Originally Posted by
BluePumpkinBerry Hi All,
A little background on me - I have zero smarts when it comes to technology. I have always had a Verizon Android phone/tab and have played around with my work iPhone (calls and texts only). My work I.T. or Verizon have always set up my devices and if I had an issue, either I.T., Verizon or my friends/family have been able to help.
However, I want a PKB and have done tons of research and really want the PP! I kept asking my local stores if they had a demo phone and their answers were always weird and standoff-ish. I finally was able to see a PP while on vacation 2 weeks ago and now I really want one.
During my research period (about 2 months), I would ask friends, family and co-workers if any of them have/have had a BB. I was amazed at the snickering and sarcastic remarks I received and didn't understand the ridicule. (i.e. "God, no!"; "LOL, why would I own that?!?"; "uh, no, this is 2015") Then I read here on the forums some funny stories about others' reactions to owning a BB. I still just don't understand the ridicule. It isn't as if I am trying to talk others into getting rid of their beloved phone, I was just merely asking if they have ever had one.
My only hesitation in switching to BB is that since I am technologically ignorant, I rely on others help in setting up and fixing issues and my support group is not familiar with BB at all. I know once it is set up and I play around, I will be OK, I am just concerned about the original set-up and the beginning questions I will have (seriously - I don't understand anything! I have read forum help and have to look up half of the words in the reply).
I thought I will be OK as long as AT&T will help me set it up and be there for any questions (Verizon always was helpful when I stopped in or called with a problem.)
Then, yesterday happened. I showed up at AT&T and there were 2 workers talking - no customers in the store. They saw me, smiled, walked towards me and asked how they could help. I said "I wanted to get the BB PP". I kid you not, they both stopped walking towards me and actually took a step backwards! If I could have videoed it, I would have because it was so ridiculous, like I scared them. The manager then asked if I was a BB fan. I said I had never owned one before, but think I will become a PP fan. He then said "well, it is really hard to use". I responded "I keep hearing their OS is actually superior and easier to use in the long run". He then said "well, it is really hard to learn" (he had no clue that was my concern) and I said "Yes, I was hoping I would get help in setting it up and getting any questions answered by coming in here" He said "we don't know anything about BB". I looked at him dumbfounded and said "nothing? You carry the phone and won't be able to help me set it up?" He responded "not really. We focus on android and apple. Why don't you get the Samsung Galaxy 6". I said "because I want the PP". He asked "But....why....?" I said "what difference does it make? Is there an issue with that phone that you know about? Why I shouldn't get it?" And he actually said "I don't know if there is an issue as I don't know much about BB". I asked if there was anyone else in their store or even locally that does know something about BB that could help me. He looked at his worker and they shook their head and said "no, but we could maybe google some of your questions." I just stood there for a few seconds and we all stared at each other. He asked if I ever tried the iPhone and I said I had one and didn't care for it. I really wanted a PKB. He said "well, I know the PP is expensive". I was getting pissed at this point. I said that I knew the price point. I then asked how far out an order would be to receive the phone and he said "like 3 months". I looked at him and said I know that isn't true. He said he didn't even know if it was out yet. I told him it was out and was out for several months. He said he didn't think it was. I told him he was wrong. He then said again that it was very expensive, "like 700 bucks" and the reason they don't have a demo is that they aren't going to put a 700 dollar phone on the floor for people to play with. None of the stores would. He advised me that I should wait until it comes out and I can see the demo. I told him I just saw a demo in 2 stores 2 weeks ago (NYC). He actually asked if I was sure it was the Passport. I had to ask him FOUR more times how long it would be to receive the phone upon order. (3 business days....NOT 3 months! and he was surprised it actually was already released).
OKAY - so after that insane meeting, I am scared to get this phone because I won't even get support from the carrier! I called 2 other local AT&T stores and they said there was no one proficient in BB. Why, oh why does AT&T not give them even a little BB training? And why, oh why did they try their hardest to talk me out of what I wanted? I don't mind advice and recommendations, but this was flat out disagreeing with me. I appreciate the fact they told me they would be of no help whatsoever to me, but why is that the case?
I swear I am getting tempted to go on Craigslist and post that I want to meet for a Blackberry Lesson. But I fear it will be read wrong and I will be killed. This is so discouraging to me.
(oops, didn't realize post was so long!)