As much as I don't like Geek Squad (What Consumerist doesn't?) I really like this idea.

I was in a Children's hospital a lot as a Child and the hospital I was in had a McDonnalds. As an adult I think that is pretty stupid, because of health reasons and all of that. But as a kid I loved having it there, because that little piece of "normal" (Especially with something tangible, like food) was really great every once in a while. And it tasted better than the hospital food too.

Kids, and people in general, these days rely on technology for their normal, whether that is a good thing or not. And if their computer won't connect to the wifi or their cellphone dies their piece of normal is gone. If a Geek Squader can help bring that back, and for free, I think it's great.

@JPropaganda: See and I thought this had to do with the analog signals. But I was later told that it's because batteries have a magnetic field that interrupts EKG's and tracer leads.

The world may never know.

They offer slightly used, refurbished, or open box Geek Squad there?

I'm sure that has some relevance.

Next will be a Geek Squad kiosk in every Starbucks.

@secret_curse: Cash, in unmarked bills?

@secret_curse: Nah...it's not enough to finance my future living on the lam.

Most of us were more qualified than BB Geek Squad, and our jobs ran the gamut from ensuring bandwidth for gaming connections to replacing the monitor on a 5 year old Dell laptop. All for free. Those students that got serious use out of us loved us to death, while the casual geeks pretended we didn't know what we were doing...until they applied for a job and failed the entry test. (Seriously, you should know how to reset a BIOS chip)

That being said, now with a career in aerospace engineering, my tech support job was the best job I ever had. Lots of interaction with people, critical problem solving, and great co-workers. I wish I could do that job forever, unfortunately the profit-driven motives of Geek Squad and other places just ruin the experience.

@Smashville_Flippin the Bird Before Bud Adams: So? Don't leave us hanging... Should you take the $10,000?

@Shadowfire: You understand the difference between hospital computers and Best Buy computers, no?

@CompyPaq: Indeed, this seems like a win-win for everyone involved.

Oh, here we go. Best Buy is doing this to expand the exposure of their brand, not just to the children and their families, but for general PR purposes.

Okay, it's true, but it's a stretch, because there's little doubt that they're losing money on this.

Also, don't they get tax deductions for this?

@Loias: I'm sorry to say this, but you're wrong. When you PAY for GS service you get the level of service you would expect for free. When you get Free GS service the most likely outcome is that it will suck so bad it's likely to collapse on itself and generate a black hole.

Plus, we all know that when you have a sick child, you leave all the research to the doctors and use your cellphone to keep the family updated. So you certainly wouldn't have a problem with losing your computer for a month ([consumerist.com]). Especially when it's free.

Frankly, I wouldn't send someone to Geek Squad even if it were free.

I just hope they don't block any ambulances with their stupid-looking nerd-mobiles... [consumerist.com]

Confidential information is handled by the hospital's EMR system, which, as a rule, is set up and maintained as a turnkey solution by the vendor. It's pretty certain the Geek Squad won't get within ten feet of that system.

Now, the need to train the GS guys on general HIPAA regulations is something else entirely. Would the be considered hospital employees and therefor required to maintain the same level of confidentiality if they somehow manage to come into contact with sensitive information, and if not, how exactly would that be handled?

Most patients and family members these days have laptops, phones, etc. and need help with them regularly. Our IS department has it's hands (very) full with keeping the hospital's technology running, and can't usually help. I occasionally get called (I'm the resident computer guy in the Education department, and help out with tech support on a regular basis around the hospital), but I'm not available for that kind of support most of the time either. I'd imagine the need in a larger hospital would be much higher, and take a lot of time.

I despise BB and the Geek Squad with a passion, but in this case, kudos to you guys. Great idea, great call.

@katstermonster: We used to just have a quiz at my old job.

There was a question somewhat like this:

"A newspaper offers you $10,000 to pull up the health records of a well-known patient. Do you do it?"

I think it's a noble effort (even if the motivation is obvious), and I wish them the best. I just hope they don't end up doing more harm than good (a doctors second worst nightmare..after a malpractice suit).

I tend to obey rules in a hospital, but I have seen one family yell at another about using the cell phone, and have always been quick to point out that recent studies have shown they aren't a concern.

Plus, I'd think having some short-sleeved clip-on tied nerd offering "to help" me every 10 minutes would be pretty annoying after...say...20 minutes.

They're providing free tech support?

All I can say is: You get what you pay for on that one...

@JPropaganda: Most hospitals have cell phone areas.

@JPropaganda: Those are usually just in the ER or ICU areas where your cell phone might interfere with the equipment. The patient rooms I've been to have all allowed cell phones.

I was texting my family from the labor room before I had my C-section, and texting again in recovery. :) Well, I think my husband texted everyone when I was in recovery. I was extremely stoned. We started calling people on the cells after I was put on the maternity ward in my real room.

I wouldn't trust Geek Squad near all that HIPAA.

Stealing porn is one thing...stealing health records...there's jail time involved there.