Community Forums

kidzalot · 06-28-2005, 01:45 PM

I've just had an experience with a Gateway computer and with Gateway in general that I feel I need to pass on to my fellow rvers who are looking to connect to the internet while on the road or even buy a new computer. I ordered a new Gateway computer and explained before I picked it out that I needed to access the internet via my Verizon Mobile Office software. When I received my new computer, my Mobile Office would not install and freezes the computer. Ironically, I had already been using a Gateway computer with the same Windows XP Service pack 2 software, Pentium 4 with my Mobile Office.

I have spent 11 1/2 hours on Sunday, 6 hours on Monday, and 5 hours today trying to communicate with Gateway. I have written down most names and badge numbers of those with whom I spoke. One man was to call me back in an hour, Andrew FL208. That was two days ago. I still haven't heard. Another man, A SUPERVISOR, no less, was supposed to call me this morning. When he had not called by 11:30 I called Gateway and asked for him (Tim MC143). He was not even scheduled to work until 12:30 this afternoon. When I do get a technician on the phone they tell me the problem must be my phone or my cable or my software. I re-hooked up my old computer, reinstalled Mobile Office and emailed them telling them that the phone, software and cable work.

BOTTOM LINE:
1. I have been told that my Mobile Office will not work in the Gateway Computer.
2. I need to return the computer since my stated purpose in buying it has not been fulfilled and not only are they making me pay a $150.00 re-stocking fee they told me that they will only accept a return from a Fed-Ex/Kinkos site and the closest one to me is 50 miles away.
3. I explained that I needed to have a callback from them regarding the return authorization because I am a fulltime RVer and have already overstayed in this campground because of this issue. I was to have a callback from them by 2:00 today and it is almost 5:00 my time and I am again heldover by Gateway because they have not honored the time THEY stated they would call.

In short, I can not recommend Gateway:
1. They have not honored their own callback times
2. Their return provisions are ridiculous in that you must drive to one of their chosen authorized sites no matter the distance
3. They are making me pay a restocking fee for a computer that does not work for the purpose I stated
4. They have given me incorrect shipping documents
5. They (with exception of 1 or 2 agents) have been cold and unsympathetic
P.S. I advised Gateway the the computer also froze when I tried to play a CD but they were not interested since they already had a way out of giving me my money back since my "third party software" didn't work.

I will be listing the specifics of this venture on my website.

kidzalot · 06-28-2005, 01:45 PM

I've just had an experience with a Gateway computer and with Gateway in general that I feel I need to pass on to my fellow rvers who are looking to connect to the internet while on the road or even buy a new computer. I ordered a new Gateway computer and explained before I picked it out that I needed to access the internet via my Verizon Mobile Office software. When I received my new computer, my Mobile Office would not install and freezes the computer. Ironically, I had already been using a Gateway computer with the same Windows XP Service pack 2 software, Pentium 4 with my Mobile Office.

I have spent 11 1/2 hours on Sunday, 6 hours on Monday, and 5 hours today trying to communicate with Gateway. I have written down most names and badge numbers of those with whom I spoke. One man was to call me back in an hour, Andrew FL208. That was two days ago. I still haven't heard. Another man, A SUPERVISOR, no less, was supposed to call me this morning. When he had not called by 11:30 I called Gateway and asked for him (Tim MC143). He was not even scheduled to work until 12:30 this afternoon. When I do get a technician on the phone they tell me the problem must be my phone or my cable or my software. I re-hooked up my old computer, reinstalled Mobile Office and emailed them telling them that the phone, software and cable work.

BOTTOM LINE:
1. I have been told that my Mobile Office will not work in the Gateway Computer.
2. I need to return the computer since my stated purpose in buying it has not been fulfilled and not only are they making me pay a $150.00 re-stocking fee they told me that they will only accept a return from a Fed-Ex/Kinkos site and the closest one to me is 50 miles away.
3. I explained that I needed to have a callback from them regarding the return authorization because I am a fulltime RVer and have already overstayed in this campground because of this issue. I was to have a callback from them by 2:00 today and it is almost 5:00 my time and I am again heldover by Gateway because they have not honored the time THEY stated they would call.

In short, I can not recommend Gateway:
1. They have not honored their own callback times
2. Their return provisions are ridiculous in that you must drive to one of their chosen authorized sites no matter the distance
3. They are making me pay a restocking fee for a computer that does not work for the purpose I stated
4. They have given me incorrect shipping documents
5. They (with exception of 1 or 2 agents) have been cold and unsympathetic
P.S. I advised Gateway the the computer also froze when I tried to play a CD but they were not interested since they already had a way out of giving me my money back since my "third party software" didn't work.

I will be listing the specifics of this venture on my website.

gunny · 07-03-2005, 04:45 PM

My sister used to work for Gateway. Not know to be nice people, I take my business and money elsewhere.

Webster · 07-05-2005, 12:23 PM

As a webmaster, I deal with a lot of companies and I warn all my clients (and anyone else I talk to) stay away from Gateway. Their computers have too many problems and their service is virtually non-existant. Dell and HP are the way to go in computers.

Lorna · 07-06-2005, 09:19 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Webster:
Dell and HP are the way to go in computers. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

The guy who used to work on my computer (Compac) said he loved Dell and HP since those two companies made up most of his repair work.

Nell · 07-13-2005, 04:06 AM

I have to totally agree with you here about Gateway. Since the local stores closed, their service is terrible. I ordered new memory and supposedly, it was the one that my computer needed(since I ordered it built, you think they'd know). Well it got here and it wouldn't fit-totally wrong one. Gateway then told me-too bad-I was out the money because there is NO refunds. So I end up trucking to Best Buy, get my memory and stuck with a useless one.

SO, it's almost time to get that new computer-mine's 4 years old has a 40gig drive and about to die here(runs like a mule on broadband). Give me ideas! I need one that can handle digital media-with 3 kids-and taking pictures of friends-I need one I can do great editing with!

Nell

kwestcott · 12-27-2005, 01:32 PM

We have three Dell's at the moment. Two Desktops and one laptop, all P-4's and have been very happy with them. The only complaint I have is the laptop service is outsourced to India and they go step by step through the whole system, which is fine unless you know what the problem is already. With the desktops service is outsourced to 'Texas' and they will take your word for what fixes that have been tried. If you do decide to go with them call them and they will build a system to meet your needs. Usually they have rebates going on and on this desktop I got an extended on site waranty for free for 4 years. Had a really bad experience with Compaq but that is another day. Good luck and have a great new year.