...and I named him Rory; ohhh yeah...I got myself a new toy! But boy do I have a story to share on the actual laptop purchase experience!

I've been in the market looking for a super-duper great cheap wheel-n-deal bargain since my ultimate decision to return to school. This past weekend, I finally quit procrastinating and figured it was time to cash in. So with a cup of coffee in one hand, the other was busy flipping through the newspaper ads. Low and behold, I saw my "perfect" toy and for the right price tag!

I gulp down what remaining coffee I had in my cup, quickly got ready, drove over to Office Depot, walked in and headed over to the aisle where all of their laptops were displayed. I scanned each model and compared its price...I did not see my "toy!" I asked the sales representative; even showed him the ad and asked where can I find it?? His response..."It's not in the store yet...but we do expect a shipment coming in within a week or two". I was like...WTF?? How can you advertise for a product and not have it in store? He answered by saying that the items advertised are placed in advanced, it's a regional ad and since we're in Hawaii...they have or always experience such a dilemma especially with electronics. Ohh well...I was getting a little annoyed and went on to ask what I needed to do so I can purchase one when it finally does come into the store. The guy said he'll give me a raincheck but I need to call the store to check if they receive any shipments. *grrrrr* So I leave the store feeling all disappointed because I did not get to purchase the laptop.

So I head home, go online and start researching for that particular laptop model. Found CompUSA had the similar deal (price tag) so I called both stores to find out for availability. The store in town said "none"...just one which is on display while the Waikele store...the guy said they had 10 in stock. I was estactic! As I got ready to leave the apartment again and drive over to Waikele, something told me call the store again to to reconfirm its availability. This time a lady answers and she tells me they're out of stocked. D@mnit...not even 5 minutes after I called...all 10 have been sold? She explains that the guy I spoke to earlier was looking at a screen which wasn't updated and it just got updated within the last few seconds. Now, I'm furious! Just steaming furious! So I make a detour and head towards the store by Restaurant Row. I figured...what the hell...I am already out, so I might as well just go take a look at the so-called display model and decide if all this trouble I'm experiencing is actually worth buying the d@mn laptop.

Heading straight to where all of the laptops are displayed...I don't find it. I cursed softly under my breath. This guy sales rep comes by my way and ask if he could be of any assistance. I inform him that I'd call earlier looking for this particular model and was told there's one left but it's a display model. He turns around and tells me it's been sold. I give him a blank look and ask if they expect more to come into the store and if I can request for a raincheck. He tells me to check with the business sales desk and maybe they will know more information. At this point I'm totally discouraged and as I day-dream away as to whether I'll ever get to see my baby...I ask the guy at the desk if I can get my raincheck. I give him the model number...he types it in his computer and he looks at me.

"Someone told you we're out of stock?" he ask. I nod my head and softly say "Yes." He continues to tell me they actually have a couple in the back and will go check just to be sure. He also asked if I wanted to purchase one if in fact they did have them in stock. I answered "Yes."

So I finally got what I'd set out to buy three hours earlier...all in all...I'm satisfied with my purchase. I've been admiring my new laptop computer and I've spent the last couple days getting familiar with its functions, installing all my much needed programs, transferring pictures, mp3, etc. Yes, I have a new best friend at the moment, so would you be so kind as to say "HELLO" to Rory.

Have a wonderful weekend, y'all!!!!

moi spoke out loud on 7/20/2006 11:57:00 PM

[24] told me everything loud and clear