July 27, 2006

Dear Piper,

Hi Piper, I am 15, and I have a problem. In February of this year, I purchased a brand new computer. I researched this computer, read articles about it, watched videos on its functions and did a test-drive of it in a nearby store. After using it since then, I have become aware that not all my programs work with it--they were over exaggerated by the sellers. Piper, it took a great deal of work to convince by parents to let me buy it, and I even presented slideshows to them about it. Now I wish I never would have purchased the thing. I'd really like to sell it and buy a different computer, or just use the money to put into savings, or to put elsewhere. Is there a good way to ask my parents for permission to sell this computer? Thanks.

--Fellow Piper in Cali

Dear Fellow Piper in Cali,

Ah, buyer's remorse. Been there. Done that. And then some. OK, first of all congrats on what seem to be your preternatural presentation abilities. If I had had the cojones and brainpower to make such a persuasive and visually stunning plea for a major purchase when I was your age, I wouldn't have been playing Pong way past my prime.

Now, first things first, are you sure you have the latest operating system and software versions of your programs? This will help ensure everything should run smoothly. If everything's up to date and you're still having trouble, try calling the manufacturer. If that gets you nowhere you may have to level with your parents. If they paid for it with a credit card, the credit company may be able to intervene. If not, don't bother trying to sell it. Computers are a lot like cars, as soon as you drive it off the lot it's worth nothing. If you really don't want it around, donate it to a charity and earn interest in the bank of karma. Good luck!

--Piper