name: C. H.

city: 28573

problem: 12/06/2002

When ordering a 1100 Select series mid-tower computer from Gateway in Feb. 2000, I asked for the best audio card/software they had. (Soundblaster) I asked why I couldn't get a custom option to get a better sound card? They said, "It's not our policy". So I made the comment that to install a better audio card in the computer is a simple task and I'd just order it seperately (aftermarket stuff) and switch them myself. (By the way, it was a M Audio Audiophile 24/96, a great card) The seller on the phone said, "Yes you can". I didn't take this quote as a "Permission Granted" to switch the card myself, but I felt that when I said that to the salesperson, I was giving my full intention openly. Well, a month or so later, I got the Audio card, but needed to call Gateway about some slot priority issues. Not only was I told, I had to use the "pay" phone line for advise on this because it wasn't part of the original computer (yet the questions I had were about the original setup), but they also told me that my computer was now going to be void of it's warranty. Well, you figure that the sales person would have told me this on the phone when ordering the system! Right? In any case, The card worked fine but Gateway explained that there are so many manufacturers out there making so many different cards with so little standards and regulations, crossreference - cross-compatability and otherwise, It's hard to guarantee all AM parts will work with every system perfectly. And as there are software and hardware issues to deal with, the complications can be endless. Well, after getting this information, I asked, "If I installed this, and it works; will I still be under warranty?" They said they'd have to make a judgment call, depending on the issue/problem. They said I complicated things now by installing AM hardware. Well, my Athlon 1.1 CPU overheated after two years. It needs replacement. They just recieved my unit through UPS. They said it should be covered by the warranty. I reinstalled the original Sound Blaster audio card before sending it back, (he he) I don't wanna give them the impression that my upper line soundcard caused the premature overheating on the CPU. My advise to other computer owners is this: If you buy a factory made com, and it has a spot for an extra fan, but no fan, put one in it! Fans are cheap and one extra $15.00 fan would have saved my CPU from an early demise. Get two if you have the space/connectors. Good airflow is a must for 24/7 use and will save you $$$$ in the long run. If you can, read more about what you are about to buy. I now know enough about all of this stuff that I could build my own computer from a kit form and customize it just like I want, for much less $$$ than Dell/Gateway type companies could. You Do The Math! Tower case: $30~$60
Power supply: $40~$75
Motherboard: $60~$199
RAM Card(s): $30~$100
CPU : $50~$350
Hard Drive: $79~$199
CD-RW Drive: $80~$199
Floppy Drive: $25
Sound Card: $40~$199
Video Card: $49~$399
Modem 56k: $29~$59
Cables/Fans: $60
Windows98/Me/XP $50~$150

name: A. D.

city: 06279

problem: 07/24/2002

I purchased a computer through Gateway with line of credit through Hurley State Bank. The computer is faulty and extremely overpriced. Recently, out of the blue, I stopped receiving a bill. I contacted both Gateway and Hurley. They kept handing me phone numbers for each other. I tried e-mailing. Gateway has never responded. Hurley is in trouble with other consumers and all I found on the internet with them is complaint after complaint. Then I get a call from Gateway harassing me to make a payment of 1600.00 immediately!! When I should be paying the creditor I can't get a hold of!! So I said no and they shouldn't call me at my place of WORK anymore. I never gave them this information!!! Does anybody know what I should do? Should I get a lawyer? I have kept documents/emails that I used to contact them.

name: C. S.

city: 28570

problem: 01/23/2000

I would like to advise consumers wishing to purchase a Gateway computer system to look elsewhere for their needs. Buy from someone else... Gateway has poor service, customer relations and generally misleads the public. I returned my system to Gateway and still was responsible for $300. Shipped it back the day after I received it at my expense and they still charged me an additional $95.00 because "I abandoned the sale," they said. They also stated that since they had their money....they could not give me credit and if I wanted to protect my credit I would pay my bill with Gateway Finance Services. What a scam!

I spent $300.00 for nothing.