Tired of talking

If, like me, you're a bad typist you can use windows dictation to speak what you want instead of typing. Here's how to set it up. It's really easy to do.

Use dictation to talk instead of type on your PC

Applies to: Windows 10

Use dictation to convert spoken words into text anywhere on your PC with Windows 10. Dictation uses speech recognition, which is built into Windows 10, so there's nothing you need to download and install to use it.

To start dictating, select a text field and press the Windows logo key  + H to open the dictation toolbar. Then say whatever’s on your mind.  To stop dictating at any time while you're dictating, say “Stop dictation.”

If you’re using a tablet or a touchscreen, tap the microphone  button on the touch keyboard to start dictating. Tap it again to stop dictation, or say "Stop dictation."

To find out more about speech recognition, read Use voice recognition in Windows 10. To learn how to set up your microphone, read How to set up and test microphones in Windows 10.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4042244/windows-10-use-dictation

Charge for Quote?

Yes, I'm going to start doing this. Not much- $25 and it will be applied to the purchase price if a purchase is made.

I've had, once again, an "occasional" customer ask for pricing on a laptop. When I research pricing for a customer, I do it with an eye towards what their specific needs are and how they can be best met. I've always taken pride in being vendor neutral and more customer centric than most retailers who tend to oversell in order to make commission. To do the research and find numerous options (for both in stock and items from other vendors) does take a fair amount of time, effort, and knowledge. I don't make an excess profit on what I sell, so spending time on quotes has generally been a dead-end unless the customer makes a purchase.

This first happened years ago where the father of a boy that went to school with my son engaged me in a weeks long discussion of various laptops. After providing him with pricing on 4 different occasions, he then let me know he purchased a similar model to one I had quoted from Best Buy because it was $20 less.

So, after this happening over the course of the last 14 years, I am now charging for quotes.