Even so, my new computer has more of those "bells and whistles" than I will ever use or need. I decided to consult word-smiths (aka dictionaries) for some clues about the meaning of that cliche. In no particular order, here are some offerings: gadgetry, added features, ingenious device, frill, doodad, flashiness, adornment, jazziness, luxury. Right now, I would just like to know how to send email. On the 'obsolete' machine, my fingers inadvertently inserted an incorrect letter. Now I am unable to use the mail feature even after 'migrating' data to the new one . Maybe one of the geniuses (geni ?) can correct that little detail.
While I opted not to buy one of the pricier models, this one still came in at about half of the cost of my first car, albeit that was in 1961. Before the Sales Associate reached me, I had begun a chat with a young policeman perched in a corner and keeping an eye on activities. Passing by him as I was leaving, I teased, "I have just bought a computer and need to rob a bank. Can you tell me which one has the least security so that I can go there ?" He laughed and said, "Get outta here !" At least he didn't blow his whistle at me !
Satchel
Who would've thought, my old college professor - " the Jokester"
ReplyDeleteGood one Ron and welcome to the 21rst century!
ReplyDeleteI bought my computer in 2006.So far it is still working . It has amaze me time and time again.
ReplyDeleteAlan sasser
Great one, Ron. Many people will appreciate your experience, because they have had it too. I am one of them. Loved the bank robber quip.
ReplyDeleteAs a person in the business of designing digital controllers - computers for dedicated tasks - and an almost hourly user of computers, believe it or not, I too can relate. Every new machine or even update prompts the question, “OK, what won’t work this time?”
ReplyDeleteFor me ... and for most people ... a computer is a tool. Some “upgrades” are beneficial and others, well, not so much. Almost all require a certain amount of retraining which is rarely factored into the “cost” of the upgrade.
In contrast, one of my primary items goes to a customer who measures every change through the glass of how much effort will the user have to expend to get the newer version to work at least as well as the older one.
Being someone who has difficulty throwing away something that is perfectly functional, yet dated - whether it be a computer or a person - my oldest still-functioning laptop dates to around 2007. The one I am composing this on is 2 years old and the newest addition is dated to one month ago.
Go rob that bank - and make it a Wells Fargo.
I had to buy a new laptop after inadvertently getting water on the prior model (which was not that old). While I appreciate faster/smarter/better, somedays I just want to throw the whole thing out and start over with paper.
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