Dear Acer.. up yours

Just when you thought they couldn't get any dumber (not to worry, there is a happy ending).

As I had blogged about, Acer finally got it through their noggin' that it's a video chipset issue, not software, so sent the parts to local to me authorized Acer Repair to arrange for an onsite repair.

Too bad they didn't mention that the All in one TouchScreens aren't eligible for onsite repair, that they have to go into the shop for it. So, the parts did arrive Wednesday, but with nothing about 'contact customer and advise the parts arrive and arrange for repairs'.

So, not knowing this, started pacing and getting a bit annoyed... again. I go to the Acer site, and find the authorized Acer repair, and I called. I said "Hello, my name is Sandra, and I have a strange request, but please hear me out." He did. Parts did arrive Wednesday, and I have made arrangements for the Tech to come here, pick up the machine, bring it back to the shop, swap out the mainboard and the video card, fix the USB port and return it to me. All this was done in under 10 minutes.

Here is the letter/email I sent to Acer, for your enjoyment. I have to admit, I enjoyed ripping into them.

To: E********u@acer.com.au
RE: Nevermind

I discovered who the 'authorised repair/parts' is, and I called them. Turns out there is no, I repeat *no*, onsite service for the Touchscreens systems. I had a nice long conversation with the tech there, who didn't talk down to me, and it seems no one from your office bothered to put "please call to advise customer when parts arrived to schedule repair" which took me all of 7 seconds to type out there. If someone had, I would have been informed on Wednesday when the parts arrived and had my machine picked up by JH Computer Services.

Arrangements have been made by me for the tech to come here, pack the Z5610, and take it in for a mainboard/video card swap and to check the USB port. That was arranged in under 10 minutes. Much better than the 11 months of chasing my tail as I did with Acer Helpdesk.

I don't know what is passing for customer service these days, but all I can say is that since the day I worked for OneByte Computers, it's gone downhill fast. Your left hand has no idea what your right hand is doing, and it's ruining, if not ruined Acer's reputation. With the advent of the internet, blogging, Twitter and a myriad of other instant reviews of products and services, one would think you at Acer would up your game to stay golden in such a competitive market. Sadly, you haven't.

I do thank you for extending my warranty an extra 18 (12 months told to me by WyCliffe and another 6 months via helpdesk communication). That will at least cover the 11 months of headaches and run around that has been given to me.

Regards

Sandra Chung, I.P.A.

From Twitter 12-02-2010

• 07:45:29: @chrislhayes another night off? Hope it's for something good!
  
• 18:11:05: I don't want to cook tonight.
  
• 18:11:43: @Draconis Probably because of favors that include the use of skin and knee guards.
  
• 18:19:42: @draconis I'd say sorry but laughing when saying it
  

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*Yawn*

Feel tired and worn today. Not cooking tonight. Just don't feel like it.

Take out, early night, and hopefully no Loki getting me up at 5:30 tomorrow morning.

Furry alarm clock went off at O'cat-thirty

I think the fires south of us had the fur kids a bit on edge. If I could smell the smoke that strongly, and taste ash in the air, it had to have been 10 times worse for them.

I took the opportunity get get in an early shower, take care of potted trees before it gets hot, and to get caught up on some artwork I had been planning on doing. Into abstracts right now, don't really know why. Just am.

Have been on a 'check and chuck' mission in the house. It's amazing how much junk accumulates. Biggest problem is boxes. We recycle so well, that we fill the recycle bin long before it's due to for pick up/ I break down boxes so they take up less room, but still so many of them. The pool had 4 boxes (the two boxes in the big box was a bit overboard, if you ask me). I have saved one box for the fur kids to play in.

Have been seeing more and more Red-Collared Lorikeets around here. I even managed to get a great photo of two juveniles!

From Twitter 12-01-2010

• 08:25:03: Funny watching GOPs segue to other subject asked if Airhead Palin's qualified to be president. They know she isn't but won't say it publicly
  
• 09:23:24: @chriscolfer What did you do that was so terrible? Cross against the light? :)
  
• 22:39:36: Visited Sodahead. System Mechanic Pro Malware/Virus popped up a warning. How interesting, yes?
  

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Dealing with a moping cat

Ziggy is miffed. Her human, Aikidomayland , is away on a business trip, and she isn't happy.



Not only is she off her feed a bit, she has been 'showing her unhappiness by .. umm... missing the litter box on purpose. Thank goodness for stone floors. *sigh*

My version of a silver lining.

Alan and I spent 45 mins setting up the pool yesterday. So much for the "Sets up in 20 minutes!".

This morning when I woke up by way of Furry Alarm Clock (aka Loki) my right leg was aching something terrible.

My silver lining: left leg has limited sensation, so is only wobbly and weak, no pain.