total cost for the computer, including tax, turned out to be just over $2,500. A hefty price to pay, but not so bad when you consider how much I use computers and how inegral they are to my life.

Something else that occurred to me yesterday was the ease of purchasing the new computer using the Apple Store app on my iPhone. It really couldn’t have been any easier as I was sitting at Tony P’s having lunch. All I had to do was pick the computer, upgrade specifications, log in using my iTunes password, and input the 4 digit American Express security code. In all it took only a few minutes.

I’m now in a waiting period. The computer is set to ship in 1-3 days and deliver sometime between February 21 – 23. However, I’m hoping it will arrive on Friday so I can play with it after returning from Reno, NV. I’m exicted. Can’t wait!

Apples vs. Apples

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I can’t believe it’s been almost 6 years since I last went through the process of buying a computer. It was actually a little over 6 years ago when the thought of buying an Apple computer first crossed my mind. At the time this blog was just in its infancy and I documented my analysis in a few posts using the term “Apples vs. Oranges” one, two, and three. In this case, Apples was a reference to an Apple computer and Oranges was a reference to Windows based computers. Well, the time has come for me to go through that analysis again. Although I’m 99% sure to buy another Apple computer, I still might to do an analysis of a couple of Windows computers, just to see what the difference is these days compared to 2006.

Prior to purchasing the Apple MacBook Pro I had owned a few Windows computers, each only lasting a few years before I was ready to throw it out the window with frustration. I would go on to deal with the aggravation for up to a year before finally buying a new one. Well, after almost 6 years I can’t say I’m extremely frustrated with the MacBook Pro, especially after upgrading the RAM and hard drive during the past couple of years. However, some buttons have been causing grief lately, specifically the space bar and mouse button. The space bar doesn’t always work, so I find myself going back to add spaces between what should have been separate words. I thought this might be due to something stuck underneath the space bar, but that turned out to be wrong after taking apart the computer and using compressed air to blow it all out. In addition, the left side of the mouse button doesn’t seem to work anymore, which is the part I tend to use the most.


I’ve been going through various thoughts about my next computer during the past couple of weeks. Do I stick to a 15” MacBook Pro, which will go for about $2,600? Or, do I go smaller with a 13”, which will go for about $1,700? Another option is the Mac Mini, which will go for about $1,250. The thought behind getting the Mini is that I’ve become quite accustomed to using the iPad for most tasks. The primary uses for the standard computer is a central repository for all of my music, photos, and general documents, using Windows/Boot Camp to update Quicken, and to accomplish tasks that are just easier with a standard computer. Manipulating photos (i.e., cropping), something I do before uploading photos to the blog, is something I’m able to do with the iPad, but it’s just easier and quicker with a standard computer. With Pages and Numbers installed on my iPad, I’m able to create and update documents and spreadsheets at my heart’s content. So, if I only need a standard computer for those limited reasons, do I really need one that is portable? Also, the thought has crossed my mind about buying a Bluetooth keyboard for the iPad, which will make it easier to write longer blog posts, making the standard computer less needed. I may actually do this sooner rather than later to test out how much I can reasonable use the iPad. And spreading out the expense between a new computer early in the year and a new iPad later in the year will definitely take pressure off the wallet.


Anyway, those are my thoughts right now and chances are, knowing how I can analyze the death out of this kind of thing, my thoughts will probably change many times before settling down to buy my next computer.

Twitter Redesign

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Some people get annoyed when websites change their look, especially Facebook users. I’m not one of them. Just yesterday Twitter came out with a redesign. After using it for a couple of days now I have to say I like it. If you don’t use Twitter, and you like to keep up with current events (i.e., politics, sports, or entertainment), I would recommend giving it a try. As you can see from the screen print below, I tend to follow travel, sports, and tech news sites.

WordPress 3.3

Status

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Just updated the blog to WordPress 3.3 (previously 3.2.1). I like the new welcome screen detailing the updates to look out for. The fly-out menus are a nice touch. But simpler media uploading by using the single icon or drag-drop might be my favorite. It amazes me that WordPress is able to build an open source blog, continues to push out relatively frequent updates, and (most of all) makes it free to the world. Thanks WordPress!

Best way to link social media?

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Using my various social media accounts, I’m struggling to figure out how to best link each of them together. Should I post to the blog, then have the blog update Twitter and Facebook? Or should I post to Twitter, then have Twitter update Facebook and the blog? Until recently (about an hour ago) I used Twitter to update both Facebook and the blog. I like this option, but have found a couple of limitations that bug me. First, as much as I like Twitter, I don’t like being limited to 140 characters. And second, when posting a picture to Twitter, the blog update only includes a link to the Twitter update/picture. The blog post doesn’t include the picture, which I would like it to do. Sometimes I even go back to include the picture in a blog post, as I did earlier today with my picture of the Jets cup. On the other side, I used to go in the opposite direction, but found I didn’t like the automated options, which limited the tweet to just the subject line. In the end I want the blog to be the primary location for all my information. I figure the blog is the one account that will last beyond Facebook and Twitter. So I’m going to go back to having the blog update Twitter, while also removing the Facebook update (I’m tired of Facebook). Anyway, I was wondering if the blogosphere has an opinion on the subject. Have at it!

iPhone 4S Pre-Order Status Update #4

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This will be the final update on the iPhone 4S order as AT&T finally delivered on the order placed over 3 weeks ago. To make sure everyone understands my frustration with this whole process, I want to make a few things clear. I wasn’t frustrated at the simple fact that I was going to have to wait a long time to receive the phone. If I was told the wait would be 21-28 days from the order date, I probably wouldn’t have placed the order. But I did place the order because I was told it would take approximately 7 days. It wasn’t until after accepting the terms and conditions of the order that the delivery date was extended to 21-28 days. Then AT&T refused to let me cancel the order, which was somewhat of a slap in the face. Was I being unreasonably?

On Sunday night, shortly after posting the third status update, I submitted a complaint with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). This is the second time I used the BBB due to what I felt was improper business practice. To my surprise Tuesday turned into a big day. Tuesday morning the AT&T website noted the order was fulfilled and the phones were being delivered the next day… from Texas of all places. This got me wondering as all previous Apple product orders started in China. Later Tuesday morning I received an email forwarded from my brother. It was an email from the AT&T Office of the President. He apologized for the inconvenience and noted the phones were being delivered. He also left us a voice-mail on the home phone.

At first I was wondering if this was just a coincidence, but then I remembered there’s no such thing as coincidences. Well, at least that’s what Gibbs has taught me on NCIS. :-) My brother and I went back and forth on whether to push things a little bit with AT&T. Specifically because it shouldn’t take a complaint with the BBB to have a company acknowledge a problem in their treatment of a customer, but we decided to just let this one go for now.

So my new iPhone is now patiently waiting for me at home. In the immortal words of Bart Scott… Can’t Wait!

iPhone 4S Pre-Order Status Update #3

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It’s been over 3 weeks since my brother and I ordered 2 iPhones 4S’ from AT&T. About 10 days later I posted a quick status update, which was followed by another update a day later. There is good news, AT&T now shows the status of my order online. For some reason it shows an order date of October 13th, which is 6 days after our actual order date. It has shown as backordered since last weekend. Obviously, we’ve passed the date we were originally confirmed to receive the phone. Now we’re in the middle of the 21-28 days noted during a subsequent phone call with AT&T. To make matters worse, a friend had his new iPhone 4S (White / 16 GB) at the Halloween party last night. He ordered the phone from AT&T a full week after my brother and I ordered our phones. I haven’t submitted a complaint to the BBB as of yet. Actually, we haven’t even contacted AT&T again. Either way, this ordeal with AT&T has been a huge disappointment.

iPhone 4S Pre-Order Status Update #2

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Ladies and Gentleman – I’m going to tell you a little story about how my brother and I are getting screwed by AT&T. Here’s a play by play account of how we are now being told the iPhone will be delivered between 21 to 28 days from the day the order was placed, a full 2-3 weeks after the date originally noted by AT&T.

October 7 @ 12:01 AM – My brother goes online in an attempt to order 2 iPhone 4S’, one for each of us. After 1.5 hours of not being able to get through to the AT&T system, he finally decides to go to bed.

October 7 @ 9:30 AM – An order is placed online with AT&T for 2 iPhone 4S’. A confirmation email is received noting a delivery date of approximately October 14.

October 8 @ 7:55 AM – We receive an email from AT&T noting our order was cancelled. AT&T is unable to determine why the order was cancelled. We’re told the delivery date will continue to be October 14. so we place a new order.

October @ 10 AM - My brother calls AT&T as he has not yet received the Terms and Conditions email. At this point he is told that the email will not be sent until 24-48 business hours. My brother asks how is the phone going to arrive on Friday if that is the case. He is told it will not be delivered on Friday, but early next week sometime.

October 11 (Morning) – We receive an email to accept the Terms and Conditions of the order and it is signed right away.

October 12 – I receive a voice-mail from the AT&T Fraud Department requesting to verify a new phone was ordered to replace my current phone. I called on October 13 only to be told I can’t verify the order due to not being the account holder. I ask why they called me instead of the account holder. Turns out my brother called on October 12 to clear things up and is told that the phone will still be received 7-14 days from order date. My brother is not happy and voices his displeasure, but would rather not wait in line at a local Apple or AT&T store.

October 17 – After not hearing anything for a few days and having trouble verifying the order online (even with an order number, a shipping number and confirmation email) my brother calls AT&T to get an update, at which point he’s notified delivery will be between 21 to 28 days from the order date. AT&T has no record of the original order noting delivery around October 14. Offers to send them the email we received are rebuked. Specifically, they say it doesn’t matter now. Like hell it doesn’t! An attempt to cancel our order is also rebuked due to having already accepting the Terms and Conditions. Somehow AT&T is allowed to change the terms of the order, but we can’t. Seems a little one sided to me. I’m sure if we asked them to review the recorded phone conversations we would also be rebuked. Either that or they’ll say the recordings were cancelled, uh, I mean lost.

So, I think AT&T is pretty much telling us to go screw ourselves. What kind of crap customer service is this?!?! I haven’t read anything online about this happening to anyone else, but would welcome getting some feedback from customers that are getting the same runaround. Customers shouldn’t be treated this way. I think this has another Better Business Bureau (BBB) complaint written all over it. It seemed to help the last time I submitted a complaint.