Buy DEll not MDG!

I just wander if you got your money back? and Blah i'm curious what location do [did] you work for?

MDG Computers Newmarket, Ontario

Purchased a computer from the Newmarket MDG computer store on May 17, 2006. I went there to buy a computer that they has advertised in the newspaper ads, but when I got there found out that Internet ready doesn't mean that the hardware to access the Internet is included in the computer. I was pushed by the salesman to purchase a different system that would be better for my small business. I was in a panic because my old system I had at home, the monitor crashed and my system was old and so didn't want to just buy a new monitor, thought I would get a better deal if I purchased a whole new system. But this created a problem for my small business if I didn't return home with a computer that day. I didn't have any issues with the computer for a few months but then started to notice a flicker in my new monitor. This went on for days, not always flickering but at time it got so bad that looking at the screen would make my stomach roll.

I started my computer one day September 19/06 ( 4 months after purchase) and it just wouldn't start. There was no way to even get into safe mode. I called the phone number for tech support and he confirmed that this was a hardware issue and that I needed to return the system to the store I purchased it at. I called the Newmarket store around 12:30 PM to get some information about what I needed to bring with me to get warranty service for the computer, but didn't hear back from them until after 5 PM at which point I was not there to talk to them. I called the next day over an over starting at 8:30 AM only getting their answering machine. I left numerous messages, but was not called back by them so I packed up the computer and drove to their store. I took the computer in and was refused warranty service because there was a sticker missing on the back of the computer. I explained that the sticker is missing because I followed their instructions to make sure that the computer was not damaged by dust and to "inspect and clean" the computer every 6 to 8 weeks. The warranty information on the desktop of my computer said " physical hardware damage and/or damage caused by DUST build-up is NOT a manufacturer's defect, and not covered under warranty."
They refused to honor the warranty because I followed their instructions to inspect and clean the computer from dust that was outlined in their congratulations letter given to me when I purchased the computer.
I returned home with the computer and called MDG head office. I told them I wanted my computer fixed and that the Newmarket store refused to honor the warranty. I also wanted to file a complaint about the Newmarket store. I was told that I would be put through to tech support but I explained that I had already spoke to tech support and was told to take it to the store. I asked to speak to a supervisor but was told that no one was there that I could talk to. I asked for the CEO's name and number was was refused that information. I was told that I would have to e-mail the complaint to MDG, and at this point I lost it.. HOW CAN I E-MAIL IF MY COMPUTER WILL NOT EVEN BOOT UP?? The gal on the phone thought this funny and giggled "oh yeah". I asked her for her name was told it was Stephanie, I asked for her last name and was refused. I asked for her supervisors name and was refused. I ended the call knowing that I wasn't going to get anywhere talking to her.
(continued in next post)

Part 2
I was now without a computer and unable to run my business because of my MDG computer issues.

I called another computer tech and took my computer in to see what was wrong with it. It was the motherboard. He replaced the motherboard, the computer worked for about a week, but I was still having other issues. He explained that sometimes hardware conflicts with other hardware. I had at least got my computer working long enough to make sure that I had a up to date backup of my files, but I would be working and the computer would just shut itself off. I would have to save all my work every few minutes to make sure I didn't lose anything, but there was no guarantee that the computer was going to start again. Sometimes it would take 5 or 6 boots to get it to start. I took it back to the tech and he reformatted the computer to make sure it was not a software issue, but there wasn't any improvement. He was going to take the computer back in and find out what was wrong with it but I had already starting paying for computer repairs on a computer that should have been under warranty and I wasn't going to and couldn't afford to sink any more money into this BAD purchase.

How did I solve this problem? I purchased another computer, and I must say, that for $100 more I purchased a system that is double the ram,1 gig compared to the 512 Mb MDG , is an AMD 3500 as compared to the MDG Celeron 3.06 gz, a 160 gig hard drive compared to the 80 gig MDG, 18x DVD-RW compared to the MDG 16x dvd rw, has a separate graphics card compared to onboard video from MDG, a 19" LCD compared to the 17" LCD monitor from MDG, and on and on I could go , but also I now have 2 years parts and labor on the new system, and that is far better than the warranty refusal that I received from MDG. I was actually shown the guts of the NEW computer when I purchased it.

So I now have this MDG black box. I call it the black box because it looks like a computer but sure doesn't work like one. I couldn't even sell this piece of junk if I wanted to but really , I don't have the heart to try to sell it to someone and put them through the computer troubles that would lay ahead. I have more honor than MDG does. I am taking MDG TO COURT. It is the only way to deal with these people.

That sucks Katiegal but I’m not at all surprised. At my store they didn't always have the do not remove stickers but when we saw them on some Compaq’s we started doing it too. It really isn’t there for your protection its to save the store money. I can't Say which store I work at because its obvious I’ll be fired the next day, sry jojo. I have seen the odd customer that has fried their motherboard after trying to install the wrong ram or something like that. But its quite rare.
They made the rule to refuse repairs legit or not and to avoid giving away free service.
Check any computer you buy to make sure there isn’t a sticker and if there is one ask about it. It is a sneaky trick since they give you the computer in a box all taped up. But from time to time a customer will open it up at the store and will inspect it there. If it is caught before leaving then the sales person or store manager will often sign the invoice saying it is allowed to be removed. (Remember all they really want is your money.)

Over all I still recommend sending a complaint to both the Better business bureau and consumer affairs. Even if they do nothing to help you it will be another complaint on record and one more thing for MDG to explain to consumer affairs.

I'm bored!

Hey blah, y do u still work there if u hate it so much? I couldn't care less for MGD and what they r doing but u sound like one of this people who r paid to trash someone or somebody.
I'm just saying if I felt the way u do about my job, I would be out of there in no time.
Oh, I c maybe u r a modern robin hood who's trying to help poor people and that way clense himself infront of god so u don't burn in hell for what you've been doing last 3 years to god knows how many people.
I'm just sick of you and you sleasy way of going behind your employer while still working there instead of taking them to authorities or someone competent to deal with an issue if u think they are that bad, or are they that bad or u r just another disgruntled employee?

Cheers

Well I guess I could quit and try to find another job doing something else for the same money in the same field. I mean you seem to know me so well reading my posts that you are an expert on the decisions I have to make everyday. But the fact of the matter is even if I do quit and find another job I will be replaced by someone else that will be happy to lie and steal and keep it all a secret.
If you are so bored try going through the rest of this forum. There are 8 pages after all and you will find testimony that backs up what I've said. It really seems to me like you probably work at MDG also. Why else would you come on a random forum and start bad mouthing me. You act as though you have been personally hurt by what I have said. Infact you are more upset that I have "gone behind my employers back" as you put it then you are that I would be involved in these scams in the first place. I find that a little puzzling. Afraid not as many customers will come to buy a PC from you? I don't like the advertising and scams MDG has and I have talked to management and head office on several occasions but I guess you already knew that. If it weren't for the scams and ads it would be a pretty good job.
I'm also haunted with the fact that 80% of all people working don’t like there job. So even if I leave this dishonest company there is a good chance of finding another job that is just as bad or worse. But I guess you already knew that too since you know me so well.
Am I disgruntled? I would like to see change in this company and I think this is one of the many ways I’m going about it. If you think this is the only way I’m trying to make changes you are way off. If you read the forums you will find out I'm not the only employee to let people know what is going on. As far as your comment that I am someone paid to trash another company. Is there really a job out there like that? Where do I apply?
Jdrama you need to think before you write a post trashing a guy telling people of a scam and how it works, and if you are trying to accomplish some good by what you say then next time just don’t bother writing at all.

It is not worth the money saved to buy from a company like MDG...especially if you're using your computer for business. I can personally recommend Dell after purchasing dozens of problem free computers from them over the last 8 years for work. Toshiba and IBM/lenovo also make some great laptops if that's what you're looking for.

Dell is very price competitive with MDG...and you don't need to buy from some sketchy sales people.

i've been thinking about going to MDG for the last couple of weeks just because of their advertising on their computers just seem too good to be true. now after reading all these posts about everybody's bad experiences has me thinking a little skeptical. i mean, their website and flyers say they have some pretty good hardware there - like the intel bad axe motherboard, e6600 processor, 2gb of kingston ram, wd raptor x hd, ati crossfire - is there no truth to this? they say you can test drive your computer before you take it home - is this not true also? do they really make you sign the work order before you even know whats going into your computer?

Well don't I feel like a loser for not reading these posts first. After reading all of your posts, I was in the same situation as most of you. I bought an MDG computer last week and before you know it, it kept crashing the day after. Mind you the sales person was nice and he seemed like he was trying to help me so I felt that I got a bargain when I walked out with my brand new "custome-built" computer. I would had prefered to build my on computer but I just didn't have the cash to build one so MDG's finacing was very attractive me. That's why I bought from there. After contacting the sales person about my problems with the computer and telling him that I want a new one, he seemed ok with it so I'm going in this saturday to get a new one. Hopefully things will go smooth and maybe I can get better free hardware with a little smooth talking myself. Wish me luck and I'll update you with what happens.

p.s.
Experienced people with great computer knowledge will know better not to buy from MDG, Dell or any other pre-built sytems. But for the average computer user I think buying from MDG is not really a bad option. It just all depends on what you use it for. What do you expect? I learnt my lesson.

Katiegal, you're problem is memory, the ram is fried, probably getting ntfs error? They were right to refuse warranty service, you did this to yourself by opening your case, caused by vaccuuming your system? Static Electricity, sound familiar? The cleaning is a bonus if they offer it. You are not supposed to do it yourself. It is very easy to destroy your ram. It should be obvoious to even the most amature of techs, not everyone who claims to be a pro is very good. I rely on 'quarterbacks' or "experts" to sell systems. Replace your ram and your computer should work fine. Motherboard is fine, unless there is something you haven't posted. Most of the Warranty people have been mistaken. Sticker or no sticker, you messed up your own system. We don't cover that.
'frightened'- he gave you a good deal as far as MDG goes, the 2.8 is about $28 less for a similar processor -the fsb. The 975 is about $150 more, and the only advantage is crossfire and more ram. Probably beat dell too. Dropped price and gave you what you wanted? Why didn't you go with it? You got one of the few good ones in this whole company.
Blah20000- Whoever you are, the truth be told. Keep fighting for the rest of the MDG'ers out there who are sick of the crap that goes on in this company, I fight everyday to change the world. Although, sometimes I beat the best computer place in the city because they charge construction and cables, thermal compound, and overcharge for software, etc. And I have never lost a competition between Dell and MDG.
I may seem to be defending the company but really...I despise the way I make a living. I try to make the bare mininmum for my job requirements, and will be leaving very soon. Dell really does suck. Trust me (ironic but really, don't waste you're money).
Moral of the story: Be honest, a $500 computer won't do what you want it too. Be nice and con't listen to everything the salesman tells you is true. Although, sometimes they are helping you out. I just gave a high pt sale so much stuff he became a low pt sale. That equals $380. Some of us are good people. Just ask for a good deal and the salesman/woman will oblige.

If you buy a horizon, sorry. You will not get what you expected, the ad leaves things out all the time. Buy a low end Vision model and you will get a great deal. Don't call the 1-800 number they are worse than the stores.

I've read a lot about MDG's shoddy computers, but what about their TVs? Specifically, their LCD ones? Are they OK? Does anyone here own one or know of someone who does?

Thanks

I bought a 32" LCD TV from MDG with a built-in high definition tuner back in November. I paid just under $800 for it.

The widescreen option took some getting used to. However, this is more of a function of channels not being optimized on ExpressVu.

The picture quality is very good. You can see grass gradients and textures of pitches when watching games. I make a point of watching the English Premier League every Saturday and I can really see the difference. The picture is incredibly sharp. I also like the factory screen settings. It comes complete with cinema, vivid, ultra-bright and a few others cool settings.

The remote control is kind of weak, but it still serves its purpose. I only have to use it power the TV on, adjust volume and resize the display.

I also think its a sharp looking product. Mine is piano black.

Thank you, so much. It's been so difficult to learn about the reality of MDG TVs.

My family has had so much trouble with our new MDG (AUG 2006)computer we have gone back to my 10 year old computer. It runs better than my brand new MDG piece of crap. I wasted $2,500. for nothing. I am really, really sorry I bought an MDG. DO NOT BUY FROM MDG. SAVE YOUR MONEY!!!

I know a fair bit about computers and bought an MDG. Let me tell you they are absolute crap. I have gone back to using my 10 year old computer. I cannot keep taking this in for repair and have consigned myself to the fact I have wasted $2,500. This piece of junk won't even run the simplist of games. It has all the integrity of an Vic 64. DO NOT BUY AN MDG COMPUTER> You would be better off buying a 286 and upgrading it - that is how crappy they are!

No - I bought an MDG (Vancouver BC) and they really are junk. I am back to using my old computer because my family is so frustrated with the new one.

The sales rep told me that the TV stand is extra, and the TV can't stand on its own. That was rather disappointing. Also, $200 S/H seems pretty high. Anyway, it's all worth it if the TV's quality is good.

The other thing I noticed in the contract is that the TV comes w/ a TV tuner. Isn't that supposed to be standard? Is buying an MDG like buying a Dell computer, where the basics have to be added and paid for?

And, how important is a Cable/DSL 802.11g 54Mbps Wireless Router + USB 2.0 Adaptor? Without it, will I be able to hook up cable TV service to the TV?

Thanks in advance