Vodkaman Posted November 17, 2015 Report Share Posted November 17, 2015 (edited) Today I discovered that my hand-phone was gone. It could only be in one of three places; charging behind my computer screen, in my shorts pocket or sitting above my keyboard which its normal place. I can only assume that I forgot to close the door during an afternoon nap and someone nipped in and out and swiped it. I bought it second hand about ten years ago, but it was still working fine apart from needing a new battery. Of course my numbers back-up is way out of date, but still useful. I was going to buy a tablet anyway, as I wanted a GPS and also I needed a tablet for the operation of my new GoPro. So, no whining. A quick internet search of the market, grabbed a few rolls of wonga and took a motorbike taxi (ojek) down to the Bandung Electrical Center mall, 2nd level for the Samsung shops. Nothing gay about the Samsung management; all the girls were stunning in their little barely legal mini-dresses. I handed the lass my piece of paper with Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 written down along with my estimated price from the web. Of course it was a lot more expensive, but I was in no mood for shopping around, $438. All the staff spoke a little English, so the job was made easy and entertaining as I had all the staff laughing as I practiced walking with the tablet, bumping into walls, chairs and counters. The girl did not shove a box in my hand and wave goodbye, she unpacked the pad, powered up and got me connected up to the internet. She sorted out a Gmail account for me and downloaded the two apps that I needed. She also downloaded a chat app that I would probably need one day. She gave me some instruction on how to use and taught me how to type as I kept getting eastern European characters by pressing too hard. This little girl was nothing short of wonderful. This kind of service is quite the norm here in Indonesia, I love it, almost a pleasure to shop. So, welcome to the 21st century Dave, you will soon be swiping with the best of them. I will be keeping my door locked when I nap from now on, just in case the bandit returns to do a bit more swiping. Dave Edited November 17, 2015 by Vodkaman Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dlaery Posted November 17, 2015 Report Share Posted November 17, 2015 did the girl come with the tablet? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JRammit Posted November 18, 2015 Report Share Posted November 18, 2015 (edited) I had the complete opposite experience when getting a tablet for my son.. Only it didnt start with a tablet.. It started with a portable Nintendo DS bought from rent to own type electronics store It was a cool little toy and he enjoyed it for over a year.. Until one day he lost in a game of Madden (football) and threw it against the wall... Ugh, kids... Luckily i paid a considerable extra amount for a 2 year replacement plan So we took it back to the store (40 miles away)... These stores are manned by commissioned sales people who patrol the aisles like security guards and intercept anything that walks through the door... So i had no problem getting someone's attention quickly I explained the situation to the guy and we went to the counter where he looked on his computer and told me they no longer carry the Nintendo so they can't replace it... So what do we do now? We go get the manager.. After about a half hour of pulling teeth, he agreed upon store credit... The Nintendo was $400, we found a Samsung tablet he liked for $300 and took it to the counter Nope.... Salesman points out a $500 tablet, claiming the exchange must be of equal or higher value, and i would have to pay the difference... I didnt come to spend more money, i came to exchange something i already paid money for Back to the manager.. But there was no budging this time... I even offered to let them keep the difference, no dice... I left with a broken Nintendo and an upset little boy The next day, a call to corporate revealed that this was NOT their policy on exchanges... After some name dropping and a return visit to the store, i recieved first rate service, a new tablet and a $100 check in the mail There seems to be no pride, no shame and no ethics in the work place anymore... At least not where i do business Edited November 18, 2015 by JRammit Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Travis Posted November 18, 2015 Report Share Posted November 18, 2015 My sons or daughter would not have gotten a tablet............ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JRammit Posted November 18, 2015 Report Share Posted November 18, 2015 I think it was a good lesson learned for him..... Btw, i did not rush to the store, he spent a good 2 months with no video game before i decided to replace it He respected the tablet more than he did the video game.. I believe in 2nd chances, but not 3rd and 4th... No protection plan this time Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vodkaman Posted November 18, 2015 Author Report Share Posted November 18, 2015 My opinion is that kids need to get comfortable with the latest technology as soon as possible. I fought hard and long with 1st wife, to allow a computer into the house. We were divorced and money was tight, but I got my way for once. My youngest is now 25 and a computer programmer and web developer. Tablets are the computers of today's generation. My daughter has just turned 6 and she has already broken her first tablet ($100). I will buy her another in a few months, but for now, she is learning the lesson about looking after her treasured possessions. Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Travis Posted November 18, 2015 Report Share Posted November 18, 2015 (edited) I was just commenting on the throwing a DS while playing Madden and getting a tablet out of the deal as it read like it was a "reward", which was not the case. Trust me, my kids are completely spoiled when it comes to technology. They had access to I phones to pick music and play games starting around 2. Youngest learned to read on tablets and a lot of their schooling starts on computers/tablets starting in preschool. I am embarrassed with the amount of "technology" they have and in my opinion have too much. We have a lot of Nintendo DS (7 or 8 models over the years and multiples), multiple I pads, various levels of Nooks, Kindle Fire HDs, lap tops, computers, smart tv's, I phones (daughter had one in 4th grade, middle boy 5th, and youngest packed around old model since in diapers and used for music, games, and taking pictures), etc.... My eight year old is funny to listen to as he was amazed some use cable for internet service anymore as that is so "old". He was telling his friend that fiber optic is the way to go and how he can easily stream 4k You Tube Videos on the TV and appropriate movies on Netflix, but of course his WiiU, DS's, Xbox 360 and old Wii won't do 4k. Because those are "old" gaming systems. The Game Cube, Sega, and original Play Station I had in college are "classic" in his opinion and older well that is like the Holy Grail. Edited November 18, 2015 by Travis Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vodkaman Posted November 18, 2015 Author Report Share Posted November 18, 2015 Travis - I agree, there is no room for tantrums when high $$ equipment is involved. JR's son learned the lesson the same as my daughter is learning the lesson right now. Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JRammit Posted November 18, 2015 Report Share Posted November 18, 2015 I was just commenting on the throwing a DS while playing Madden and getting a tablet out of the deal as it read like it was a "reward", which was not the case. It did come across that way.. But na.. Hes spoiled, but not THAT spoiled! Sad thing is, he took such great care of that tablet for so long.... And then I broke it, trying to jam a cheap gas station charger into the charger port Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vodkaman Posted November 22, 2015 Author Report Share Posted November 22, 2015 Bob - The girl set me up with a new gmail account, but, I spend most of my time in front of my computer, so when this months internet finishes on the tablet, I will not be renewing it. Regardless, use the normal email for work. I bought this tablet because I needed a phone and I needed to link to my GoPro. I also need the GPS, so I am hoping that these functions work without internet connection. Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JRammit Posted November 22, 2015 Report Share Posted November 22, 2015 The wireless plan usually includes data (internet)... Without a data plan, it will only make calls and send text messages... Im pretty sure the GPS wont work without it, and you wouldnt be able to download any new apps you need Idk what carrier you have, but some offer different levels of data... You could get off cheap if you don't plan on filling it with music and games Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vodkaman Posted November 22, 2015 Author Report Share Posted November 22, 2015 Thanks JR. I will let it run down and see what I have, but I strongly suspect that you are correct. The initial internet plan was for Rp50,000 which is $3.65 per month. I know it doesn't sound like much, but if I don't use any of the Gb then it is very expensive. The phone plan is separate and costs me $0.73 for ten days. If I don't use it all, the credit gets carried forward when I buy more. Again, I do not use the phone very often and so the credit just builds up and up. The internet credit works different, if you do not use the credit, you forfeit, which I think is bordering on criminal. Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JRammit Posted November 23, 2015 Report Share Posted November 23, 2015 The internet credit works different, if you do not use the credit, you forfeit, which I think is bordering on criminal. Dave sounds like insurance... only difference, when you do use insurance they charge you more Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vodkaman Posted November 23, 2015 Author Report Share Posted November 23, 2015 JR - I am very happy with my regular internet service. It is not fast, but I have unlimited access for around $12 per month. For many years, I never got my money's worth, but I never had to worry about going over and being hit with huge extra payments. I download a lot of movies now, so easily get value for money. It is a pity that the company don't do a tag on service for portables, as I would gladly pay it and use it. But, I won't pay for a service that I hardly use. Life assurance is an interesting analogy, but not correct. With Life assurance you always get your money's worth as it ALWAYS pays out. It is just a matter of when. The company gambles that you live longer and you gamble that you die tomorrow. It is the ultimate paradox! Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JRammit Posted November 24, 2015 Report Share Posted November 24, 2015 I was thinkin more along the lines of car insurance... You pay a fee every month weather you use it or not, this is understandable, they are in the "risk business"... But if you ever do use it, they raise your rate as if to charge you for what you already paid for..... Not to mention their cunning ability to weasel out of holding up their end of the bargain on occasion Little known fact... Corporate insurance headquarters have some of the highest security of any establishment in the country........ I had a job delivering copiers and various other equipment for 6 years... Ive been in federal buildings, military bases, more schools than i could count and even the US mint..... Security for the insurance companies was second only to the mint.... How many enemies must they have made to go to these lengths to protect themselves??? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
