I just have to write about this. I simply have too. I should note, that I commented before reading the entire article on tumblr.
The article in question is this: Consumerist Investigation: Best Buy Optimization Is A Big Stupid Annoying Waste Of Money. Please read it and then come back. Enjoy.
Best Buy - Or Is It?
I am stunned at that article, because I know personally knew it was true for some time, but the fact that it was so blatant across the country! Some software tweak that makes a processor go 200% faster? Buying ‘optimization’ for you parents? But wait, you’re Geek Squad, or at the very least, you knowledgeable in computers. Nothing is equal to a fresh install of Windows untainted with Best Buy garbage.
I actually thought of this before though. I was thinking of offering a similar service, you know, locally, to optimize computers. I saw the prices lists for optimization from Office(max/depot) and I was rather surprised. I could charge half of their price and do a better job. I could do the same with Best Buy. Best Buy could actually make more people happier with their products without including all of their Crapware and other horrible things on the laptops they sell.
I had never heard of pre-optimization laptops. I don’t think a Best Buy employee ever offered my Dad nor I an optimization plan.
My dad isn’t much of an optimization. I am. I do everything, if I can, to make the experience better. My dad can just live with laptop the way it comes, but I cannot. I just cannot stand to start up Windows and see 89 processes running without any visible program running. That’s against the law.
I have actually had the urge to go into Best Buy and just mess with the sales people. I am a decently knowledgeable user. I foresee if I ask the questions, they’d be hard pressed to give me good answers. Isn’t a sacrifice of $40 better than letting me go to another competitor. It would be fun, so some day I do intend to do it. Just for fun.
Anyway, to conclude this tiny rant, I have to say I am not impressed with Optimization or Sales Tactics from Best Buy. It is slightly depressing, actually.