Dell isn't what it used to be

Last 4 desktops I've owned, I ordered from Dell. The process has always been smooth and in the early days, they exceeded expectations. But I get a sense their customer service is not what it used to be.

I found out that the desktop that I configured, ordered and paid for over 2 weeks ago has been mysteriously cancelled. I spoke to 4 different reps who gave me different reasons which make no sense. I still have not gotten a resolution to my issue. I'm sure I got routed to India couple of times then to different sales departments. I was promised a call back and never got one.

Guess times are tough at Dell as well but they are pretty close to losing me as a loyal customer.

Can't pull the trigger on a Kindle yet

I've been thinking of getting a Kindle but at $259 and $489, I can't really pull the trigger. They say $259 6" version holds 1,500 books and the $489 10" version holds 3,500 books. In fact, they tout that I could "carry my library"

The truth is I really don't need to carry my entire library and definitely not 1,500 books and probably not even 10 books. If I've got the reading bug, I may have 2 or 3 books max I'm jumping back and forth between.

I could see someone that does a lot research needing the storage but I think most folks would do fine with a device that would store 25 books and priced at around $99. Now if Amazon can get the public libraries connected so I could load borrowed books on the device, I'd say they got me as a customer.