We got our previously mentioned printer from Amazon today. Moments ago, I happily tore into the box to view our shiny new technological marvel.
I open up the instructions, and what do I see? Plug in HP USB cable *. I blinked. An asterisk? Whatever for? Oh. I see. The days must be past where they ship everything required to enjoy a product with the product. The USB cable is Sold Seperately.
I can still remember days when all peripheral needs were met by the Retail Box. One of my fondest memories was getting my Nintendo Entertainment System (I was about 7 or 8) and tearing into the box and getting to play it that very night (or at least, close enough to that night to be satisfactory). That trend still persisted (amazingly, as these things go) to when I purchased my Super Nintendo. All required pieces were still there, and you still got a game when you bought it.
Not so these days. Take, for example, the new Xbox 360. The console itself and one controller will set you back, what, $399? I saw a two controller pack at Sam’s Club (just the controllers) for $75. So in order to play with your friends, by extrapolation, you must at least foot another $37.50.
So I have a pile of documentation, disks, and power cables sitting next to my shiny new printer. I ordered the aforementioned USB cable for $8.50 from CompUSA, it should ship tomorrow. Does spending this money kill me? Nope. I just wish someone could explain to me what HP thinks I will do with their printer without a cable to hook it to the PC with. Granted, its a copier/scanner so I could do that but it is advertised as a stinking printer, people!! 🙂
I guess I should count my blessings and be thankful that it came with instructions, power cables, ink, and 6 months of AOL service.
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