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Staples Review on PC Purchase Experience

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staples reviewRecently, I (Kristen Stephens – Lesson Plans Editor) had the exciting opportunity to purchase a new computer from Staples in place of my eight year old Dell PC.

The first step for me was to look online, and see what types of computers Staples offered and which one would work for my family. I chose the HP TouchSmart 10-1020 All-in One Desktop PC which I thought would be very user friendly for the various ages in my family since it has a touch screen. From the Staples website, I could see there was a great ‘in-store only’ offer on this computer. I checked  to see if it was in stock at my local Staples and I was off to the store.

As I entered Staples, I went directly to the computer section, and started to look for the computer I wanted so I could give it a test drive.  I found the HP and began to explore the different features. After about two minutes, I had an HP representative come up to me and ask if I had been helped. He called over the Staples Tech person, and she was showing me some features. After seeing how the computer worked, I told her I would like to purchase it, and had her confirm the price that I found online.

At the checkout counter, the GM began to help me write up the work order to transfer my files from my old computer’s HD to the new one. At home, we also have an external hard drive which I was interested in transferring data from as well. I brought both HD’s in, and the manager didn’t think it was a problem to transfer all files to the new computer, that the space would be sufficient.

My last step was to purchase the computer.  I also purchased an anti-virus software that was on sale. I was very pleased with the final price for the computer and the service I received from the staff at Staples. Upon getting ready to  leave, I asked the GM when I could pick up the computer with my hard drives, and he told me that the technician came in at 2pm. He said it just depended on how long it took for all the files to transfer onto the new computer.

Overall, my experience was a good one, and once I receive my new computer, I’ll be able to give Windows7 a try!

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Comments

  1. That’s a good computer! I worked at staples for 2 years before my husband and I relocated to where there wasn’t a staples (frown). I was the department manager of all the electronics stuff (computers, printers, etc). I’m not trying to be nosy, but please, please, tell me you bought the protection plan for the touch screen computer. If you haven’t…you should! I would honestly go as far as getting the accidental plan. You may not ever need it, but the two years I worked and sold them the extended protection plan is a must! You’ll thoroughly enjoy the computer you got…it’s awesome! Plus, you can use a mouse if you decide not to touch the screen all the time! 🙂

  2. I purchased an HP Pavilion Slimline PC 3 weeks ago. It died on me this past Tuesday. I was told to contact HP customer service and that was very aggravating! I never got the help from them so I called the store and was told to bring it in the next day (yesterday). Their 2 IT tech. employees are totally awesome and very empathic. After checking everything out I was told that it had a defective hard drive. They are replacing it and updating Windows 7 for me. Thanks Staples for hiring such wonderful employees.

    I did get the 3 year service plan and I never expected to be using it. I would definitely take out a service plan again when buying a new one.

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Coffee Cozy Knitting Patterns

During the summer (which is what it is where I am writing from) I like to share patterns for things that you can knit and use even when it’s warm out. And sometimes they are things you can use when it’s cold, too, like this collection of coffee cup cozies. Because hot coffee is a must almost any time of year. 

This simple pattern form Darling Jadore is a great one for beginners and could be a good first knitting in the round project. It uses worsted weight yarn and includes video tutorials if you need extra help. 

If you want a perfectly plain cozy that you can jazz up with your own designs, check out the Base Doodle Cup Cozy from Jamie Lomax. This free pattern on Ravelry comes in two sizes (short and long) and is meant to be used with her doodle charts to make it your own. You could also keep it plain, add stripes or design your own motifs to stitch on it. 

Most coffee cozy patterns that I see are just sleeves meant to go over travel mugs, but what if your mug has a handle? This pattern from Stacey’s Knit Wits has an I-cord loop and button so you can use it on a mug with a handle or a travel cup. It uses DK weight yarn.

Coffee cozies are a fun way to play with stitch patterns and learn new techniques. If you’ve never knit cables before, this cozy from Purple Wool Co. would be a great first cable project, as it features simple braided cables all the way around. It uses worsted weight yarn and is worked in the round. 

Try double knitting to make an extra-insulating coffee cozy with this pattern from Tracy Leming. It includes little color changes so you can get the concept of how double knitting works on a small scale. It also can include a little pocket for a tea bag if you want. This one uses worsted weight yarn and is a free pattern on Ravelry.

Or try stranded knitting with the Love in the Air cozy from Danielle Thuen. It features hearts of different sizes and is worked in sock yarn. You’ll need to make sure those floats are nice and loose so it will stretch to hug your cup. You can find this pattern on Ravelry. 

They’re also a fun way to add a bit of flair to an otherwise plain cup. KnitnKaboodle Designs has this lovely leaf-shaped cozy pattern, which you could use for hot or cold beverages by changing up the fiber you choose (that’s pretty much always true). It is made in pieces that are stitched together and can be worked in a single color or choose different colors for each leaf.