[Galaxy Note 10.1 (2014 Edition) General] dehaani:
I was dragged out to 3 shopping centres this week, on Monday, Thursday and Friday.

Really not expecting much, whilst my girlfriend was clothes shopping, I thought I would enquire about the new Note 10.1. It didn't go well.

First I went to my current network's shop, EE. They told me there is no new Note 10.1 and **I was confusing it with the new Tab 3**. I said it's not out yet and I was just asking in case they had any idea about release dates or prices. They told me the old one didn't sell very well so they wouldn't recommend the new one.

Then I went to O2, when I mentioned the Note 10.1 the guy ran round behind the counter, grabbed a Samsung box and broke the seal on it. He proudly pulled the old Note 10.1 from it's packaging and handed it to me. He said come and take a seat and I explained I didn't want the old one. He said the Samsung rep hadn't mentioned a new model. He offered me the old Note for £329 then when I declined he recommended a Nexus 7.

A few days later, a different EE shop. I wasn't expecting much but was still a bit surprised when they said if there is a new Note 10.1, then it probably won't be very popular. Does EE really dislike the Note 10.1? Is this the company line?

I went to Phones 4 U, they said Samsung hadn't mentioned anything about a new model so I must be mistaken because they'd know before anyone. They didn't seem interested in the slightest so I didn't even try to explain that it was announced in Berlin with the Galaxy Gear.

Today. Another EE store! Yes, I was bored!!! They said there is no new Note 10.1 but even if there was they wouldn't recommend it!!! Unbelievable! They mentioned the iPad and I said I wasn't interested, so they actually recommended I go to Carphone Warehouse!

It was feeling a bit like groundhog day so I went to Vodafone, they said they only do the Tab. Fair enough. 3 said they don't do the 10.1, also fair enough. Finally Carphone Warehouse said there is no new Note 10.1, "they would know if there was". They asked if I had considered an iPad.

I used to work in electrical retail, including phone contracts and laptops on 3g contracts. I'd like to think I took an interest in products, announcements and new developments. Reps used to ask *me* for advice and explanations of new tech, all they could ever tell me was release dates and promotions. I'm shocked at some of the attitude I've encountered this week and I'm amazed at the terrible, shambolic release that Samsung are orchestrating. I know from my past employment experience that Samsung's customer service is also horrifically bad, even compared with their old rival LG. Samsung already have a huge, imposing display in each of the stores I visited. Unfortunately, some of the displays TV screens were switched off and some display stands were empty. It wouldn't take much to propagate some more information and ensure their retail presence isn't compromised. Right now, they're clearly spending a fortune on R&D then falling short with plasticy products. Same with their retail promotions, spending a fortune on interactive displays then leaving them empty and off!

GET YOUR HEAD IN THE GAME SAMSUNG!