Acer Repair

[cjkline83.livejournal.com]

We had an Acer Travelmate that is quickly reaching it's end of life, but still suits our needs for now (restaurant database programming). So, my boss asked me to contact Acer to see about getting it repaired because the LCD panel flickers.

So, first I try to call Acer, and reach a tech to get an RMA and arrange payment because this system is out of warranty. The phone system asks for the serial number, I enter it, then I'm told that the system is out of warranty (duh). I am redirected to support.acer.com, and I must communicate with tech support via tedious email conversations.

The first email I sent, says hey, I have an OUT OF WARRANTY laptop I need repaired. Let's do this. To which Acer decides I'm moving way too fast to third base, and replies back with a simple "Your warranty has expired on this unit. Please advise us how you wish to proceed." </sigh>.

SEVEN EMAILS LATER, and an SSL session to send Acer our Credit Card info... and the laptop finally got shipped out on Friday to... GATEWAY for repair.

I thought it was strange that an Acer laptop was going to a Gateway depot in Temple, TX... that is, until I happened upon this website today:

http://www.acer-group.com/public/

Acer, Gateway, eMachines, and PACKARD BELL are all under the same umbrella now, I guess. WTF?

Comments

[tauren-wardrums.livejournal.com]

Yeah, Acer bought eMachines and Gateway a little while back. My manager and I were both gawking at the news when we found out. Didn't know about Packard-Bell, though.

[ghostdandp.livejournal.com]

wonder if it means gateway/emachines quality will go up

[tauren-wardrums.livejournal.com]

That's what we're hoping.

[sgt-easton.livejournal.com]

One can only hope.

[swwinchester.livejournal.com]

You say that like it's possible for the quality to go down.

... I mean, granted, they -did- buy Packard Bell, so I suppose it's POSSIBLE.

[3fgburner.livejournal.com]

Last time I worked on a Gateway or Packard Bell was around 17-18 years ago. Haven't worked on Acers or eMachines. Based on my experience with working on Gateways and PBs, I buy and recommend Dell.

[jecook]

Yes, only with the caveat of "buy from their business product line for the better support options- it's worth the extra money".