Should You Have To?

[TWR]

You have just bought a new product, eg Mobile, CCTV, or many other Electrical items with no instructions, should they not be included within the box? why should YOU have to download & print them?

[Zacs-Master]

The problem is that manufacturers realise that an increasing number (possibly 75 / 80%) of their customers have grown up being tech-savvy i.e. They know how things work. Many gadgets, especially phones, work intuitively (to them) and so manuals aren't needed. Also with the internet being so easily accessible if a customer does become stuck, there are many options for finding the answer (on line manuals, forums, you tube etc). I'm afraid it's a generational thing.

[Prudie]

Most things I've bought come with a manual but the exception is mobile phones and I have had to download them. They are so long that is easier but I agree not everyone is on the internet, especially some of the senior generation. TWR because you are often passionate about your views you do attract snipes because of it. There was no need for it here whatsoever and yes I think there's a good argument for it being removed - it wasn't Ummmm either.

[-Talbot-]

Some instructions are totally crap. I bought a self assembly wardrobe from IKEA, followed the instructions and when I put it together I think it was a coffee table.

[Zacs-Master]

Ah, you must have bought a Kloop instead of a Kluut. Easy mistake.

[TWR]

No, I know it was not Ummmm Prude, it was an answer to Ummmm reply by the smart rs.

[Berniecuddles2]

Unfortunately nowadays manufacturers seem to think everyone has a pc or laptop to download a manual if needed...my old mum 85 and in-laws in their eighties both have no access to a pc and even if they did wouldn't know how to even turn it on....

[TWR]

Erm!!!! uncertainly, Errmmmm Member of AB.

[1ozzy]

Ignore the detractors TWR.

Because....

...De tractors are a machine that rastamen drive to plant de pot crop.

Hey mon, there are more important things in life than the postings on AB.

[1ozzy]

Dead right Bernie.

The world is moving to fast for some!

[ummmm]

TWR - I don't think anyone responded to me. I think it was you they answered.

[EcclesCake]

From an environmental perspective I think it is execellent that we can user user guides on line. Given they are typically printed in microscopic font size to allow then to print one guide that covers ~17 different languages it makes perfect sense. The ultimate benefit is always knowing where to find the user guid rather than ransacking the house.

[hc4361]

If you want a comprehensive manual a few sheets of paper won't be enough and just as gadgets come with dual plugs the manual would have to be in several languages.
As well as printing costs, the packaging would have to be bigger and one manual may weigh very little but hundreds or thousands would weigh a considerable amount. This all adds to the cost of storage and transport as well as the environmental impact.
A quick start user guide should be enough with the option to order a printed manual if required.

[pastafreak]

But what if you need a user guide for a phone,but do not have any other way to access the internet so that you can read the guide *while* using said phone? Also, not everyone can print out guides...I know I can't.

[Zacs-Master]

Don't all smartphones take you through the set up, step by step? I only have experience of iPhones.

[hc4361]

Yes, they do, Zacs - I have had android and blackberry and set up involves following the steps on the phone.

[pastafreak]

Set up is easy...it's those problems/quirks that appear later that involve looking up.
I usually just Google...or live with it. ;-)

[EcclesCake]

I might be able to use a computer but I clearly haven't mastered spell and grammar checkers!

[Prudie]

It's all the features you need the manual for not simple set up. I was given a blackberry by work, came in a box with no manual at all. I had no idea even how to switch if on and if remains the most user unfriendly phone I've ever had. Hate it with a passion.

[Mamyalynne]

My pet hate is those instructions that come on a huge single sheet of very fine paper , you start to unfold it and it keeps growing - on hands and knees with a magnifying glass you find the two lines in your language that aren't much help anyway.