Run Away! Run Away!
Written: Sep 08 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Inexpensive, at least at first
Cons: Widespread failures and poor resolution
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| www.ssdiv.com's Full Review: eMachines etower 400i PC Desktop |
I just got off the phone with the e-Machine "rebate" center in Coppell, TX. It seems the $75 rebate, which I applied for on 12/31/99, has been "lost". It's now 6/12/00, and I'm told it will be another 21 days or so. . .
But I digress.
I have been buying and recommending e-Machines since they came out. I've had a direct hand in purchasing no less than 5 similar models (the first were 366 MHz Celerons, a 400 MHZ, and two 433i towers). Only one machine has been problem-free.
The first machine was for my *mother*, who is now quite computer-literate, but suffered the legendary e-Machines modem failure. While, of course, I was 1200 miles away. This was *after* the retailer (BrandsMart, in FL) refused to take a return on a DOA unit. e-Machine tech support suggested a format and reload of Windows, which cured the computer until the modem failure.
This modem failure was handled fairly well by e-Machines, although my mother purchased the extended warranty for an additional price. Little did I know that the modem failure on this one machine was just the beginning.
I can verify *personal* experience with the following:
* Chronic modem failures, especially the Conexant model (3 machines)
* Very loud cooling fan, annoying buzzing humming (3 machines)
* Failure of the Power Management/soft power button (2 machines)
* Abysmal customer service (after 30 days, you don't even *exist*)
* Criminal rebate service (I think they never intended to pay) (2 machines)
I am very unsatisfied with the e-Machine product, and even more upset at their poor handling of customer service issues. I thought it was just my rotten luck, but some web-searching revealed the problems I'm having are widespread and not unique in nature.
Perhaps the lawsuits, combined with e-Machines questionable financial situation, is reflected in the product (and service). While the computers do what they advertise WHEN they WORK, I cannot suggest anyone buy an e-Machine unless they are comfortable with pulling modems, going deaf from failing fans, and waiting on technical assistance lines for help.
Avoid, avoid, avoid.
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7/18/00 UPDATE:
I'm still chasing my $75 rebate. For some unexplained reason, the 2nd re-issued check was never issued. But at least I've been changed to "escalated" status.
The machine in the kitchen (433i tower) now has developed a problem in that it won't stay turned off. It turns itself back on after a shutdown, anywhere from 5 minutes to 2 hours later. "Phantom Restart" is what the e-Machine service tech called it. Evidently they have this name for it - because they've seen a lot of it. My only option is to send them the complete computer for exchange. They won't repair it, or exchange the hard disk, or allow me to. Nor will they let me exchange the mother board.
I also found out that there is no "e-Machines". The computers are made by Korean outfits TriGem and Korea Data Systems, and "e-Machines" buys them in bulk and puts a label on them. Go figure.
Don't buy an e-Machine -- and when I get my rebate check, I'll buy you folks a beer. Pencil that in next Spring, maybe.
Recommended:
No
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Epinions.com ID:
www.ssdiv.com
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Member: Steve McChesney
Location: Nanuet NY
Reviews written: 6
Trusted by: 1 member
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