The Computer Buzz

October 8th, 2009

Nome and Paul Van Middlesworth - owners - The Computer Factory
 

The New Computer

Homer and his wife, Mandy, stop in at our store every now and then when they come to town to pick up supplies. They homestead in Montezuma Valley near Ranchita. Homer scratches out a living working as a ranch hand and doing odd jobs. Mandy runs their small chicken ranch and supplements their income by making apple dolls and other crafts for the tourist traps in Julian.

It’s a hard life and they both show it. Homer is wiry, rawboned and tough as leather. Mandy’s thin face has the drawn, careworn look of someone who is accustomed to scrimping and doing without. She almost never smiles and usually follows quietly behind her “I’ll do all the talkin” husband.

Homer shot a stream of tobacco juice in the outdoor planter before he opened our door and walked in ahead of his wife. He cradled an ancient computer.

“Well I reckon its time to upgrade Ole Bessie,” said Homer “I paid good money for her back in 2000 but she just can’t cut the mustard any more. Mandy’s been savin up her egg money and I figure we can upgrade Ole Bessie to XP and put in a new motherboard. What’ll it cost?”

We booted up “Bessie” and filled out an evaluation sheet. Then we added up the upgrade cost. All the new parts and Windows XP came up to around $350 plus tax. The labor figured out to by around $120. Homer’s eyes narrowed, “Just what parts are you planning to use from Ole Bessie.”

“Well Homer,” I replied, “we could use your old floppy drive if you want it, but that’s about it.”

Homer rubbed his chin and looked at the ceiling. “That makes it cost about $470 plus tax for the upgrade. How much would it cost for a brand new computer?” he asked. I told Homer it would cost just about exactly the same. Homer thought for a moment, then he spoke. “Dad gummed computer is just like a woman, you’re better off to get a new one than to try to keep the old one up.” I glanced over at Mandy but her face showed no reaction.

“Heck, just make me a new computer and I’ll hang on to the old one for a spare.” Homer turned to Mandy “Give the man the money Mandy,” he said.

Mandy stepped up to the counter and pulled a wad of money from her apron pocket. She silently counted the crumpled bills carefully smoothing each one. I looked over at Homer “Would you like to have any of the files copied over from Ole Bessy to your new computer?” I asked. Homer started to nod his head but his Mandy stepped in front of him. “That won’t be necessary. I won’t be needing Homer’s old files in my new computer” she said as she pushed the stack of bills across the counter. Her sweet smile lit up the room.