This stream of random thought is offered by way of recompense to the less technical readers I [used to] have, in case the last post or two have made less sense to them.

PC World is a curious place. Normally I shop online for things like that: not only can I flit back and forth between shops in the time it takes to hit Tab but I can also have reviews, manufacturer's claims and whatever other research I need open in other tabs/windows.

Even so, there's still some attraction to browsing in person. Although the back of the box often isn't as detailed as the specification on an eCommerce site - not to mention everywhere else I might be checking - it's far more satisfying to pick it something up and turn it over to get there. Seeing the range of available items in rows on shelves is much nicer than seeing them as tiny thumbnails and poorly written text stubs in a column on screen.

The thing is, I only buy things from PC World when I'm desperate and can't wait to order something in. The range is better than anywhere else I can physically reach, but it's nothing like I can virtually reach; same goes for the prices.

The staff range in competence. I often try to ask them things, although normally the answer is only better than I already knew if it begins 'do you have any...'. I once spent ages there learning from a smarter specimen, but mostly the people who are really good end up moving on pretty quickly. Although I'm sure what they say is valuable advice to some, if I'm not already there I can find better online.

Occasionally I get sucked into some odd impulse buy, like the miniature mouse I just bought (for my laptop, so that the desktop can have its mouse back) and the cooling tray thing my laptop sits on (although I need a bigger one, because the new laptop is widescreen). Mainly though, PC World is a shop that I like to go to but don't like to buy from.

Almost paradoxical.