Yesterday I walked to the Sprint store in Carlsbad (Walmart Fire Mountain area) to have them check out a problem synchronizing my Treo 650. My own diagnosis suggested the problem might be a defective charger. The phone was getting power but wasn't connecting with the PC.

The SprintPCS associate quickly informed me that they are only a "parial repair store" and had no computer to check out synchronization. I was referred to the Encinitas store and told how I could just get on "The 5" south and exit at Leucadia, etc. I suggested that might be a long walk!

The Encinitas store, like other SprintPCS stores I've been to has horrible throughput processes. I was greeted by a large mafiosa figure parked in a chair near the entrance. He took my name and suggested I wait until called.

Soon I found that the associates looked around for then "next person" without regard to any system Luigi might think he's managing. My phone was soon checked in for diagnosis along with the charger and I was to come back in an hour to retrieve it or the diagnosis.

An hour later I found myself once again waiting in the store. Luigi said I'd best get back on the list so I once again helped him spell my first name.

Hopes that an associate would free up soon faded as it was clear the customers being waited on were there for major episodes of new equipment set up.

Glancing around I found Luigi accepting the receipt of another customer and retrieving her phone from the technician. What the heck was the system. I showed him my receipt and asked if he could get mine too. He soon arrived back trying to figure out whose phone he was now carrying. Luigi reported that the charger was indeed bad and I'd been given a new one.

I'd better post this note before I find out the dang thing still doesn't synchronize.