"Geek Squad eReader Set-Up Service"

Mickey330 · 08-19-2010, 03:20 PM

This is an interesting premise:
http://www.geeksquad.com/intelligence/blog/

I agree with them, and others, that this actually is a good service. I mean, look at how many questions that've been answered here on MobileRead (some w-a-y more than once!). Sometimes it's true, an e-reader is not necessarily a plug-n-play device - especially when you have to deal with third-party apps (such as Adobe).

I just find it interesting that they are charging $29.99 for the service. Wonder how many people would go that route, versus finding a solution somewhere [else] on the Interwebz.

Or, is this almost a chicken & egg situation: If you know enough to find out about Geek Squad's program, might you know enough about rooting around to find other help - maybe even MobileRead? Huh.

Maybe Alexander Turcic should look into putting a tip jar on the front page or something, given all the help this place has given to just me alone!

Marilyn

jblitereader · 08-19-2010, 05:07 PM

The thing is why would you spend that much money for a service that you can do yourself with all the resources online?

mr ploppy · 08-19-2010, 05:45 PM

The same reason you would pay someone to clean your windows or take your dog for a walk. It's easier than bothering yourself.

GA Russell · 08-19-2010, 06:18 PM

$29.99 seems to me to be a high percentage of the purchase price.

lord_blackfang · 08-19-2010, 06:49 PM

What baffles me is that there are still enough computer-illiterate people out there to make such a service profitable.

FizzyWater · 08-19-2010, 07:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lord_blackfang

What baffles me is that there are still enough computer-illiterate people out there to make such a service profitable.

Well, if it was the only service they offered, it probably wouldn't be, but as just another part of what they offer, it probably is a "break-even" deal. Gives the user warm fuzzies about using Geek Squad and increases the possibility they'd turn to them again for something more complicated.

FizzyWater · 08-19-2010, 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lord_blackfang

What baffles me is that there are still enough computer-illiterate people out there to make such a service profitable.

I know someone who paid Geek Squad $100 to set up their wireless router. I don't consider myself at all savvy with networking, but with the help of 1) my cable company and 2) the router help desk, I got mine set up in half an hour.

She, on the other hand, didn't want to deal with the frustration (it's not like most IT help desk treat users like they have two brain cells to rub together!), so it was worth it to her.

Barcey · 08-19-2010, 07:07 PM

If they "accidentally" include the DRM removal scripts it would be worth it.

FizzyWater · 08-19-2010, 07:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barcey

If they "accidentally" include the DRM removal scripts it would be worth it.

I like it.

poohbear_nc · 08-19-2010, 08:37 PM

I immediately wondered the same thing - DRM removal included?
Migrate your ebooks to your new reader?

Set up calibre?

I wonder if we should have an undercover MR "agent" sign up for this service - and find out what they're willing to do?

Ervserver · 08-19-2010, 08:54 PM

I wouldn't let the Geek Squad take out my garbage

bjones6416 · 08-20-2010, 12:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lord_blackfang

What baffles me is that there are still enough computer-illiterate people out there to make such a service profitable.

Then you must not live near me! Around here, people know how to deal with their big screen tvs and cable issues, but google searches and routers? Nope, not so much.

08-19-2010, 03:20 PM	#1
Mickey330 Addict Posts: 378 Karma: 1107420 Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Western New York state (USA) Device: Kindle Oasis & the Kindle app on iDevices	"Geek Squad eReader Set-Up Service" This is an interesting premise: http://www.geeksquad.com/intelligence/blog/ I agree with them, and others, that this actually is a good service. I mean, look at how many questions that've been answered here on MobileRead (some w-a-y more than once!). Sometimes it's true, an e-reader is not necessarily a plug-n-play device - especially when you have to deal with third-party apps (such as Adobe). I just find it interesting that they are charging $29.99 for the service. Wonder how many people would go that route, versus finding a solution somewhere [else] on the Interwebz. Or, is this almost a chicken & egg situation: If you know enough to find out about Geek Squad's program, might you know enough about rooting around to find other help - maybe even MobileRead? Huh. Maybe Alexander Turcic should look into putting a tip jar on the front page or something, given all the help this place has given to just me alone! Marilyn

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08-19-2010, 05:07 PM	#2
jblitereader Addict Posts: 248 Karma: 1312 Join Date: Mar 2010 Device: jetbook lite	The thing is why would you spend that much money for a service that you can do yourself with all the resources online?

08-19-2010, 05:45 PM	#3
mr ploppy Feral Underclass Posts: 3,622 Karma: 26821535 Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Yorkshire, tha noz Device: 2nd hand paperback	The same reason you would pay someone to clean your windows or take your dog for a walk. It's easier than bothering yourself.

08-19-2010, 06:18 PM	#4
GA Russell It's Argos vs. Bombers! Posts: 7,633 Karma: 31487351 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Raleigh, NC Device: Paperwhite, Kindles 10 & 4 and jetBook Lite	$29.99 seems to me to be a high percentage of the purchase price.

08-19-2010, 06:49 PM	#5
lord_blackfang Enthusiast Posts: 41 Karma: 80 Join Date: Jul 2010 Device: PRS-600	What baffles me is that there are still enough computer-illiterate people out there to make such a service profitable.

08-19-2010, 07:07 PM	#8
Barcey Wizard Posts: 1,531 Karma: 8059866 Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Canada Device: Kobo H2O / Aura HD / Glo / iPad3	If they "accidentally" include the DRM removal scripts it would be worth it.

08-19-2010, 08:37 PM	#10
poohbear_nc Now what? Posts: 61,020 Karma: 135181808 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Durham, NC Device: Every Kindle Ever Made & To Be Made!	I immediately wondered the same thing - DRM removal included? Migrate your ebooks to your new reader? Set up calibre? I wonder if we should have an undercover MR "agent" sign up for this service - and find out what they're willing to do?

08-19-2010, 08:54 PM	#11
Ervserver Wizard Posts: 2,624 Karma: 1008294 Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Iowa, USA Device: Nook Simple Touch	I wouldn't let the Geek Squad take out my garbage

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