One convenience that I've started to avoid is the ATM machine at the bank.
It's not that I'm finding myself tempted to withdraw too much money and not leave enough for other obligations. That's not why I try to stay away from the machine.
It's because our bank has installed talking ATMs at all its branch locations.
Those things make me nuts. I've been using an ATM since I was 18 years old. We won't talk about how many years that is--let's just say that I know what I'm doing by now.
This is definitely a case where "new" isn't necessarily "improved." The talking ATM won't let you move on to the next step until it has finished giving you the instructions for it. It doesn't matter that you know how to enter your PIN number and then type in the amount you wish to withdraw. You have to listen to the directions, given so slowly that you could finish the transaction three times over, before you can move on.
It's faster to get in line at the drive-thru and write a check.
My particular favorite is one ATM in a neighboring town. I'm not sure why this one is different from all the other talking ones, but this machine has a British accent. That always gives me a laugh, and at least distracts me from the fact that it's taking forever to get my $20.
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