ComDot.Org

So recently a laptop exploded at a conference in Japan. Guess who the manufacturer was, none other than Dell. Full story at The Inquirer

An update on this story can be found here at Forbes
"Now the company is to recall 4.1 million of its notebook computer batteries because of a fire risk." 4.1 million? What were the engineers doing that day?

"Dell will now be operating the biggest recall of electrical products in its history." Amazing that people still buy these things. There are other computer companies you know. How about IBM or Acer? Both of which have been making great computer hardware for longer than Dell has been in business.

"That makes 33 different models of notebook computers that Dell cannot guarantee will not burst into flames." Classic. 33 different versions of a flaming Laptop. Who else offers you a choice like that. I wonder if they come with fries.

Keep in mind that there award winning service team also had a recall on some 22,000 AC adapters. This problem was considered a sever fire hazard but our friends at Dell managed to get consumers the information and return packaging a short 4 months after the recall was released. 4 months they let consumers use known hazardous power adapters. What award can we give them for that?

Posted by Aaron at 10:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

As a novice collector I would like to introduce a new online magazine published by the folks at Cadillac Owners.com. The magazine is called Cadillac Magazine.

The magazine should prove to provide news, information and events regarding Cadillac owners, enthusiasts and manufacturers. Comments are welcome

Enjoy!

Posted by Aaron at 10:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

As published by The Register

Dell spanked over unacceptable Ts & Cs
Agrees to change its ways
By Ashlee Vance in Mountain View
Published Saturday 8th July 2006 19:32 GMT

Dell has agreed to give into the demands of the UK’s Office of Fair Trading and alter the terms and conditions attached to its gear.

The OFT has spent the past few months sparring with Dell over the company’s terms and conditions. The two organizations recently agreed to settle their issues with Dell changing contracts and making them “fairer to consumers,” the OFT said. The specific changes, however, remain secret as neither the OFT nor Dell will reveal exact terms and conditions alterations and as Dell has kept old contracts online.

While vague, the OFT did provide some color on the changes it was seeking.

The on-line retailer of computers, software and IT services cooperated with the OFT and has agreed to improve the transparency of its agreements with consumers and to take steps to address the OFT’s concerns, including separating terms applicable to consumers from terms relevant to business customers only and changing terms that potentially:
· limited liability for negligence to the price of the product
· excluded liability for consequential loss arising out of breach of contract
· excluded liability for oral representations not confirmed in writing, and
· required the consumer to notify Dell of any errors in its confirmation of the consumer’s order immediately.

Some of the changes come after Dell received a flood of complaints, according to consumer magazine Computing Which?.
“There are a variety of ways that technology retailers are able to sidestep their responsibility to consumers,” said the magazine’s editor Jessica Ross. “Of the complaints received about technology retailers Dell came up as the worst offender, so we appreciate any work with the OFT to improve the consumers’ position.”

Most of the complaints revolve around computer makers denying their responsibility when hardware breaks. In addition, the OFT suggested that Dell used its position as an online and mail order seller to avoid fixing problems as it should.

After receiving much abuse in the press, Dell has vowed to improve its customer service. Huge questions, of course, remain as to whether or not Dell will follow through on its promises. ®

Posted by Aaron at 12:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)