Making a visit to the Apple Store, on a Saturday, was a less than ideal choice in timing. The place was wall to wall with customers. Apple has been enjoying a swelling interest in their newly released Mactel machines. Still, what a contrast in presentation compared to the plain ordinary BestBuyCircuitCity drab. A helpful staffer, one of many extra on duty that busy day, approached and responded when asked: Would there be an advantage to buy from their beautiful store as opposed to ordering from Apple’s online website? — “Well… [she formulated her answer] if you buy here you take delivery on the spot and carry it home. [immediate gratification] Otherwise, it’s gotta’ come from CHINA and could take a couple of weeks.” A powerful argument. I had visions of my potential purchase jostling about on some container ship in the salty Pacific. On leaving the store I had already discounted her sales pitch as fantastic NE incredulous and made up my street smart mind to custom spec my new computer as I have always done. What a line: 2 weeks from China… I snickered during dinner table conversation. Realize that the actual assembly does take place in a far away third world but surely they would have them stacked high in some Midwestern distribution facility.

Epilogue:
Imagine my chagrin to receive this order status email with FedEx tracking number:
11:16 AM Left origin SHANGHAI CN

Trust in apple. She spoke the truth. It wasn’t a line. I was a doubter. I’ll never live this down!