“We ran the 3DMark 2003 graphics benchmark on each laptop, comparing optimized and non-optimized settings. For two of our samples, the Gateway and Toshiba, performance changes were negligible. On the Asus laptop, however, optimized tests actually scored about 32% worse than the non-optimized setup.”
I worked at Best Buy for a few months after college in the computer sales department. I can say that the entire goal of that department is to part customers from their money. At the time we were “encouraged” to sell at least 3 add-ons (preferably high margin items like USB cables), the service contract, an ISP service, and the early form of Geek Squad optimization.
I regularly saw other sales people blatantly lie and attempt to scare customers into buying service plans and “optimization” style services. Let’s just say I was not a good salesman by Best Buy standards and I was glad to find a nice office job out of retail.
