Tale of Tech Woe

I've been asked to talk about a tale of tech woe. The number one reason why my devices stop working is that they don't like water. For instance I once put my cell phone through the washing machine. And then I put my PDA through the washing machine. And then there is the tale of my MacBook Pro. The apartment above mine flooded into my apartment. I came home and the MacBook Pro was dripping water. It was a very sad for me. I turned it on it's side and the water was pouring out. I love my technology. Moral of the story: Do not mix water with electronics.

Finally Things Are Getting Back to Normal... As Normal as They Ever Are

I really do have a legitimate reason for my absence this time.... I was without the trusty MacBook Pro for 47 days.... Might have been longer. The repair alone took 40 days. That was a nightmare. The local repair facility is completely incompetent let me tell you. And they couldn't even get the model right... They seem to think I have a 17" MacBook Pro. It was downhill from there. Granted I would have been pretty happy if I had come home with a 17" MacBook Pro in the end. Mind you their incompetence did benefit me. Took it in there since it wasn't powering on. Might have had something to do with mass amounts of water being dumped on it. Let me put it to this way when we put it on it's side on the dishwasher to dry off there was water running off the side of the dishwasher. So it was pretty much soaked. Any ways it was completely cleaned before it went in. But we had no idea what to predict when the unit was powered on. With my PDA when it went through the wash (yes me, electronics, and water are quite familiar *lol*) for a few weeks I could still see the water in the screen. But they didn't check it when it went in and just ordered the part. So there was no way for them to prove it went in with liquid damage. As a result Apple issued a CS code to cover the repair. Then the part wasn't ordered. Had to get Customer Relations involved to get the repair completed. Now their own policy is that if it's not done in a timely fashion (typically 14 days) then the computer will be replaced. But even after having Apple conclude that it did not go in with liquid damage CR went right back to blaming me for it. So no replacement. Get the part in and then the display woldn't close. They claim it was due to corrosion. They were really milking the liquid damage to cover up for their own incompetence.... or to get extra money from Apple. Their conclusion was that a new bottom case was required. I have seen the service manual for the computer and the bottom case just houses all of the components but the display does not connect to it at all. Now the issue they were having with the case just required the screws to be adjusted.... not for a whole new bottom case. And even when I did get the computer back the case is separating. There is a gap in several places between the trackpad area and the bottom case. When asked they continued to say it was because of corrsion and that they did the best they could. If this is their best I am kind of concerned. After all they were supposed to completely repair it... since it is now under warranty specs... or at least it is supposed to be. Apple's policy on liquid damage is to replace the logic board which was never done. Oh and it was returned with an optical drive failure. About 50% of the disks burned fail. And if that wasn't enough it was returned without the power adapter which magically they couldn't find and had to order a new one. So from the day I took the computer in until the day I had it home and powered up was 40 days.

During that time I really wasn't on the computer. I don't like using the Windows computer nearly as much. Partially becuse it's Windows but it's also not a laptop so it's not as convenient. I will say that there were some positive aspects to not having the computer. I didn't feel like I was on overload all the time.... I was able to get away from technology. I would come home from work and actually watch the TV shows instead of just having them on as background noise. Azrael was getting plenty of attention as well. Pretty sure I was eating better too. Now I have the computer back and it's back to life as usual.

During my absence I also got really sick. Missed almost a week at work. Each day it was a new symptom so I never really knew what I was dealing with. The first day it felt like the flu with the full body pain. Then the next day it was like bronchitis and then the day after I looked like a cocaine addict since I was blowing my nose so much. I stumbled into work and was so pale. I was pretty much hallucinating and had no comprehension of what I was saying. The only reason I was even there is so I wouldn't need a doctor's note to come back. I made it until it would be considered a leave early and not a sick day and then went home. It was rough. Glad it's over adn I am back to being relatively healthy.

At about the same time I got sick all the overtime got canceled. Based on low quality scores we were put on a reduced queue so we are taking fewer of the calls. About half the reps had to go through a remedial training and were put on action plans to bring up their quality scores. I had managed to avoid that. Then about a week ago I had a really bad call that the client was listening to... And even though I don't agree with the way it was scored my team leader won't fight to get it changed. So instant action plan for me... and no more time off the phones to assist agents with their calls. It sucks... and even if I get off the action plan I still won't get any off phone time until the summer. So a real lack of motivation there.... That was the one thing I looked forward to. I can understand if it was a trend.... but really it was just one call. We have all had bad calls.... anyone that has worked at a call center that is.

The good news is that I still have a job. I have heard on a number of occasions instances where the client hears a bad call and the agent no longer has a job. So it could be wose.... I like having gainful employment. Also this month two of my good friends from work have quit. It's making me a little sad. I am happy for them that they are on to bigger and better things but a little bit of me is still selfish and wants them to be there when I come into work since they always brightened the day.

Not much exciting going on in my world... but sometimes that is a good thing. After all I don't really want any more flooding... I am quite content with my life... even if some would say it's boring. And now I think there is a little furry creature that wants some of my attention. I am more then happy to give it to him.

Just in Case You Were Wondering

So the MacBook Pro was taken into the authorized repair center. They called to tell me that it was covered under the warranty. Then almost a week later they said that there was liquid damage and it wasn't covered. I hate to say it but they shot themselves in the foot by initially telling me that it was covered. Gave me grounds to question how it could be covered one day and then a week later not be covered. So Apple got a call and an email and I got a CS code to cover the repairs. So at some point I will have my Mac back. Not sure just how long that will take... but I can't wait to have it back. I really do miss it.

Stamped Apple

It's all about the Brands.... Logos... Brand images... Loyalty... What's in a brand? What comes to mind when you think of certain companies? Nike... Pepsi... Wal-Mart... Sony... Etc. We all have our opinions on these companies and it's based on their ability (or inability) to brand.

The web site BrandChannel had a poll to find out which companies had the greatest impact on consumer's lives. Apple won the award taking 6 different categories, including most inspiring and the one readers could not live without. Other inspiring brands included Nike, Coca-Cola, Google and Starbucks.

Microsoft, on the other hand, had the dubious honor that it was the one company that respondents were most likely to argue with and the brand that needed to be revamped the most.

I have mixed emotions about the survey.... But that's also because I have a love/hate relationship with Apple. I spent much of my last 2 days off troubleshooting my computer so it doesn't really endear me to them all that much. Especially since the issue seems to be related to an update that was done. I hate troubleshooting.... At the moment it does seem to be working so that's a good thing. But it seems that, at least for this survey, Apple reigns supreme.

Pretty Cat Still MIA

Since I said I would update when I had my copy of Leopard I figured I should mention that I still don't have it. Well sort-of. My second copy now seems to be MIA as well. I figured it would have been here at the end of last week. So now I am going to be checking with the superintendant to make sure that he doesn't have it and then am thinking about calling Apple yet again. Seems to be the ongoing debate of how long (and how many calls) it takes to get it.

Now I did say sort-of there. The other day I was getting ready for bed when there was a knock at the door. My neighbour was standing there with a package in her hand. Seems that she was coming in the building when the DHL guy was there. So he told her that she would do and got her to sign for it. Then he asked where my apartment was and she made the mistake of saying that she lived next door. So rather then deliver it he just gave it to her. She came over several times to deliver it but I was either asleep or not home. I guess the DHL guy really did think he was Santa and could hand it out to whoever wanted it. Since I didn't sign for it I am still demanding my copy from Apple. And I plan on calling DHL to complain about it since they are not supposed to hand it out to just anyone.

Pretty soon I think that my entire apartment will have their very own copy of Leopard. All I want is for the DHL guy to deliver it to me. I'd even be satisfied with the superintendant. So the count is 3 calls in... 1 delivery to my neighbour... 1 copy still MIA.

CLARIFICATION: My neighbour really did deliver me the copy she received. But I am turning this into a game (or maybe a sport) and calling Apple to have another copy sent out... right up until DHL actually delivers a copy to me. Besides I had already called Apple for my second copy (that also disappeared) before my neighbour showed up here.

DHL's Holiday Spirit

So after 2 weeks without my copy of Leopard arriving in the mail I was starting to wonder. I was promised express shipping from Apple which generally takes less then 2 weeks. I would've called them sooner but it was Christmas and all so I figured that it might take more time.

At the two week mark I decided it was time to call them and get another copy sent out. So I called at 9:05 a.m. But then I got a message telling me that I had called outside of normal business hours. Say what? It was now 9:05... What's going on? I kept calling thinking that there was a problem with their phone systems.

Now I should interrupt this to say that a friend of mine was also checking into the status for me. So at 9:30 in the morning I got an email with the shipping information from DHL. It was supposedly delivered on December 20th. Hmm... that's interesting since it sure as hell wasn't in my nice, little hands. I head downstairs to the super's office to make sure that it wasn't hiding there anywhere... even though he's good about calling me and had already told me to pick up 2 other packages. Nope, nothing there. Then I look up the tracking information. The signature looks like it says Robert. No one in the office with that name. So I figure that either the DHL guy saw Apple and decided to scoop it... or he took on the role of Santa Claus and just randomly handed it out to someone. After all I have heard there is no local DHL office so he would've had to drive here. And who wants to do that? Spread the holiday cheer.... give out free stuff....

Any ways... my friend also reminded me that they were only open from 10:00 to 6:00 since it was New Years Eve. Now why couldn't the voice message when you call in be changed to reflect that? Makes me wonder how many people called after they closed and then kept trying since it was before the normal 9:00 p.m. close. So I called back at 10:00 and was on a nice long mute hold... repeatedly. Spent most of the call on a mute hold (for those that have never worked in a call center it means that they press the mute button so you hear nothing at all... instead of a hold where you get music... you are not supposed to use mute as a hold) and after 20 minutes they had sent out a new disk to me and told me there was a problem processing the original order. I am guessing that there were problems with sending out the fulfilments for new disks. But, in my case, I already know that it was processed, shipped, and delivered.... just not to me.

Hopefully by the end of the week I have my nice new cat (don't worry Azrael I still love you) and will be busy installing it. Good thing I wasn't in a rush for it. I still have to finish backing everything up. Now if only Shapeshifter was compatible with it. Just checked... still not compatible. :( But I think that everything else I use is.... If not well I might be going back to the other pretty cat I have... in Tiger. Will update when I get my new package. I love mail...

Found the Money

The missing money that I reported on has been found. After I called Apple for the third time I was finally told that they were sending me a cheque after all. Could they not have told me that from the start? So I finally got that money.

I also called Minacs corporate office about the RRSPs and they looked into it for me. They agreed to write a cheque for the full amount plus the contributions that Minacs would have made. It was actually remarkably easy... About the only thing that has been with them.

More Woes from AppleCare

Don't worry there is nothing wrong with my computer at the moment. Last week I got an invoice in the mail from Apple. It appeared to be a credit for my AppleCare. Guess my letter to CR and to Apple Canada worked. They were refunding what was left of the AppleCare. Since the invoice was dated on November 12, 2007 I checked all of my credit cards to see if there was any new funds on it. There wasn't. So then I had Steve check his credit card since that was the one I used to purchase the computer. Nada. The next day I called and spoke to CR. They told me that it was being refunded through PayPal and weren't sure how long it would take. Was told to contact PayPal about it. Nothing like passing the buck. But since I hadn't checked my PayPal account I was fine with that. So I check. Nothing there either. So I wait.... and today I call Apple again. It's like pulling teeth. First of all the person I spoke with was incredibly rude. She cut me off and placed me on hold without even getting my permission to do so. Not that I would've said no but "please hold" and then click is not very nice and I am pretty sure that their policy (unless it's different then tech support) does not allow that. So once again she tells me that the money is being sent to PayPal. Won't even confirm that they even used the right email address. Starts comparing it to sending out a cheque or a credit card payment. Anyone that has used PayPal before knows that as soon as money is sent to your email address you receive a notice and can log into PayPal to claim the amount. It's pretty much instantaneous. Considering the invoice date is from over 2 weeks ago I can guarentee that I am never going to see this money unless Apple does something about it. So now I have $140 floating somewhere.... It would be nice to actually receive that money. Bring the whole painful Apple experience to a conclusion. And just in case you're wondering you can still see the burn mark on my leg.... so I doubt it's ever going to completely heal.

Fastest Vista Notebook

PC World recently compared notebook computers to see which one was fastest. And the winner is? The fastest Vista computer is the MacBook Pro. Say what? Yep you heard me right. The 17" MacBook Pro turned out to be the fastest computer running Windows Vista. And to think Apple doesn't care if you can run Windows on the computer. Yet it outperformed those manufacturers who rely on the Windows OS for well.... everything. Kind of makes you wonder doesn't it? For the full article you can check it out here. And now... back to my MacBook Pro. Only I'm not running any version of Windows on it.

Canadian Content

Some days I hate being Canadian. I can't download TV shows or movies from the iTunes music store. Granted that might actually be a good thing since it saves me money. I also can't go to CBS, ABC, NBC, or any other network and watch/download shows from them to watch later. It's my understanding that it has to do with Canadian content. To be available in Canada there has to be a certain amount of Canadian content. There aren't too many good Canadian shows. In fact for all the TV I currently watch in a week I think all the shows are US.

It doesn't end there however. Recently the Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada (or SOCAN) won a ruling that music downloads should be taxed to the tune of 3.1 cents per track if purchased individually and 1.5 cents per track if you purchase the entire album. They have also re-added a levy to digital audio players and to recordable media. Looks like they will also be taxing sites that offer temporary downloads and customizable radio stations.

In a nutshell the cost of downloading music is going up... since you can be sure that sites that allow you to purchase music will be increasing prices to accommodate the new tax. Not only are they adding a new tax but it is also going to be retroactive to 1996 when the music industry began pushing for the taxes.

To put this in perspective.... you purchase a CD from iTunes and pay an added tax for it. But then you want to put those songs on your iPod which you were also taxed on. Oh and how about burning it to a CD which you are also entitled to do. Yep you were taxed when you purchased those recordable disks just in case this is what you wanted to use it for. So now you have been taxed three times and this money is going to SOCAN. Wonder how much of that money is going to the artists.

3 cents isn't that big of a deal if it means that the artists get the money. But to be taxed more then once to be able to listen to that music.... well then it's getting to be a bit ridiculous. Tax it once and I might be understanding. Now they just seem greedy.

In a day and age when they are fighting a battle with piracy it seems like the wrong way to go. In Canada it is LEGAL to download all the music you want.... It might be a gray area but it is legal. Just don't upload it and you're all set. So if anything these increased taxes are just going to push more people to finding other ways to download their music... like torrents and other applications.

New Cat in the Jungle

For so long I have been questioning the price of Windows. At $500 for a full copy of the Ultimate Edition of Windows Vista I just shake my head and wonder why it costs so much. But as someone reminded me the last update for Windows was XP which came out back in 2000, I think. Now I still think that $500 for a new OS is a little excessive. Having said that Mac has come out with a new version of the OS every year and at $149 CAN ($129 US) a pop that adds up pretty quickly. And each upgrade typically has something worth upgrading for. Now I must say that my computer came with 10.4 so I have not had to upgrade but based on what I can see from the rumours web sites people are counting down the days to open their wallet and shell out the cash for the newest operating system.

I'm thinking that Steve Jobs is a marketing genius. $150 for a new operating system sounds so reasonable... especially when you can compare it to the price tag of Windows. There are no upgrade options, or different versions of the operating system. It costs less then an upgrade to Windows Vista. So all things considered $150 doesn't sound so bad for the latest and greatest. And a year down the road there will likely be a new cat roaming around and people lining up to buy it and bring it home.

Now there was a time when Microsoft was introducing a new operating system every year as well.... But after Windows XP they focused the efforts on Vista (Codenamed Longhorn) and there was a lengthy gap between operating systems. I could be wrong but I don't believe that a new operating system will be introduced in the Windows world in 2008.

The Cat's Out of the Bag

I was checking out some of the Mac Rumour sites. Where to go to get all the latest news. For a list of web sites that publish all the latest rumours and speculation check out this article at Wikipedia. I know that it's all about the gossip but I figure they're publishing the information any ways so why not get the latest news? It looks like the new OS, Leopard should be released on October 26th. That's not really a surprise since the release date was pushed back to October with the new iPhone and we're currently halfway through October.

What I found interesting is that this week Apple Insider reported that the support staff were now being trained on Leopard through self based modules. Now with a release date of only 2 weeks away does that leave enough time to really train the employees on the new features in the operating system? We're talking some pretty major upgrades here with Time Machine, Spaces, and Boot Camp. Looks like the folks over at MacDiner were also wondering the same thing. The other thing about self paced modules means that they are just reading about the new features and not playing with it. Perhaps it would be good to have the opportunity to install it and get to know the new OS before it's released. Just a thought.

Most of the web sites are also reporting that there are still bugs to be fixed with Leopard. So if it does in fact come out on October 26th I think I'd be wanting to hold out until at least the first update.

Troubleshooting 101

I was having some random issues with the computer as of late. Applications quitting on me... not being able to burn disks all the time... just some weird issues. I had run the disk utility and there were no errors. Now for my version of troubleshooting. Rather then go through the normal range of troubleshooting steps I decided to skip to the end and just do an erase and install. All my data is kept on an external drive and it was easy enough to back up the settings for applications. Plus I had to back up my mail. Did a custom install and in the time it took me to write the last post it was done. 20 minutes, instead of the usual 45. Of course I chose not to install most of the applications which helps. And now it's time to reinstall the applications I want.

The Convenience Factor

Today was a sad day. I discovered that the Facebook exporter from iPhoto does not work with the new version of iPhoto. Talk about convenience. I could take an entire album and then just select Facebook in the options and voila. Simplicity and ease of use. Isn't that what Apple is known for? Of course it was all this exact ease of use that got me fired from my job. Now that I have been fired and don't need to worry about it I love the FaceBook exporter plug-in. I hope they fix it soon.

In other FaceBook news I had been giving some thought to un-registering but I just couldn't do it. I still have gifts to give that I paid for. Plus I think there are some benefits to the site... like being able to post virtually all of my pictures. But other then that I have no real use for the site.

So it's not that I am in hiding.... I just check the main page periodically for updates and then wander off again. The more applications that are added the less I enjoy my time there. Getting fired after posting a picture on Facebook probably doesn't help that one either. Guess I am not one of the ones who are addicted to Facebook.

The Wonderful World of Troubleshooting

So after being without a working computer... or at least working Mac (which sometimes is the same thing) for 8 weeks I received the new computer. It was delivered to the superintendent since I missed the buzzer. It's really too bad that you can't arrange for a delivery in the afternoon. So I get everything installed and then restarted my computer. Low and behold the USB devices weren't being recognized. I think my heart stopped at that point. So I erase the drive and start troubleshooting it. Troubleshooting really does require a lot of patience and an analytical mind. But my time at work came in handy. It was frustrating because it took so long. I think I spent 9 hours troubleshooting and erased the external drive and the internal drive a few more times in the process. In the end it was an issue with the external drive I was using. Just a weird issue... Fortunately I was using an enclosure so I could swap out the external drive and now it all seems to be working fine. I have come to the conclusion that I hate serial ATA drives. I have had nothing but problems with them. In the PC I have had to replace 2 serial drives and this is now the third drive to have issues. But I am happy to have a working computer again. I've missed my MacBook Pro. Now I just have to talk sweetly to it so that it works properly.

It's All About the Timing

So the last couple of weeks have been pretty rough. I have been fighting Apple to get my computer replaced yet again. The estimate right now is that I will have the new one between July 20th and July 30th. So.... basically I will have been without a working computer for about 8 weeks. Not good.... and I really want it back. I want to banish the PC and go back to my Mac. I really miss it. Plus I have been dealing with the abscess that has sent me to the hospital twice. After 2 weeks the pain finally started to go away and it's now going down in size. But I don't do helpless very well. Needless to say I feel worn out. I feel overloaded and just overwhelmed.

Then on Tuesday I get a call. That's unusual in and of itself *lol* Since it was morning I missed it. But it was my biological mother. She was going to be at the Peterborough zoo on Wednesday and wanted to meet. I was really torn about this. It comes down to timing. I really do want to meet her. But, at the same time, I just wanted to withdraw from the world until I didn't feel quite so overwhelmed. Now I was going to go but when I called to find out the details I just got the answering machine and she did not return my call. So I figured plans had changed. Turns out she did come to Peterborough and I missed it since I was sound asleep.

I'm a little disappointed that I missed out. It's not like I have many opportunities for this. But I am also a little relieved. I already felt like I was fighting with everything. Not exactly the best frame of mind to be meeting someone. Hopefully the next time around I don't have quite so much going on. Who am I kidding? That seems to be the story of my life.

Current Events

Life is always an adventure... Yesterday I called tech support again. This time there were no hassles which is new. Pretty quickly the computer was ruled DOA meaning that it will be replaced yet again. I'm still not sure about that decision. I mean it's great that I will get a working computer out of it.... But I am not so enthusiastic about being without the computer yet again. I've already lost a month to this, time I will never get back. I just don't have any fight left in me right now.

I was also back at the hospital last night. The pain has been increasing from the abscess. Unfortunately, the size had not increased so the doctor was still unwilling to drain it. It's been there for a week and is not getting any better. But there is nothing I can do except wait and hope that the antibiotics really do take care of it.

I feel like I am fighting everything and everyone at the moment. Both of these things are taking a huge toll on me and I feel like I am running on empty at the moment. Part of me just wants to completely withdraw and push everyone away. My justification: self-preservation. But I know that escapism isn't the answer. I'm still hoping that things start going well... and soon.

Keyboard as a High Powered Device

I know most people are reading the title of the post and wondering what drugs I am on. But that is seriously what I was told by technical support last night when I called. I'm still having issues with the USB port and was told that it's normal for high powered devices not to work as expected because the iSight camera is using the same USB bus. The specifications don't say that. So I asked about the Apple keyboard I had tested. The agent said that it was USB 2 (umm... nope... We're talking an Apple keyboard from the original iMac... back before USB 2) and was a high powered device. I just about asked hi what drugs he was on. Then I just had to ask what was a low powered device.... a mouse. So... let me get this straight I have one working USB port and the other is just for mice? WTF??? Now the representative never asked me if the iSight worked when the port stopped working. As a side note it does work.... so clearly the issue is actually with the USB port. He also never gave me the chance to test with a mouse. Then the call ended. And once again I ended up in tears.

Skip ahead to today. My wake up call is from executive relations. I wish I was recording that call! He told me that it is normal for that USB port to have issues with high powered devices and went on a speech about that. Hmm... doesn't that mean that Apple is making false promises on the USB port. I have the specifications and it says that any USB device can be used with it. And that doesn't explain why keyboards and mice don't work. I did test a USB mouse right after the call to tech support and *insert shocked look here* it didn't work. The mouse wasn't recognized either. So when I told Stuart that I was told I have to take the computer in to be examined. Now I called Microage and they have one Mac tech who is booked solid today and the rest of the week is hit or miss. Now I have no way to get to the Apple store so now I have very few options and feel like I am completely boxed in. Not only that but they want to test the drive to make sure it's not causing issues. Hmm.... the external drive is self powered so it's not even drawing power off the USB port. It is using the cable just for communication so there is no way that it can cause issues with the power. But whatever.... Now I have to jump through hoops to prove that the computer really is defective. This takes more of my time and energy. All this because the first agent didn't do their job properly and lied to me. Now I will continue to use Apple because I prefer the software but I am certainly not a happy Apple customer.

Shiny, New MacBook Pro

Wednesday I woke up and I was a little depressed. It seemed like it had been one thing after another and leading that discouragement was the fact I still had not received the replacement computer and didn't even know if it had shipped out. In fact I was assuming that it hadn't. It was frustrating. I wanted my computer back. I wanted to bring this story to conclusion. So I check my email... still no tracking information. *Sigh* And then go downstairs to get the mail. As I get off the elevator a FedEx shipping label catches my eye. It couldn't be... or could it? My phone wasn't blinking indicating there was a message... But I decide to check the label and it was for me. All of a sudden I had a reason to be excited.

But then I was left with another dilemma. As of late I have been going to bed really late... as in dawn has also broken and I am just heading to bed late. And with the medication I am out cold for at least 5 hours. I don't want to sleep through the delivery. So then I am faced with what to do. I had 3 options... 1. Go to bed when I normally do and get up for the delivery, then be tired all day. 2. Stay up until after they deliver. 3. Pull an all nighter. Now staying up for an extra 4 hours or so didn't sound too difficult and sounded like the best solution.... Boy was I wrong.

So at about the time I would have been on my way to bed I was putting on Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl and then Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest. But at 9:00 a.m. all I want to do is sleep.... And was starting to get irritable. The delivery guy showed up at 10, an hour later then he was here the day before. Now he must have thought I was high on something. I answer the door and he starts talking about how he was here the day before and going on some spiel. I was fixated on the MacBook Pro he had in is hands. And all I could think was, "Just give me the package so I can go to bed." Finally I sign for it and he leaves.

Now do you think I could go to bed? Of course not. I deleted most of the applications on the PC. Shut it down and took out the wireless card. Replaced it with the modem. Found the software for the computer and put it by the door for Steve to pick up later. Then I unpacked my new computer and turned it on. Went through the setup assistant an downloaded a couple of applications I knew I wanted. By this point it's noon and time for a nap. Slept for about 4 hours and then got up. I was still exhausted but didn't want to throw off the sleep schedule any more than I already had.

Spent the remainder of the day installing software and setting my computer back up just the way I like it. But when I connected my external drive I ran into a problem. The USB port wouldn't always recognize the drive... which was the same problem I had with the other MacBook Pro. That was not good news to me. So I connect it to the other USB port and get nothing. Reconnect it to the first port and it works fine. So I go back to what I was doing. Well Steve comes by with my camera and I want to take the pictures off. Plug it in and get nothing. Now I don't want to disconnect the external drive because that is what holds most of the documents and music. So then I try a USB keyboard and get no response. After waiting 2.5 weeks for the replaement computer all I can think is that it's a DOA system. I don't want to wait even longer. And Steve is in the process of taking the other computer. Believe me I don't want to erase the drive and start over either. I had just spent about 7 hours getting it set up. So now that I am about ready to cry. Things are not looking good. Fortunately, I had spent 4 years troubleshooting so all hope was not lost. I did a hardware reset and both USB ports began working. *Huge sigh of relief*

So here I am blogging from my nice, new computer. It is the first display that is mercury free. It's LED based which also means the picture is there instantly, no delay. With the glossy screen it also looks much brighter, and more vibrant then my old computer. I haven't really been able to test the battery life yet. But I really like it and am glad to be able to bring this to an end. Now I just have to talk to executive relations about it, as a follow-up and discuss getting my AppleCare refunded so that I can purchase a new one for this computer.

And just in case you are wondering... I also bought a lap desk which is designed so that you can use the computer on your lap without having to worry about the heat dissipating and burning you. I'm still testing it out. Ergonomically I think it might be a bit of a problem since I now have to raise my arm to type. But we'll see.... now if only it had a cup holder too. Then I would be all set.

Like Pulling Teeth

This is rapidly becoming one of those weeks.... those weeks that you just want to forget about. Just to get something accomplished it feels like I have to pull teeth.  I have actually gotten to the point where I am holding off calling the National Student Loans Center about my interest relief because I don't want to take the chance that it becomes a fight.  It should go smoothly since I am on EI but we'll see.  That looks like it will be a task for next week.

I'll spare you the boring, mundane details of the week.  The biggest source of frustration has been my dealings with Apple.  Yes I am happy that the computer is being replaced.  However, I do not have the new computer.  In fact as of 5:15 this afternoon I don't even know when I am getting said computer.  What they didn't tell me is that the had to build the system since I wanted the glossy screen on it and that leads to delays of the system.  I was told that it should be shipping out last Friday and would arrive at the beginning of this week... That didn't happen... and no one told me there was a delay.  I had to call (long distance on a cell phone no less) to find out.  I got no sympathy for the fact I am still without my computer.  All I got was "It should be ready soon."  That would have been good to know a week ago.  So where does that leave me?  I still prefer the Mac OS to Windows and Apple to Microsoft... But it does not make me the happiest customer.

And speaking of pulling teeth... I really do need to get one of my teeth looked at... possibly even extracted.  But seeing as I am currently unemployed and have no dental coverage I suspect I'll be suffering a while longer.