Keep away from this system/manufacturer
Written: Feb 05 '03
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Pros: Cheap, good fast system (when it works)
Cons: High repair rate
POOR customer support
Battery does not keep charge
Cooling fan dies early
The Bottom Line: Stay away from it!!!!! Nothing but problems and frustrations.
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| gwhicks's Full Review: KDS Valiant 6380iPTD-01 PC Notebook |
I have not been able to use my KDS laptop for longer than a 4 or 5 month period before some problem occurred that either hindered or completely prevented my use. I originally bought mine from Sam's Club on May 31, 2001 and have regretted it almost from that date.
I first had battery problems where the system would not run on battery power for longer than 5 or 10 minutes. They diagnosed a faulty battery and I sent mine in, and received a replacement with still only a 5 or 10 minute battery time. Since I was (attempting) to use this computer for my daily tasks I couldn't be without it so instead of sending it in for repair I used their rapid exchange program (or whatever they call it) and gave them a credit card to charge a new laptop to, they sent me that system, I transferred everything and sent mine back. Then I discovered that the new system I had to jiggle the power connection on the back of the laptop or it wouldn't detect that it was plugged into the wall. They again sent me another system and I sent the new one back. I transferred my files and sent the 1st replacement back to them. When I tried to plug into one of the USB port the whole system shut down, and if I booted it with a device in the port it wouldn't detect it. (One port worked and one didn't) Again they sent out a replacement (this is all taking place inside of a week or two and thankfully they allowed the single hold charge on my card and didn't require a new one each time). The newest replacement had 3 pixels on the screen that showed a constant green, and the "U" button had to be pressed much more than any other key on the keyboard to register. It wasn't a major pain (just had to watch what I typed with a U and got used to it really quick) and based on the history I decided I should probably cut my losses as I had no idea what I might receive if I tried for another system.
Just before the warranty ran out I again started having problems with the system constantly shutting down on me, and they were out of systems so this time I HAD to send it in for repair. After it being gone a little over a week I received it back and all seemed well, they even fixed the pixels on the screen I had mentioned while it was still under warranty. Just before Christmas of 2002 I again started to lose battery life and my CPU cooling fan started making one heck of a racket while running. They told me they were out of supply on fans and if I were able to locate a supplier they would send me replacement fans. Well, I have no idea where they get their product from (maybe I should learn, I would probably be better equipped to make better systems than they seem to be able to) and I have been in a debate with them to get this system repaired. They want me to pay for repairs, but based on the track record I feel they owe me at least a replacement fan. I am willing to live with the battery issue, but the fan making noise means it is hitting the sides and is eventually going to die completely which will then fry the CPU and make a rather useless doorstop (yes even useless as a doorstop as the case doesn't seem strong enough to hold back a door)
My advice if you are looking to buy ANYTHING from KDS (laptops or displays) is RUN AWAY AS FAST AS POSSIBLE!!! Spend a little more and you will save a LOT down the road and in frustration.
Now if anyone else has a KDS horror story I would like to assemble us all together and possibly bring a lawsuit against the company. Please let me know if you are interested in joining in on this, you can email me at greg.kds-sucks@ajlb2.com. Jan 31 '03
1:38 pm
Recommended:
No
Amount Paid (US$): 1100.00
Operating System: Windows
Processor: Intel Pentium III
Processor speed: 701-800
Screen Size: 14 inches
RAM: 128
Internal Storage: DVD
Hard Drive (GB): 13-20
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Epinions.com ID:
gwhicks
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Reviews written: 2
Trusted by: 0 members
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