Frustrating “side quest” that often happens with new tech.
I bought a Logitech wireless keyboard. K650 Signature. I was like, surely it’s just plug and play right?
It doesn’t work.
Ok, let’s check the instructions. Instructions: “Just plug and play.” Ok, let’s watch the YouTube video. YouTube video: “Just plug and play, idiot.” Ok, let’s read the whole support article. Nothing useful.
Getting desperate now.
- Let’s check forums. Nope, nothing helpful.
- Dig out battery tester. Battery’s fine.
- Try new batteries, just in case. Still fucked.
- Take out the batteries, and wait for capacitors to flush. Did nothing.
- Try it on an old Windows laptop (I use Linux). Nada.
- Smack it a little. Fuckin piece of shit. But not too hard, in case I return it. Made me feel better.
- Search every nook and cranny of the device for a secret on switch. Can’t see anything.
- Check instructions again. Nothing.
- REALLY scrutinise the diagram of all keys and buttons, for a secret on switch. Nothing. The instructions literally just say, the connection light should turn on after removing the battery tag.
Ok, fine. It’s faulty. Start the return process. I hate return processes, they’re exhausting due to my health.
My dad walks in and sees me slumped listlessly on the couch.
Dad: “Nice keyboard.”
Me: “Piece of shit is faulty. Won’t turn on.”
Dad: “Let me check.”
Me: “No, I just packed it up nicely.”
Dad starts unpacking it anyway as I protest. He immediately finds the goddamn SECRET ON SWITCH which is black on black, and tiny, I didn’t see it. I fucking knew it, there was an on switch. URGH. Apparently he’s had this exact keyboard before.
Cancel the refund…
If anything, I’m more annoyed that it’s working now.
Why didn’t any of the instructions mention the secret off switch? Why isn’t it in the device diagram at least?
First time I ever got paid for tech support, my mom’s coworker came over with a laptop with wifi that refused to work. He was clever enough that he had tried reinstalling drivers and all sorts of stuff. He was so frustrated he gave into my mom’s suggestion that maybe her 12 year old son could help.
Windows was still booting up when I found the hardware switch for the wifi on the side of the laptop.
The guy looked so defeated, I couldn’t even laugh or smile about it at the time. He was literal head in hands, practically in tears, and then he peeled off a $20 without looking at me.
So don’t feel bad, this has been happening to the best of us for decades.