Consumer rights advice needed...(uk related) - HTC Sensation

Good evening all (UK question)
Just wonder how we stand if htc dont revise the back cover and make it fit the phone without gaps and the wifi Ariel is not moved? consumer direct, small claims?

Not good. Unless it is a problem with every phone made and it causes actual damage as oppose to incoveninance (sp?). Because its not a safety issues like with cars for example I dont think they can be made to do so either. The best case we can relate this to is the iphone4 reception problem. So at best we could probably hope for a free cover case.
Also unless HTC were based in the UK which I don't think they are the UK trading standards would be much harder to impose.
Hope this helps.
Sent from my HTC Sensation.

The only thing I can think of is returning your phone to the network supplier for a replacment phone. Either another sensation or similar.
Sent from my HTC Sensation.

from the other forum posts its a design flaw... just gota hope they fix the signal issue with a new cover, the overheating is not gona be fixed imo due to it just being crap rushed soc

If its a design flaw then there isnt much hope. There is no fault. Just un thought out workmanship. Don't quote me on this though I could be wrong but have spent some time around issues like this in the past. I'll do a bit of research later. As long as these flaws continue to cause no defect to the phone and don't impose a safety issue then nothing will be done as there is no fault to function other than minor inconvenience.
Sent from my HTC Sensation.

Same legal cover as with the iphone 4's external Airplane mode button.
IE the item is not fit for purpose then the retailer must either repair or replace, or refund if that is not possible.
If memory serves with the iphone issue, owners could get out of their contracts and return the phone.
The Sale Goods and Services 1979 provides that goods sold must be of 'satisfactory quality'. This means of a standard that a 'reasonable' person would expect.
Having wifi cut out because of how you hold it is not reasonable, assuming you're reasonably close to the wifi router.
You must inform the retailer of the issue within 6 months of purchase, as before 6 months you do not have to prove there is a fault, it's up to the retailer to prove there isn't (not that they'll try that considering how well documented the issue is).
Now, if they can't repair it, and you want to keep the phone, then that's your choice to put up with the issue.
Having said that, all the demonstration Sensations I've looked at had no problems with the cover fitting (couldn't test wifi obviously).
It could be that some warp in the heat (during transport for example) in which case a replacement part is likely to resolve that issue.
From what I gather about our friends on the other side of the pond, we are extremely lucky to have such good consumer protection laws.

Related

File complaints against Samsung about GPS

It's time we band together to file some neccessary complaints against Samsung until they either:
1. Give us a full refund so we can buy an out-of-contract smart phone through our provider.
2. Provide us with the same phone or a software update IMMEDIATELY that makes GPS work
There are no other options. What Samsung is doing is fraudulent and illegal. You cannot advertise a product with a feature it does not have. We were lied to and charged for a device under false pretenses. It's completely illegal and there should be some sort of restitution. It's not like we're asking for something it didn't have or we're asking for better performance...we're simply asking for a major major feature that is on most/all high-end phones and, more importantly, a feature it's advertised to have...
So we ALL need to take 15 - 20 minutes out of day to file complaints until someone takes notice.
1. The Better Business Bureau - http://www.bbb.org/us/ Go through the process, choose the HQ in Texas with the COMPLAINT in the title.
2. Samsung directly - This seems to fall on deaf ears but I think if a few hundred or a thousand people keep complaining...someone will notice a pattern.
3. The FTC - https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/FTC_Wizard.aspx?Lang=en
4. The Attorney General of Texas (HQ for Samsung) - https://www.oag.state.tx.us/consumer/complain.shtml
5. AT&T or your provider - File on site and over the phone
6. Submit it to CNN - http://www.cnn.com/feedback/forms/form11b.html and any other news site that will listen.
I'm not trying to be some complaining jerk but it's been months since this issue has been known about and we still have no fix. I am pissed because I use GPS all the time and I now have to carry a 2nd device...my 2-year old G1 or a dedicated device. LUDICROUS.
There is strength in numbers so please file some complaints...we paid for these phones and we deserve a fully functional device.
/drama
You might be ok getting ripped off. I'm not. And if you are ok with it, I've got a bunch of stuff I'd like to sell you. You can buy my Audi A8, it doesn't have an engine but I still want full asking price as if it had an engine. I've got a rolex I'll sell ya for $5k, except it's a fake and it doesn't keep the correct time...but I still want the price as if it worked.
I'm not ok with getting lied to, indirectly, or buying a broken product. It's not like it's $10 shirt I can return because it's missing a button (although, if you couldn't return a new shirt because it was damaged...I bet you'd be upset about that, no?)...it's a $400++ phone that does not work.
What functions would you be ok with not working? What if the wifi didn't work? Then complain? No?
It's a broken product, bottom line.
Did you do your research about the phone before you bought it? Did you not read that there were GPS issues? Did you buy it anyway?
Yes, you did buy it, and probaby didn't do the research. A company's worst nightmare is an educated consumer. Someone that they can't rip off. You fell into Samsungs trap and now you feel unhappy and lied to. When I got this phone I knew the GPS didn't work. I did my research. But it wasn't a deal breaker for me. I have GPS built in to my car, and I have a few other Garmin Nuvi's laying around the house.
Don't complain about the phone, just sell it, try and get some of your money back, and buy something that works for you. There are plenty of options out there. Just don't come in the forums and try to bash a phone that many of us love.
I just sent Samsung an e-mail through their web form. Jerks.
miztaken1312 said:
Did you do your research about the phone before you bought it? Did you not read that there were GPS issues? Did you buy it anyway?
Yes, you did buy it, and probaby didn't do the research. A company's worst nightmare is an educated consumer. Someone that they can't rip off. You fell into Samsungs trap and now you feel unhappy and lied to. When I got this phone I knew the GPS didn't work. I did my research. But it wasn't a deal breaker for me. I have GPS built in to my car, and I have a few other Garmin Nuvi's laying around the house.
Don't complain about the phone, just sell it, try and get some of your money back, and buy something that works for you. There are plenty of options out there. Just don't come in the forums and try to bash a phone that many of us love.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lol. So wait, you paid full price for a phone with a "feature" that you knew didn't work? And that makes you educated? Wat.
I have NO CLUE why you're OK with a company advertising a feature that does not exist...yet you still bought it. http://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/cell-phones/SGH-I897ZKAATT-features Check the list...GPS...does it have GPS? No.
I did research on it, but, like everyone else, figured it would be fixed quickly with a software fix since I couldn't fathom a company as large as Samsung advertising something that blatantly didn't work.
Bottom line is the phone is great but it does NOT HAVE GPS...like it's advertised to have. Therefore, I cannot use MyTracks, GPS, Google Maps, Waze or any other feature that requires GPS. Therefore, I should get a refund for a full new phone out of contract.
I still can't believe you're OK with buying a separate device for something your phone is supposed to have...lol...yea corporate America...we're so insecure that we don't mind getting ripped off anymore.
USA! USA! USA! lulz.
I Agree
Drew489 said:
It's time we band together to file some neccessary complaints against Samsung until they either:
1. Give us a full refund so we can buy an out-of-contract smart phone through our provider.
2. Provide us with the same phone or a software update IMMEDIATELY that makes GPS work
There are no other options. What Samsung is doing is fraudulent and illegal. You cannot advertise a product with a feature it does not have. We were lied to and charged for a device under false pretenses. It's completely illegal and there should be some sort of restitution. It's not like we're asking for something it didn't have or we're asking for better performance...we're simply asking for a major major feature that is on most/all high-end phones and, more importantly, a feature it's advertised to have...
So we ALL need to take 15 - 20 minutes out of day to file complaints until someone takes notice.
1. The Better Business Bureau - http://www.bbb.org/us/ Go through the process, choose the HQ in Texas with the COMPLAINT in the title.
2. Samsung directly - This seems to fall on deaf ears but I think if a few hundred or a thousand people keep complaining...someone will notice a pattern.
3. The FTC - https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/FTC_Wizard.aspx?Lang=en
4. The Attorney General of Texas (HQ for Samsung) - https://www.oag.state.tx.us/consumer/complain.shtml
5. AT&T or your provider - File on site and over the phone
6. Submit it to CNN - http://www.cnn.com/feedback/forms/form11b.html and any other news site that will listen.
I'm not trying to be some complaining jerk but it's been months since this issue has been known about and we still have no fix. I am pissed because I use GPS all the time and I now have to carry a 2nd device...my 2-year old G1 or a dedicated device. LUDICROUS.
There is strength in numbers so please file some complaints...we paid for these phones and we deserve a fully functional device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree and I will do "ALL" i can to help in this sure to be LONG TRUDGE - If you are not in agreement or satisfied with a half working product then play with your phone and STOP mouthing off about how satisfied you are or about what this forum is for or about because you are not in agreement _ Just Play With Your Phone and K.I.M.
Keep It Movin!
miztaken1312 said:
Did you do your research about the phone before you bought it? Did you not read that there were GPS issues? Did you buy it anyway?
Yes, you did buy it, and probaby didn't do the research. A company's worst nightmare is an educated consumer. Someone that they can't rip off. You fell into Samsungs trap and now you feel unhappy and lied to. When I got this phone I knew the GPS didn't work. I did my research. But it wasn't a deal breaker for me. I have GPS built in to my car, and I have a few other Garmin Nuvi's laying around the house.
Don't complain about the phone, just sell it, try and get some of your money back, and buy something that works for you. There are plenty of options out there. Just don't come in the forums and try to bash a phone that many of us love.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I understand that we should all educate ourselves before buying a product. I bought my captivate on launch day and had done as much research until then about the phone, mostly because I had been long debating getting a N1. However, seeing as I did buy my phone on launch day I had no idea the GPS didnt work. Frustrating yes, dealbreaker no. Guess Ive learned not to buy first run products.
p4ranoid4ndroid said:
I understand that we should all educate ourselves before buying a product. I bought my captivate on launch day and had done as much research until then about the phone, mostly because I had been long debating getting a N1. However, seeing as I did buy my phone on launch day I had no idea the GPS didnt work. Frustrating yes, dealbreaker no. Guess Ive learned not to buy first run products.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I've never been one to buy something on launch day (aside from maybe an video game). iPhone4 users learned that the hard way. Educating yourself as much as you can before you buy something is the best thing you can do for yourself. It's not like you'd go out and buy a Ford Pinto these days without researching it first. Everyone knows they were crappy cars.
Drew489 said:
You might be ok getting ripped off. I'm not. And if you are ok with it, I've got a bunch of stuff I'd like to sell you. You can buy my Audi A8, it doesn't have an engine but I still want full asking price as if it had an engine. I've got a rolex I'll sell ya for $5k, except it's a fake and it doesn't keep the correct time...but I still want the price as if it worked.
I'm not ok with getting lied to, indirectly, or buying a broken product. It's not like it's $10 shirt I can return because it's missing a button (although, if you couldn't return a new shirt because it was damaged...I bet you'd be upset about that, no?)...it's a $400++ phone that does not work.
What functions would you be ok with not working? What if the wifi didn't work? Then complain? No?
It's a broken product, bottom line.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My GPS has worked perfectly from day one. I bought my captivate on launch day and have nothing to complain about. Sorry to hear you have had issues with your device. Perhaps you should try to trade it in under your retailers return policy? Just a suggestion.
Shovelhead84 said:
My GPS has worked perfectly from day one. I bought my captivate on launch day and have nothing to complain about. Sorry to hear you have had issues with your device. Perhaps you should try to trade it in under your retailers return policy? Just a suggestion.
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Click to collapse
No offense Shovelhead, but the GPS functionality for many of us is extremely spotty. Even after several returns. Usually the AT&T folks tried to discourage me by saying it is just a software problem that will soon be fixed. Experience has shown me that a working GPS is a rare beast (at least one that works after a few days/weeks of use).
I have had 3 phones with GPS, one Samsung Blackjack and two BB. All have performed admirably with quick (less than 10-20 s) locks and excellent accuracy as seen on Google Maps and GARMIN Windows mapping products. I KNOW that phones are very capable of decent GPS performance. So far this is a gaping hole in my Captivate experience.
My speculation is that this is a combination software/HW problem. I am guessing that there may have been a batch of sub par GPS chips as well as poor driver interaction with the OS.
Shovelhead84 said:
My GPS has worked perfectly from day one. I bought my captivate on launch day and have nothing to complain about. Sorry to hear you have had issues with your device. Perhaps you should try to trade it in under your retailers return policy? Just a suggestion.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought my GPS was working fine as well. Until I tried My Tracks in the market. It's clearly wrong. It's got your general location, but on the highway, it's saying I cross over east/west bound highways. And veers me off the road.
stuff said:
I thought my GPS was working fine as well. Until I tried My Tracks in the market. It's clearly wrong. It's got your general location, but on the highway, it's saying I cross over east/west bound highways. And veers me off the road.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I feel your pain but when your GPS locks what is the accuracy? Best mine gets is about 15m. That could easily put you on either side of the road.
stuff said:
I thought my GPS was working fine as well. Until I tried My Tracks in the market. It's clearly wrong. It's got your general location, but on the highway, it's saying I cross over east/west bound highways. And veers me off the road.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Now I do have a working GPS on my phone since I upgraded to the leaked Froyo. But it is not by any means dead-on accurate. Now of course the day I tested it, it was sitting in my cup holder with a straight view of the sky via my sun roof, but it was also cloudy and rainy. For the most part, it followed me exactly, but there were some spots where it did go off. When I use it now I put it on my dashboard and it works better.
Now in my belief, a device like a phone which does multiple functions, does none of them well because you have to have some kind of compromise internally either with hardware, software, or coding. I would never use my phone as a GPS when I'm in dire need to go somewhere, for instance if I need to find my way to the nearest hospital ASAP. I'd use a real GPS like a Garmin or TomTom because that's what they are dedicated to doing. Now I realize that now they add other features to GPS devices like bluetooth and music players and whatever, but those are added after the GPS has been written, tested, guaranteed to work as advertised.
cappysw10 said:
I feel your pain but when your GPS locks what is the accuracy? Best mine gets is about 15m. That could easily put you on either side of the road.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe mine is similar. If i'm walking, or just using GPS for the fun of it (not driving) it's got me. But when I'm moving, it's not the best. I still think it is a software problems, but meh... I really don't know.
I haven't tried tweaking with any settings though.
I agree totally and will be filing complaints, we should have a sticky how to jump throught all the paper work.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
Also, I've got a buddy in europe with the i9000. He said the 2.2 update fixed the GPS. But, cog2.2/COE beta 4 "fixed" it as well. It just didn't give you the most accurate fix. It's 10-20meters in variance.
When I had my 3gs, I could turn on maps, and watch the little blue dot follow me whereever I went. I got rid of my first captivate bacause of the GPS and I got my second cause I love the phone...and 2.2 was leaked...lol
Anyway, I agree with the OP about Samsung being douches about GPS. It sucks. I've had 3 other Samsung phones and all worked without a hitch. I get this one, and GPS tells me to kiss its ass. My GPS hasent made a lock in 2 days. I don't want to take it back cause I really do love the phone, and I can live without GPS, but Samsung did advertise GPS and its not there. Wether we did research or not about the phone, it still doesn't change the fact that Samsung sold, and is still selling, a phone not as advertised and that is wrong.
What really makes people mad is that Samsung hasent addressed it yet. I think there hoping we forget about it.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
mmarquis said:
No offense Shovelhead, but the GPS functionality for many of us is extremely spotty. Even after several returns. Usually the AT&T folks tried to discourage me by saying it is just a software problem that will soon be fixed. Experience has shown me that a working GPS is a rare beast (at least one that works after a few days/weeks of use).
I have had 3 phones with GPS, one Samsung Blackjack and two BB. All have performed admirably with quick (less than 10-20 s) locks and excellent accuracy as seen on Google Maps and GARMIN Windows mapping products. I KNOW that phones are very capable of decent GPS performance. So far this is a gaping hole in my Captivate experience.
My speculation is that this is a combination software/HW problem. I am guessing that there may have been a batch of sub par GPS chips as well as poor driver interaction with the OS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah however their has been a fix for this for awhile now.
Here is a good thread for this
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=732030
The GPS is there it just has a software issue right now however i did hear that 2.2 fixed this.
you work for samsung i bet...
lordstrife said:
Yeah however their has been a fix for this for awhile now.
Here is a good thread for this
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=732030
The GPS is there it just has a software issue right now however i did hear that 2.2 fixed this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
People we all know about the fixes and so called tweaks to date. No bueno.

Garmin Asus A10

This is a warning to all prospective buyers of that phone.
A local network provider has bundled the Garmin-Asus A10 with a pretty sweet data plan, which has convinced me to obtain it. I am however, very disappointed with the phone.
The obvious complaint most Garmin-Asus Android phone owners have gone back on their word and have stopped trying to provide an upgrade to Froyo for the phones. However, i find this... acceptable. Updates are a form of service, we bought a manufactured good and hope for adequate service, but it is not something that is implied that we paid for. The poor service we receive are partly our own fault for trusting a bad company.
This however, i cannot accept. The LCD on my A10 has a significant amount of dead/lazy pixels. This becomes very apparent on the black screen of the app “Dead Pixel Test”, especially in a dark room. Be warned, once you see it, it will bug you forever, if you never found it, it can probably be ignored.
In any case, I have sent it back to Asus Royal Club for repair twice, and each time they sent it back with an LCD screen that has a similar amount of dead/lazy pixels. To that, i found other A10 owners and noticed the same issue with their phone.
Be forewarned. It is likely that every LCD screen Asus uses for the A10 has this problem. Without a sharp enough eye, people are unlikely to notice until you start looking for it.
Suffice to say, Asus is now at the very bottom of the list of manufacturers i will buy from.
On a side note, just to end this post more positively, despite the poorly built LCD screen and weak phone antenna, the GPS receiver in the phone is, as you would expect, excellent. I even managed to get a GPS lock indoors within minutes! If you need a GPS that is also an Android phone, and can live with dead pixels on your screen, and this phone is at a bargain basement price, it might be worth getting. Otherwise, avoid.
You have been warned.
A dissatisfied consumer.
PS: In my country, you cannot return a faulty product for cash. Having the right to have it repaired is already considered a privilege.

[Q] Asus Worst Support Ever!!! What does it take to reach Lvl 2 or 3 support?

Ok, So I dont really start threads about complaining but I had to on this one. I had the most frustrating experience with Asus support today.
I'm having two issues one with audio and one with the dock both have been reported by MANY users.
Sound issue: The left speaker volume is much lower than the right
Dock Issue: Keeps diconnecting after a few seconds to a few minutes after using and has dropped wifi 3 times. turning off track pad has *SEEMED* to correct this.
So here we go. I call asus support and describe the issues I have and also tell the guy that a lot of other people I knew in user groups were having the same exact issue I had. His first question... "That's running windows 7 right? Are you Fu**ing kidding me???? The about the dock issue "Is the dock manufactured by Asus?" ARE YOU KIDDING????
So I tell him it's obvious he knows nothing about the product and I would like to speak to a supervisor or someone who actually knows the product. He puts me on hold coming back on the line every 2 minutes to tell me he is looking for a supervisor.. He transfers me.. it rings for like 10 minutes straight and disconnects me.. I call back ask for a supervisor right away, Same thing.. transfers me rings and rings and get cut off, call back a 3rd and 4th time. Same thing! Now mind you I have been doing this for about 2 hours now..
I finally get a supervisor on the phone after 5 calls and tell him the issues and he says they can only repair it.. Why should something brand new have to be repaired? you dont buy something brand new and expect that it needs to be repaired, if it does need to be repaired when it's brand new then it SHOULD just be replaced...
So fine, I ask about cross shipping, even offering my CC # as security, He says he cant do it. Fine.. I'm super pissed at this point. He tells me I would get an email with the RMA info in 3 minutes, it's been 15 and still no email.. Then I ask if they ship a prepaid box to send it back in.. Nope they dont even do that! Almost every company I have dealt with has at least sent as box to ship the unit back in.. In all my years I have NEVER had such a frustrating experience with support(and I have had many)
I love the TF, but because of the service I received and this issues I'm experiencing this will be the first and last asus product I buy again!
Great concept, great idea but major fail in QA and launch.. Like I said I usually dont start threads like this but I'm so frustrated!!
Please if you are experiencing the issue with your left speaker volume being lower than the right please call Asus and report it. if it is a sw issue like some suspect then then if a lot of people report it we might see a fix quicker.
If you are having an issue with the dock keep becoming unresponsive report that as well!!! They wont know there is a problem unless people complain about it. And these two issues I dont consider minor or nit picking..
ASUS SUPPORT #'s
US 1-888-678-3688
canada # 1-888-616-2787
I have the speaker issue you mention but it's not a dealbreaker for me. Hopefully a firmware update will correct it. If not, I can live with it. They already know about the dock issues and the next firmware is meant to address them.
While I'd hate to be kept waiting and have to chase up on a support line, that's the way it's been with all companies in my experience over the last 10 years or so. Usually outsourced to some place you can't understand what they are saying from their accent. The best way to get support nowadays is to go via their official forum because that way you air your issue in 'public' and usually that gets a response from the company.
Few things. First, they have 2 new tablet devices on the market, the Eee Pad (That's you) and the Eee Slate that runs Windows 7 so I can understand his confusion. He would also be required to ask if the dock is made by Asus due to third party products such as bluetooth keyboards as well as fakes.
Secondly, you would be surprised by just how many people try and return brand new products even though they fully function. By saying they will only repair it is a way to deter those who just want a new product because the box is slightly damaged or as a way to obtain a full refund if they dislike the product etc. It actually is an expensive process to pay for return shipping, restocking, refurbishing or even replacing a product.
I can understand your frustration but it's hard for any company to take on everyone's issues on a case by case basis. I do wish you good luck on getting your products fixed one way or another.
Calling low level techs wont do you any good with any company.
The sound issue is a known firmware issue (if you read the [info] thread on the firmware it list this as an open issue that will be resolved). There is nothing support can do until the software changes (surprise there isn't an equilizer that would allow you to set the shift manually).
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The dock is mostly likely a software issue (no clue why it impacts wifi). This is the negative of being on the bleeding edge.
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You have two choices - return it and wait for the technology to mature or live with it until it is fixed but chances are fixes will take a few weeks.
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I guess there are a few other choices - gripe to your blue in the face - give it a few weeks till you reach the end of the return period and then make a decision.
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From what I have read the dock issue is not hardware or at least specific to your instance of the dock.
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It was like this with the P67 (read the threads on the various motherboards and bios isssues); it was like this with [pick your favorite bleeding edge technology].
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In this specific case asus is fighting two levels of bugs/maturity. Their firmware/hardware AND honeycomb (which adds its own problem). While the speaker issue is likely asus issue it would not surprise me if the many of hte issues with the dock is honeycomb.
True story: Last week I cracked the face of my new Skagen watch being drunk and doing god-knows-what. I accidentally dropped it face down a couple of days later, and the weakened face completely shattered. I wrote Skagen asking them how much it'd cost to fix the watch, understanding it was non-warranty work and a result of my own idiocy. They wrote back and said they'd fix it for free, I just had to pay $9 S&H. I love their watches anyway, but now I'll never buy another brand.
Point is, I hate where customer service has gone these days. It's refreshing and shocking when a company goes out of its way to keep a customer rather than throwing up roadblocks to keep from helping them. I hope Asus gets it together on the tablet side. Simply rationalizing why they gave this guy a hard time is why it's gotten this way in the first place, no accountability.
*Old man-esque rant over*
jake21 said:
The sound issue is a known firmware issue (if you read the [info] thread on the firmware it list this as an open issue that will be resolved).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I better correct you there before this gets quoted everywhere. It's in my list of "things NEEDING to be fixed". I don't know if it WILL be fixed. Caps for emphasis there. The list at the top of my thread are the things that should be out in the next update.
EDIT: I've now changed my thread around to make it clearer for people, as there have been a few others misquoting it too.
Semi-related:
I purchased an Asus eeepc 1000HE when it launched about two years ago. It started making a terrible noise that I diagnosed as fan noise. A new fan was about $20 and I would have to void my warranty to replace it. I emailed Asus, telling them exactly what the problem was, etc. I had to pay to ship it to them, so I packaged it up and printed out a sheet with my name/info stating EXACTLY what the problem was. I also asked them to replace one of the rubber feet that had fallen off.
I got my netbook back about 10 days later with a note that said "technician heard grinding noise, replaced with (model number) refurbished hard drive". There was nothing wrong with my drive. I also noticed that the other rubber foot had fallen off/been ripped off, so the fool that was working on it just put a single foot in a bag and put it in the box. Didn't even bother to reattach it or fix the other one like I had asked. I ended up with a crappy refurb that is noisy, a still broken fan, and one less rubber foot. When I called to complain and inform them of their stupidity they told me I would have to pay to ship it back, and that I would get another refurb'd drive and hopefully a new fan. I ended up just replacing the fan myself, solving my problem. Should have done that in the first place :\
With all that being said, Asus customer service is TERRIBLE. The technician must have been an idiot, and as mentioned the outsourced phone support is annoying/time consuming to deal with. I have dealt with plenty of company's customer service in my time but Asus is tied with Philips (that's another story) for the worst.
I really hope that my TF doesn't have any problems because I would never want to deal with those idiots again.
Is any of the other companies better ? I've had great service from non-computer companies (similar to the guy's story about his watch). However, tech companies have been a crap shoot for me largely depending on the individual I manage to contact.
Two companies I've been very happy with (for service) have been g.skill and canon both of which have not only given excellent service but also detail technical information that demonstrate deep understanding of products (this is canon-usa; I've heard not so happy things about canon in some other markets).
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Oh well can't help with asus; can't defend them as i've never required service from them; but they've never screwed me over either (though the shipping policy is harsh and I'd probably avoid them had i realize prior to purchase).
graffixnyc said:
So I tell him it's obvious he knows nothing about the product.
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Click to collapse
You sounded kind of impatient here. He said the same thing about windows seven and pressing F7 to get to safe mode. I just patiently explained to him that we were talking about two different products.
Im coming on here to counter your experience: in dealing with my bricked transformer I've received awesome customer support including expedited shipping although still no cross shipping or prepaid but I wasn't worried about that.
In fact I even got a call from a technician (his personal cell #) and he told me about the progress they made in fixing the issue and he said if I ordered another TF and it experienced issues to call him back first thing.
Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk
jake21 said:
The sound issue is a known firmware issue (if you read the [info] thread on the firmware it list this as an open issue that will be resolved). There is nothing support can do until the software changes (surprise there isn't an equilizer that would allow you to set the shift manually).
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The dock is mostly likely a software issue (no clue why it impacts wifi). This is the negative of being on the bleeding edge.
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You have two choices - return it and wait for the technology to mature or live with it until it is fixed but chances are fixes will take a few weeks.
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I guess there are a few other choices - gripe to your blue in the face - give it a few weeks till you reach the end of the return period and then make a decision.
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From what I have read the dock issue is not hardware or at least specific to your instance of the dock.
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It was like this with the P67 (read the threads on the various motherboards and bios isssues); it was like this with [pick your favorite bleeding edge technology].
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In this specific case asus is fighting two levels of bugs/maturity. Their firmware/hardware AND honeycomb (which adds its own problem). While the speaker issue is likely asus issue it would not surprise me if the many of hte issues with the dock is honeycomb.
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I too heard the sound issue was firmware related since so many people I know that have the tf are experiencing it, but there have been two people so far that have said the sound is the same level on both sides, running the same FW as I.
I'm not really upset about the issues, it's a first gen device so they are expected. What got me was the way I was dealt with by support. I work in it and have dealt with many vendors etc.. hell even moto sent me a prepaid box to ship the xoom back in. That's not really the big deal because it's only a few bucks, but it's the principle. I felt like I wasnt treated as a customer should be treated. I dont expect them to kiss my ass but be willing to work with me a little bit, dont make it impossible. I seriously got the run around by them. Every tech I got was a tech in training. When I was explaining the first call to either the 3rd or 4th guy(cant remember which) and saying that the 1st tech didnt know the product he said "I see" So then I asked the 3rd or 4th guy.. "So what OS is in the Asus eee pad transformer?" he was stumped and hesitated then heard him typing. And I then said "you see this is why I need to speak to level 2 or level 3 support or a supervisor, because I need to speak to someone who knows this product well and who can actually understand the product well enough to understand the issue I'm trying to report."
I love the product, I really do but at the same time the way I was given the run around today making 5 calls before I got a supervisor is not acceptable cs if you ask me.. that's what ticked me off the most..
oh well.. I finally got the rma email. Part of me wants to send it in asap and part of me wants to wait a couple of weeks to see if it is indeed a sw issue and will be fixed.
If it was a known sw issue by asus, wouldn't they have known about it when I called in? So I honestly was calling them with the hopes of getting confirmation that it was a sw issue, but the tech told me the opposite that it's a hw thing and that's why they are giving me an RMA..
I dont know. I dont nit pick about little things (creaking, a **little screen bleed etc...) but things like the dock keep disconnecting and sound coming more out of one channel to me are pretty big flaws
on a good note, when it's docked and closed it does feel nice in the hands and everything else except these two issues for me is great
I had some of the same issues with the L1 techs - lack of knowledge and escalation to a supervisor that just rang over and over for 10 minutes until I gave up and called back. I can understand L1 having issues with a brand new device like this -- I had to correct them repeatedly when they asked questions like "did you check the Windows services?". But I would think that, in the next few weeks, they should definitely be up to speed.
My own device is RMA'd and on it's way to California now (problematic touch screen and a smudge / bad pixel on the screen) and we'll see how it goes. If they at least fix my issues then I'll be satisfied. But if it comes back in the same shape it was in (or worse) then I will start yelling. So I have to wait and see what the outcome will be.
Not to defend Apple in any way, but one thing I have to say about them is that they do have very good customer support. But of course you pay a premium for that.
I actually also called today because my brand new transformer has pretty bad light bleed. The rep i talked to said he had never heard of that before in his life. I realized i was just talkin to a moron and hung up. I hope ill get a better rep next time i try calling. There will always be a some clueless people working customer service.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk
I worked for a hardware company doing technical support for several years.
Believe me, they put stuff out there and don't bother to train their support staff on it. Happens all the time. Or we'd know about it, but they would drag their feet for MONTHS before we got any real training. Of course, by then we had learned enough through supporting it that the training was only somewhat helpful.
Just throwing my own unrelated out there... bought an asus 26 inch monitor two years ago, it had a black speck of dirt trapped between the screen and plastic shielding.. anyways I called, sent it in. I got my unit back (I knew it was mine because of some surface scratches I had on my unit) with the dirt removed. I have to say i was impressed.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using XDA Premium App
Come to think of it.. I wonder if that "supervisor" I spoke to was really a supervisor at all.. Because when he was telling me they would do a RMA for me and I asked about cross shipping he put me on hold for a few minutes like he had to go find out if that was an option. If he was a supervisor wouldnt he have known if that was an option or not? Anyway, I have sent an email to two people in public relations and that Eric liu guy that was here on the forums. I also filed a complaint with the better business bureau. Not for the issues I have with the product but the terrible customer service I received and was given the run around. And when I asked for people's names they only gave me fist names, no badge numbers or last names. It was really just one of the worst tech support/cs issues I've ever had. those phone calls were like something out of a nightmare
graffixnyc said:
I also filed a complaint with the better business bureau.
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You (and anyone else who gets support run-around) should contact The Consumerist website. The BBB has no real teeth anymore but The Consumerist has a wide enough reach to publicly shame the company into fixing issues which is often the only way to get them to respond these days (unfortunately).
Well, I had many RMAs with Asus b4, my motherboards are all Asus. IMHO, the L1 Techs are just normal CSR without any knowledge abt their products. They just simply check your serial # and issue RMA. I always pushes them to give me a returns Fedex shipping label and sometimes I got it. Probably it's depend how many times the product had "RMAed" . So usually I 'll want to speak to the L3 Tech in CA, rather those @ Indiana. L3 are the one who can give u the replacement and fast shipping. Probably the TF don't have those premium warranty offers.
rogconnect said:
Well, I had many RMAs with Asus b4, my motherboards are all Asus. IMHO, the L1 Techs are just normal CSR without any knowledge abt their products. They just simply check your serial # and issue RMA. I always pushes them to give me a returns Fedex shipping label and sometimes I got it. Probably it's depend how many times the product had "RMAed" . So usually I 'll want to speak to the L3 Tech in CA, rather those @ Indiana. L3 are the one who can give u the replacement and fast shipping. Probably the TF don't have those premium warranty offers.
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How do you reach level 3 support? When I was talking to the L1 tech and asked for a supervisor or lever 2 or 3 support he never mentioned getting me a higher level agent
this is kinda typical for most tech companies.. L1 support is always crap..no surprise...
as an engineer works for Netgear myself (we occassionally fill in the role of L3 support), I totally understand your frustration as I always feel the same when talking to these guys.. they just have no idea what they're talking about..
however if you think about it again..it's not really their fault...they have to support hundreds of products so you can't really expect them to answer everything...and they don't really have any power to make decisions for refund, pre-paid delivery label, etc..
the best thing you can do is to ask for a L2/L3 support who really understands the product you are talking about

To Exchange again or not.

Hey All,
So I have had a pretty bad run of tablets here in the Salt Lake Valley. Not sure If its because of the way they are transported through the valley or maybe my Best Buy(s) have gotten bad shipments. Here is my track record thus far:
Purchase 1: Soft Spot under Left Speaker, Caused bad creaking whenever you gripped the left side of the tab.
Exchange 2: Perfect Case (I was so excited), But... had Bad speakers (Made crackling/popping noises when sounds were played after about 5 seconds of sleep)
Exchange 3: Back Panel of the entire tab was loose.. I could physically wiggle the back plate Very freaky.
Exchange 4 (My Current device): Speakers are great, but the bottom of the tablet (mostly the left side and the area around the Charging port) "Snaps" or clicks... Like maybe the case wasn't secured there.
So I am going to ask you all this, Should I try one more exchange, or should I just settle for this small defect and hope it doesn't become something of a larger problem. It DID take an unusually long time to charge to full power (Almost 12 hours from 22% to 100%), However, I have read that due to the huge battery in these things than compared to the GalaxyTab 10.1 could be the primary cause of that.
Anyhow, your input is greatly appreciated. The Clicking on the bottom anytime I pick this thing up gnaws at me... I hate to think I paid 500 Bucks for a ton of defects... My other main worry is if the case is loose or something that I will end up with Dust under my screen.
Thanks so much everyone!
Miles
You might consider purchasing from a different place. Amazon has a good return policy and pay shipping on returns if it's defective.
I've been surprised at the lack of complaints so far, so I think in general the qc is pretty decent.
Charging should not take that long. I plugged mine in last night around 10 and it was charged at 6am. That was from 7% with the stock charger. Use the task manager to close apps and don't use it while you charge it. If you use it while you charge it will take a long time.
Sent from my Galaxy Note
It sounds like you went beyond your means to buy something you can't afford and are looking for reasons to return it.
I'm not looking to return... I really love this device and just feel for 500 bucks it should be as close to perfect as it can be. I'm just wondering if exchanging it again is worth it, or if I should just live with the small defect. I really do love Samsung and its Devices, as I am upgrading from a Galaxy Tab 10.1. However, for the few I have tried so far, the defects have been pretty large... So to keep an item with a faulty speaker or a a Bad case seems slight silly to me for 500 dollars.
Try again. but dont be so determined on finding a defect. the mind will easily manifest one if your mind set on that there will be a defect.
I'd say get a refund because you're spending much more time looking for faults than you're actually using it.
Thanks so far everyone. I think you're probably all right and letting these little faults get into my mind is probably the worst part. Seeing as this is the only "Computer" I have I suppose I do look awfully hard for perfection, mostly out of worry. I travel a lot and have chosen the tablet as my primary means of communication and such over a laptop. While Work provides me a laptop for work... They often time swap it out or give me hassles over its use for personal means. And since I travel so much I don't see much point in carrying two laptops or having a Desktop at home I can't take with me... Plus I have a 2 year old with another on the way.. so Being portable is extremely important to me as well. I spend most my time at home with my Son and thus being able to whip out my Tablet somewhere and check my emails and such from a small messenger bag is perfect.
Thank you again everyone for your input and perhaps I will just keep this one and let the little click go. It doesn't seem to be an issue as far as I can tell, just a minor annoyance.
OT but I just have to laugh at you younger folk thinking $500 is a lot to pay for technology of this level.
My first cell phone cost $1200 on contract. My first Pentium laptop was $3500. The first Razor flip phone (that wasn't even a smart phone) was $500 on contract.
Don't get thrown off by comparing the $200 7 inch models to this. I have a 7 inch tablet. It is a big phone basically. I found myself surfing the web on my E4GT as often as I did on my tablet. Now that I've bought the SGN10.1, I haven't picked up my phone once to surf the web (except when I was away from home).
The 10.1 inch real estate with the s-pen makes this tablet a workhorse at only $500.
** Sorry you are having such bad luck dude. My first SGN10.1 had light bleed on the bottom left hand corner so I feel your pain. My second one was perfect though so I guess I got lucky.
MilesAeon said:
I'm not looking to return... I really love this device and just feel for 500 bucks it should be as close to perfect as it can be. I'm just wondering if exchanging it again is worth it, or if I should just live with the small defect. I really do love Samsung and its Devices, as I am upgrading from a Galaxy Tab 10.1. However, for the few I have tried so far, the defects have been pretty large... So to keep an item with a faulty speaker or a a Bad case seems slight silly to me for 500 dollars.
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Click to collapse
Return it to Best Buy and buy from Amazon.
Be aware Best Buy has a policy that when you reach a magic number of returns (and they won't tell what that number is) they will refuse to let you get a refund or return even if the item is defective and when you get a price match it counts as a return.
I rarely buy from them. OTOH Amazon has full rights to my credit card.

[Q] Getting a new phone

So Ive had a few Xperia phones. I wanted Z3 but reading in these forums makes me scared of getting a defective phone -.- how likely is it that I will get a phone that is leaking light or with waterproof issues? Is the phone worth it?
It's a superb phone, but a minority do have build issues which may be inevitable given the volume that are manufactured. The compromise would be to test the phone thoroughly upon purchase with a witness present, particularly if you choose to submerge the handset directly. As far as I'm aware water ingress is subject to sony's own investigation, whilst liability for thermal cracks or a loose magnetic port, over time, is generally denied, at least on the forums. If I run into issues and amazon and sony are keeping their heads down, I'd consider an independent report as a means of pushing the ball into their court, even though the onus is initially on them to prove I'm responsible. Don't be disheartened as the phone is astonishing. Just be ready to defend your position if and when you need to. Clearly, no manufacturers can produce a flawless stock line, and forums tend to exaggerate the issues given those without a complaint have less reason to speak. The test I use is to reverse the position. If the product was discontinued for financial reasons on sony's part, and you found you'd missed the boat, would you be disappointed? There's your answer.......

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