Nickeled and Dimed to Death....

"Steve Jobs please'.

'Please hold'.

'Hello, this is Steve....'

'Hey Steve, how ya doing?'

'Good Sumi, whats up?'

'Look Steve, you know I love your computers... but I got a problem with your company'

'What kinda problem?'

'Well, its not really a problem with your computers... it's a problem with all the other stuff I need for the computers and the after purchase stuff.

'For example, I buy an iMac, right?'

'OK'

'So, when I bring the computer home, I unpack it... and? I can't do squat... I can't write anything because there is no Word or program like that, forgetabout Text Edit.. OK? So I gotta buy word, $150.00 or so... and if I want to edit a picture, there is no one complete photo editing program..so I buy Photoshop Elements..more $$.

'Now, I am not going to complain about tech support Steve, it's worth the money. But..this is where I start to get a bit peeved, Steve, .mac, for synching, email, calenders and all..$99.00 per year. ProCare and Concierge service $99.00 per year, EACH ..for classes, making appointments at the genius bar, and getting quicker computer fixes and stuff.'

'Our tech support is the best, we have to charge for that...'

'Steve, Steve, Steve...you are missing the point. If I am paying close to $2000.00 for a great computer, I should not have to pay MORE just to get it to work the way the you designed it! So, instead of charging me $2000.00 for a computer, charge me $2500.00, give me MS Word, Photoshop Elements, and 3 years of .mac. That way, I still pay for Tech Support-which I need, ProCare and Concierge-which I kinda sorta don't need, but may want to buy 'cause I am a Mac-a-holic, and then, when I get home I gotta computer I can use outta the box! See?'

'Yes I see... but my glasses are dirty'

'Funny dude, but what you're not getting is this... I am beginning to get sick and tired of being nickeled and dimed to death, first tech support, then word, the photshop, then .mac, then procare then concierge.. Steve are you getting the picture?''

'Sure am Sumi, by the way, did you leave your Visa # with my Secretary for this call?'