Epson Support - FAIL

I bought an Epson printer a little over 12 months ago and it now prints lines through all the type. So I thought I would call support to see if they could help. I called the 1300 number on their web site and after pushing all the usual IVR buttons to get me to the right department I got the following message "Unfortunately we are experiencing high demand for our services, please call back later". Phone cuts out. Ummm....hello Epson....do you really want to keep your customers or not? I thought the printer game was pretty competitive but apparently not competitive enough that you would need to worry about a customer with a problem.
This came on the back of an interaction I had with their support desk via email. I wanted to get a copy of the original software that was delivered with my new printer. I had downloaded everything available from their web site for my PC - but none of it was the same as what was delivered on the CD with the new printer. So I emailed them to ask how I get the software, and I told them that I had already downloaded everything off the web site. They pointed me to the web site and said, that's where all the software is appropriate for my printer. I told them (again) i had already downloaded that software and that I was trying to get a copy of the original software sent with the printer. After another couple of interactions they finally understood my request. Answer: call someone in Brisbane and they will have it sent to you (at my cost).

I think one of the reasons I feel so angry about this level of service is that my brother was telling me I shouldn't buy any inkjet printer that wasn't a Canon. I argue with him and said Epson were a reputable brand and that this printer, the multifunction TX600F would be just what we needed. Now I have to admit that my little brother is right! I hate that.

Apple Mania

You have all seen it. The person who was happy using a PC but for some reason (perhaps the sleek white, clean lines) has "converted" to a Mac. I use the word converted because it seems to be a lot like a religious experience. After their conversion they want to know when your going to convert. Usually my answer is "when I can get the same computing power for the same price" but that doesn't always cut it with the new evangelist. No, they think you should convert now! I sometimes wonder if its because they need validation. They have just bought into the minority and are now unsure and insecure and want someone else - perhaps someone that they trust - to follow their lead. So they badger you to "buy a Mac, you will never go back". All I want to say to these people is shut about about your Mac. If I wanted to pay $2,000 for a $900 laptop I'd go and buy a $900 laptop and flush the rest of my money down the toilet!

But I think I want me an iPad...:)