Late Night Walmart Adventure

A couple of days ago, it was a bit after midnight. I was wondering around local Walmart to see if they got in the new games this week yet. I saw a lady wondering around rather lost. It's late, and the store was short handed. So she was waiting for help. Soon the clerk came, and it didn't seem to be going anywhere. She was clearly frustrated. All I heard was "I don't know anything about computers.". The clerk responded "Me either."

She looked at my direction, and said "hey, you look like you know computers.". I said "Well, a little bit. What do you need?" She quickly explained the problem. She and her husband were from out of town. They are staying at a local hotel, which only has wireless. There is only 1 wireless card that the hotel can loan out, but someone else has it. Her husband left his wireless card at home. But he desperately needs to get online to finish something for work tonight. I told her it's not a problem. Her husband show up at this point. I asked them what kind of laptop they have. He pulled it out of the bag to show me. I said "Oh, you need a PCMCIA wireless card." They both go "We have no idea what you just said, but clearly you know what you are talking about."

So I quickly guided them to the right aisle and recommended a couple of choices. She said "Oh, the $70 one is one of the clerks suggested. He said it's more expensive, so it has longer range, and therefore, better." I looked at it and go "No, buy the $30 one. I doubt your hotel supports the range extension protocol. So for what you need, this is as good as the other choices." They grabbed it and started heading to check out. I quickly gave them a run down of installation instructions. He jokingly said, "Can I have you phone number?" I said "Well, if you think you need help." Both of them were completely taken a back by this. They were like "No, just kidding. That's too much to ask." I said, "It's not a big deal. I'm up anyway." After I repeatedly asked like six times, finally they ask for my phone number. They introduced themselves. Turns out they are in town for the annual Acura convention. They have a beautiful blue NSX-R.

They never did call me that night, so I'm assuming my instruction was good enough. :)