Well, you can say I'm an unhappy consumer and since their customer service department is worth about whatever floats in the bottom of my toilet bowl, I figured I'd write a small little rant on how absolutly worthless these things are to vent my fusteration.
Firstly, you can all say "I told you so". I know a couple of you are shaking your heads and asking "Why in the hell did you buy one of those." Okay, you've got me, and I ask myself that all the time. If I could go back in time, I'd never ever even look twice and one of these things again. EVER. However, at the time I was deserperate for my own computer, since I knew my mom was going to destroy hers in the near future. Plus, we were always fighting over computer time, and buying an E-machine was quick fix and the cheapest way to fix the problem.
I can't blame the spyware or viruses I've gotten on the comptuer. That crap happens in this day and age, even when you do take percautions. And though the computer runs decently for the most part, save the CD burner is going to hell in a handbasket (and it's only a year old), I can live with that. I expected it on some level, since I was told that these machines (even by the guy who sold it to me) aren't really all that great.
What has sinched my mind into never, ever dealing with this peice of hardware again is the HORRIBLE customer service people. I have never in my life talked to a more condensending, arrogant group of assholes in my life. They make me want to go to their offices and vomit on the CEO's shoes. I suppose the customer service mirror's the product...utter Crap...So I shouldn't be to surprised. Still, working in the serivce industry myself, I have a tendancey to become pretty upset when treated poorly by CSR (customer service reps). The man I spoke to talked down to me, like I was an idiot, despite the fact I was being super nice (yelling at CSR's doesn't get you anywhere...I know...I am one). He was snooty, rude, and tried to make me feel like some uncooth, stupid idiot. All I wanted to know was why I had to reinstall every program on my computer when only one was giving me trouble. His answer was, "We only cater to the most basic of homeowners. You have a CD burner and from the way you talk, you obviously should know how to use it, since you're so worried about losing the stuff on your computer." Nice try, genius, but this stupid CD burner comes with a catch...I have never ever been able to burn anything but music and movies. There's NOTHING on this machine that allows me to save data to CD. I've tried everything...it won't work...unless, of course, I go purchase another program that allows that added amenity. Great fun, huh?
So, my answer then was, "Oh, I see! E-machines creates crappy shit to sell to stupid homeowners so they can suck their money dry! You're right, I'm a sucker for not spending the extra 100-200 more on a computer that is worth a shit. I'll remember that in the near future, and when anyone askes me what type of PC to buy. I'll also let them know that the tech support isn't too hot either...apparently they hire cranky, bored old men who can't get a job doing something better with their lives."
*smiles sweetly*
Oh, the last jibe was unfair. Especially coming from someone who does pretty much the same thing, just in a different business. However, the difference between that asshole and me is that I bet he's never made an appointment to meet with a customer on their property personally. I imagine he doesn't even give a shit about the product they're selling or the people who pay his wages by dumping money into their crappy computers. I care about my customers and I'm genuinely concerned about their grievences. Sure, I bitch about the nasty people I have to deal with, but I never said I treat them poorly. Nor do I, as a customer myself, fly off the handle. I maintained a civil tone with Mr. Condensending and treated him as he was treating me.
This is just my opinion...I'm entitled to have one and I think it's important for people to be aware of just what they're dealing with when they decide to do business with the people at E-Machines. I wouldn't recommend buying one...Never in a million years...and the number one reason is their crappy customer service.
I'm looking at one of those Sony laptops. I'm seriously considering getting one next spring...I was hooked when J pointed one out to me one day...*heh* They're pretty spendy, but I've always had good luck with Sony products, and I'm fairly confident in putting my money into their computers.
Posted by Zoso at October 31, 2004 10:30 AM> Firstly, you can all say "I told you so".
Well, yeah. E-Machines has a pretty bad reputation.
> I'm looking at one of those Sony laptops. I'm seriously
> considering getting one next spring...I was hooked when J
> pointed one out to me one day...*heh* They're pretty
> spendy, but I've always had good luck with Sony products,
> and I'm fairly confident in putting my money into their
> computers.
Sony is pretty good, supposedly, though they are a bit high priced for what you get. That said, you likely won't have as many problems with it, either.
Of course, you could always get a Mac, and rid yourself of the stench-ridden pile of crap that is Windows entirely... Hardware issues aside, if you have a PC and aren't running Linux, you still have to deal with Bill Gates' rather tenuous grasp at quality control and security.
Posted by: Jeff at November 2, 2004 01:30 PM