Complaint Review: Olympus Imaging Corp.

I really tried to register this complaint with the Olympus Imaging Corporation first - on their website set up for that purpose (http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/cpg_productquestions.asp).

But after a couple of tries and receiving the message: "An error occurred on the server when processing the URL. Please contact the system administrator." --I decided that was just their way of sidestepping a non-profit generating service.

My complaint reads:

A couple of years ago now, I purchased a new VN-5200 PC recorder from a Radio Shack. I was very happy with it, using it every week to record my class sessions and categorize my files and download my recordings onto my computer. But all of a sudden last year when I it the playback, the volume would not sound loud enough and remained at a very low level. So - after a year of moderate usage it it quit working in the audio function. It still records, but I can't hear it.

This was really very frustrating to me, and I just want to register a complaint. Are these devices only meant to work for a year and then just quit? Do you expect to keep customers like this????

That is my question. I know the answer: 'Unfortunately, your product is no longer under warranty; therefore, Ms. so-n-so, we cannot help you. We apologize for your inconvenience.... better luck next time ... watch both ways when crossing the street....

I got a year's worth of use out of the $60 device. Is that really right? Do all the devices get the same problem? Or do you just have them malfunction in various ways - so that they don't all lose a certain function? But different malfunctions on different lot numbers - so not everybody gets the same 'bad apple'?

I ask this because every one of the electronic products I have purchased since 2000 seem to do the same thing: a Sony boombox, a Zenith video-TV, a Sony cassette-to-cassette recorder, another individual cassette recorder, all purchased brand new and non-functional within a year. Not your brand, but the same genre. I do not mistreat my possessions. They were gently cared for - but stopped working, regardless.

How long should a digital hand-held recorder last with moderate use?

Can you tell me that? I need to purchase another one; so I need to know what I can expect. Your input would be appreciated.---End of complaint.

Needless to say, the fact that anytime a customer purchases a brand-new item and treats it carefully, uses it moderately and as prescribed, he/she should be able to expect to get some good use from it for longer than a year. That is my opinion. I don't know where this complaint goes, but it feels good just to let others know and beware when buying an Olympus product. Get a 5-year service contract!!