Return of the........Macbook Pro

I'm back! After a week of computer frustrations I found a useful website which would solve all of my problems!

The error last week was caused by a Windows software update, a quick search on Google revealed what was needed to fix the computer (if you run Vista you might want to try this, although if you too have the screen of death you wont be able to read this!) I had to run a repair on Vista which I couldn't do as my Dell didn't come with any installation cd's, all the software I required was on Dell's own recovery centre stored on the laptop which was no use what so ever since I couldn't access it! After another search online I found several websites offering recovery files which I could burn to a CD, the computer is then booted from this recovery CD. Once the screen eventually loads (it takes some time) select the repair my computer option, the process of repairing Vista then begins and your machine will probably need restarting a few times.

Start your computer and press f12, then select boot from HDD, and all going well Vista should load and the laptop should spring back to life.

Even though I managed to get my computer going again, I still decided to buy a Macbook, although it has taken four attempts listed below;

Attempt 1: I headed to the new Aberdeen Applestore on Thursday the 10th, fully intending on buying a new Macbook, I have been considering one for months now but whenever I looked at the price I would close the page down and decide to stick with my Dell. I started by telling the shop assistant how dreadful my Dell and Vista has been, this was possibly a mistake as she then began to talk about Applecare, Apple's version of an extended warrenty. This lasted sometime despite several attempts at trying to get her to show me around a Macbook and some of it's features, when I asked how to look at iphoto she then started to try to sell One to One, or One on One or whatever its called, for only a few extra £'s we can make an appointment for you to come in to see our specialist trainers, a bit like a doctors appoointment.........

All of this before I had even bought a laptop, or she had even tried to sell me a laptop! After half an hour of intense aftercare product selling, I got fed up and walked out, with no new computer

Attempt 2: Thusday 17th, again after work I made my way to Curry's where immediately I was sprung on by a salesperson, this time I was more vauge and just suggested what I needed the computer for, he led me straight to the first laptop on display, an HP, and just pointed at the specs, when I began to ask him some questions it became apparent this guy had very little English;

"Can you show me any of the differences between Vista and 7?" I asked
"Yes, eeess faster" he replied
"But are there any new features?"
"Yes, Weeendows Veesta"

Brilliant I thought, I then suggested the Macbooks to which he was no use what so ever, just pointing out the specs, once again I got fed up and left, STILL with no laptop.

Attempt 3: 17th again! On my way out of Currys I remembered PC World was on the way home, so I nipped in past. I wasn't expecting any miracles, they have never been of much use on any previous visits but this time was different. Again I was served by an Asian guy, however this guy knew his stuff, I advised him what I would be using the laptop for and he suggested both Windows based machines and the Mac's, at first showing me a Sony Vaio rather than the more expensive Apple products, he even took the time to show me some features of both Windows 7 and Mac OS so finally I had an idea of what they could do!

I still left the shop with no computer however, as I wanted to decided if I should go for the more expensive Mac.

Attempt 4: 18th, and back at the Applestore, this time I was served by a young guy who was extremly helpful, he demonstrated the features of the laptop and gave me an even better insight as to what the Mac can do so I decided to buy one from there, thankfully earlier in the day I had looked online to see who sold it the cheapest, and most people were around the same price as Apple sold the computer, apart from Dixons. For the same spec I was looking at Dixons were £120 cheaper than everyone else, so I asked if they could price match and to my surprise they would, so i picked up my new Macbook in store and left a happy man, after a few frustrating attempts I must add.

It just highlights how bad customer service can be at times, and why I would usually just buy online!