After a long disagreement with our IT manager I finally ended up with a HP Compaq nc8430. The detailed spec is still a surprise (for me that is).

I first asked for (or rather demanded) a new Dell. I have owned and used dell laptops daily since 2001 and have been very satisfied, especially with the screen, resolution, and the simplicity of changing components (hard disks, memory etc.). Basically I’ve never had any problems with my Dell laptops (even though I know others have), so therefore I wanted to go for what I knew was good, safe and was comfortable with.

But at my great surprise our IT manager refused. At first I thought he was kidding. He told me we only buy HP. Well, I didn’t really care what “WE” buy; “I” wanted a Dell. His reasons where:

• If something goes wrong with the computer, he knows where and how to send it to get it fixed.
• If I need replacement parts he knows exactly what and where to get them.
• If I get a Dell all the others want one to.
• And others that I don’t remember…
  

For the first point I must admit my previous laptops had a few problems. I remember one time I had a hard disk crash (can’t blame that on Dell though…). And what did I do? Sent it to my IT manager to get it fixed? No, of course not, that would take to long. I’m a developer, computer freak and nerd! I’m too proud not to fix it my self. I got a new disk, installed it, and problem solved.

When it comes to replacement parts, I have no problem ordering it my self. I know where to send the bill. Actually we’re still a quite small company, so this is no problem. I order stuff all the time.

The last point I’m not even sure I want to address, but since I put it there I guess I have to. Well, maybe if “everybody” else wants Dell, we should consider using Dell instead of HP ;) (I might regret this comment, but what the heck…)

The last issue I want to address is you reading this and are probably thinking one of two/three things. 1. I work for a ridicules company. 2. I’m a spoiled little brat. 3. Or even that my IT manager is a dork.

Well, my company is actually a great company to work for and even my IT manager is a great guy. We only disagree on this specific issue (I hope. I might have created another posting this.). Am I a spoiled little brat? I guess I am, usually I get what I want! Only not this time… And when I don’t get it I usually tell somebody. Only this time I told everybody…