My new computer was finally delivered a bit after 5 pm today.
First surprise: two women working the delivery. One with the sign-here tablet, the other hauling the 70-lb box to the porch. I know, it’s not PC for me to notice there were women working the delivery, but I did. I don’t think I’ve ever encountered female delivery persons when a heavy shipment is involved. Impressive. (Is it sexism when a woman says that?)
Actually, what really caught my attention was the box. Yep, the cardboard box. What a fine example of brand name merchandising. The box is solid black. No labels or marking beyond the shipping label itself, except for a small strip of tape at each end, marked with that distinct black-and-yellow diagonal stripe pattern that usually means “Caution” or “Warning” — each said “heavy.” Oh, and the packing tape down the middle that sealed the box is solid black. The source of this marketing expertise: Alienware.
The company is owned by Dell and makes gaming machines. Their line of desktop systems is designated Area-51, their logo is an alien head, the website is predominantly black. The computer cases themselves are vaguely reminiscent of Battlestar Galactica’s cylons. My marketing instructors would have given Alienware an A.
No, this old lady hasn’t completely lost her marbles (if I had, would I know it?). I didn’t set out to buy a computer that any teenage gamer would kill for (although the launch of Warhammer Online next week was definitely relevant). My last three computers have been Dells, and I was ready to buy from them again. However, this time their options didn’t include some of the components I wanted, and I found them at Alienware. I’m guessing Dell has passed off some of its high-end items to Alienware. Anyway, I have this theory that a good gaming machine, by default, is going to be capable of handling almost anything else you might want from it. True or not, it’s a great rationale, so don’t go shooting it down now.
I’m not looking forward to the impending set-up operation. Crawl around under the desk, disconnect all those cables, pull the old computer out, get the new one into place, reconnect all the cables, install, reinstall, troubleshoot, etc. All this in a tight little space with bad lighting. I don’t do “on my knees” very well anymore (should I rephrase that?), and just thinking about all this is making me tired.
[continues with Grandma vs. the Alien: Chapter 1]
Yay PT, *doing the new computer dance* – I could never get one of those gamer pc’s or my 16 year old son would be all up in my grill. Know what I mean? But I know how you love your games and I tend to agree with you on the theory that if it’s complex enough to run all those applications, it surely must be top of the line. I like that theory, makes sense to me, and I’m sticking to it.
Too bad we don’t live close, because I LURVE to set up new computers 😉 Just think it’s a blast. I wish I could have helped you but I’m sure you are having fun now, once it is set up. Good for you and congrats on your new puter !!! Hand those good old boys their asses (the ones you play with on-line!) They aren’t going to know what hit ‘um *heee-heee*
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Another theory/rationalization of mine: I can’t compete with the younger players when it comes to dexterity and reaction time, so I’m going to BUY every edge I can afford. 🙂
I can’t think of anything more fun than having you over here swapping out my computers. Par-TAY!! Fortunately my techie son lives close by if I have any problems (and he might even feel a twinge of computer envy), but you’d be so much more fun.
I may have to sneak into your home and swipe your computer. Nothing personal.
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Brinks and the local PD may have other ideas. Nothing personal.
After your most recent post, I’m glad I didn’t try to steal it. 🙂
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Well, see how you are. Just one tiny thing goes wrong and you want to bail on the whole deal. 😉