Ignorance is Scary

[W2R]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Walt34 I share your pain. A while back I bought a new photo printer, nothing more than a quick-start guide and a CD with the driver, no manual, not even on the CD. You have to go online to get the manual, which if printed would be a thick book. This is a specialized photo printer not a generic office printer. Lots of different settings for different outcomes, some very subtle. Okay, I get that it costs money to print a thick book that most people won't even open. But geez, don't make me hunt it down!

Not a problem! I have a folder on my computer desktop called "Manuals". Whenever I buy something nice, I google the manual quickly and put the PDF in that folder. It's like a bookcase of manuals for me.

When you buy a Model 1000 Super-Duper Wow Gizmo made by Brandname, just google "Brandname Model 1000 Super-Duper Wow Gizmo manual" and generally it pops right up. Then save it to the "Manuals" folder on your desktop. Easier and quicker than getting the plastic wrap off of a physical manual.

[Ronstar]

Quote:

Originally Posted by W2R Not a problem! I have a folder on my computer desktop called "Manuals". Whenever I buy something nice, I google the manual quickly and put the PDF in that folder. It's like a bookcase of manuals for me. When you buy a Model 1000 Super-Duper Wow Gizmo made by Brandname, just google "Brandname Model 1000 Super-Duper Wow Gizmo manual" and generally it pops right up. Then save it to the "Manuals" folder on your desktop. Easier and quicker than getting the plastic wrap off of a physical manual.

Wow - I have a "Manuals" folder on my computer also. Manuals include PDFs of those I googled or scanned. I do still have a bunch of hard copy manuals in a plastic bin in my workshop that I need to scan in. I'm going to load up workshop manuals on my iPad so that I can look up stuff in my shop.


Sent from my iPad using Early Retirement Forum

[NW-Bound]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Walt34 I share your pain. A while back I bought a new photo printer, nothing more than a quick-start guide and a CD with the driver, no manual, not even on the CD. You have to go online to get the manual, which if printed would be a thick book. This is a specialized photo printer not a generic office printer. Lots of different settings for different outcomes, some very subtle. Okay, I get that it costs money to print a thick book that most people won't even open. But geez, don't make me hunt it down!

I went onto the tablet maker's Web site and there was nothing there. Not anything to tell about some basic but important stuff, such as how and where the user can upload his music or video files, the difference between internal and add-on flash memory for storing media files, what folders, etc... I was left to experiment and to go on the Web to look for other users' experience.

It used to be that an electronic piece would come with a CD containing the manual in PDF format, and if you lose it you can go on the company Web site to get it. This is the 1st time I see nothing other than a diagram showing where to plug in the power cord and a headphone. Hah!

[Walt34]

Quote:

Originally Posted by W2R Not a problem! I have a folder on my computer desktop called "Manuals". Whenever I buy something nice, I google the manual quickly and put the PDF in that folder. It's like a bookcase of manuals for me.

That's exactly what I do now. But really, it should be on the CD that has the driver on it one would think. It surprised me because that was the first time I'd not seen at least a PDF manual on the CD.

[W2R]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Walt34 That's exactly what I do now. But really, it should be on the CD that has the driver on it one would think. It surprised me because that was the first time I'd not seen at least a PDF manual on the CD.

They probably prefer keeping the manual on their website, where they can correct or alter it as problems arise. It's essentiallly a living manual that way, not something written in stone.

Actually that's my only objection to that practice - - they can claim, after the fact, that the manual says not to do something or other with their device, when the version I saw might not have said that. It would be better if the manual was correct from Day One.


I've never had any problems due to massively updated manuals, but I would imagine somebody has.

[segfault]

This thread reminds me of this entire subforum on Mr. Money Mustache:
Antimustachian Wall of Shame and Comedy

[Andre1969]

Quote:

Originally Posted by NW-Bound The engine in my RV is a big block 454. I think some Chevy trucks or the Suburban used the same engine. The difference might be the huge cooling system, and a beefier transmission to handle the GCWR of 16,000 lbs.

I used to have an '89 Plymouth Gran Fury that used to be a police car. I don't think its radiator was any bigger, but I do remember it having an external cooler for the oil, as well as the transmission fluid...tubes running through these little miniature radiator-looking things.

Chrysler used to make what was called "Industrial" versions of their engines, which were often used in heavier duty trucks, and they'd have a number after them indicating how beefed-up they were. For instance, whereas a passenger car engine might just be a 440, the industrial version might be a 440-1, 440-2, or 440-3. Or something like that. I'd imagine that GM did the same thing, so that the 454 in my grandmother's old lady friend's '75 Impala is a whole different best from what would have gone in a medium-duty truck.

IIRC, the industrial engines tended to be cammed differently, so they'd get more torque, and at a lower rpm, but lose some horsepower.

[TromboneAl]

Quote:

Originally Posted by SarahW Hey Al... what was your thread topic again??

It's our favorite topic. The one we never get tired of:

People are Stupid.

[Floridatennisplayer]

So funny I read through this and forgot what the original thread was about.
I remember talking about silly neighbors and their financial mistakes.....then we got sidetracked about trucks vs. Prius. Which I would like to make a comment ....the problem with buying a Prius.....is you own .....a Prius. JK...not really.

Anyway I am enjoying this thread.

[Birchwood]

Well I own and drive a Ford F150 supercrew, 2010 model which I bought and traded a 6 yrs old Subaru Outback. It is quite ponderous and massive. I paid the difference with cash and thus had no loan. I found it to be one of the most practical vehicle to drive, even if I don't have to carry much or pull a boat, etc.
I live in the upper Midwest and snow drifts can occur many times during the winter. In the summer I carry grass every week after mowing. I also carry leaves during the fall. I put my bike in the truck bed to the nearest park every now and then. I found the long distance travel more comfy than a car, and I only drive about 12 miles a day. There's a few 450 mile trip to the nearest city, but that's not every week.
I know a vehicle should last 200K miles, but after 100K miles with this one, The new Ford 150 aluminum truck looks enticing.

[Sunset]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Winemaker I had a 1984 Chevy Blazer that I junked in 2003 with over 451,000 miles on the odometer. I changed the engine oil approx. every 6000 miles myself , never changed transmission fluid or rear end oil.....

Personally its my believe that changing the oil frequently especially in the first year of a car helps it last longer.
So I've always changed it 2x per year, even if I only drove 6K miles on that vehicle in the year.

Since I did it myself, the cost was cheap as I'll buy cases of oil on a good sale, last case was $1 per quart for blended Castrol. I find it hard to trust the work done in those quick change places as its easy for them to stick in cheap oil or cheap filters, and going to a real garage takes much longer than DIY.