Warning: Don't Buy My Youtube Setup!
December 2018, I decided I wanted to do user testing, and I wanted a computer to do the usability tests on. Prior, I had an Acer Chromebook that worked perfectly fine for my blogging. In fact, I was quite fond of my $200 Chromebooks because it was:
Lightweight - Which helps immensely since I have a 2 year old that still LOVES to be carried and I've had drops, spills, and other things happen. I didn't want to spend lots of money on a computer while having such a busy little one.
Quick to Startup - I've had computers that take 3-5 minutes to start up, and my Acer is almost instantaeous.
It's connected to the Google apps - I'm a big fan of the Google apps (even more than Microsoft), so I like how the Chromebook is very integrated with those.
Why I Bought My Youtube Setup
Because of my satisfaction with my Chromebook, I decided to try another Acer product. I REALLY wanted an Apple (and I have a desktop one my entire family shares), but I thought maybe the Acer is a good compromise since my sales haven't reached the tipping point yet.
Fast forward 6 months, and I wish I had waited to buy the Apple. I wish I had just put money away over the last 6 months and went for the Apple. Instead, I watched lots of Youtube videos where the reviewers talked about how impressive the Acer E15 was for the price. I believed what they said, and I spent my hard earned $500 thinking I was only compromising on brand.
As a result, the user experience has been nothing short of TRAGIC!
Last night, I published a 4000 word article on my blog and I decided set the goal to shoot the video this morning. Today, I started my day at 6:30 AM, got my daughter ready for daycare, returned home excited to do my work, and my computer didn't turn on until 11:00 AM!
WHAT IN THE WORLD???!!!!!
I Talked to Technical Support
I called Acer, spoke to technical support, they tried helping, and decided it's the operating system that's the problem, and guess the resolution???!!!
SEND IT BACK TO THEM AND PAY SHIPPING. Added to that, they need to WIPE ALL THE CONTENT OFF.
What if I Had Lost All That Content?
Thank God, I had just uploaded majority of the content off of the computer to the cloud! As a learning lesson for you, make sure you back up your content somewhere. It may not look or feel valuable until you've lost it.
Can you imagine if I hadn't backed up my 150+ videos to the cloud? Can you imagine if I lost all of my Pinterest pins and Youtube thumbnails with no other copy of them aside from what's public on Youtube?
I would've been livid! That's months of work and who knows how much potential return on investment (new subscribers, new people helped, and money!).
Also, If it's not my fault, why am I paying shipping? Didn't the box say certain expectations? Shouldn't it work more than 6 months?
Part of This is My Fault
Granted, I have been publishing quite aggressively. I did over 150 videos over the last 2 months. I also created lots of graphics: Yotube thumbnails, Pinterest pins, and the like.
Maybe this computer isn't cut out for the work I'm doing? The tech support and reviews said it could, but I'm having a hard time believing that now.
How I Could Get My Money Back
I asked them, "Can't I just get my money back?", and they said, "You're under our warranty which means we'll repair it and send it back to you". Honestly, I don't want to be bothered with this computer anymore. I don't want to "try" I want to "do", which means I don't want to spend time experimenting on this computer.
I know I could probably make money (like the other Youtubers and bloggers) by doing a video about my Youtube setup and make it look like it's performing better than it is. I'm not crooked like that. If it's good, I'll say so, and if it's not I'll say so, and I plan on staying that way--honest, real, and down-to-earth.
Closing Takeaways and Warnings
Bottom line, make your choices carefully and protect your assets. The work your creating today for your website goes on your balance sheet as intellectual property. It inflates in value more than real estate when the market proves its demand. Cherish it.
I talked about the compound effect and how fragile each choice we make is. Your choices today either compound to create a positive outcome or a negative one. A simple choice about price over quality is costing me right now. I wish I'd waited for the Apple.
Also, this is why I'm so avid about hard work as much as you can when you can! You never know what will come up. Now, I have a computer that I'll need to mail (which may take 3-5 days), and they said it takes 7-10 days for repair, then it takes another 3-5 days to mail it back. That's one month I could be out of creating video!
I won't let that happen, but it could've been my reality.
I've been reminded of how fragile each decision is when I've had people die, people get sick, or whenever things don't go as planned. It's at times like these that I'm reminded to hustle as hard as I can when I can because you never know when a rainy day is coming--that's why I say "hustle and save" for rainy days.
I won't let this stop me though. I'll be using a computer somewhere to get my videos out. I'll go to the library if I have to. Hahahahahaha! You guys may see the librarians in the background, but I'm going to do my work. Hahahahaha!
As a final takeaway, I want to remind you why I cut alot of people who ask for free services off. I do alot of free services, but in the startup phase is when you're most fragile. You don't have time or money to handout (regardless of what you start with). From the startup phase, you have to be very aggressive and very frivolous or you'll be like the 80% that fail.
Sometimes, I can do free services, and I'll be nice and welcoming, and sometimes, I have to say, "No", because it's too fragile, and I have to go out and make things work. I want to challenge you to be firm about your "yes" and your "no", and to say "yes" when you're in the right position to say "yes" and not because someone else wants you to be in the position to say "yes". Be real.
I've had lots of people ask, "what are you using for your Youtube and training videos?", and before I give you any recommendations, let me make sure I'm happy with it first. Once I can see the software is working well with the computer and everything else for a period longer than 6 months, I'll be happy to share what's working for me.
My Questions to You
- Do you think it's time for me to reinvest my sales (my first $1000 plus some personal money into a computer)?
- Do you see now why we can't spend too much time on freebie seekers and people without skin in the game? Operating expenses come up (planned and unplanned) and you have to have the money for them!
- What computers do you recommend for our career field?
- Do you see how much it can effect people's lives with the reviews we make and how it can damage reputations (because I will much more careful before trusting the reviewers I watched next time)?
Recent Comments
63
That's a real pain. I would expect my money back after only 6 months.
I have a desktop, only 6 months old. A Mac laptop, an ASUS laptop and an ipad Pro. Plus my iphone.
I cant use my software I need for my business on the Mac though, as they don't do it for Apple products and I find it really good. I need the laptop when I travel. Hence the need for so many.
I have had the laptop several years now and was thinking of getting an Acer Aspire 5. Now I'm not sure about it if yours gave up so soon.
Good luck.
They're very nice with their customer support, but I'm not a fan of these processes, or how long it will take to get the computer back. At 6 months with issues that are outside of my control, I'm not really a fan of Acer right now. Hopefully, they turn things around.
No point going into the ins and outs of spec as everyone will have a different opinion due to their own experience, plus whatever you buy now will have been superseded within six to twelve months. Reymott is on the money,as it were. SSD's are way faster for loading and retrieving data and as much ram as you can 'ram' in there. All redundant if the processor can't keep up, so i7 would do it. All that said, my son is at Uni doing Graphic design and Typography and the whole faculty uses Macs'. They just seem to work better with 'images' and 'videos', maybe it is because the software everyone prefers is optimised for Apple, I could not say.
You have a specific 'task orientated' need, therefore the one you need should be heavily weighted towards that need. Too many outlets push 'unnecessary' specifications. Your Chromebook is a perfect example of what you can achieve with something at the lower end of the spectrum, you've just outgrown it.
Awwww! Womp Womp. I've outgrown the $200 stage now. I think if anyone is looking for a computer, stay at the $200 stage for as long as you can. Hahahaha.
I think you're right Twack, it's time to upgrade. I love Apple. I have an Iphone and an Apple desktop, but "my computer" are the two Acers.
It's time.
Not that it's important in the decision making but Apple computers do seem to hold their value well, which is just an added bonus.
Hello Tiffany,
I'm sorry to hear that you have had issues with your laptop, I really think it is important to have a decent laptop or desktop, better still both if you can afford it as a backup.
I purchased a Dell Latitude E6540 which is a professional machine which came with three years warranty, they don't take your machine away unless they have to and they do a next working day repair. This laptop is now five years old and working absolutely fine.
From my experience working with mechanical machinery all my working life, it pays to purchase a quality product for commercial use. I guess you are using your laptop several hours per day and maybe seven days a week?
This particular laptop was around £1000, probably cheaper in the US, I could have probably purchased the same spec laptop for half the price but I would prefer to have something that's long lasting with quality hardware and that has good reviews for commercial use.
Dell also has a outlets website where you can buy quality used commercial laptops and desktops, I have never purchased one of these products, however, I have heard good reports.
I hope this helps.
Wishing you a very good day.
Roy
I thought I was getting high quality as well. I spent time researching to verify that. I'm not a tech expert, and I wouldn't say I am. I've had a Dell before and I'm not a big fan. I do like the warranty, but I think I've learned my lesson on this one.
I'm glad it's working out for you though. I've had my Apple for almost 10 years and never had the problems I have with PCs. I've had at least 10 PCs in my life, and when I bought my Apple, it was a gamechanger for me. I don't "like" spending the money, but they prove their worth it everytime for me.
Thank you for your reply, Tiffany.
It sounds like your Apple has worked out well for you, everyone who has Apple computers seems to speak really highly of them. For many years I was using Windows XP which would regularly crash! Since moving up to Windows 7 and then swiftly on to Windows 10 I have had very few problems. But I guess for yourself Tiffany having used the Apple for nearly 10 years it probably makes sense to stick with their operating system.
As for spending the money, I do understand, however, often spending a little bit more can get you something long lasting and solid.
Wishing you a great day.
Roy
I agree Roy. Spending money is something we have to be good aat in business. Spending the right money to make the right money. Hahaha.
Tiffany, mark my words. Get an Apple laptop. MacBook Pro or iMac. I have both of them including iPhone XR and iPad pro and mini. Where I get all that money? Got it from hubby’s life insurance after his death plus my cell phone provider allows for upgrade every year if I wish to, pay monthly on that. I have had no repairs except the iPad pro died and got a replacement by my carrier, no problems there. Apple products are worth the investment yes. Save up for that. Look for deals thats how I got my iPad mini on Amazon for less price, less than 300, brand new one. Best Buy during black Friday and cyber Monday sales helps. This isn't a review, its my own personal testimonial for you. I love my iMac and MacBook Pro cant be without it.
Reviewers sometimes are biased even Apple products reviewers write what they did like but they still buy it. Some will but a product after you’ve given your opinion on it. Kyle states that in his training.
Nobody should ask for your services for free while you are just starting to grow your business.
I would go crazy without my ’puters or iPhone or iPad not realize my life is so depended on it-
Yes. I think Apple is the way to go. I just wanted 1 year! Hahaha. Why couldn't the Acer hold on for 1 year?!!!
Oh Hun, I am so sorry you have had so many issues with your laptop. You work so hard! and offer so much. But I know this will not slow you down, yes maybe in time and energy wasted dealing with the fix. But I know there will be a solution and you will continue with your success.
Whether to invest in something new and better, I guess is a personal choice.
As you say, it does make us take a step back and see the impact of our reviews! Someone somewhere could be using that product, that doesn't deliver and it can impact their life.
Your intellectual property and time and energy are yours to use as you see fit, for your future and success, for your goals and desires. If you need to dedicate that resource to working to fund a new laptop, that is what you must do.
Sending you lots of support and wishes of a speedy fix and solution.
Much Love
Sara
x
Thanks Sara for your understanding and kind words. It'll all work out. I just thought I share to prevent the learning lesson from hurting anyone else.
Ack! I'm sorry about your computer! Hopefully everything works out sooner than you expect.
Lol! I wasn't looking for ANY YouTube setup, but when I do, I'll definitely remember not to use yours :)
Hey. Sorry to hear about your computer issues. I’m glad you were in the habit of backing up your data, very important.
I would sell the laptop on eBay as soon as it’s fixed.
Save to buy a work horse. Buy like a gamer. What I mean is, whichever option you choose Windows or Apple, make sure it’s at least core i7 with 16gb RAM and at least 250 SSD.
All Systems fail. So look for good warranty Apple is known for their warranty. Windows warranty varies by vendor.
Hope you get things sorted out.
Thanks so much! Selling it on eBay is a great idea. I thought about pawning it, but eBay is probably even better. Thanks!
Thanks for the insights on this blog.. you are right, it’s only when it’s gone that you really value something. I’ll back up my new site.. and Thankyou for helping me the other day. Very appreciative of the time and effort you put in.
No problem! I love helping when I can, but sometimes, I can't. Now that this happened, and I'll probably be buying a new computer, it's "grind time".
Automatic backup of your files to the cloud is important. Dropbox had been my goto for many years, but only Google Drive allowed me to edit files locally and remotely seamlessly, not to mention the sharing features (which Microsoft OneDrive lacked).
I just started backing things up last week and I'm so glad. I've been using GSuite lightly for over a year, but I hadn't been putting majority of my content there. Now, it's my go-to and it's working out fine. I'm using the space pretty fast though.
See more comments
Sorry for the computer issues. Since 2007 I have had only Apple, and will not go back to a regular PC. Backing up is so very important as you have shown.
My suggestion is to go look on the Apple site, and see what they have in the refurbished area. Mine is a 2007 imac and updated to the latest OS I can handle without adding more internal space.
The main thing is it has never failed me, and if it did the genius bar at the main Apple store in town would help.
Professionally it is the best way to go.
Yes. I agree. I didn't realize they had a refurbished area on their site. I'll have to check it out! Thanks. I still might have to go new though. I am in business, and it's my main business tool!
Either way, Apple is the way to go. Twelve years and no problem with my refurbished. They check it thoroughly out. Right now looking for a Apple laptop and a larger monitor to use while at home.
Wow 12 years with a refurbished computer! That makes it worth checking out for sure. Thanks so much for telling me about that! You may have saved me lots of money! Let's see what happens...
I am also going to check out Apple refurbished computer when I need a new one. I ope everything works out for you--Blessing to you and your family. May you find success in your online business.
Thanks! I didn't buy one yet. I actually decided to get mine fixed (since it was under manufacturer's warranty still) and use my sales to save up for my Apple computer. I also decided to upgrade a few things. So far so good.