When you just have to mess with someone

On my way to CodeStock I met an interesting fellow at the airport, and had to relay the story (I did add a few posts to twitter.com about it), since it’s one of those stories that end up being on support forums where the techs go to have a good laugh.  As I was sitting at Fox Sports bar having some coffee (it was rather early), I was in total geek garb w/my laptop, cell and other dorky looking paraphernalia on or near me as a gentleman approached me with this conversation…

Man: “Is that a comcast PC? I have a comcast PC. Will my PC work here”

Me: Looks around to see where the camera is; I know I am surely the brunt of a gag.

Me: “Uhm, no, it’s a Lenovo T61p.”

Man: “You look technical, like you should know this…I don’t think that my Comcast PC will work here (meaning at the airport)”

Me: Looks around once again, still not sure there isn’t a camera. I’m thinking: Why do I attract the weirdos?  Anyway, I know this is evil but it has to be done. I can’t resist.

Me: “No, Comcast PCs don’t work in airports. That’s why I have this Lenovo. Everyone knows Comcast is a big target for hackers, and airports can’t have lax security like that”

Man: “Wow, really? They are? But I just bought this! Do you think I’ll be hacked?”

Me: “It can happen to anyone. You’d best watch out.”

Man “The salesman at Best Buy said it would work anywhere! Now I think I should return it”

Me: “Yes, you should. As soon as possible.”

Man “I will! I am going to do just that after my trip. I can’t believe those salespeople will say anything to get you to buy something!”  He then walks away.

Later I saw the same man at the next gate, trying with much difficulty to work his cell phone. <sigh/> I stayed out of sight, since I didn’t want to have *that* conversation again but about a smaller device.