New computer yay! Delivery by 2/13, what?

I didn't know what to blog about but a Dell customer rep helped me out. Here's the backstory. We had a power outage last night that bricked my home computer. So at work today I went to the Dell outlet to see what they had for sale. I found a good deal and a coupon too so I ordered. I got my email confirmation and it said my system would ship on February 6th. I got 3-5 day shipping but it might not leave Dell until the 6th? This is an outlet system. It's supposed to already be built. We're not waiting on parts to arrive. It just needs a shipping label right?

Out of curiousity I checked my order status online and I see the delivery date in is set for February 13th. I'm sure it won't take that long but I started a chat with a customer support rep just to make sure. I like Dell's support chat. Sometimes it's helpful. Other times it's absurd enough to be entertaining...

5:19:28 PM
System: You are now being connected to an agent. Thank you for using Dell Chat
System: Connected with Shashi ****
Greg Mills: Hi
Shashi ****: Thank you for contacting Dell Customer Service Chat. My name is Shashi. How may I help you?
Shashi ****: Hello.
Greg Mills: I placed an order this afternoon, when I got the confirmation I see that it may not ship unti 2/6.
Greg Mills: It's an outlet system. Why would it take to long to ship? It should already be assembled
Shashi ****: I will personally review your records and I will obtain the latest information for you. May I have the order number and complete name on the account please?
Greg Mills: ****
Greg Mills: ****
Shashi ****: Thank you.
Greg Mills: no problem :)
Shashi ****: Greg, Your email address is ****, am I right?
Greg Mills: that's correct
Shashi ****: We all understand how complicated each component of a computer system is hence, we have to test them all to ensure that the system meets our reliability expectations. We test exhaustively – with the intention of delivering a system with unmatched quality to our customers.
Greg Mills: You don't test it before you put it up for sale in the outlet? What if it fails?
Shashi ****: Unfortunately, I am not technically trained and not aware about the information. The estimated ship date is 02/06/07, however it may ship out on or before the estimated date.
Greg Mills: I understand that was a standard response you gave me. I just think it's backwards. You should test the stuff completely, then put in the outlet for sale. Not sell it, then test to make sure it works.
Shashi ****: Could you please let me what do you want me to do?
Greg Mills: I guess there is nothing you can do. I'm just a little disappointed in Dell's policy here. Nothing I can do but blog I guess.
Greg Mills: Thanks anyway
Shashi ****: Thank you for visiting Dell Consumer Customer Service online chat and allowing me the opportunity to assist you. I have included your case # **** to reference our interaction today. Please keep this on file; it will assist you when contacting Dell Inc in the future. Also, feel free to visit us again at support.dell.com.
5:27:18 PM

For the record, I always get great service from Dell. I fully expect to get a tracking number tomorrow or Thursday and my computer will probably be here early next week. I don't think they really have a policy of selling first and testing later. They tend to pad those expected delivery dates a bit.

Tags: dell

The Camera as an Instrument

I think have some type of weird addiction.

Around me right now is a guitar, drums and a keyboard. This computer get used mostly for graphics and writing in on various web sites. To my right I have a box where I keep pencils, charcoal and pastels for sketching. And, in the backpack on the floor I have my newest outlet... my digital camera.

I've had film and digital cameras before. My new digital gives me a lot of creative flexibility and with well laid out controls. With the digital I get instant feedback that I never got from my film SLR. I carry it with me almost everywhere now. I guess I'm a little afraid that I might see something beautiful and not be equipped to capture it.

As I began to get comfortable with the controls of the camera I began to see a similarity between the enjoyment I get from taking pictures and playing guitar. As "instruments" both the camera and the guitar require some practice to use them correctly at all. I also believe that I'll not live long enough to master either one.

Behind the guitar I use the same chords that everyone else plays to experiment with different styles, strumming, and technique. Though the chords are common, I try to create something unique. The music I make sounds good to me and expresses something, usually a mood. The camera is pretty much the same thing. I see the same scenes with my eyes that everyone else sees. The camera lets me control framing, light and focus to create something unique.

Right now I'm very happy that I'm just getting better snapshots of the family. But the more I practice the more I want to want to use my camera to take photos that are personal and have feeling. I want to take pictures that are songs.

Mills Family Photos (login required)