Saturday, November 28, 2020

BLAAAACK FRIDAY!!!

 I don't know why they call it that.  It has always sounded ominous to me ... like witches, black magic and dead people.  Apparently it inspires others to spend all their money on "bargains" like a computer they marked up 100% then sold for 50% off.  

I knew it was probably a bad day to go looking for a computer and to get my apple watch fixed, but hey ... I'm always up for a madhouse adventure.  After all, I had an appointment.  I figured everyone would be at Walmart anyway, NOT the Apple Store where they have absolutely NO discounts of any kind.


This image above is what I was looking for.  It's a MacBook Pro laptop computer.  I've had two over the last 14 years, which in computerworld isn't bad.  The best part is I've never had one single problem with them as I downloaded and worked on literally thousands of photos.  

My problem comes from the Photoshop people who decided not to sell their product any more, but to stick it up in the clouds for you to download, whereupon they can charge you $15 a month for life.  Talk about a cash cow!!  If I update my computer, I lose Photoshop.  If I DON'T update my computer,  I lose all my online banking sites.  Maybe the solution is to have TWO computers. 

 The other reason for going is to try and get my Apple watch updated.  I didn't have to purchase a new phone because I finally got it up to par.  The watch is another story altogether.  It now won't work at all unless it's updated, but the update now says it will take THREE DAYS!!  SO ... I was off to the Apple Store on the worst day of the year.


 I'm happy to say everyone is following the excellent example set by our esteemed Governor who not only went out, but met with families at a big party, did not wear a mask, shook hands and ate in a restaurant with many folks he is not related to.  I guess Newsom forgot to look for the cameras.  

Not only that, but almost the entire legislature of California traveled to HAWAII for "meetings".  What was that about staying home?  Obviously the GUIDELINES only apply to us peons and not the politicians.  Or maybe they know something we DON'T about Rona!!

Traffic was pretty heavy with the construction work going on.  I'm pretty sure our little town is the last one getting a remodel on it's asphalt that would shake your teeth loose.  You might want to take an alternate route for the next two years.

Luckily I found a parking spot because the huge mall was packed to the brim with cars.  What used to be Macy's turned Forever 21 is now in the process of becoming the biggest furniture store with the cheapest furniture.  At least it's not another Dollar Store.

First let me say don't waste your time making an appointment.  When I arrived, I had to wait in line for ten minutes to get up to the point of speaking to a person.  I was supposed to answer seven questions, which I did with one "NO" before they took my temperature.  I was then stuck in ANOTHER line.  

I finally asked the eight people in front of me if they had appointments, and they all said NO, they just walked up.  Wait .... I had an appointment and I have to wait in line behind all these people who just walked up?  As one person walked out of the store, they let one in.  I could feel my blood pressure rising and the headache coming on.

I'll skip all the computereze talk.  I had printed out exactly what I wanted and it was available, but of course I had to order it online.  Here's the latest and greatest BAD news for practically everyone.  You know those USB connections you have?  They are all going away.  The industry has decided to go to something that looks like this called a USB-C.  If you never need another device, you won't have to worry.  For me, it causes problems.

The new computers are coming out with this type of connection ONLY.  I can't download photos, plug in my phone, use my printer or use any other cable unless it has a USB-C connector, which of course they do not.


 I have no idea if Windows computers are going this same direction, but I wouldn't be surprised.  Can you just imagine how many people will have to buy new printers, new cameras, new everything just so they can plug in with the latest and greatest USB-C?  What a great marketing pitch to make their sales go up.

For the time being, I purchased this ... a USB-C to USB adapter cable so I can at least plug in my USB camera card reader.  Since my printer works better tethered, it will work for that too.  Isn't technology just grand??  This was $21.00.


 On to the watch.  The guy hooked me up to Apple's WiFi to download the update.  It said two days.  Seriously?  Just then it clicked and said 33 minutes.  "You can't wait inside because we have people waiting to get in" he said.  "You can do this right outside the door".  But wait ... it says I have to keep the watch on the charger the entire time.  

You're not going to believe this ... he took me outside and plugged it in to a receptacle in the flower bed.  Really?  I'm supposed to stand in the shrubs for 30 minutes while this downloads?  In a flash, he was gone and my phone flipped to TWO HOURS to download.  Nancy was not a happy camper!!

I threw the entire thing in my purse and walked off.  What a waste of money this watch was.  Once home, I looked through my entire selection of running and cheap Arizona MarketPlace watches to find something I could wear.  

Elvis wasn't in the building (dead battery on that watch) so I picked up Mickey.  He immediately came to life.  Who knew Mickey Mouse would come to my rescue.  It's powered by movement.  It took a few shakes to get it going, but it works like a charm, amazing since I bought it in 2006 and haven't worn it since.  YOU GO MICKEY!!!


 So ... did I buy the computer?  Yes, yes I did (big sigh).  It's why I worked the Pumpkin Patch.  At least I will be able to see the entire screen.  You see I tripped in Arizona and barely tapped one corner, which caused a big chunk of the screen to be black as night.  It's not fixable.  I could purchase a less expensive Windows model, but have always had trouble with them.  

By the way, as I stood in the flower bed, shopper after shopper came out of the mall loaded down with bags and boxes, staring at me because ... well, I was standing in the flower bed.  Neither Rona nor a hypocritical governor has kept anyone away from Black Friday shopping deals. 




18 comments:

  1. WOW does your cereal taste funny this morning
    Isn’t it wonderful that online companies you use have decent discounts don’t pay tax and have free shipping
    And by the way there’s no difference between a six dollar USB cand a $25 USB c except the logo

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    1. FYI USB c came out in 2014. A lot of your android phones are using that set up as a standard. Motorola phones has been doing it for 3 years There reason is.. there is no up or down if you notice the Apple spade plug .. an it will be the future of the industry In tethered products unless you go to Bluetooth or wireless chargers.. on that note I believe Apple and some computers are gearing up for wireless charging ( no more plug)So that will be the new norm
      If you really want to see what the future market will be check out this ... ThinkPad X1 Fold... Or the flex card phone

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    2. I know there is no difference between USB cables, but there IS a difference in connecting the other end. I've tried more cables than I care to admit for my phone, all cheap by the way, and only one has worked. Had I bought the iPhone one, it would have saved me many bucks! LOL

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  2. Congrats on the new Apple..Once you've been spoiled by an Apple I will never own anything else. My first was stolen out of my car in Folsom, replaced it with ASUS because I listened to the salesman. After two months Ken was tired of my yelling at the computer and bought me a new Apple. Happy Camper here! Yep tons of people out in Roseville too. Works for me!

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    1. Thanks Shirley!! I'm very excited. I do love Apple computers, especially when you've had to deal with the others for awhile.

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  3. Sometimes old school works the best.
    Sounds like it's about time you update your home WiFi.
    Be Safe and Enjoy smelling the flowers.

    It's about time.

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    1. Unfortunately, my WiFi cannot be updated. I've tried that route several times. Lots of money down the tubes with no difference in connection. It's where I live that is the problem.

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  4. Apple and Mickey Mouse...kinda goes together in my opinion.

    My guess is that Apple keeps its WiFi up all day and night. If so (give them a call), you can load the kids (fur babies) into your vehicle and head over there at 4 am, get as close to the building as you can, plug your watch into the 12v outlet and while watch is downloading, post a blog with your laptop that you brought. ps: Be sure to have your 'other' friend by your side...the one that goes "bang bang bang", if you know what I mean.

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  5. I'm enjoying the comments this morning. Mr. Ed.....companies should be charging tax. Rick.....smell the flowers. Sometime when we meet again in person I'll tell you the story about how a miscommunication had Jerry shopping at Walmart on Black Friday. Love the Mickey watch.

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    1. Walmart on Black Friday? I bet THAT was a fun trip!! Mickey has been a great help, but a little hard to see in the dark! LOL

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  6. All of this just reinforces my resolve to never buy any of Apple's crap. Say what you will, but my windows computer works just fine without any of this.

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    1. I think it all depends on exactly which one you get. I've had nothing but problems with windows computers I've had. As to the watch, you are right! LOL

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  7. Lets see you made an appointment at the store but it made no difference you still had to stand in line and then they put you out by the flowers to update your watch. Sounds like a day in 2020 to me....lol
    Your turkey looked very nice. Take care.

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    1. You are oh so right Deb!! I should have expected all of that, right??

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  8. Great post reading your blog first thing in the morning often brings on a smile. Cheers and good luck with the new laptop.

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    1. Thanks Dave!!! I appreciate your words. Keep on smiling!!

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  9. The term Black Friday originally meant retailers would go into "the black" from all the sales low prices items generated.It was an accountants term.

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