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From: reberhar@iiic.ethz.ch (Rolf Georg Eberhardt)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware,comp.sys.ibm.pc.misc
Subject: poll on pc-clone makers (results)
Keywords: clone
Message-ID: <8727@neptune.inf.ethz.ch>
Date: 20 Sep 90 07:17:36 GMT
Sender: news@neptune.inf.ethz.ch
Distribution: comp
Lines: 76



poll on pc-clone makers (results)

First of all thanks to everybody who answered to my questions. I often got very 
detailed information on their computers (cards used, etc.). 

It seems that most net-landers buy Gateways. I'm tending strongly in that 
direction. Although parts often must be replaced everybody seems to be happy. An
additional plus for the folks in Switzerland: Gateway has just opened a shop in
the Switz and starting from Jan 91 they will do the guarantee services for 
machines bought in the States (for an additional 6% charge).

Following companies were mentioned (# of responses = # of tics (+-)) :

Zeos
	+ good service

Swan
	+	good service
	-	too expensive, service to returned product :-<
	+	good luck with 2 386SX, good manual, telephone support, service 
		and performance.
	+	bought 8088 three years ago. Immediate help when solving 
		HW-compatibility problem.
	
Gateway
	-/+	motherboards & power supplies had to be exchanged on two 
		machines, but service excellent
	+	2 weeks delivery time, good controller cards, mediocre keyboard,
 		problems with HD-controller and Copy II PC board. Quick response
		on letter. Three 386/25 bought.
	+	when calling long distance put on top of tech support. 
		One 386/33 bought.	
	+/-	fast and reliable. Fan died but replacement sent by UPS. 386/25 
		bought.
	+	good, solid construction. broken disk-drive (due to transport). 
		prompt service. Should be more honest with their estimates on 
		replacement parts :-<.
	+	two weeks delivery time. good components. Problem with HD but 
		fast replacement.  (three 386/33)

Dyna Micro Systems
	+	good prices, said to be ok company, got pc a couple of years ago

EPS Technologies
	+	just ordered system, has not arrived yet, but excellent service 
		up to now. 386/33 bought.

Northgate
	+	fast delivery (1 week), fast shipment of replacement parts. 
		386/ slimline bought.  (keyboards said to be excellent)

ACT
	+	work on a 386sx. Runs ok.

Fivestar Computers
	+	no problems with it. good cards inside. (386/20).

Club AT
	+	Epson based system. good service and machines. 
		(286 bought in 1987).

AMI
	+	works excellent and good price. (386/33)

Dell
	+	good product and customer service. delivery 10 days.

PC Brand
	+/-	documentation adequate. Problems with credit card (them putting 
		hold on funds) power supply died. Agreed for replacement but 
		took time.


-- rolf