Zensunni
November 9th, 2005, 04:00 AM
Most computer places nowadays are all just Compusmarts and CompUSA's. Having worked a while at one, I'd like to give a full guide for things to watch out for.
For one, warranty's are never what they appear. There's always a "physical damage" clause, which means that if any surface part on a product breaks, they won't replace it. In modoration this policy is fine, however, most companies abuse this, allowing their products to be devoid of any physical quality or longivity.
A perfect example of this is the new toshiba satallites and tecras (among other laptops going with the glassy screens). These screens are very brittle and I've had tonnes of people coming in SOL with broken screens. Sure, you have to be a little carefull with laptops, however, I think companies have a responsibility to make sure their "portable products" can withstand the abuse of being portable. What's worse is the options they give you after the fact. Want a new screen? That'll be 500$ please. Key fell out of your laptop? 200$!
Also, keep in mind that those extra warranty's you buy from these stores only start AFTER the manufacturer's warrenty. And, contrary to how easy it sounds, gettting a product replaced under it can take weeks. I've even seen up to a month.
Another thing to keep in mind is that these places hold no liability for the products they sell. All they go for is variety, cost, and popularity. Their selection is never determined by the quality of the product.
So, if you have a beef with the product after the first 30 days, you have to deal with the manufacturer. If the manufacturer doesn't have any contact information on their website, then you're SOL.
You should also consider the actual battery life as opposed to what's advertized. I have tonnes of people who buy laptops, Ipods and other portable devices only to find out that their battery life is 3/5 of the advertized leanth. That means for those iPods with a 14 hour advertized life, you're looking at only 7-9 hours. Oh, sure they advertize 14 hours, but their warrenty won't cover ipod battery life unless it's under 6 hours. I know that if I were a customer, this would sure grind my gears.
Also, keep in mind that these stores hire high school kids, so any technical information you receive is devoid of any authenticity. Take nothing they say for fact. In fact, when you go to the repairs department, only about half of them even have A+. Usually, they are just people that are up to date with warrenty information who book your computer in, not actual knowledgeable staff.
Hope that helps. I just hate watching people get screwed over by the system and having to be the guy that tells them so.
For one, warranty's are never what they appear. There's always a "physical damage" clause, which means that if any surface part on a product breaks, they won't replace it. In modoration this policy is fine, however, most companies abuse this, allowing their products to be devoid of any physical quality or longivity.
A perfect example of this is the new toshiba satallites and tecras (among other laptops going with the glassy screens). These screens are very brittle and I've had tonnes of people coming in SOL with broken screens. Sure, you have to be a little carefull with laptops, however, I think companies have a responsibility to make sure their "portable products" can withstand the abuse of being portable. What's worse is the options they give you after the fact. Want a new screen? That'll be 500$ please. Key fell out of your laptop? 200$!
Also, keep in mind that those extra warranty's you buy from these stores only start AFTER the manufacturer's warrenty. And, contrary to how easy it sounds, gettting a product replaced under it can take weeks. I've even seen up to a month.
Another thing to keep in mind is that these places hold no liability for the products they sell. All they go for is variety, cost, and popularity. Their selection is never determined by the quality of the product.
So, if you have a beef with the product after the first 30 days, you have to deal with the manufacturer. If the manufacturer doesn't have any contact information on their website, then you're SOL.
You should also consider the actual battery life as opposed to what's advertized. I have tonnes of people who buy laptops, Ipods and other portable devices only to find out that their battery life is 3/5 of the advertized leanth. That means for those iPods with a 14 hour advertized life, you're looking at only 7-9 hours. Oh, sure they advertize 14 hours, but their warrenty won't cover ipod battery life unless it's under 6 hours. I know that if I were a customer, this would sure grind my gears.
Also, keep in mind that these stores hire high school kids, so any technical information you receive is devoid of any authenticity. Take nothing they say for fact. In fact, when you go to the repairs department, only about half of them even have A+. Usually, they are just people that are up to date with warrenty information who book your computer in, not actual knowledgeable staff.
Hope that helps. I just hate watching people get screwed over by the system and having to be the guy that tells them so.