Are you tech savvy? Of course you are – you are reading this blog. But do you enjoy using your computer? Or is it a chore?
Observing members of my family and close friends over the years I have decided that computer users divide into two groups: those for whom the constant glitches represent a challenge to be overcome and those for whom the slightest problem represents disaster and reinforces the need to avoid computers unless absolutely necessary.
On Saturday my friends and I went to the Apple Computer Store to buy an iPad.Two of us were there to support the third who had decided to replace his archaic desktop with an easy-to-use device. All the research he had done recommended Apple computers as being “easy to use” and he had confirmed this with various associates. We knew Saturday was not the best day to go shopping but our hearts sank when we saw how busy the store was. Fortunately we were greeted at the door by a friendly employee who asked whether he could help and quickly found us an adviser, Ray. Now when I bought my system the iPad3 had just been released so choice was easy: buy the iPad2, which was soon to be obsolescent or go for the brand new version – the three. Consumers today are faced with almost too much choice: iPad mini; a 9.7 inch iPad, a 10.5inch iPadPro or a 12 point something iPadPro. FIVE! An almost overwhelming hurdle for the beginner – especially when you factor in the various options for memory size. Ray went through the specifications and asked questions about what my friend wanted an iPad for. Essentially he needs it for sending emails, Skyping friends and using Facebook so the choice was made to buy the 9.7inch iPad. That was the easy – well, relatively easy – part. It took ages! So now Ray sat my friend down to set the iPad up ready to use. This is straightforward – but! A very big BUT! If you are not familiar with a touch screen device it takes a while to become accustomed to the finger swipes. And there is so much to remember. After half an hour of intense concentration it is impossible for the user to retain all the information. However, Apple devices are easy to use, so my friend was reassured. Yes, he would be able to edit home videos – just download iMovie from the App Store. Yes, he would be able to use Skype – just go to the App Store.Ditto with Facebook.
Hurray! Off we went home.
And that is when disaster struck. Despite the fact that all the applications my friend wanted are FREE the App Store demanded his Credit Card details. Why? And, NO! So back to the Apple Store we go . . .

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