The Geek Squad solution seems like it was from a Mac user.
While not cheap a network crossover cable would have worked.
I prefer to do a lot of research before I seek help from a retail outlet. I'm that way with Guitar Center as well. I prefer to go in knowing what I want instead of them knowing what they want.
a Master Geek master came over and asked "Whos' the moron asking for me. Did that really happen? I find that incredible. That's a phone call to the corporate office, major facebook bash on your page and theirs. I would not let that go even if it was meant for the associate.