Larry
Phoenix,#2Consumer Comment
Thu, March 28, 2002
There are three problems identified here: 1) the computer itself, 2) the software bundle, and 3) the financing. I have been involved with computers since 1971. Personal computers are one of the most complicated devices on the market. I strongly advise novice users to get help from a more experienced person before buying any computer from anyone. I also advise novice users to avoid buying from any dealer who cannot provide face-to-face assistance. I bought a Gateway computer myself in early 1999. I thought it was a good deal and the hardware has worked flawlessly. I did have one problem with the software, however, that was ultimately resolved by erasing the hard drive and reinstalling the operating system and all other software. While this may not be typical, it does illustrate what you may have to do with a mail-order computer. If you are not prepared to do your own software installations you probably should stay away from Gateway, Dell, and other mail-order outlets. Most computer problems are caused by software, not hardware. Hardware is covered by the warranty, software is not. Sometimes it is hard to tell the difference without seeing the problem first-hand. A novice user, such as this one, is not going to have much luck with over-the-phone technical support. She needs to take this machine to someone qualified to fix it. The bad news is that no matter where she bought it she will likely have to pay to resolve any software issues. Buying software is also tricky. This is once again where the novice buyer needs help from an experienced person. As this buyer learned, bundles of software often duplicate software provided with the operating system or include programs that the user has no need for. Always beware when someone selling something offers to finance it. Whether it is a computer, a car, a big-screen TV, the seller is going to get a cut of the financing costs and that will come from your pocket. If your credit is good, shop around because you can probably get better financing on your own. If your credit is not so good, then maybe you should ask if this is really a good deal because it probably is not. Either way, you need to understand what you will pay and for how long. It's your job to find that out.