Damek.

Back in November I decided it would be nice to have a little home file server, to store music files, Quicken data, and other files for easy access from my laptop, Alex’s laptop, and from remote places like my cubicle at work. I’ve already been aware for some time of the small, low-power computers made possible by VIA with their Mini-ITX mainboards and Eden line of processors. They’re about as fast as the mainstream processors from Intel and AMD from a few years ago, but they use much less energy. They’re meant to be used in embedded systems, but there’s a healthy enthusiast community using them for everything from in-car computers to full-fledged home theater setups, not to mention other creative projects.

Yes, this is all a matter of luxury convenience. But it isn’t that exhorbitant. Since all I wanted was a simple, small, quiet, low-pwer file server, I went and bought a ready-built system from iDOTpc (who are now iBOXpc). (You can also get similar systems and parts from Logic Supply and other stores around the world, but I’ve purchased from iDOTpc before and they were friendly and helpful.) The system I bought was just under $500, including a mini keyboard. It has a big hard drive (accounting for a quarter of the cost) and some extra RAM, but nothing else (no DVD/CD or floppy drive). It is only supposed to sit in the corner and serve files, after all.

(By the way, for regular home use, if size, noise and energy bills concern you, you could add a few items, pay a bit more, and end up with a perfectly adequate office system for under $600.00. But then you’d still have to add on MS Windows for an extra $100 or so (I didn’t, I still have a copy sitting around from before I switched), and if you don’t already have a screen you’ll need to buy one of those, too. You’d still be under $1,000, but you’d also have no real access to good support if you need help. These mini PCs are really just for hobbyists, although the VIA mainboards and CPUs are finding their way into finished consumer products, I hear. If you need a cheap PC, look to eMachines or Dell. Or go for the good stuff and get a Mac.)

So anyway, I finally ordered the system about a week before my birthday, and was looking forward to its arrival on the 15th. Unfortunately, for some reason I decided it would be better to have it shipped to my apartment instead of to my workplace. Of course, UPS can’t deliver to you if you’re not there, so I left work early, hoping to be there in the afternoon to eagerly receive my new toy. I arrived only to find I was ten minutes too late, the proud new owner of one of their little brown & yellow post-its. I called them to find out if they could try again that day, but when you call you get their generic national call center, who passes your message on to the local office, and they’re supposed to get back to you. They didn’t, so at about ten minutes to 7 PM, I went online and put in a reroute request to have it shipped to my work address. Their website states that all rerouting requests must be received by 7 PM to go into effect the following day, so I figured I was golden.

The next day at work, nothing came and then still more nothing came, and no new tracking updates appeared on their website. I called them at about 4:30. Again, the generic national call center, assuring me that they had my work address now, but saying they would have the local office get in touch with me by 7 PM. So, home I went, which unfortunately means I was underground on the train when they tried to call me. They left a message with their phone number so I could get back to them. I decided not to bother them, since I had been assured they had my work address. I was certain I would get my new toy tomorrow.

The next day at work, nothing came and then still more nothing came — however, there was new tracking info on the web! It said they had tried delivering it the day before — at 10:57 AM, no less — but no one was available to sign for it. I’m thinking, what the heck? They couldn’t have failed trying to deliver it to my work address the previous morning; there’s always someone there to receive packages. Nevertheless, I waited, thinking maybe they’ll finally deliver it now, on Friday, two days after I could have received it. Yet nothing came. So I called them again around 4:30. Again, the generic national call center, assuring me that they had my work address. Yet this time I refused to be fooled. I told them my story, and the person double-checked, and saw that they were still trying to deliver the package to my home address.

What the heck?

Again they said someone from the local office would contact me, and I was now determined to speak with them. When they called, their excuse for still trying my home address for two days was that, because of the holiday season, there is such high volume that they can’t respond to rerouting requests as fast. I think that, if they can’t handle it, then they should send that info up the chain so that their website doesn’t proudly proclaim around this time of the year that they will respond to rerouting requests within one day. They said they’d get it fixed and have my package to me by Monday or Tuesday. To which I replied, “Monday.”

In any case, I learned my lesson. Never think you’re safe to receive a UPS package at your apartment. Always have it shipped to work, even if it’s something bulky you’d rather not carry home, and even if you have a kind neighbor who has taken packages for you in the past. FedEx has no problem with these things; you can just go pick packages up from one of their Manhattan centers, if you want, or redirect it with ease. UPS offers this option, but I would have had to go to the Bronx. I’m not going to the Bronx! That’s where my in-laws are! Sheesh!

The end of the story is that I finally received the package at work the following Monday, and carried it home on the train with much anticipation. I calmed myself when I got home, set the box in the living room, and went on to do some home errands before jumping into unpacking it. I did some dishes, took out the trash, and cleared an area for working on setting up the server.

When I unpacked it, I found that iDOTpc had neglected to include the power adapter. Figures. Luckily, I remembered they were in California, and though it was after 6 PM here in NYC, they would still be in the office. I called customer service immediately. They were very sorry and offered right away to send the missing item by US Priority Mail. So, with luck, I should have it today (or at least tomorrow), and be able to play with my new toy over Christmas weekend. Hallelujah!

I’ll let you know how it goes. Because I know you want to know.