Any opinions on the Notebooks?

[Deb]

Believe it or not...I do not have, and have never had, a laptop.... Something about work has finally given me reason to believe it's time for me to get with the program and obtain one.[nbsp][nbsp]

I really want to get a good one and have been holding out to make sure I pick the right one.[nbsp][nbsp]I'll be spending a lot of personal time with it and would rather not start our relationship with me tossing it across the room :P

On that note... does anyone have an opinion of the Dell Latitude C800 (http://www.dell.com/us/en/bsd/products/model_latit_latit_c800.htm) or reasons why I should be looking at a different Notebook all together?

Appreciate any input from those already hanging out by the pool with keyboard in hand :)

From those wondering why I'm not following TeRRa's plan --- it's because his idea of great and mine are a bit different.[nbsp][nbsp]See I like buttons on my OS and he likes text :P

Deb
[nbsp]- Can I have a second opinion please?

[Justin]

Unless you are either a very simple user or require excellent sound -- stay away from Compaq. I went there for the JBL pro speakers, but having no serial ports/game port, only one PC card slot, no composite video out...... Not that I don't absolutely love my laptop, but Compaq is not the way to go...

For Linux, I'd probably recommend an IBM Thinkpad if it weren't for the stick-mouse thing. I hate those and absolutely cannot control them... but otherwise, you can get Thinkpads with Linux preinstalled (even with DVD software), and naturally all of the hardware is Linux compatible. Kudos to IBM for that, but shame for not incorporating a touch pad :)

Sony Vaio (or Viao?) are nice. They look kewl, and are generally packed with goodies, but I haven't used one first-hand...

Basically, rather than recommend any particular brand, look for the following:

- Good video chipset. Nothing like trying to play Counter-strike on a $3 video chip made by Trident (chew on this?)

- Big hard drive, either Toshiba or IBM. The IBM drives tend to make a loud unhealthy-sounding click now and then, but I've read many reports about the noise and none about an actual failure/problem... Mine still works. I can't say for sure but I don't think Maxtor makes a 2.5" drive...

- Make sure the "native resolution" is what you would typically run. If it does 1200x1024 but you would not go that high, you would be resampling (stretching) the image -- and it will look bad. On a good chipset it will be fuzzy (anti-aliased), on a Trident it will be blocky. 1024x768 seems to be good for me... (hint: the native resolution is typically the highest supported on the LCD)

- Make sure you have enough PC card slots. I haven't really found a need for a second one, but if anything ever came up I'd be upsed.

- USB is required, especially if you plan to use a mouse. With a PS/2 mouse you are supposed to power down before (un)plugging (simply due to poor design, the pins are easily shorted if not careful).

- RAM RAM RAM. Make sure it has enough RAM (or room for expansion). If you are used to 256 on your desktop, and you get a notebook with 64, you'll be very disappointed and forced to run to Best Buy for more RAM :)

- MOST IMPORTANT -- If it comes with Windows ME, and you want to put 2000 on it, *make sure the manufacturer supports it*, or you will have a hard time with drivers. 9x/ME drivers do not work on 2000, period, if any hardware port access is required. Compaq has this thing about 2000 being for business use, and their Presario notebooks are not. Thus, no support. Linux support is even worse, but to be expected (except for IBM). Oddly enough, my modem works in Linux but not Windows. Go figure.

---

Now, looking at the Dell, here is what I would personally recommend:

- Windows 2000 (duh)
- 128 megs (pay the extra $20 to go with one DIMM, so you'll have room for another 128)
- No NIC (you'll want to get an IEEE 802.11b wireless card; the options listed don't specify standards)
- Go with the 1 GHz CPU, as long as it's a PIII and not a P4 (long story)
- Whatever else you want/need :)

In other words, looks like a good deal. With lots of goodies added, it will cost about what I paid for the Compaq -- and with Win2000 support, faster CPU... don't know whether to :) or :(...

-- You know how you can't sleep, get up to have a couple beers to put you out, and end up ranting on the forums? :P

------------------
Justin Nelson
SFE Software (http://www.sfesoftware.com)

[0degree]

I've had a Dell Inspiron 7500 for about a year and a half now.[nbsp][nbsp]The HD just kicked the bucket.[nbsp][nbsp]Although this has happened, I highly recommend any Dell desktop/laptop.[nbsp][nbsp]They make the best all-in-one PCs (as opposed to gaming rigs, workstations...etc.) especially since they started including the GeForce2 Go GPUs with some of thier laptops.[nbsp][nbsp]

I just bought a Sony VAIO PCG-FX109K with Windows2000 and it seems, until now, excellent.[nbsp][nbsp]But I miss my Dell![nbsp][nbsp]The support you get from Dell is excellent (at the time I bought my Dell) and all their systems are built with the power user in mind.

The Latitude line has always been more tolerable to damage than The Inspiron but not as feature packed.

If I was forced to pick: Dell then Toshiba/Sony then IBM.

Make sure you get one with integrated modems/network cards so you'll have free PCcard (PCMCIA) slots for wireless cards and other devices.

I highly suggest, as well, a good case.[nbsp][nbsp]Make sure it is well padded from all sides.[nbsp][nbsp]I've heard of cases protecting laptops by having the laptop "float" inside the case and thus hardly banging against the padding.[nbsp][nbsp]I don't know which company makes them though.

Tony.

[This message has been edited by 0degree (edited 04-30-01@02:15 am)]

[sheila]

stay away from Compaq Yes, we've had very bad experiences with Compaqs at our school.

This year, they also gave all the teachers laptops to use, and they were Toshibas. I've not been happy with mine. But my husband's friend/business partner has had a couple of Toshibas and liked them fine.

I've been pleased with the few Dell computers we have at work. However, excepting for the Toshibas I mentioned above, these were all desktop computers, and not laptops.

[Justin]

Compaq's are good for average home users.
Toshiba's are typically less expensive (but you get what you pay for).
Sony's are okay, no personal experience.
Dell seems good, as they build them to order and they are quite upgradable from what I've heard. Apparently they treat the laptops like they do the desktops in that area.

As for internal modem, this is okay *if* the modem is not software-based. These are extremely common in notebooks. If you see HSP, HCF, PC-Tel, Winmodem etc, you don't want it. These things have no modem hardware other than a telco interface; thus, when a new OS comes out (Windows 2000) or if you use an "alternative OS" (eg Linux), you have to wait for the vendor to provide a new "driver" (which, in reality, is actually the modem itself, implemented in software). Don't think that because it's supported now, that it always will be. Think Windows XP, which will most likely require (yet again) rewrites of any device drivers (and, rumor has it, will require these to be signed or it will not install them).

Anyway -- internal NIC isn't bad, but what I'd really like to see is an internal 802.11b interface. Mac Powerbooks come with these, and it would really be a nice addition to a notebook PC. Some Thinkpads come with Blue Tooth (IBM's answer to 802.11b), which is not compatible and is an attempt to reinvent the wheel... mind you it uses the same band, and rumor has it the two won't work within so many feet of eachother due to interference...

At any rate, at the moment I don't see the need to worry about having PC card slots available. The only thing I've ever seen them used for is some sort of connectivity. Be it a modem, NIC, or wireless card, generally only one will be used at a time. Being hot-swap, I'm actually okay with just the one slot (my internal modem, an HCF modem which is nothing more than an extra feature of the audio chip, actually uses what would have been PC card slot #2).

Plus, I've seen a really nice USB --> Ethernet adaptor that's pretty kewl (made by Linksys). But you won't get 100 MB/s out of USB...

The sad thing that the one thing I really want is a serial port. I'll eventually get a USB-->RS232 or PCMCIA serial port adaptor, but that's just ugly. Even my phone has a serial port adaptor on it... and my TiVo...

I'll be seriously shopping around next time... which will be a long time to come (took me a while to justify purchasing this one... replacing it will take a lot more justification lol)
</font><font face="Courier" size="3">
$ sleep
bash: sleep: command not found
$ shutdown -t now
bash: I cannot allow you to do that
</font><font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">
------------------
Justin Nelson
SFE Software (http://www.sfesoftware.com)

[janderk]

I own a Sony VAIO. Bought a simple (read cheapest) one because I only needed it on the road for email and as a software test platform with Windows ME.

I like it. The only thing that won't work is the scroll button on the Microsoft Explorer mouse.

Support get thumbs down. You won't beleive the morons they use at the Sony email support desk. The only answers they can provide you with are the standard FAQ's of their web site. As if I did not read those... And worse they just don't respond if they don't know the answer.

Jan Derk
[This message has been edited by janderk (edited 04-30-01@06:30 am)]

[Tahna Los]

I would imagine that Deb wouldn't be sneaking away to blow away some baddies (or goodies, whichever way you call it) with some Counterstrike.[nbsp][nbsp]So therefore, the video chipset won't matter that much.[nbsp][nbsp]Just need a basic one that supports 24-bit displays on a 1024x768 resolution.

I recently rented a laptop for my boss, a Toshiba Tecra.[nbsp][nbsp]Reliable piece of equipment, IMHO.[nbsp][nbsp]So much that my boss now wants me to place an order for one.

Dell is like the king of Computers, though I wouldn't buy from them.[nbsp][nbsp]To me, a laptop from a good company would do the trick.

[frankc]

Deb, one resource to guide such a decision is a manufacturer's reliability.[nbsp][nbsp]One guide is on the ZDNet website at
http://www.zdnet.com/special/stories/main/products/0,11554,2636349,00.html

Altho dated 10/00, it shows Dell and Toshiba in #1 and #2 positions for overall ratings.[nbsp][nbsp]Me?[nbsp][nbsp]I'll aim for a Dell for my next laptop.[nbsp][nbsp]They have a reconditioned/returned area there, too, with a $100-500 discount before 5/2.[nbsp][nbsp]Definitely worth a look-see.

You can also read the interesting reviews on specific products at ReviewFinder
http://www.reviewfinder.com/1/2071.asp.

Like others have said, 256MB ram, large 10+GB hard drive, 14.1&quot;+ display, internal NIC (leaves the PC Card and USB slots free), and a video chip that doesn't use shared RAM.

As an aside, I just saw today that MS XP will be available 5/31, so ask about a n/c upgrade from whatever OS you get when it's available if XP is in your future.

[nbsp][nbsp]Frank
==let us know what you get![nbsp][nbsp]And pix!==

[Bob]

I had always steered well clear of laptops, however I found myelf in the position to almost &quot;Steal&quot; a brand new IBM ThinkPad i 1300 series laptop.

Well after I checked it out, I was unable to resist getting it as the price was as close to FREE as you could ever possibly imagine, for a laptop.:D

The first thing I noted was there was NO touchpad, it has this little red button in the middle of the keyboard, however after a couple of times using it I was able to get the hang of the &quot;Stick&quot;.

I would say that, with the wide range of prices and models from extremely reliable, Dell, IBM and Toshiba, manufacturers, that the most important consideration would be the intended use.[nbsp][nbsp]As I use mine mostly to monitor certain aspects of FutureQuest, as well as check out the TV Guide listings :P, in the evening, this little IBM does everything I need.

If I were looking for a laptop for constant use, work and play, I would have to think about some of the higher end offerings, but for my LiteWeight use, the IBM ThinkPad is just right, and at the Right Price as well :)

Have a Good One,
Bob

[tedloh]

You didn't say what type of specs you needed :)

VAIOs are nice - but expensive.
Asus make nice notebooks also, very slim.
Thinkpads are good.

Toshibas - debatable unless they have the eraser in the middle.

Definitely NOT a COMPAQ.

And, because you live in the US - your best bet is Dell.[nbsp][nbsp]Second would be IBM, third and value-choice Asus.
------------------
Ted (Chief Do-It-All)
Got2Bet.com - The Net's Winner's Circle
http://www.got2bet.com
ted@tygresystems.com

[Justin]

I would imagine that Deb wouldn't be sneaking away to blow away some baddies (or goodies, whichever way you call it) with some Counterstrike.[nbsp][nbsp]So therefore, the video chipset won't matter that much.[nbsp][nbsp]Just need a basic one that supports 24-bit displays on a 1024x768 resolution. Until you try to use &quot;Smooth Scrolling&quot; in IE and it's unbearably slow. Or you drag a window accross your desktop and see your wallpaper and icons redraw themselves slowly... I do far more &quot;2D&quot; work than gaming, and I judge a video chip's 2D performance more than its 3D performance.

But, I don't think I have to tell Deb about cheap video cards... :P

-- Going to *finally* get some sleep!

------------------
Justin Nelson
SFE Software (http://www.sfesoftware.com)

[jimbo]

Until you try to use &quot;Smooth Scrolling&quot; in IE Why on earth anyone would use Smooth Scrolling is beyond me...

-jim

[Deb]

I melted on the double your memory and discount deal by hitting submit on my shopping cart.[nbsp][nbsp]Estimated Shipping Date is currently showing as May 28th...that seems so far away!

Thanks for the feedback... If I were traveling more I'd of probably gone for the Sony VAIO just for it's size and looks but since I'll mainly be roaming my home and yard I went for the &quot;Desktop Replacement&quot; idea ;)[nbsp][nbsp] All I have left to do now is stand outside waiting for UPS to show up with a box that says DELL on it :P

Deb
[nbsp]- It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas!

[Tatu]

It's just so puurdy. (http://www.apple.com/powerbook/)


[This message has been edited by Tatu (edited 04-30-01@12:18 pm)]

[jimbo]

It's just so puurdy.
Sure it is.[nbsp][nbsp]Too bad you need a mortgage to buy the sucker.[nbsp][nbsp]You'd think they'd throw in some (declining in value) shares for the cost of those puppies.

Stick w/ Wintel.[nbsp][nbsp]The prices are half as much, plus you can actually find applications that will run on it :O.

I inspire for an Inspiron8000, the Latitudes can only be better.

Jim
- I think I may name my first kid &quot;Dell&quot;.

[Matt]

I have been looking at laptops for a while now and intend on getting one at some point. I used a new Dell recently and the touchpad buttons would activate when I wasn't even pushing them. It seems that pressure from resting your palms[nbsp][nbsp]near the touchpad would do this... don't know if this is just an anomaly though. Have heard/ read bad things about Sony, although their notebooks are very cute/ small.

In terms of reviews and cost, IBM is looking the most favorable to me. They're a little more expensive than the rest, but seem to last a while, have many expandability options, good resolution, GOOD BATTERY RUNTIME, etc. I think the A21m priced at ~$2500 is my currently favored model in terms of price/ performance. Also, the IBM noteboooks seem to be much better supported by non-Windows operating systems. Anyone with more extensive IBM notebook experience, please chime in.

Matt
- Opinion almost entirely based on the reviews of others
[This message has been edited by Matt (edited 04-30-01@1:01 pm)]

[Dunx]

Too late to make a difference, but I'd just like to agree with the Dell fans out there - I've had my Inspiron 3800 for about a year and it's been very good.

Only slight quibble is that Dell changed the specs on the sound chipset from what was advertised so I couldn't (at the time) get free support for it in Linux. Apart from that, excellent - wish I'd bought a larger HD though.
------------------
--
Dunx

[Justin]

Smooth scrolling was just one example, but I do like it. When I use the wheel and/or arrow keys, I don't like the screen to jump suddenly. The smooth scrolling just looks so much nicer -- if you have a decent video card. On my notebook it takes almost half a second per scroll, where on the desktop (2 X Voodoo3 3000 PCI) it's less than 1/10th of one second.

Window Animation is cool as well, but only on a good video card (and fast CPU). On a slower system or cheap video card, it's unbearably slow.

I also love the menu fading effect in Win2k (but I can't stand the slide effect in 9x). And I like watching DVDs without frame loss, which this Trident chip unfortunately isn't capable of in full screen mode - I get maybe 15 frames/sec with WinDVD...

My notebook video chip doesn't even have it's own memory; you allocate a portion of your main memory for video -- which, being limited to the 100 MHz bus speed, is very slow compared to dedicated video RAM.

All around, you can definately tell the difference between a $3 video chip and a real video chip, whether you're playing Unreal Tournament at 1200x960, watching Road Trip, or minimizing Notepad with Window Animation turned on...

I agree that the &quot;best notebook&quot; depends on intended use. I got mine because I was to be working out of town, and it was a requirement of the job. Now I can't imagine life without it. With the wireless network at home, I can surf Slashdot while out on the porch (I even bought outdoor chairs), and my notebook has replaced the traditional newspaper or car magazine in... the &quot;thinking room&quot;... ;)[nbsp][nbsp] I have four desktop PCs, yet I spend 95% of my time at home on the couch with the notebook. Even with no COM ports and a $3 video chip.

------------------
Justin Nelson
SFE Software (http://www.sfesoftware.com)

[Bob]

Hey Justin,

What are you using for wireless networking ?

That's going to be my next move, specifically for the laptop.[nbsp][nbsp]

I am leaning towards the Symphony Cordless system by Proxim.[nbsp][nbsp]As they have a USB wireless adapter and a Gateway that will just plug into network hub I already have.

Thanks in advance :)
Bob

[Justin]

Wireless networking - the best thing to happen since... wired networking :)

But, there are things to consider. First of all, if it doesn't say IEEE 802.11b on it, you do not want it (the 'b' is important here). This is the de-facto standard, and if you get an 802.11b card, you can use it with any 802.11b network. I personally use a D-Link &quot;access point&quot;, and a Lucent card. All brands will inter-operate if they're based on the same standard.

More important though is that these things are not secure. It is relatively simple for someone to pull up accross the street from your house with a notebook, and map your Windows shares or use your 'net connection. If you can't run a firewall (and I am not counting Zone Alarm et al in this situation as a real firewall), make sure all file sharing is disabled, or at minimum is protected with a good password.

All of the standard network security rules apply here; the difference however is that, unlike a wired network, it's very easy for anyone within proximity to &quot;plug in&quot;. Distance isn't the only factor, either. Your notebook might be out of range as soon as you hit your street, but someone with a high-gain antenna could conceivably &quot;plug in&quot; from a mile away or more.

Anyway, paranoia aside, here's a typical home setup before wireless networking:

- One PC connected to the 'net via dialup modem.
- One notebook PC with available PC card slot.

In this situation, your notebook will need an 802.11b card. Your desktop will need one of two configurations.

Configuration A:
- Wired network card
- Hub
- Wireless &quot;access point&quot;

Configuration B:
- A second PCMCIA card
- A PCI to PCMCIA bridge, which allows you to plug a PC card into a desktop

Configuration A allows you to easily add other PCs (wired or wireless). Wired is limited only to the number of ports on your hub, and wireless is limited to 128 wireless cards.

Configuration B is cheaper, but since you're running &quot;point to point&quot; (known as &quot;ad-hoc&quot; mode in the wireless world) you won't be able to add another notebook to the setup.

If you use cable/xDSL, you will already have a NIC, and will need to get a hub and use Configuration A.

In either case, you'll need to set up your desktop to allow &quot;Internet Connection Sharing&quot;, in Windows 2000 and (I think) ME. On the Notebook, you would set it's &quot;default gateway&quot; to the IP address of the machine that actually dials in.

Also note that for Windows users, these products typically come with plenty of software and instructions for quick and easy setup. I personally didn't open the CD and have no first-hand experience with the various products' software.

---

Now, if you already run a home network, you'll just need the access point, and just plug it in. Set up your 'net connected machine as your default gateway, and you're all set.

If you run a real network (with at least 50% *nix systems), you probably don't need my help here :)

There are various brands. I recommend:

Access Points:
* D-Link -- works great for me, works at my neighbors' houses
* SOHO -- friend has one, same price as D-Link, seems to work well
* LinkSys -- NOT RECOMMENDED. Another friend exchanged his LinkSys for a D-Link and has far greater range
* Lucent -- if you have the money ($1200+) these are nice. You can add external (outdoor even) antennas, link multiple access points to allow &quot;hopping&quot; (or &quot;roaming&quot;), etc -- but way too pricey for home use.

PC Cards:
* D-Link -- I hear they are okay, no external ant. connector though
* LinkSys -- again, not recommended
* SOHO -- no external ant. connector
* Lucent/Orinoco -- very good cards, best range, and does have an external antenna connector. I haven't needed it, but you do get quite a bit more range out of it. They cost a little more than the others, but unlike with the Access Points, these are worth the extra cost.

Note that with the LinkSys, no testing was done to determine whether it was the card or the Access Point that was the problem... Also note that Lucent is AKA Orinoco.

The point here is that unlike a lot of things, you do not have to buy the same brand. They generally don't come bundled, so you must buy each piece separately; might as well get the best price/performance on each component individually.

Note that there are many other brands; I only posted about those with which I've had first-hand experience.

For those not interested, sorry for the long post. That's what happens when someone asks me a question directly, I can justify going on a serious rant :)

(I'm beginning to think I should write for PC Magazine or something... I'd do it just to get free stuff to review ;) )

------------------
Justin Nelson
SFE Software (http://www.sfesoftware.com)

[Bob]

As always Justin, Thanks for the speedy reply :)

I already have a SOHO setup using a single PC to access the web and shared internet connection set.

The Proxim I mentioned is around $200.00 for the gateway, which plugs into the network hub, which has plenty of open slots.[nbsp][nbsp]And the USB adaptor is $100.00, and since everything else I have is already hardwired, I just need one to get the notebook connected, w/o dragging that 50 foot cable behind me when in another room. :(

Appreciate the security information as I had not considered that.

Thanks again for all the information,
Bob

- Psst Justin, When you get famous at &quot;PC&quot; Magazine don't forget us little guys! :P -

[Jason]

Hi Deb,

I see you already picked up the laptop, so I'm a little late for this post, but I figured I'd post anyway in case my experiences can help anyone else looking for a laptop.

Over the years I've used a number of different laptops (most of them rented or borrowed - the only laptop I have ever owned was cerca 1994 and was an Epson ActionNote 486 - great little indestructable machine, but I don't think they make them anymore).

Other than that, I've used a couple incarnations of the IBM Thinkpad, a couple different Compaq machines, one Toshiba, one laptop that was private label and made by a company I never heard of before, and a couple of Dells.

My favorite of all of them were the IBM Thinkpads. The last one I used was about a year and a half ago, so they may have changed since then, but I found the Thinkpads completely indestructable (very important to me since I have a habit of dropping things). Contrary to some of the other opinions here I actually prefer the eraser-point mouse over a touchpad (I just think that once you get the hang of them they're easier to use - but that's just me). It was a very solid machine.

The Dells were by far my second favorite. Very nice systems. Not quite as indestructable as the Thinkpads, but still very well built. I also noticed the problem of the touchpad mouse reacting when pressure is placed on the areas around the touchpad, but once you realized you couldn't put your hands there it was ok. My only complaint with the Dell was that when airport security asked me to dismantle it to prove to them it wasn't a bomb, I couldn't figure out how to do it (whereas with the Thinkpad I was able to take the thing apart very easily just by lifting the keyboard and removing the hard drive and battery - didn't even need a screwdriver).

The Compaq and Toshiba I have used were older-models from about 1997, so I couldn't say what they would be like today, but I did notice with both the Compaq and the Toshiba that they were poorly built and very very easy to break.

The no-name private label was excellent - no complaints on that at all whatsoever. But since I don't know who made it, I guess that doesn't help you.

Thanks,

Jason

[Arthur]

Faulty battery sparks Dell recall;
http://news.cnet.com/news/0-1006-200-5804151.html

Deb, I hope your Dell comes with good batteries :)

Arthur

[Deb]

ewwwwww thank goodness that's not the model I purchased :)

[Deb]

Ugh! This is just cruel!

With my shiny new laptop I ordered an extra refurbished AC Adapter to be safe.[nbsp][nbsp]

Today UPS delivered a &quot;Box From Dell&quot; ...

What exactly am I supposed to do with the AC Adapter now?

Deb
[nbsp]- Still waiting :P


[This message has been edited by Deb (edited 05-04-01@7:52 pm)]

[Deb]

ARG! Ok the battery was cruel I _thought_ but the lost order is downright painful...yep...they lost the order and as of today there is no laptop order..no shippment date...no anything.[nbsp][nbsp]I'm to expect a call sometime within the next 24 hours to &quot;try again&quot;

Pout, sniffle, bottle of whine :(

Deb
[nbsp]- At least I have a battery ...


[This message has been edited by Deb (edited 05-21-01@7:59 pm)]

[0degree]

...yep...they lost the order and as of today there is no laptop order..no shippment date...no anything

That's really unlucky.[nbsp][nbsp]I just ordered a Dimension 8100 (desktop) from Dell.co.uk and they sent me 2 machines and charged my credit card twice, I don't know if this problem is better or worse than yours!

Good luck and I hope u have your laptop (in good condition) soon.

Tony.

[sheila]

Oh, Deb! That stinks! :(

I had been thinking about you and your laptop recently, and was almost about to ask if it had come yet. But, I thought you certainly would have TOLD us if it had come. (There would have been a chortling and yahooing throughout the forums so loud, it would've made ripples through all the other threads in all the FQ forums!)

Well, when they call, really grind them, and see if they can give you some rush order, or something. Or a discount. I mean, jeez!

[Deb]

Ugh ... between Tony's report and what has happened with mine I would strongly recommend backing off of Dell's online order processing for awhile...

I received a &quot;friendly&quot; letter from Equifax today letting us know that they would be filing collections on us for the non-payment (TIMES 2!!) owed to Dell ...

Mind you we paid online for ONE laptop at time of order..that laptop got &quot;lost in space&quot; and the order was essentially canceled which should have resulted in a refund but instead has resulted in a double charge already sent to Equifax who doesn't have the &quot;friendliest of collection agents&quot; and who doesn't care about my issues with Dell...

So now we're onto the run around with Dell who says &quot;Hmm that's odd, there is nothing we can do, you'll have to settle it with Equifax now&quot; and Equifax who says &quot;deal with Dell if they didn't send you anything but your debt is now between you and Equifax so pay up&quot;

EEIIIYYYYIIIIIEEEEEE

Is this the &quot;Customer Service&quot; I keep hearing everyone complain about all of the time?[nbsp][nbsp]Because I was on phone (or I should say on hold) from 2pm to 7pm today talking to a whole lot of machines, listening to a whole lot of elevator music, and the few humans I did get to speak to knew a whole lot of nothing.....[nbsp][nbsp]Wow.... And to think... I get to start all over again tomorrow :P

Deb
[nbsp]- Dell + E-Check == Bankruptcy

P.S. Sheila I grinded today lol.... That's when they found the &quot;We can transfer you DISCONECT button&quot; :P


[This message has been edited by Deb (edited 05-23-01@8:11 pm)]