Free Republic
Browse · Search
General/Chat
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

I need a New Computer Update: My terrible mail order computer experience
3.25.03 | mlmr

Posted on 03/25/2003 1:41:32 PM PST by mlmr

About a month ago I posted a request for infomation since I was planning to buy a substantial PC. I subsequently bought a Dell. About 2000 worth of computer. Thursday Dell is picking up both the computers they sent out... it has been a terrible experience. The returns man was abusive. He didn't have to be. He had the ability to give me the return but I had to fight for it. The customer service was the same, I had to argue for parts and service. I don't ever want to use them again. Any other computer recommendations for the kind of machine I am looking for??

I am looking for a 3.06 GH 1 GB RAM 120GB hard drive with Office XP and Windows WP a good graphics card , sound blaster, speakers etc.


TOPICS: Computers/Internet
KEYWORDS:
Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-2021-4041-6061-8081 next last
To: mlmr
Welcome to the REAL world. I had to wait 6 wks for a replacement after my new 3 wk old computer melted down.

Every time I saw that commercial about the Customer Service Dept. working 24/7 I had to resist the urge to throw a shoe at the TV.

I'm still angry, and intend to notify the Iowa Attnry General and the Better Business Bureau.
41 posted on 03/25/2003 2:25:07 PM PST by Iowa Granny
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Henrietta
Well maybe it wasnt all me.
42 posted on 03/25/2003 2:39:09 PM PST by mlmr
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 39 | View Replies]

To: AgentEcho
I had a Dimension 4550.
43 posted on 03/25/2003 2:58:11 PM PST by mlmr
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 40 | View Replies]

To: Petronski
Thanks
44 posted on 03/25/2003 2:59:15 PM PST by mlmr
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 35 | View Replies]

To: Iowa Granny
Was it Dell that you were dealing with? Or is this just mail order computers generally?
45 posted on 03/25/2003 3:00:13 PM PST by mlmr
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 41 | View Replies]

To: mlmr
Which video card and monitor did you order?
46 posted on 03/25/2003 3:12:59 PM PST by AgentEcho (If you're in a fair fight you've done something wrong.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 43 | View Replies]

To: AgentEcho
I didnt order a monitor, I am using my good old envision. The card I ordered was a 64Mb CE force4MX graphics care with TV out
47 posted on 03/25/2003 4:22:43 PM PST by mlmr
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 46 | View Replies]

To: mlmr
OK, I understand now. My advice to the technically challenged (and I'm not being sarcastic) is not to order mail order computers. I've learned that the best way to deal with tech support is to identify the problem before you call them, so you can be one step ahead of them when they ask you to turn the machine on and off, whether it's plugged in, etc. If you know what the problem is, you can head them off at the pass, and get things done quickly.

On the other hand, you have to be careful where you buy locally. I bought some expensive peripherals at Computer City, and within a month, they moved out of the area. Fortunately, I never needed to return them.

If possible, try to hook up with a computer-savvy person (maybe at work?) who can help you diagnose problems. If that's not possible, do as much reading as you can, and try to understand the basic elements in a computer, so you can recognize problems yourself.

Unfortunately, today's tech support is usually a warm body on the other end of the phone who is using a manual (not his/her brain) to diagnose problems.

48 posted on 03/25/2003 4:26:33 PM PST by browardchad
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 34 | View Replies]

To: browardchad
I don't take it as sarcasm. I am a big user but inside the box scares me. I wanted to buy as big and bad as I could get so I could do some interesting things and not have to think about up grade for a few years. I am now going to look locally for a good provider. I want a company that is not going to go out of business soon. I wonder how staples' stock is doing??

That last customor service rep just took it all out of me. I have never been treated as poorly on the phone. It was amazing...for the byword is customer service in most industries.
49 posted on 03/25/2003 4:35:14 PM PST by mlmr
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 48 | View Replies]

To: KneelBeforeZod
What is a Costco?
50 posted on 03/25/2003 4:36:52 PM PST by mlmr
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 29 | View Replies]

To: mlmr
Bump
51 posted on 03/25/2003 6:38:50 PM PST by mlmr
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 49 | View Replies]

To: KneelBeforeZod
Does that really work???
52 posted on 03/25/2003 6:40:59 PM PST by mlmr
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 17 | View Replies]

To: HarryKnutszacke
Actually your opinion sounds like it makes sense.
53 posted on 03/25/2003 6:43:13 PM PST by mlmr
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 22 | View Replies]

To: KneelBeforeZod
Does the Atheon compare to the Pentium 4 3.06?
54 posted on 03/25/2003 6:46:13 PM PST by mlmr
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 29 | View Replies]

To: mlmr
my friend works at intel... he says some of the chips are 'dumbed down'

I don't think you'd need anything more than a 2mhz unless you are doing engineering or something.

costco is a warehouse store
55 posted on 03/26/2003 12:50:53 AM PST by KneelBeforeZod (Deus Lo Volt!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 54 | View Replies]

To: Wright is right!
I've had a good experience buying things from Dell, and bad experiences when dealing with their customer service.
56 posted on 03/26/2003 12:56:48 AM PST by xm177e2 (Stalinists, Maoists, Ba'athists, Pacifists: Why are they always on the same side?)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 3 | View Replies]

To: KneelBeforeZod
Why would chip makers dumb a chip down?


I will eventually be running a streaming live internat audio show for my website. I need processing space to take callers and stream the show.

Costco must be like BJs or Sams.
57 posted on 03/26/2003 3:42:52 AM PST by mlmr
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 55 | View Replies]

To: mlmr
BTTT
58 posted on 03/26/2003 3:55:09 AM PST by mlmr
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 57 | View Replies]

To: mlmr
Don't buy Dell. Try Falcon Northwest or Alienware.
59 posted on 03/31/2003 6:53:08 PM PST by boris (Education is always painful; pain is always educational)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: boris
How is the customer service?
60 posted on 04/01/2003 7:09:54 AM PST by mlmr
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 59 | View Replies]


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-2021-4041-6061-8081 next last

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
General/Chat
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson