From: v053qpgh@ubvmsb.cc.buffalo.edu (Eric W Sarjeant)
Newsgroups: comp.os.ms-windows.programmer.win32,comp.os.ms-windows.misc,comp.os.ms-windows.programmer.misc,misc.forsale.computers
Subject: Re: Anyone had experience with Gateway computer company & shipping?
Date: 16 Nov 92 05:16:00 GMT
Distribution: usa
Organization: University at Buffalo
News-Software: VAX/VMS VNEWS 1.41

In article <1992Nov16.005633.24002@murdoch.acc.Virginia.EDU>, matt@Turing.ORG (Matthew L. Kreger) writes...
>I got my machine from Gateway 2000 1.5 years ago and had the 200MB IDE HD
>die about 6 days before the end of the warrantee.  The power supply died
>subsequently (out of warrantee) and if you get through to tech support
>(or sales for that matter) w/in 2 days it's a miracle... although they have
>just expanded their space and workforce, so that may not be true anymore.
>I also ordered a Telepath $200 V.32BIS modem in February which finally
>arrived in October and hasn't connected w/in 5 attempts since (it has a
>patch daughterboard and lots of wire patchs on it).  
>HOWEVER! GW2K still offers great prices and decent components for the most
>part. I am VERY unhappy with them, but not enough to start buying big blue.
>I have friends who have had worse experiences with Dell, Compaq and IBM
>I wonder if it's just the nature of the beast? 

My situation is very similar. About 2 years ago I ordered my first Gateway
machine, and was generally quite pleased. It offered no considerable
challanges beyond the wait time before delivery. Gateway has some great
deals, and is very willing to help, but actually getting your product
requires some patients.

A recent experience with a Nomad portable has exactly the opposite. It took
forever to arrive and was not working properly. Gateway promptly sent a second
machine, but it was equally flawed. A third machine did not correct the
difficulty and I was forced to request a refund. HOWEVER, the need for a
portable still existed so we decided to go all out and spend a huge amount
on a Compaq LTE/386SL. Oh well -- a few weeks after getting up to speed
with the Compaq we encountered screen problems. It looked like there was
a smattering of dust between the LCD and the screen; we ended up waiting
12 weeks for Compaq to replace the machine. Now we have more problems with
the Compaq, the screen has started to develope a crack in its casing.

If we ever get this thing going we might actually try to port it somewhere --
but I definitely concurr that this is the nature of the beast. Whenever
you purchase any computer hardware, be prepared for the inevitable problems
that go with it.

As a note, our interest in Gateway has been greatly enhanced since our
Compaq experience. Gateway will probably be in our future buying plans. The
fact that tech support is available online with America OnLine and the
Gateway BBS also makes their products appealing. I highly recommend seeking
out computer vendors that can be reached through voice and modem channels,
because tech issues are not always pressing and tech support is not always
readily available.
==============================================================================
 Eric W. Sarjeant                    | "I am only too conscious that I have no
 sUnyaB                              |  claim to wisdom, great or small..."
 v053qpgh@ubvms.bitnet               |
 sarjeant@aol.com                    |
Newsgroups: comp.os.ms-windows.programmer.win32