Toys Toys Toys

One of the perks of running your own technology business is getting the inside scoop on all the gadgets that come out.

I picked up a new IPaq 4705, a Razr and a Motion Computing LS800 tablet PC(FRIGGIN SWEET!!) to take Donelson Computers to "completely mobile" status. I can pretty much run the entire thing from the road. I’m Using Vonage's SimulRing to have calls ring both at the office and my mobile phone, LogMeIn in case I need to get back onto my desktop for whatever reason...that's pretty much all you need. I can be anywhere from Clarksville to Columbia and conduct business.

Now...the one thing I'm missing IS a printer for invoicing. I went this week to pick one up from a local retailer. THAT was painful. Looked all over creation to find a small form factor printer, and once I find the display...no printers on the shelf. While the very helpful clerk was tearing the warehouse apart looking for one I read the fine print. Small size...check....both B/W and color...check. Bluetooth and Wifi capable...check (why that isn't standard on "mobile" printer I don't know but USB is simple and it works. The Battery is included according to the spec sheet so I'm sold. All I have to do is wait...and wait...and wait.

Finally the clerk comes back holding this printer over his head like it fought to the death. I greedily take my latest toy from him and start reading the REAL specs. Everything is the same....except the battery. Now...what good is a mobile printer that has to be plugged in????? I've got power inverters in every car I own but WTF??? It's a 250.00 mini desktop printer! 130ish MORE if you want the battery....another 100 for Bluetooth. For dang near 500.00 I can get a GOOD printer...not a passable SMALL printer. Come ON HP!! If you're going to market a mobile printer...bundle it with at MOST a battery...like the display literature you provide to the retailers SAYS IT IS!

Nothing irks me more that the "bait and switch"