Here at Puget Systems we certainly aren’t always the cheapest option, but I have always believed that we provide a lot of value – from our Labs testing and no-pressure consultations to our in-depth quality control processes and lifetime tech support. Since AMD just launched the new Threadripper PRO 5000 WX-Series, I thought this would be a great time to go back to my consulting roots and share some real-world price comparisons with one of our competitors: Lenovo.
Introducing Puget Labs Certified Systems
For a long time here at Puget Systems, we have been putting together computer hardware recommendations for a wide range of applications. A lot of that advice is gathered from the far corners of the internet, by a range of different folks here within our company, but our Labs team delves especially deep into certain software and workflows. As such, we are beginning to brand some of our recommended systems with an additional “Labs Certified” status – and I wanted to take a moment to give you some details on why we are doing this and what it means for you, our customer.
Making a Connection with your Customer
Around Thanksgiving last year, I decided to take advantage of a sale at a popular online gaming company. After researching various titles I might enjoy, I settled on a game and purchased it through the store. The game installed fine, but wouldn’t allow me to start a new game.
I don’t have a lot of patience when it comes to troubleshooting games. Games should be a break from work. I enjoy a good RPG such as Diablo that I can play with my sons or daughters. When this new game wouldn’t launch, I searched Google for help, but after a few hours, I hadn’t made any progress.
Selling vs. Problem Solving
“I don’t know where to begin.”
That’s what I told Beth, who was working the counter at my local auto parts store.
I sheepishly placed a sleek can refrigerant on the counter and began to explain my predicament. I purchased a refill because I already owned a pressure gauge, I assumed it was compatible with any can. I found out that isn’t the case when I tightened the gauge and heard the stem pop.
Great Service from an Unlikely Source
Sometimes you find excellent customer service in the most unlikely places. That’s what I’d like to tell you about today.
Just over four years ago, I left the state of Washington for the desert of southern Utah. In addition to trading the mild Seattle climate for the scorching summers of Utah, I was now on the hook to pay state income tax. Washington finds a way to get their pound of flesh through higher sales and property taxes, but completing my end-of-year accounting was easier in Washington because all I had to worry about was Federal taxes.
A Lesson I Learned at Microsoft
Before I came to Puget Systems I worked for a number of small companies and one large one: Microsoft.
The Best Time to Purchase a PC
I was recently in the market for a new tablet. I didn’t really need a new tablet, but when you have 3 kids fighting over two tablets, sometimes need and want are the same.
Speaking G(r)eek
I’ve seen it happen a hundred times. I’ll be having a great conversation with a customer about computer needs, what the computer is currently used for, and what it might be used for in the future – but as soon as I ask something like “What type of wireless network compatibility do you need this laptop to support?”, everything screeches to a halt. I might as well be speaking Greek.
Small Town Service
I recently moved my family from Washington State to the southern Utah. I made the nearly 1200 mile journey in a rented moving truck. When I stopped to fill up the truck with diesel fuel, I often had to speak with someone at the station to either unlock the pump or approve a debit card transaction over a certain dollar amount.