Super-Quick Review: Amazon.Com Does It Again. HP Envy 17 Inch Received One Day Early.

Boo-Yoww!

Now, I've heard a few legitimate horror-stories about Amazon.com (a few), and I've had my OWN bad experience with Amazon once after several good orders I placed with them. But, overall, Amazon is still a great source for online shopping. Ninety percent of the time, they'll do you right.

And, the other 10% of the time.... well, I really can't  complain, because my "bad experience" wasn't much to rant or rave about.

In fact, I inflicted this heinous crime on my Self for not paying attention to what I was doing, so I can't point the finger at anybody. Hell, even I admit that what I did was dumb.

Somehow, I overpaid on Amazon shipping.... Somehow, I paid double for shipping the products I wanted.

I know what you're thinking: "How in the hell did I do that???" 

Instead of putting all of the orders on one ticket (skin care products, dog food, electronic accessories), I put them on separate tickets. I was mad that Amazon didn't catch this and help me out, but I didn't realize what had happened until after I saw my bank account.

I said, "Damn!"

And, to be totally honest... I did this twice. lol...

Well, I was a "rookie".

It could've happened to almost anyone - especially a newbie. But, other than that confusing moment, all of my Amazon experiences have been superb. So, I STILL support and recommend Amazon.com for buying anything online - especially over Best Buy.

Anyway... Let's talk about my new PC.

I ordered my HP Envy the other day and was expecting to see it Tuesday after I got off of work at 11:00PM, but I got a shock when I got home.

I know you know what happened, but let me tell you the story anyway.

All day - without me even initiating the conversation - people were telling about the new computers they'd bought for themselves or their children with their tax refund money. Four-hundred bucks here; Six-hundred bucks there. Some of them found deals in pawn shops. Blah, blah, blah... 

One of my co-workers even mentioned to me that he recently BUILT a high-powered computer from scratch.

I was like: "What in the hell is going on??? WHY is everybody so interested in talking about computers today?"

I knew the Devil was messin' with me, because deep down, I was kind of worried about that computer - and the "demons" (the problems) that were to come.

I was already anxious to take that HP Envy for a test-drive, but after a while, I was getting obsessed with the thought of just seeing what I really bought.

I was like: "damn... Why didn't I spend the few extra bucks and have the thing shipped on Monday?" 

In hindsight, I know that it made more sense to have it shipped to me on Monday - especially since I was getting off at 1PM on Monday and 11PM on Tuesday - but, during the shopping and ordering process, I was trying to control my eagerness. I didn't want to overlook anything on the specifications, and I didn't want to get TOO excited about the Envy, and then feel the emotional pain of disappointment and regret later (because of Windows 8 and the touchscreen).

I've read so many negative reviews about Windows 8 that I was afraid I'd be stuck with yet ANOTHER crappy computer.

So, although I was thrilled about getting the Envy, I had mixed feelings about my overall decision.

But, again, I received a Blessin'.

Right now, I'm happy as hell...

I KNOW The Cyber-Gods have my back (because I was mostly worried about my new computer sitting alone out there in the open, on the porch, in the cold, and in the dark for six hours, until I got home), but lo and behold, just as I was about to turn my bike onto the driveway, I noticed that big brown Amazon box standing there on the porch behind the black handrails like a little two-year-old kid smiling at me.

I kept my cool like I didn't even see it. But, I can't lie. I was giddy as hell. I couldn't help but smile as I parked my ride.

I said, "Oooh hell... Now, I get the chance to test that bad-boy out."

Those people at Amazon.com always surprise me. I never expect to get my shipments earlier than the delivery date. But, sometimes it happens. 

But, the main thing is: Whenever I order something, it's always on time, and everything is all right.

I don't get any half-opened packages, damaged packages, products I didn't order, or products that don't work. Everything is always cool.

So, when I place an order, I'm confident that everything is gonna be All Good... (90/10 Rule)... That's how I feel about Amazon.

I still haven't used the computer yet, but I created an un-boxing video with my Kodak Playsport. 

Unfortunately, I loaded the video onto this Toshiba Satellite. So, it may take a while to render a high-quality video.

And, what's even worse than that is: I haven't got started yet, so it might be a while before I publish anything.

Or, maybe...

I could use the HP, and then, load the video onto THAT computer to test it's capabilities - AND to render the final video......

(mmmmm... that sounds like a good plan....)

Anyway...

I know a lot of people are apprehensive about ordering stuff online, but that's because they think they'll get cheated out of their money, or they're not sure about how quickly they'll get satisfaction if they have a problem.

Yeah, it's easier and faster to go back to the store and cuss someone out if you have a problem. And, you'll be able to get a refund quicker if you're not happy with your purchase. But, if you see a good deal online for a high quality product promoted by a major company like Amazon, why not save yourself some cash and get the bargain? Hell, I know people at work who are Amazon.com Addicts. And, some who complain that their wives are Amazon.com Addicts. They love it. And, you KNOW that most women know the best places to shop.... And, a lot of them shop online at Amazon.

Hell, some people love Amazon.com more than they love The Home Shopping Networks!

I'm saying this and I'm not even an affiliate. I don't get any kickbacks or compensation from Amazon. I'm a regular shopper too.

I'm telling you this because it's the first time I've ever spent a thousand dollars in one whop on anything... And, I don't feel I've made a bad decision for doing it. Go Amazon.

- PC Power Junkie

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For the record: although I've had a few bad experiences with Best Buy, I know they can't be all bad and that they have their fans as well. What you really have to do is shop, learn, and compare online stores regularly to see what you've got to work with out there. I'll probably go back to Best Buy in the future, but I've had too many bad experiences to feel comfortable about going back to them right now.

VIDEO: AMD Vs Intel Choosing The Right CPU

AMD Vs Intel Choosing The Right CPU 

This is a video I just discovered tonight from Tech Of Tomorrow. Tech Of Tomorrow has hundreds of videos about "gaming" and YEARS of experience with "gaming", gaming computers, and gaming products, so this host knows a lot about High Performance.

This particular video is about Intel and AMD processor comparisons that I think you'll find helpful when choosing your next laptop or desktop system. View it a couple of times and get out there and research before you buy.

I'll be honest with you, I got seriously lucky when I purchased my HP Envy from Amazon.com. 

The truth is: I was at a crossroads between the AMD and Intel processors. I liked the AMD Quad-Core processors because of my experience with that first HP Pavillion g7 with that A6 under the hood. 

Then, my interests expanded when I saw that Dell Inspiron 15R in Wal-Mart with the i5 Intel processor. It wasn't the i5 processor that caught my attention. It was all of the other features on the Dell that turned me into a an Inspiron stalker. After lurking around on the Dell website for a couple of weeks window-shopping, I suddenly became greedy for the most powerful processor they had that would fit into the Inspiron.

This greed also lead me to seek out the most powerful AMD processors.

Because I had little experience and knowledge about processors, I wasn't sure which one was the best for my needs. And, the more I read, the more confused I became.

I decided to go for "a little extra" when I finally made my decision, and according to this video by a "gaming" expert, I did the right thing. And, I've done MORE research in the past couple of days that have led me to believe that I've done the right thing. But, again, I got lucky. Or, maybe my Guardian Angel is just tired of seeing me abused and led astray.

Anyway...

Don't take a chance with your time, peace of mind, and hard-earned cash. Check out this video for an expert second opinion before you buy!

I may end up doing my own video about CPU basics in the future after I do a review on my HP Envy. But, we shall see.


Video provided by - techtomorrow

- PC Power Junkie

My Life Sucks, But It's Ok. 17 Inch HP Envy On The Way.

Those damn short-sellers and Illuminati-wannabee-market-moving-scoundrels have drug my stock down to the damn ground...

It's a damn shame.

Why are some people so scandalous and greedy that they live to look for "loopholes" and schemes to cheat any type of system that they can find? Or, they live to cheat and manipulate honest hardworking people who are just trying to make a decent living and live The Good Life.

Why, Lord, Why?

Hell, I'm not looking for a "free ride". I try to contribute to society like everyone else. And, I'm investing my money in a company that contributes something to society.

Cloud Computing.

How can anyone hate on cloud computing when all the Major companies like Google, Amazon, Apple, Microsoft - hell everybody that IS somebody -  is going to "the cloud" and offering cloud services?

Not only that, there are everyday individuals like you and me out there who have their OWN private cloud set-up too. They have everything they need (that's digital) linked in their cloud so that they can access that information on whatever type of device they're using at the time (a cell phone, a tablet, a computer, a media player, a TV, a car, etc.).

And, don't forget about Chromebooks. Chromebooks are primarily cloud-based computers - and, they're starting to sell like hotcakes because of how cheap, mobile, and secure, they are. So, cloud computing is really not a bad thing. You may even decide to have YOUR own private cloud one day.

But, this stock that I have scalped and bled my paychecks for is much more than Cloud Computing.

But, those slithering short-sellers and stock manipulators don't care about how good a company is. They have found a way to drive stocks up and down so that they are able to make money off of companies whether those companies are beneficial to society or whether those companies are worthless as crap. They don't care who loses money or how many people lose their job because those bums are greedy as hell. Ten times greedier than the average Joe out there. And, that's not a good thing. I hate to say it, but the stock market (or some parts of it) is nothing but a racket.

Don't forget "The Wolf Of Wall Street".... And, realize that he's not the only one with that type of mindset OR those types of ideas. There are a BUNCH of reptilian hyena scumbags lurking around out there.

I hate to wish evil on others, but...

Dear God,... Please let the Securities and Exchange Commission step in and hunt those scandalous rascals down and put all of their heads on a stick. Pleeeease.

.... driving the price of oil and gas up.... I'm sick of ov'em.


Maybe I'm just grumpy because of my job.

Lord, I know I should appreciate my blessings, but I never realized that hating my job so much would be this stressful.

I had to fight with myself to hate that hell-hole because I genuinely like the place. The atmosphere, my co-workers, helping customers; everything is cool. And, I'm always learning something new. It's a sweet deal, although the pay is despicable as hell.

But, I was certain that learning to hate my job would give me the Motivation I needed to quit working for "The Man" and to step-out on my own and BE "The Man", but I was wrong. And, I've paid the price for the error of my ways. Hell, I'm STILL paying the price.

My life has been suckin' for over a year now.

I've been injured on the job, and I've kept working because I really can't afford to be out for days or weeks at a time.

I'm broke, so I can't (or don't want to) dive into a serious relationship right now. Hell, look at me. I can't even afford to have a Sweetheart on Valentine's Day.

I've been a slave to a demanding pug for what seems like a decade. Pitiful.

I'm still dealing with one of the slowest computers in the whole wide world because I was ripped-off by Best Buy.

The Boss is always demanding as hell and never understanding... Plus, the scheduling sucks.

And, I don't even want to get started talking about Obama and why I think he should've left the HealthCare thing for later and focused on Energy and Jobs first....

....I don't know... I'm just whining and rambling I guess.

But, I DO have some Good News...

I'm not gonna spend too much more time on this Toshiba Satellite!

That's right.

I'm sending this bad-boy out to pasture.

I'm trading it in for an HP Envy which will be here soon.

I had a lot of videos I wanted to make since I've finally decided on what I wanted to do with my life. But, trying to make a movie on this Toshiba with the programs I have is like trying to win the Kentucky Derby on a 3-speed bicycle..... (...is that a good analogy? ....hell, who cares.)

There are days when I've turned on my Cyberlink PowerDirector program to make a movie and I'd have to restart the computer to get any work out of it. And, when it did work, the process was so slow that I felt like I just wanted rip my brains right out of my skull and slam'em through the screen.

I've also used Gimp and a simple program like Microsoft Movie Maker - which sometimes "froze" on me and wouldn't do anything until I restarted the computer.

It's like EVERY idea I have is either doomed or cursed.

I mean: It has been torture to use this thing (this Toshiba). And, that was after I upgraded the ram memory from 4 gigabytes to 8 gigabytes. It made a difference in some aspects, but overall, it can't run with the Big Dogs.

You know why? It's because it's all about the Processor.

Don't get me wrong. Other components make a difference in the processing speed of your computer, but the Processor is either the "brains" or the "muscle" in your system. It seems to make the real difference. It's like when you step on the gas pedal in your car. Hell, you don't want that bucket to stall, do you? Hell naw... When you hit the gas, you want your car to Move.

The Toshiba I have is packed with an A4 Dual-Core processor and is okay for light-work (like: making short and simple video clips on YouTube, downloading music and movies, saving videos from your phone or camera, photo editing, blogging, making music, etc.)

But, if you want to do these things FASTER, then you need more Horsepower.

Which is why I went to Amazon.com and got this new set of "wheels":

Boo-Yoww!

HP Envy 17-j130us 17.3-Inch Touchsmart Laptop with Beats Audio

It's due in a few days, and I can hardly wait.

But, I'm STILL on the hunt for the Elusive SuperComputer!

Don't think I'm not happy about being able to own this rocket, but there were some other cyber-crafts out there that I was damn near ready to sell my soul for.

Those were the REAL Big Dogs. Rigs. Gaming Computers and such. Two Thousand and Three Thousand Bucks each!

That's way out of my league.

And, built with components I want but would really have no use for at this level in my "career".

Which makes me wonder about something...

Why in the hell would Hewlett Packard put a touchscreen on a laptop computer???

Why would ANYBODY put a touchscreen on a laptop. Who needs that crap on a laptop???

It just doesn't make much sense to me.

And, unfortunately, I couldn't find the one I wanted on Amazon without the touchscreen. This was it.

Hopefully, it won't suck.

But, even if it doesn't, I'm sure I'll find something to whine and complain about. Stay tuned.

- PC Power Junkie

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HP Envy 17-j130us 17.3-Inch Touchsmart Laptop with Beats Audio

Specifications

Display.............. 17.3" diagonal HD+ BrightView LED-backlit touchscreen display (1600 x 900)

Memory.............12GB installed memory

Hard drive...........1TB 5400RPM hard drive with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection

Processor..............Intel Core i7-4700MQ Processor (2.4GHz with Turbo Boost up to 3.4GHz)

Battery/life...........6-cell 62WHr lithium-ion battery (up to 4 hrs, 30 mins of battery life)

Operating system........Windows 8.1

Weight and dimensions.......7.07 lbs, 16.38"W x 10.83"D x 1.16"/1.32"H

Finish.................................Glass fiber with silky soft-touch paint in natural silver

Graphics card...................Intel HD graphics 4600 with up to 1792MB total graphics memory

Optical drive.......................SuperMulti DVD burner

Wireless...............................Intel 1x1 802.11ac WLAN and Bluetooth with WiDi

Warranty..............................1-year limited hardware warranty with toll-free support

HP Envy 17-j130us 17.3-Inch Touchsmart Laptop with Beats Audio

Screen Size	17.3 inches
Max Screen Resolution	1600x900 pixels
Processor	2.4 GHz Core i7-4700MQ
RAM	12 GB DDR3L SDRAM
Hard Drive	1024 GB
Graphics Coprocessor	Intel HD graphics 4600
Wireless Type	802.11 A/C
Number of USB 3.0 Ports	4
Average Battery Life (in hours)	4.5 hours

Other Technical Details

Brand Name	HP
Series	Envy
Item model number	E8A04UA#ABA
Hardware Platform	PC
Operating System	Windows 8
Item Weight	7.1 pounds
Item Dimensions L x W x H	10.83 x 16.38 x 1.32 inches

Color	Natural Silver
Processor Brand	Intel
Processor Count	1
Computer Memory Type	SODIMM
Hard Drive Interface	Serial ATA
Hard Drive Rotational Speed	5400 RPM
Optical Drive Type	SuperMulti DVD burner
Audio-out Ports (#)	1
Batteries:	1 Lithium ion batteries required. (included)

Review - My Latest Best Buy Computer Purchase

Best Buy: Overall Rating (***)

Best Buy Midtown: Customer Service (***)

Best Buy Midtown: Customer Appreciation/ Return of Defects (*)

I must be a glutton for punishment or have a "love-hate relationship" with the Best Buy located in uptown Charlotte, North Carolina, because every time I go in  there to purchase a computer, I run into some type of drama.

Recently, I went online to find some deals because I was in the market for a full-size computer with more RAM and storage than my Acer netbook because I'm planning to make videos and I want to copy some old VHS home movies to DVD. And, of course, Best Buy advertised a good selection and good prices. But, when I got there, they had none of the computers advertised in stock. Not a single one. That was my fault because I should've checked the availability online. But, it worked out well because those computers didn't have the power I needed anyway - according to the saleslady.

I told her what I planned to use the computer for and she told me I needed something with more RAM power and a better processor (4 Gigs of Ram; Dual Core; etc.) or I'd be wasting a lot of time watching the computer instead of using it. And, she enlightened me to benefits of having a computer that could handle multitasking better so that I could still enjoy listening to my music, surfing the Web, and using a few other programs while the videos and pictures loaded. She also told me about upgrading and improving the performance of the computer later on if I decided I needed more power without having to buy a whole new computer. Her presentation was really good and convinced me to spend almost $200 more than I planned. I couldn't afford the extended warranties or service plans after that though.

So, anyway, I bought a Hewlett Packard Pavilion g7 with an A6 Quad Core processor, Radeon graphics, 4 Gigabytes of RAM, and 500 gigs of memory. She tried to sell me a Samsung that was on display with similar qualities except it had i3 Intel processor, but I'd have to return 3 or 4 days later to get it. I didn't want to travel back and forth up the road for a computer so I went with the HP. It cost a little more but, it was a nice looking computer and it could do the job.

Well, I got the thing home and the DVD player didn't work. I could hear it trying to read every disk put int there but none of them would play. It would spin for a while then stop completely.

Plus, I turned the volume up to the max and the speakers sounded like crap - popping and crackling. It didn't sound like that in the store. I was disappointed as hell, but I couldn't return the piece of junk right away because I don't have a car and it would have taken me an hour or so to get back to the store. That was a chore in itself. Plus, I had other obligations and errands to take care of so I'd have to wait a week to get back down to Best Buy anyway.

I still had hopes of saving the poor HP Pavilion and went online to see if there was a way to correct the problem with the DVD but no type of tricks or troubleshooting worked, so finally, I said the hell with it and started re-packaging everything.



Later on, as I looked over the material in the box that the Pavilion g7 came in, I noticed that there was a pink tag taped to the plastic bag that the computer came in. It was a "defect / repair" ticket. I don't know what the issue was because the notes were written in Chinese. So, there was something wrong with the computer straight from the manufacturer - before they even put it in the box! This ticked me off a little bit but just as I was about to power the computer completely off, it started installing updates. I waited and hoped the updates would fix the DVD drive issue. The speakers sucked but I could live with it. But, it still didn't matter. The updates had no effect on the DVD drive. It was still struggling to read the "Dear John" movie I put in it.

After several days, being stuck in the same house with that "lemon" started to get to me and I had to do something. I couldn't wait a week to take it back, so I paid a taxi $20 to take me to Best Buy for a replacement. And, I'd have to pay $20 to get back. So, now the computer cost me $40 extra.

When I got there, a lady (customer service rep or cashier) took my receipt and took the computer in the back to test it. Then she came back and began the process to give me a refund but I told her "I didn't want a refund", I needed a computer and would shop around for a replacement. She didn't even ask me if I wanted to exchange it or anything. Just started ringing up the refund.

Anyway, while I was looking around, another sales associate came to assist me. The lady that sold me the HP Pavilion was busy with another customer. This guy was fairly knowledgeable, but I already made up my mind to get the same kind of computer anyway. That HP Pavilion had terrible speakers but it was fast and it looked sharped. Plus, it fit inside my computer bag almost perfectly. I must admit, I was proud to own it.

But, I was disappointed again...

They didn't have another in stock. Not even a display model. But, they had a "comparable" Toshiba Satellite L775 on the shelf. Only ONE... And, it had that "Geek Squad" crap on it. They deleted all of the ads and pop-ups and made a restore disk and it was gonna cost me $99.00 extra. There was NO OTHER computer in the whole damn store - in my price range or with the same qualities as the HP - except this ONE lonely-ass Toshiba with this Geek Squad crap on it and that same damn Samsung that was sitting on the shelf from a few days ago. And, it was Memorial Weekend!

I know we're supposed to honor the Vets and men and women in uniform, but these corporations thrive on these "holidays". Hell, they can't wait to advertise the goodies they have in their stores so they can suck out those last remaining dollars you have in your pockets. But, not this store! They didn't have jack-shit on the shelves and when I asked why since I knew they advertised a Memorial Day Sale, the salesguy replied, "Well, we only have one thing on sale anyway."

lol... What the hell???

I couldn't do anything but chuckle at the stupidity of the situation and asked him to turn up the volume on the Toshiba display model. It sounded pretty good. No popping and crackling noises. Then, I asked about the RAM and the Hard Drive Memory. He said it was all the same and that the Toshiba was just as good as the HP Pavilion.

I was disappointed that I couldn't get another HP but I thought I'd give the Toshiba a try. And, I wasn't about to pay $99.00 for that Geek Squad crap either. I asked him who was the manager on duty. He told me her name and where she was then walked off. No "Thank You", no "See you later", no "Hope you enjoy the computer", or anything. Just walked right off. I walked off too - straight towards the manager.

I told her that I was replacing a defective HP Pavilion with the new Toshiba but that I didn't want to pay 99 bucks for the whatever the Geek Squad did to it. She told me there was nothing she could do about it and I had to pay it.

Then, I went into my sob story about how I originally came in for a $299 computer and they didn't have any in stock and how the saleslady convinced me to purchase a computer that cost almost $500 and how I got it home and it didn't work and then I had to pay a taxi 20 bucks just to get back there and how I was losing sleep because I worked 3rd shift and how I was gonna have to pay another taxi 20 bucks to get back home and how they didn't have any more computers in my price range on the shelves (including no more HP Pavilions) and how shocked I was that it was Memorial Weekend and they had nothing in stock and she had the gall to look me in the eye and say... "Well, we don't make the computers." lol.... What the hell???

It was just ridiculous. I was shocked but I couldn't do anything but laugh on the inside.

I said, "So, you mean to tell me that you're okay with selling defective products?"

Then, she started telling me that the Geek Squad had to get paid for the work that they do on the computers and blah, blah, blah... I don't know what she was saying.

Then, some guy - one of those damn geeks - asked me to follow him back over to the area where I picked the HP and the Toshiba. He didn't have on a name tag, but he had on a necktie so I knew he was a geek. I guess he had to see for himself that there was nothing over there. Then, he tried to get me to take the Samsung and come back in a few days to pick it up. I said, "no, I can't do that. It already cost me $20 to get here and I'll have to pay $20 to get back home. I don't want to spend any more time and money on this."

He said, "Okay, that's no problem. We can take the Samsung in the back and prep it and have it ready for you within three hours."

I was starting to get perturbed because I knew he was trying to con me out of the Toshiba and give me the run-around about the $99.00 charge that he probably tacked on himself. Hell, he could've kept the restore disk. I've never used one.

Anyway, I go into my sob story again. He listens. But, again, he's telling me that I'm gonna have to pay the extra fee if I get the Toshiba. Then, he walks away and says he'll get someone to check to see if another store has the Toshiba. Now, after all I've went through and paid 40 extra dollars, he's still trying to send me out the door to another store - just so that he won't lose this "battle".

Fine. He doesn't make the ultimate decisions anyway, so he's no longer a factor in negotiations.

I went back to the manager on duty and looked her dead in the eye and said, "Okay. I'll pay the $99.00 extra, and I need the name and phone number of your District Manager."

Now, I don't like dealing with district managers because they don't know all the crap the managers and sales associates have to put up with in an under-staffed store. And, some of them don't care. They make one lap around the store in 15 or 20 minutes, give the manager a bunch of chores and tasks to complete with little help and time, make silly changes, and then, they ride off into the sunset. So, I don't like to complain too much because I know what some of these people are going through. And, she looked stressed out enough with a customer that was standing in front of her.

But, I wasn't about to let her or that damn geek screw me over that day.

She said, "Give it to him at the regular price."

It was fair and the right thing to do and I thanked her.

And, that damn geek STILL tried to put that $99.00 charge on me!

He started ringing me up and told me hated the fact that I'd have to pay the $99 but that it was worth it for what they'd done.

She said, "Oh, NO HE'S NOT!"

He was so shocked his eyeballs almost jumped out of his damn head when he turned to her - like: "WHAT???"

You heard the lady. Take that charge off of there, Asshole...

All of that only took about 30 minutes but the worst part of the story is: I went through all of that drama and the Toshiba Satellite L775 s7112 sucks like hell. That Best Buy sales guy didn't know what the hell he was talking about.

Yeah, I'm getting 4 gigs of RAM and 500 gigs of Memory, but the Toshiba has an A4 Dual Core processor with the lowest clock speed available versus the A6 Quad Core processor that the HP Pavilion had. In fact, the processor in this Toshiba is the "bottom line" processor that comes in this laptop. And, I can definitely tell a difference in the graphics and in the download speed. So, I ended up getting screwed by Best Buy anyway.

I said the hell with it. I give up.

Man, I'll tell you, I can't win for losing.... lol. C'est la vie.

........................................................................................

Recommendations:

1. Before you go to Best Buy, research online to see what kind of reviews the store you plan to visit has.

2. Make sure you know (or have some idea of) what you want BEFORE you go in. Don't completely rely on the salespeople.

3. Check the availability of several products (other options) you might be interested in just in case the online count is wrong and just in case they only have that Geek Squad crap in there and you decide on something else.

4. If you can go somewhere else and get what you want, that might be your best option.