Path: utzoo!attcan!uunet!know!sdd.hp.com!usc!apple!netcom!ergo
From: ergo@netcom.UUCP (Isaac Rabinovitch)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware
Subject: Re: BSR 386SX
Keywords: BSR
Message-ID: <14621@netcom.UUCP>
Date: 13 Oct 90 02:15:39 GMT
References: <4684@tahoe.unr.edu>
Reply-To: ergo@netcom.uucp
Organization: UESPA
Lines: 43

In <4684@tahoe.unr.edu> stevenz@unrvax.unr.edu writes:

>Does anyone have any information on a BSR 386SX?  This system was
>most recently offered in a DAK catalog and is bundled with software?
>While the price is reasonable, does anyone have any experience with
>the machine or know the manufacturer(s) of the components?

It does sound pretty tempting, especially if you happen to need the
bundled software (though whether anybody *needs* Wordstar anymore
...).  But.

I've purchased a couple of computer items from DAK in the past.  I
always thought I got a reasonable value and good (or at least
responsive) service from their people.  But I'd think twice before
ordering any big-ticket systems from them.  It's obvious that they're
out of their depth selling computers.

For example, they once sold me some software in 5-1/4" format.  They
got that right, but because I'd spent more than a certain amount on
computer stuff, they sent me some free software in the same box -- in
3-1/2" format!  More to the point, half of my stuff went on back
order.  I got most of it eventually, but after a long wait I finally
cancelled the one item they just couldn't seem to find for me:  a
printer cable!

DAK is nice people and I enjoy reading their catalog and I even waste
money on their adult toys from time to time.  But when you're comitting
$1800 to a purchase, you really want good customer support, and I doubt
if you'll get it from DAK.

The free service contract?  Nice if the service company does its job.
You still need good support from the seller.  PC Mag did a survey of
vendors, and got a lot of complaints from people who got their service
from TRW.  At the same time, Swan got good marks even though they used
TRW.  I think the lesson is that you need a good dealer rep more than a
good repairman!

Then again, maybe it'd be worthwhile if I bought that CD-ROM player
with *it's* bundle....  Never mind!
-- 

ergo@netcom.uucp			Isaac Rabinovitch
{apple,amdahl,claris}!netcom!ergo	Silicon Valley, CA