Tuesday, December 28, 2004
How much is a manual worth?
The value of a manual is no longer a philosophical question for me. I know from experience that users don't read manuals, and so many companies, especially in software, don't bother to print them. Some bright sparks argue that if you need a manual, the product is too complicated anyway.
But last week a bought a complicated product, and it didn't come with a manual. My used Mazda came straight off the docks of Japan, looking for a loving home in New Zealand after being rejected by its native land as too old. It's a nice car, but never intended for export. Mazda never produced an English language manual for it. Sure I can figure how to turn the ignition and the lights on, but there are still many knobs and button I don't quite get. And what I can't see, like the innards of the engine, is an even greater mystery. Fortunately, a company in New Zealand specializes in translating Japanese language car manuals. I can get one on my model for $50. Is it worth it, I wonder? I'm not sure it will explain the most perplexing device, the Alpine stereo, which may not have been factory installed.
But last week a bought a complicated product, and it didn't come with a manual. My used Mazda came straight off the docks of Japan, looking for a loving home in New Zealand after being rejected by its native land as too old. It's a nice car, but never intended for export. Mazda never produced an English language manual for it. Sure I can figure how to turn the ignition and the lights on, but there are still many knobs and button I don't quite get. And what I can't see, like the innards of the engine, is an even greater mystery. Fortunately, a company in New Zealand specializes in translating Japanese language car manuals. I can get one on my model for $50. Is it worth it, I wonder? I'm not sure it will explain the most perplexing device, the Alpine stereo, which may not have been factory installed.
Link to this article. posted by Michael Andrews @ 8:30 PM 
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Ah yes, Alpine stereos. Probably best to get this directly from Alpine, if you can, or you may be able to find one on the Web.
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