Hobson’s Choice
Saturday, May 20,2006
by Marilyn Freedman
I own a Russell Hobbs electric kettle that I inherited about 25 years ago. It probably cost $60 then. A few days ago I was making a cup of tea for a new patient when the cord suddenly ignited into flames. We sat through the 2 hours with cold water instead. The kettle got a new cord and should last another 25 years. I just want to juxtapose this to later that afternoon where I was meeting with Karl, my Creative at the Apple store, who is helping me drag myself into the 21st century. I happened to find myself standing at the Genius bar where customers come for service. I was captivated by the conversation right beside me. Here was a young woman who plopped down two ipods that were not working properly. One was worth around $200 and change, and the other close to $400. She didn’t have insurance or warranty and was told that they don’t repair these things. Just buy a new one. She didn’t flinch. She just said, “OK.” My mouth was hanging open. I guess it’s too bad Russell Hobbs doesn’t make ipods.
Karl’s band, The Hyena Dog Robbery, has a video up on youtube. I love the visuals.