Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Path: utzoo!linus!cca!decvax!harpo!floyd!vax135!cornell!uw-beaver!tektronix!tekecs!johnl From: johnl@tekecs.UUCP Newsgroups: net.micro.pc Subject: Re: monochrome monitors Message-ID: <1354@tekecs.UUCP> Date: Tue, 7-Jun-83 19:16:56 EDT Article-I.D.: tekecs.1354 Posted: Tue Jun 7 19:16:56 1983 Date-Received: Fri, 10-Jun-83 13:45:10 EDT Lines: 37 I had a similar problem with the power supply. One month after the 90 day warrantee ran out, it quit. I found it couldn't be fixed (no schematics, no hints). Computerland doesn't fix them, IBM doesn't fix them, nobody does (Computerland is contractually prevented from fixing them). The reason is simple. The power supply (and the monochrome monitor and the keyboard) is DESIGNED as a disposable unit. IBM has worked out all the mathematics and it is to their advantage to replace these items rather than fix them. As much as I hate this waste, I understand their decision. The computing world has know for a long time that you don't fight city hall or IBM. This is another case. IBM has provided several subtle suggestions to each of you that you should buy a service contract. IT IS AN OFFER YOU CAN'T REFUSE! If any of the disposable units fails, you will pay through the nose to replace it. You will get no sympathy from IBM. You will not bully IBM. It is a protection racket, but the FBI will not help. The sooner you figure this out the less hassles you will have. My power supply was intermittent. I babied it into working through a "qualification inspection", which allowed me to buy a service contract. When I brought the failed PC in, they gladly replaced the power supply and the processor board (even though I know for certain that the processor board was fine). Now I have a working PC and peace of mind (read "service agreement"). Pulling my tongue out of my cheek for a moment, I honestly recommend buying a service contract from IBM, preferably before the warrantee runs out. If there is interest in further insight into IBM service procedures and tricks in dealing with them, I will post a followup article. John Light ucbvax!tektronix!tekecs!johnl decvax!tektronix!tekecs!johnl