The year was 1998 and laptops were all the rage. They were on everyone’s “wish” list for back to school, Christmas, birthdays, you name it. Everyone wanted one and I was selling them. You see, I used to work for IBM in their PC division. I was the one answering your calls and fulfilling your laptop dreams. For ONLY $3,000 you could own the latest and greatest laptop weighing 10 pounds with 64mb of memory and 2gb of hard-drive space. Oh… you want a DVD player with that? That will be an extra $400. I know all of this because this was also the first laptop I ever purchased.
The waiting game for the laptop to be delivered would make you crazy. People would often call us to complain that they placed their order two weeks ago and they still haven’t received it. The typical lead time was a month out. I spent more time dealing with customer complaints than actually selling.
Luckily, things have changed significantly since 1998. First, prices have gone down…WAYYYYYYY down. Second, functionality has gone up…WAYYYYYY up. Third, you can purchase your laptop in person rather than while looking at a shiny brochure you received in the mail. This allows you to compare brands, and pick the size, style and features that are right for you. Not to mention, you get to “play” with your shiny new purchase the same day. All of these advantages are experienced when shopping at a retail store like Staples.
I was recently sent the Samsung Chromebook for review. It is without a doubt the lightest laptop I have ever used; not to mention it’s very sleek. Similar to the Samsung smartphone, the focus is apps, with several preloaded on the Chromebook. The laptop was so user friendly that I gave it to my mom to set-up (i.e. non-technical person). She said it was a breeze and she was even able to set up two language settings (which she has on her home computer). One of the best features is the price. The Samsung Chromebook retails for approximately $270.
My graphic designer friend said that for her needs though, this computer wouldn’t be sufficient. The only negative I found is that you can’t install Microsoft Office. However, if most of your computer use is conducted via a browser (i.e. e-mail, surfing, social media etc…) and you have constant access to Wi-Fi, make the Chromebook your laptop of choice.
Staples is the perfect place to buy your laptops, either in-store or online. The knowledgeable staff, the wide array of products and the easy to navigate site are only some of the reasons why I often choose Staples for my technology-related needs. If you’re in the market for a new laptop, make sure to check them out.
Also, here’s a neat interactive put together by Staples Canada of smells that remind various age groups of school. Soon the smell of erasers and chalk at school will be a thing of the past
I love that the 65+ age group said that a wood fire stove reminds them of school. It’s also a little strange how so many people said that sweat reminds them of school. What smells remind you of school?
Click image to open interactive version (via Staples.ca).
Love the price point! Looks like a great laptop for commuters.
Gulp! $3,000 for a laptop! How things have changed 🙂 Love the look of the Samsung Chromebook and I think, after reading your review, it’s now on my list of potential replacement laptops once my current one dies (which won’t be long). I pretty much only use mine for what you indicated the Chromebook is good for, so it’s a great option for me.
I’m hearing a lot about these Chromebooks and you definitely can’t beat the price.
I have a Samsung Chromebook too aside from my regular laptop. I find it is amazing for carrying around when I need to get out of the house but still get work done.
Great post! Chromebook sounds great…. would love to be done with MS Office.