I’m doing some prep this morning for an ASP.NET 2.0 Provider Model webcast that I’ll be doing later today, but I couldn’t stop my inner (or outer) dork from calling Toshiba tech support about a problem I’ve been having with my new m400.

The problem, simply stated, is that the machine freezes at random, and occasionally plays PC Speaker style beeps for no apparent reason. My nerd-sense thinks it’s a motherboard issue. I’ve already tested the RAM and CPU, and everything checks out. CPU temp never goes above 40 degrees Celsius, so I can’t imagine that’s the problem.

So, yeah – a new laptop with a wonky motherboard. No self-respecting nerd could let that go for long, so I called Toshiba tech support.

First thing I’ll say is that tech support was actually helpful, which totally blew my mind. But, because all I have is the regular one year “Poor Person” warranty, I don’t get any special treatment. What I’d really like is for an authorized Toshiba Service Technician Person to come out to my apartment and service me and my… “needs” on the spot.

After chatting with helpful tech support and learning that I’d have to drive in upwards of seven minutes to get to a Toshiba service center, I decided to phone in to get myself one of those super-duper fancy we’ll-come-to-your-apartment-to-fix-your-computer-and-rub-your-feet-with-baby-oil warranties.

Ordered it, and then had this conversation with the CSR:

CSR: OK, Mr. Blyth. Your order is in.

Me: Whoopee! Yay! [clapping noises]

CSR: Also, I would advise you to call in sometime over the next couple days to make sure this worked.

Me: Whooo– hey, what? [clapping stops]

CSR: All extended warranty purchases go through an automated system.

Me: And…?

CSR: And sometimes the orders get… “stuck.”

Me: Stuck?

CSR: Yes.

Me: Stuck.

CSR: Stuck.

What the [bleepity-bleep] does that mean?

How in the hell does an automated order get “stuck”? And, if it’s an automated order, and if it gets stuck, then how bloody automated is it really?

And what do they do when the orders do get stuck? Do they have someone go out there with a long stick and ram it down some pipe until the clog clears up?

Or do some of the orders just break down and need a push? Or a tow?

What the hell does “stuck” mean?

Anyway, I look forward to a world without freezes or beeps.

And also my baby oil foot massage.