This morning we collected my new Epson printer from Wessex Photographic in Lymington. Luke was extremely helpful in helping me understand how to load the paper profiles for my preferred Ilford Galerie papers into the printer.
Knowing that whenever I take delivery of anything involving new technology I am likely to leave it in its box for a matter of days, if not weeks, before I can pluck up the courage to open it, Jackie kindly freed the equipment from its cardboard and polystyrene outer layers
leaving me with no choice but either to get on with the job or admit to being terrified. She laid the main appliance on the hall chair and other bits on other available surfaces.
So I began to attempt to study the project.
The first obstacle was the CD containing the software. What, you may well ask, is the problem with that? Well, you see, there is no slot for a CD in an iMac.
Ah, situation resolved, I thought, I have a CD player thingy that I can plug in with the aid of a USB lead. Simples, as a Meerkat would say.
Not so simple – I couldn’t get it to do anything.
I thought I had better read the basic paperwork. That is when I discovered that you don’t have to use a CD with a Mac. Apparently you have to ‘visit the [epson] website to install software and configure network settings’. But you must ‘not connect the USB cable until instructed to do so’. In case anyone is wondering, that dark stain on my jacket is Jackie’s shadow – I have not wet myself.
Next step, I thought, should be to disconnect my Canon printer and tidy up a bit to make room for
the new machine. I was required to remove all the internal protective packaging including the transport lock which took a bit of identifying from the
pictorial directions which were a marginal, minimal, improvement on the average flat pack instructions.
I managed to plug it in and turn it on. This required Jackie at one point to realise that ’tilt’ meant ‘raise’.
I decided to leave it there today, as the next step is loading the inks which look similar to the Canon process; and the one after that involves going onto the website for stuff to happen.
Now, I know you are having an anniversary celebration break, but on your return I may need to ask you to “help me, please, Becky”. On the other hand, I might work a miracle.
This evening we joined Elizabeth and friends Nicki and Andrew for an excellent carvery meal in pleasant company at the Wallhampton Arms. The meats were turkey and pork with all the trimmings. Malbec, Beer, Shandy, and Amstel were imbibed.
Good luck, Derrick. I was surprised there was a CD. I think the last one we bought we downloaded everything.
🙂 Thanks very much, Merril. The CD seems to be for Windows
Oh. 🙂
New technology gives me anxiety attacks!
Same here!I can procrastinate forever before I pluck up the courage to deal with the item in question.
That procrastination seems a common trait. And here was I thinking it was just me. To have the box open on the same day as delivery is a first.
You are in good company, Leslie. Thanks very much
The battle with technology! I just had quite an argument with my own printer today hahaha. You look a lot calmer going about it than I usually am.
I get calmer as I get more accustomed to the fact that I, or a grandchild, will get there in the end. Thanks very much, M.B.
Oh my gosh, this made me giggle because it sounds like me with new technology. I currently have a printer with no ink, even though I bought new ink and it still said ‘no ink.” Who knows! Good luck with the new printer! The photos were hilarious.
I’m pleased you got a giggle, Lisa. Many thanks
Oh gosh, I feel your pain, Derrick. I have no patients for such things. I did laugh out loud at “In case anyone is wondering, that dark stain on my jacket is Jackie’s shadow – I have not wet myself.” 🙂
I’m pleased you got a laugh, Jill. Many thanks
Modern technology just gets more confusing Derrick.
Yep. Thanks very much, Andrew
A very full day’s work there!
Thanks for appreciating that, Tootlepedal
Oh, how I feel your pain! I imagine you required several wines and maybe even a beer or two just to gather your equilibrium at the end of that! I admit that I gave up on printers altogether several years ago when the short life span and stress of handling a new improved model nearly drove me to tantrum central…….. Now I visit my local print shop as required.
Probably more sensible, Pauline. My 12 year old printer has begun to alter the colours on non-Canon paper, which I couldn’t live with. That model served me very well, but has been twice superseded. My stock of inks would not work with the up to date one. Thanks very much.
I used to work in the technology sector, but the gadgets get more interesting with time. 🙂
“Interesting” must be a euphemism 🙂 Thanks very much, Lavinia
🙂
Not my cup-a-tea either.
🙂 Thanks very much, Rosaliene
Well, at least you and Jackie kept your sense of humor about the proceedings. In my household, new technology invariably involves spousal bickering.
It does get close at times 🙂 Thanks very much, Liz
What a day! My sympathies are with you, Derrick.
It is good to have so many friends who get it, Clare. Thanks very much
🙂
Oh I so share you anxieties.. with new.. what evers
Yep. I was once told not to apply for promotion because I was “not in the forefront of change”. Given that this was a Social Work higher management post, I replied “Someone’s got to do the nurturing.” Many thanks, Dymoon
Good luck;)
Thanks very much, Viv
Oh this “new technology”…always very confusing for me too 🙂
Thanks for the solidarity, Ribana
🙂
My favourite saying these days, is “Nothing’s simple!” 😳
Quite so, Sylvia. Many thanks
This really made me laugh as I could relate to it. Thank goodness we have Tech Savvy folk in the family.
Thanks a lot, Gay. So many people have identified with it. 🙂
Congratulations on your new printer! Assembling desktop systems was an addictive hobby of mine in younger days. The feeling of bliss I used to be inundated with having compiled a motley mass of components and configured it with required software was in no way lesser than the dawn William Wordsworth spoke of. But I must admit the manufacturers of both hardware and software have become obscene in their desire to lay seize on your resources, physical, mental and financial. Once you buy a component, you are doomed to be locked with them in a relationship where you end up paying them for updates and maintenance periodically. User-friendliness is a fast vanishing virtue and the end user is increasingly supposed to adopt to the quirks of both hardware and software rather than the other way round.
Wise words, Uma. Many thanks
I hope you have good look with your Epson. My luck has not been very good with mine.
We’ll see, Mrs W. Many thanks
Your welcome
Derrick…I can definitely relate to your post. I hate to put into operration new things, especially when technology is involved. I used to leave that task for Terry to handle as it was “not my cup of tea”. Hey …my last statement sounds so English! Ha Ha! Luckily…I haven’t bought anything technology wise since Terry passed. I know some day I will need to and might be saying at that time “Help me please Becky..just like you!
We were all born too soon for this, Gary. Many thanks
I understand completely and try to avoid such things as much as possible. When I do find the courage to tackle new tech stuff, I have to break the job down down into small steps, though they feel like big steps to me. Take care and enjoy the flowers. 🙂
So many of us feel the same, JoAnna. Thanks very much
Good luck on your project Derrick. I know you will prevail. Fortunately for me, I have a technologically saavy son within minutes. If he balks at helping me, I guilt him into it by asking him, “just who paid for you to get that knowledge?”
🙂 Thanks very much, Jerry
Those pictorial directions look the size of a newspaper! No fun at all. Good luck with it Derrick.
Thanks very much, Miriam
I hate learning to use new gadgets! I bought a paper shredder months ago and it’s still in the box:)
🙂 Thanks very much, Becky
Every time my sons get a new gadget, they set it up without as much as a glance at the instructions! So annoying. I’ve put off buying a new printer because I can’t even decide which one! Will wait and see how you get on with yours…
I may be some time…… Many thanks Marina
And all of this new technology is just a way to cut overheads and make even higher profits. Companies should offer a man and a van to set it all up for you, at a small fee.
HA! I am laughing because I can relate!
I like unpacking the tech-stuff, unwrapping everything, setting it out, and even reading the “construction” papers… 😉 …but then I let my hubby put it all together and get it up and running. 🙂
If it’s IKEA furniture, I’m good at putting that-stuff together! 🙂
Your office room looks cheer-y and love the photo on the wall! 🙂
Hope your new printer ends up working wonderfully! 🙂
HUGS!!! 🙂
Thanks very much, Carolyn. You may have guessed that photograph was of Michael in September 1968 – printed with my Canon Pro 9000
Yes, I did remember. What a precious photo of your precious son! I am sitting here with tears in my eyes. I can’t even imagine how much you miss him…each and every day. You, and your whole family, are still in my thoughts and prayers.
Thank you, once more
You’re welcome.
If you have time…Here’s a blogpost I did on assembling new stuff. 😀
https://doesitevenmatter3.wordpress.com/2016/08/10/some-assembly-required-p/
Great post. I have commented thereon
It always seems a great idea buying new stuff, but we never take into consideration how long the set up is going to take. All the best with the completion!
🙂 Thanks very much, Sue
I also empathise, although i tend not to put off the opening, only to regret it four hours later when the progress has not been to my liking. 😉
I believe the CD is a ‘last resort’ for Dinosaurs like me who can still remember what a floppy disk is and when it suddenly became smaller and not so floppy! 😉
I can confirm that, as a Windows user, while initially setting up my Brother printer/scanner/fax i used the accompanying disk, but when i recently had to reinstall the software to get the printer to print from my main computer i did it all via ‘the cloud’ and company website.
It actually all went surprisingly smoothly!
Hoping the same for you!
Thanks a lot, Bob
Haha, daunting task for a new gadget. This afternoon, my tab darkened while I was reading. I looked at the settings, the visual link for my e-reader. It took me a while to find the adjustment for brightness. Not that much of a techie like my son.
Thanks very much, Arlene
You gave me a lot of smiles and a few hearty chuckles (actually, belly laughs) this morning, Derrick. I could so relate and the facial expressions I am WELL aware of! LOL
🙂 I like to amuse, GP. Many thanks
You succeeded !!
Not so very long ago my Canon printer died, and since I needed both a scanner and a printer for a project and needed them immediately, dallying over it wasn’t possible. I researched and purchased in the same day, and when I brought the thing home, I left the box in the middle of the living room floor for a few hours, until I gathered my courage. As it turned out, I managed to get the thing installed and working in only a few hours, which was my personal best. I still grin when I think about the fact that I did it.
I rather like the printer, but I still haven’t figured out how to print a photo properly. That may come, or it may not. Given the cost of ink, my infrequent need of an actual print, and the quality of what comes from the local stores, I may not worry about that for the time being.
Well done, Linda. Thanks very much
Oh, this post made me giggle! What a great way to start the day. The top picture of you is priceless and would be exactly the way I would look if I had to set up a printer. Lucky for me, I live with a geek. Hope Becky comes to the rescue soon.
Thanks very much, Laurie. I’m impressed by Clif
And I sure do count my blessings!
🙂
P.S. Showed your picture to Clif, and he had quite the giggle, too.
🙂
You have my sympathy, Derrick. I’m lucky to have someone to do all this kind of thing for me though I admit it has made me very lazy when it comes to new technology. Hope it’s up and running very soon!
Thanks very much, Sandra. Today I procrastinated
Technology is good but alot of it is so hard to understand and figure out.
Yes. Thanks very much, More
Brave man! I’m glad you explained the shadow 😊
🙂 Thanks very much, Helen
Ian was reading this out loud. I was commenting with stuff like, “Oh gawd, put the CD down and back away from the instructions.” “You don’t need the CD, download it!” Then I saw the blog title. LOLd.
I left it alone today. Thanks very much, Becky X
Do hope you have now made progress with the printer.
(I leave all that “stuff” to my husband 😁)
x
Unfortunately that is one thing that Jackie can’t help me with 🙂 I left it alone yesterday. Thanks very much, Melanie X
Oh dear….. Hopefully it’ll soon be up and running.
x
I need a new printer, but having seen your pictures, maybe I can wait. I just put some blinds up in my living room last week that had stood in their delivery box for…oh, about 6 weeks. I knew the power screw driver had to be charged and I would need time and patience. I waited for the confluence of those things. Good luck with finishing up!
Such pleasing solidarity, Lisa. Thanks very much
Good luck! … I’ve given up even bothering to try and read the paper ‘instructions’ that come with any electronics these days. It’s either the website of YouTube for me, and YouTube usually has much better explanations. 🙂
ahhhhh technology, I hope you came out in the end
I chickened out yesterday, Yoshimi. Many thanks
Far too scary!
I have an infallible two-step solution to such things:
1. Take a hefty sleeping tablet.
2. Go and lie down.
Just at the moment, that seems an excellent idea, Leslie. Thanks very much
Ugh — I’m not afraid of it but I hate how even our phones will be updated whether we want it or not, & then require unexpected time to relearn… at least you were dressed nicely for it & your office has a great window to have to do it in 🙂
🙂 Thanks very much, da-AL
Technologies are such a challenge. Be brave.
🙂 Thanks very much, Micheline. It has now paid off
I applaud your courage, Derrick; not only attempting to tackle what seems to me an impossible task, but also sharing the process with your readers – what bravery!
🙂 Many thanks, Dolly.
Very welcome, Derrick