Thinking about buying a laptop computer?

I have just a few days ago experienced one of the most annoying things that I think most shoppers experience when considering purchasing a computer, but either put up with and accept as being the norm when out shopping, or go away and not bother. My last lap top I bought online, and consider I had a good deal – searched for best deals, read reviews, pressed the buttons, made payment, job done. No hassle – probably took me one hour and within the week, one shinny new lap top exactly what I wanted ready to go happy days!

Last weekend, went out with my brother in law to buy a lap top for him as he had seen a “good deal” advertised on the television and what I experienced was the equivalent of being bullied into buying double glazing in your home – only you are going to their premises for the privilege.

My brother in law is not computer literate, he just wanted to have a lap top so that he can sit next to his wife with it on his lap, surfing the usual auction sites and manage any photographs he takes whilst he is out and about so a lap top with memory to match his needs, plus a basic word processor should he want to type a letter. The other refinements he required was an HDMI output socket and it had to be wireless, though most new are now.

Having found the one as advertised on the television which cost £450 the sales assistant informed him that the lap top on display was an end of line product and the display model was the last one they had. He could purchase it for £399, but would have to wait 45 minutes whilst it was restored to the original new state. He was also shown the newer model which was up at £475, however he decided to have the end of line model. Whilst waiting and completing the paperwork he was then told that he could have a office suite costing £98 for an amazing £50 if he purchased with the lap top, bearing in mind he had already said he didn’t want one as there would be a basic one already on there. This he declined the sales assistant then suggested an antivirus, lap top case and a mouse for £50 again if he purchased it with the lap top. Then to top it all he offered a 24 hour support service for a “modest” monthly payable fee. This was also declined, but by now he was determined to get the lap top at the agreed price.

BINGO! The sales assistant had finally got the message. In total we had driven out to the store, spent time in the store putting up with the “spiel” from the shop assistant and returned home- in all 2 hours.

I am not a computer buff in anyway or form, I keep things simple, look on the internet, get some idea of what I want and press those buttons. Potentially that sales assistant was on to turn a £399 sale into £499 plus commission on the support service, at the expense of the poor buyer who would probably get a lap top he dosen’tneed

You see the high street losing out to the internet – I wonder why!