Category Archives: Shopping

My NEC 515 cell phone has started to exhibit random erratic behavior. Sometimes when it’s on, it fails to connect to a network; people call me and I don’t get a call or a message or even a “missed call” notice. Sometimes when I want to make a call the phone book is unavailable – it’s “sorting” endlessly. Sometimes it starts beeping at me that the SIM card is unavailable. None of this is good.

I’m somewhat locked into Cingular as a carrier, because most others don’t seem to have a signal that can be received inside my house, and we have a family plan too.

So all of a sudden I need a new GSM phone. Here’s the wish list:

• I’m pretty used to flip phones, and like the idea of a phone that won’t accidentally call someone in my pocket.
• I have a preference for quadband ‘world phones’ that can work anywhere. Failing that, I’d at least like one that works in Europe too.
• I need an unlocked phone
• And here’s the tough one: I’d like a phone that speaks to my PC, one that would let me upload and download numbers, ringtones and maybe even photos without having to pay the insane rates charged by Cingular

On the other hand, I don’t need some features that are heavily promoted:

• I don’t care if it plays electronic games; I don’t
• I don’t use my phone for Internet access.
• I don’t particularly need much in the way of additional features like calendars and the like
• All other things being equal, a camera might be fun, but it is not essential

If any readers have advice or pointers, especially about the connecting-to-the-PC part, I’d be most grateful.

Despite my ordinary allergy to refurbished goods, the idea of getting a 21″ monitor for a little over $100 (including shipping) is strangely tempting.

But do I go with the Nokia 445Xiplus (Dot Pitch: 0.28 mm) or the Mystery Model NEC (0.24 mm horizontal pitch (0.28 mm diagonal trio dot pitch)?

We got new credit cards in the mail. Unlike the old ones, which were very neutral, a sort of bluish with some lines on it — and noted a tie-in to a frequent flier program — the new ones instead sport a loud rendition of a portion of a rippling American flag. It is not a nice picture. It looks like a cheap political mailing (and the absence of the tie-in raises the specter that the bank is contemplating ending its role as generator of volume frequent flier miles).

I want to call to complain. My spouse, who is not a US citizen and thus more in fear of Big Brother, argues that it is not wise to call anyone to complain about an American flag.

Thus, today's consumer — financial services provider interaction

Recorded voice: Welcome to {mega card}. To utilize our automated sevices press or say one….please touchtone or say your sixteen digit account number NOW.

[Lots of beeps] Thank you. Press one for…

[Frantic repeated pressing of the “0” key]

Female voice: Welcome to {mega card}. May I have the name on the card please? Thank you. What is your middle initial? What is your code word? No, that's not it. Yes, that's it, thank you. How can I help you?

Me: We received our new credit cards today. They have a picture of the American flag on them. I don't think this is an appropriate use of the American flag. The card will get dirty, it will have stuff run over it, this will amount to flag desecration. It's not right.

Female voice (afer slight delay) : would you like to speak to a supervisor and see what he can do for you?

[minute wait, listening to hold muzak]

Female voice: I have an account executive ready to speak to you.

Male voice: Hello, this is John, what is the problem?

Me: We received our new credit cards today. They have a picture of the American flag on them. I don't think this is an appropriate use of the American flag. The card will get dirty, it will have stuff run over it, it's a form of flag desecration. Can I have one that wouldn't be so offensive?

John: Let me put you on hold.

[Delay of under a minute]

John: We'll address that for you.

Me: What does that mean?

John: We'll get you a new card without the flag picture on it.

Me: Thank you. [Sudden inspiration.] One other thing. How do I dispose of this card? Normally I'd cut it up, but I don't want to do that.

John: (after minuscule pause) You could put it in a safe or other secure location.

Me: If I had a safe. Right. Thank you.

John: Goodbye.

Unfortunately, I forgot to ask about the frequent-flier miles. Do I call back?

So I tried the Starbucks Delocator that everyone is talking about (except of course one organization that got sat on by Starbucks.)

So, yah, it's great everyone is googlebombing the site so it's the top hit for Starbucks Delocator.

But have you tried USING the Starbucks Delocator? I found the initial results to be somewhat depressing.