Too Many Jerks in The Forums

Numerous forum computer jerks caused me to attempt and explain why they're so wrong in their perception of computer needs and how it relates to the individual consumer. Here's part of that response...



You have this scenario which has happened so often, it's not even funny...

A little old lady (computer illiterate) walks into Best Buy/CompUSA/Sears/ComputerWarehouse/Staples/etc/etc (you name it), and asks the salesperson which is the easiest/best computer for a person who knows very little about computers.

The salesperson knows Windows inside and out. That is their platform of preference and to them that is the one which everyone should have, so their answer comes without even thinking. ((I use Windows as an example since this is the platform which this scenario normally happens with.)) They take the customer to the computer which they are ready to sell (could be numerous reasons why). They could care less if this is really the best computer for the customer.

They point out all the numerous features. This incredible powerhouse can even open every app in Adobe Suite... at the same time, and still render the most complicated 3D game!! The little old lady explains all she really wants to do is send email and write some letters. The salesman can't understand this, so he explains: "sure you can read email and write letters, but you can also do all the other things I told you about!" He sells it to her.

Over the months she makes several trips back into the store to try and figure out why it's not doing what she wants. It's a simple and obvious solution to the salesperson but to her it's like a mountain. All too often her 'wonder computer' either ends up in her closet or is given to one of the grandkids. Occasionally it ends up in her yard sale.

This scenario started happening back in the '80s and continues right up to the present. It's so common that essays have been written on it and much research has gone into it.

The despicable Steve Jobs, for all his many faults, fully understands this problem. Whether you like him or hate him, you have to admit he must be doing something right… his bank account can attest for that.

There will come various combatants against the successful iPad. Some of them will also understand why Mr. Jobs released a device that is selling well, while ten years prior Mr. Gates also released a tablet device that for all practical purposes never soared or took flight. He stood up there on that stage and personally and enthusiastically demonstrated it to us, don't you remember?

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