[wally_bert]

People who have had the Geek Squad experience in my neck of the woods who come to me to solve their problems have nothing but horror stories.

A few times years ago I applied for the Geek Squad at the BB about 10 mins away. They acted like they wanted a Bachelor’s in computer science and a MCSE when I spoke with them.

Another time, some BB yoyo called me up and was begging me to take some stupid customer service floor job. He sounded like a broken record and wouldn’t take anything I said about my exp and certs into consideration. He got a goodbye and a click.

[SamAdams76]

One of my sons had a similar experience applying to Best Buy. Really hostile people, even in the interview process. Ended up going to Radio Shack which, believe it or not, was a step up from Best Buy. Best Buy is bottom of the barrel and I only go there when I know exactly what I want to buy. I am then in and out of there as quickly as possible.

One more thing about Best Buy, always say NO to any extended warranty, no matter how much they try to scare you into thinking you need one. The basic warranty will cover any issues/manufacturing defects in the first year - which is when any issues are likely to occur. Once you made it past a year, chances are your gadget will run trouble-free for years to come.

In fact, my devices run so reliably I almost wish for them to stop working, just so I will have an excuse to get the latest and greatest. My wife makes me keep everything until it dies and I'm still using a stereo system I bought in the 1980s. Somebody come over to my house and break it...please. I'll grill you a steak and pour you a beer.