I like to play chess. I’m not great at it, but pretty good. I don’t have the time to invest in playing with people, so I decided to get some chess software. Anyway, people can be so annoying.

While looking at different programs, I discovered some freeware I could load on my Blackberry. That’s convenient for a busy guy like me; I can squeeze in games when traveling, watching paint dry, waiting for the light to change, etc. Nice.

The program’s okay — great graphics, easy to use, small footprint, plays at multiple skill levels (the highest one is even tough for me to beat), and it never makes a mistake — something that’s really annoying when playing with people. There’s no fun in winning if the other guy loses due to a mistake.

After playing a few hundred games, I figured out a few “weaknesses.” Not bugs or errors — just weaknesses, or limitations, things that if “I got into trouble” during the game I could exploit (i.e. use to cheat) to beat the software.

Being that I lack the self-control to not cheat, and I like the portability of the chess game on my BB, I decided to find a dedicated-handheld chess unit. There are several nice ones on the market; however, the ones with features comparable to my freeware are expensive.

What the heck. I decided to spend the money and get something that would be totally up to my game, and that I wouldn’t get dissatisfied with.

So I spent a ton of money (drove my TCO through the roof) only to discover that after playing a few hundred games I figured out some “weaknesses” in the unit (not bugs or errors – just limitations) that were different from the ones in the freeware but similar.

Now I’m angry and asking myself: “What the heck does it take to get a ’solution’ that I can carry in my pocket, that’s rugged, has long battery life, has full featured graphics, and consistently plays chess at my current (and future) level without any limitation?”

Is that asking too much? Are my expectations out of line?

Having paid nothing for the freeware, I also feel like I got “ripped-off” by the expensive product. Why should I have to pay for “embedded software” in the device? Based on my estimate of COGS for the hardware it should have been much cheaper!

I think I should get my money back, and be compensated (maybe handsomely) for my trouble. Plus, I think I’m due an apology from the freeware company for all the inconvenience they’ve caused me. People can be so annoying.

Posted by Charlie Barnhart, August 10th, 2007

Filed to Outsourcing

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