Electronics not coming with the basic cables to use them straight out of the box

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Hobchild

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#1661757 31-Oct-2016 22:01

I feel this is different to special features a device can do as opposed to completely doesn't work without it. I guess a lot of things don't supply batteries but I feel that is usually a little more obvious and every time I couldn't find out whether batteries are included or not they have been. Oddly enough the blu-ray player came with batteries for the remote.

mdf

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#1661766 31-Oct-2016 22:12

scuwp:

It normally says on the box whats included. I scour them carefully nowadays given how common it is for essential items such as cables to be left out and needing a separate purchase.

+1. I'm less worried about having to purchase them separately, than I am about getting home and finding out then that I needed to purchase them separately. Nothing as frustrating as not being able to play with a new piece of tech because I have to go on a return trip first!

Hobchild

623 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1661794 31-Oct-2016 23:03

mdf:

scuwp:

It normally says on the box whats included. I scour them carefully nowadays given how common it is for essential items such as cables to be left out and needing a separate purchase.

+1. I'm less worried about having to purchase them separately, than I am about getting home and finding out then that I needed to purchase them separately. Nothing as frustrating as not being able to play with a new piece of tech because I have to go on a return trip first!

I too will endeavour to do this and will cease assuming anything other than the main product is included.

Hammerer

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#1661802 31-Oct-2016 23:58

Not reading the box is just another case of not reading the documentation (manual, install guide, etc). Most of us will read the box to confirm that an electronic toy for a child has the batteries it needs.

Most devices have more than one interface so should we get cables for all the interfaces? I'd rather pay less for electronics - and we do compared to what we used to pay - than have to pay for included ancillary equipment that I'll never use.

Hobchild

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#1661805 1-Nov-2016 00:35

Hammerer:

Not reading the box is just another case of not reading the documentation (manual, install guide, etc). Most of us will read the box to confirm that an electronic toy for a child has the batteries it needs.

Most devices have more than one interface so should we get cables for all the interfaces? I'd rather pay less for electronics - and we do compared to what we used to pay - than have to pay for included ancillary equipment that I'll never use.

Fair enough but in my instance there is only one interface (HDMI) for video and a coaxial for audio, never did I expect a coaxial cable as this is only necessary under special circumstances. Obviously judging by the replies in this thread this is a common thing but I've never struck it before. Though I have to admit even I was quite surprised that I did not have a spare one.

CYaBro

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#1661829 1-Nov-2016 07:25

I remember years ago printers stopped coming with the parallel or USB cable.
This was before wifi or Ethernet printers.
There must have been a complaint, not where I worked but somewhere in NZ, as we were later told to make sure we supplied one with any new printers because without one of those cables they are not fit for purpose under the CGA.
Could the same not be said about this unit not coming with any video cable?

Opinions are my own and not the views of my employer.

Dunnersfella

4086 posts

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#1661849 1-Nov-2016 09:03

A while ago a lot of Blu-rays simply didn't come with an HDMI cable and the electronics stores enjoyed the ability to sell an add-on to their customers. Then, once analogue outputs were discarded by manufacturers (at the end of the analogue sunset period) almost every single Blu-ray player came with a cable in the box.

However, with margins in the consumer electronics sector getting thinner and thinner, I guess it adds up... so they're no longer in the box and a retailer somewhere (on-line or bricks and mortar) gets a sale on top of the Blu-ray player.

Personally, I have always figured out the ideal cable prior to purchasing (length / angled head (yay/nay) / size of head etc etc)... and sorted it all out at the time.

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blakamin

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#1663361 3-Nov-2016 15:23

richms:

Cameras dont come with memory cards, do you think they should as well since that is essential to have them work?

IMO, research. Also who doesnt have a crapload of HDMI cables already? I get really annoyed when things come with needless crap in the box. Just thrown out about a dozern random foregn plug pins that clip on to the adapter for external HDDs. I will never be taking my HDDs to the UK or USA so have no need for them. Yet they are in the box because it makes it easier for western digital to have fewer skus to sort out.

Had to drag this up again....

I have about 20 1m ethernet cables in a drawer if anyone wants one

(not really giving them away, because I'm not wasting time posting them)

MadEngineer

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#1663376 3-Nov-2016 15:52

Sometimes Philips monitors come with both vga and dvi cables.

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richms

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#1663417 3-Nov-2016 17:53

MadEngineer: Sometimes Philips monitors come with both vga and dvi cables.

Yeah, have had that before. 2 useless obsolete cables and no displayport in the box at all.

Richard rich.ms

RUKI

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#1663636 4-Nov-2016 11:33

Hm,

Am I the only one who, before doing any purchase reads through specs and pays attention to the section which lists what is "included" and what is "optional"?

I've been in Telco and High-Tech for over 30 years and that is just a routine habbit.

I bet you'll be shocked at discovering that many modern devices come without what you would expect to be included, e.g.:

- EV Nissan Leaf - without spare wheel; (Some other cars as well)

- Modern Toyota - without any sockets/wrenches;

- Second-hand cars - without second key;

The list can go on.

Free advise - do not assume things, check specs first before you prepare yourself for any purchase...

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