One of the ironies of getting a new computer is that for the first week, you’re less productive. I hate this period as I need to get work done. Part of this is my own doing as I need to move software from one computer to another. Most of my frustration is from how manufacturers and retailers treat consumers.

I wasn’t in the market for a new notebook, but it was time. I’m heading to a class later this month which requires I have a notebook. I was fearful my old one was about to die. It‘s been showing more signs of wear and tear. The real kicker is the battery wouldn’t survive 20 minutes without a charge. I should mention my Sony notebook is going on its 6^th year.

Once the decision was made to buy a notebook, I had to determine which one was the best for me. This is where it gets fun. I did online research and checked local retailers. I believe big box retailers take the wrong approach to selling notebooks and assume the worst in customers.

• They secure the notebooks so that you can’t look at the whole unit. And forget about trying to test a tablet.
• They remove the batteries so even if you can pick the notebook up an inch, it’s hard to judge the weight, balance and heat disposition.
• They lock the screen so you can’t use them.
• The stylus is never around.

Seldom did I find a knowledgeable salesperson. In some cases, I had salespeople try to sell me something else simply because they knew nothing about tablets. In other words, the device I wanted was wrong for me because they didn’t understand it. In fairness to that retailer, the problem has been fixed as they closed those two stores.

After deciding on a HP tablet, I went to make my purchase online with Office Depot. Their web site seems to have issues if you want to pick up the computer at your local store and they’re out of stock. Your item is dropped from the shopping cart. On the third try, I decided to just have it delivered to me.

The notebook promptly arrived and I started unpacking. This is where I need to be careful as I’m the type that breaks down boxes and puts them in the recycle bin. I dutifully set the box aside and continued unpacking.

I have to admire HP for putting protective film on both the outside and inside screen. This appreciation quickly diminished when I saw the number of stickers near the keyboard. I thought maybe I got the wrong brand delivered and NASCAR had now licensed a notebook computer.

I had seen stickers on the model in the store, but figured they were only for the display model. Next time I buy a PC, I think I’ll do it C.O.D and give the delivery person a signed check with a bunch of Chiquita banana and Dole pineapple stickers all over it. One wonders how many meetings took place to figure out which stickers went on and their location.

The reason I didn’t throw the packing box away was I knew I needed to take off one of the stickers to get the mail-in rebates. (Yes, this rebate was worth my time.) Leave it to the retailer to place one of their shipping stickers on top of the one I need. Even after heating the top sticker, I was fearful it would tear the one with the UPC code. I’ll let the rebate people sort it out.

I then went looking for the manual and CDs. I opened up the stylish HP container that looked like it held what I needed. Inside, there is a big sticker that read NEED HELP WITH YOUR NOTEBOOK. This is then followed with PLEASE DO NOT RETURN IT. I wasn’t thinking of returning it until I saw that phrase. Not exactly the tactic I would use.

I also happen to be someone who reads user manuals. Excuse me, these are now called “Quick Reference Guide”. I think the name is correct since a quick look made me realize it’s of little use for most people. On page iii of the Quick Reference manual is a line that reads “This user guide describes features that are common on most models. Some features may not be available on your computer”. I’m a little perplexed how Hewlett Packard can’t figure out how to do conditional publishing so that the owner gets accurate documentation. Don’t they have a consulting services group? I should not have to figure out what portions apply to my computer just so they can save some money.

I was amused that the directions for installing the tablet stylus called for a paper clip, but none was provided. HP would be better off telling people to use one of the provided twisty ties instead. (I’ll let the HP engineers figure out what I did instead to solve the issue.)

The notebook also had erroneous information. In the Fingerprint Enrollment Training, the location shows the scanner on the right side of the keyboard. The location was probably changed to the left side off the monitor to make room for more stickers. The question is since the orientation is changed, which way do people swipe their fingers or does it matter? Most security people would suggest verifying a finger from each hand. I got one finger to work.

I also was dismayed to see that the notebook I looked at in Office Depot stated Vista SP1 was installed on the TAKE ONE ticket, but mine unit did not have it. Fortunately, I found this issue early before I installed more software. All the same, it was annoying that I had to do the update. It also made me question how old is my device.

Although I’m content with my purchase, my experience reminds me that the computer is a commodity. Retailers and manufacturers can emphasize support, service and the cute slogans about “the computer is personal again”, but their actions say otherwise. I think they’re more worried about shoplifters and cutting costs.

While no one item is cause for alarm, they do take a cumulative toll and ruin the experience. People should be excited to get a new computer and not drained by the shopping and setup process. Both retailers and manufacturers might learn a lot by walking into an Apple store and see the difference. If Apple made a tablet, I would seriously consider getting it and using something like VMware Fusion or Parallels with Windows. I doubt I’m alone.