Saga Of Ordering A Laptop
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This is a saga of attempting to order a laptop online. Let the fun begin…
Having to buy a new laptop is, for me, right up there with having to go to the dentist. And as you probably remember, I tend to get shingles when I have dental work done.
I don’t know how long I can keep a charge going with the laptop I’m currently using. So I’ve got to get moving on ordering a new one.
So here is my shopping experience today:
I first called Dell.com. You may recall that last time I purchased a laptop, I had a terrible experience with Dell. But in the past I’ve had good experiences with the company. So you just never know.
I was hoping to be able to talk to a real person. But it ended up being another strange experience.
Someone from the Philippines answered my call. I asked to be connected to someone who spoke better English, because I couldn’t understand him.
Thank you. Goodbye:
And this was the response I got: “Thank you for calling Dell. Goodbye.”
I repeated that I just wanted to talk to customer service in the United States.
He repeated: “Thank you for calling Dell. Goodbye.”
And he hung up on me.
Okay, the idea of ordering from Dell was no longer a possibility.
I began checking out many websites and review sites. Of course I checked on Amazon.com. Who doesn’t check Amazon.com?
My mind was abuzz with computer jargon that I didn’t even understand. And the more I read, the more confused I became. I can only cram a certain amount of information in my head at any given time.
I checked out the Best Buy website. Then I attempted to call them. I sat waiting for a person until finally I heard a dial tone. I’d been hung up on once again.
Last time I needed to buy a new laptop two years ago, I went to a Best Buy store. There were only two laptops in the store that were not touch screen. I don’t like touch screen computers. There are always smudges on the monitor.
I didn’t want to drive to Best Buy while I have a case of shingles. And possibly finding out that they didn’t carry many non-touch screen laptops anyway.
I couldn’t reach an actual person by phone. Okay, I ruled Best Buy out for not being any type of experience at all.
Toshiba From Staples:
The last laptop computer I purchased was this Toshiba from the Staples store. It was under $500. But here you see me having to get another one in less than two years. So I quickly ruled Toshiba out of the running.
I’m online a lot, so I need a computer that can handle a heavy duty day. I finally landed on Lenova computers. I know next to nothing about the Lenova company.
I found a phone number on their website. So I called it. I got a very nice woman on the line who listened to all my concerns.
I explained that I wanted a laptop that was at least 15 inches wide. And that was back-lit so I could work without having a lamp on.
I told her that I didn’t want a touch screen laptop. Good graphics. Little to no bloatware to deal with. And lots of memory for the many photos I take.
I asked if she could find the best laptop computer for me that was at least a decent price. Because I was tired of dealing with the whole thing and wanted a bit of help.
I ended up ordering a Lenova Ideapad 700.
And luckily it was on sale. It was $420.99 off the regular price of $1149.99. So the final cost was $729. Taxes brought it to $791. Shipping was free. It would ship today and be here in about 3 business days.
Oh, thank goodness that is over so I can relax. And wait on my new laptop.
Brenda I'm happy to hear that you are doing better. I am going to need to buy one too in a few months. I like all your specs there is only one I don't understand. What is bloatware? Is that like when they fill the computer up with non-essentials?
I don't love my Toshiba either….I had one years ago that was much better. Glad you're feeling better, look forward to finding out what you think of the new computer!
I've never heard of Lenovo. Sounds like you found what you wanted, though so that's great. I am so intolerant of having to research stuff before I buy it. I envy your ability to stick to it until you're satisfied.
So glad you are progressing with the healing. How is Abi doing? Are you still having to get up so much at night with her?
Still sending healing energy and love energy. Keep thinking positively, that will help, too.
Have fun with your new computer!
I know you have a very difficult time getting around, Brenda, but my experience with Best Buy, as in going to the store personally, was the best I could ask for. There were so many models and brands it could have taken me days to choose something. My salesperson was super informative. I'm a very happy owner of a laptop that hasn't given me a problem in three years.
Again…I know you are not feeling up to par but it's my belief that if we want serious help, get out there in person. As much as I love shopping online, it can be very frustrating, especially with something as involved a computer. That said, I'm HAPPY for you!!! One less problem, right?!
Jane x
My son-in-law works in IT for Johnson & Johnson and he loves Lenovo and recommends the solid state drive. Good work, Brenda. I agree that researching and buying a computer is really hard.
My son got me a Lenovo PC about 3 years ago and it's great! Not one problem with it ever! I love it.
My oldest son has had a Lenovo for years. He seems to like them. He always goes back when he needs replacement. Gladyou feel better.
Sounds like the laptop will be just the perfect one for your needs. Good Luck.
I've had a Lenovo before and it is a VERY good computer. Glad you found one that suited your needs. My friend who is always on his computer uses a Lenovo and says it's the best. Glad you are feeling better today also.
Thank you for all the good information (and for doing all the research work for us). Glad you are feeling better today too.
I have a Lenovo and I love it. Best computer out there
Good luck on this laptop and finding a real person to talk to! That is so rare these days! I happen to have a Toshiba 17" laptop that I've had for TEN years! Yes 10 years. It came with Windows Vista way back then and didn't like it and eventually got Windows 7 on it which I still love. I've had it upgraded 2 times only, to more HD space and more RAM but still only have 1 GB of ram so things run slowly… and only have 2 GB of physical storage and I too have TONS of photos. I've been so happy with this laptop with the larger screen. One of these days I would like one that is faster and has more memory, etc. but am dreading that day, as I too need to TALK to someone, not just order online. Let us know how you like this one. My sister has a Lenovo desktop touch screen which I kind of like, but it seems really really slow for being a new computer! I find on my laptop, now that it has some popups and maybe even a virus that has lived here forever, that I can only use Opera as my operating system. It won't work at all with Chrome, Firefox or Internet Explorer. Anyway…. am glad you found what sounds really good for you and let us know how you like it! Marilyn
Thanks for sharing this info… I have an older Dell which I like but it is slowly dying and I'm going to have to get a new one soon. Your research is very helpful and like you talking to a real live person who speaks English I can understand is a real bonus.
Sounds great, Brenda. I hate buying stuff like this without a person to speak to also. I finally moved over to Mac a few years ago (something I said I would never do) and I have been super happy ever since. I wish you the same with your new laptop!! And glad you're feeling better!
Will you have to install anything or just turn on and go?
So far, it sounds like a good deal. Don't know that much about laptops.
Yipee….., so glad you got a new computer on the way. What a koo…..to talk to a real person. Glad your feeling a little better. ♥
I'm glad I told you about the SSD! I'm also glad that you got a laptop with 8GB of memory…that was one thing I forgot to tell you in my email. A lot of them still have 4GB, which is not enough. Hope you have good luck with Lenovo – that is one brand I don't have any experience with.
So sorry to hear about your laptop woes. I understand fully about the Philippine thing – I used to be a warranty repair technician for Dell and had to put up with the very same thing – yes, Dell's Help Desk for technicians was in the Philippines too! I wasn't impressed with Toshiba's laptops years ago; maybe they have gotten better since you bought yours. The Lenovo sounds like a really nice machine. I have enjoyed IBM's in the past and Lenovo is the company that was actually manufacturing the IBM laptops in the recent past. Should you have any problems with this laptop, do let us in on them. Always make back-up DVDs of your photos from your laptop. If that SSD fails, there is no way to retrieve anything from it. POOF! it will be gone.