Buying a Netbook - Part I - The Purchase and the Snag

Okay... breathe....

I recently bought an HP Netbook from Best Buy... nice little rig, perfect for basic surfing, writing, even watching videos or playing music... great little unit.

However....

I wanted to get a spare 6-cell battery for it. The helpful fellow at Best Buy (and an HP rep who happened to be there) recommended that, since BB didn't have them, I go on-line to HP and get it directly. Said it would be easier and cheaper.

Uh-huh...

I just checked both HP USA and HP Canada... HP USA had a great deal on the price (I even found a coupon code that knocked another $15 off the price) but unfortunately, HP USA won't ship to Canada. I then checked with HP Canada; it seems HP Canada doesn't sell that particular battery on-line... they have a list of recommended resellers, which includes - you guessed it - Best Buy.

So, my options are: buy from HP USA, have it shipped to someone in the US, who has to rediect the package to Canada; find an alternative reseller, who may or may not be entirely trustworthy; or go back to Best Buy, rip them a new one, and get them to order one in with a severe discount in my favour for all the hassle...

It's a fucking battery, people! Cripes! It's not that fucking difficult a concept! Portable devices use batteries... they are consumables! So, what should stores do for their consumers? Make sure they can easily buy such...! Fucking morons!

Here endeth today's rant...