Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!swrinde!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!rpi!yee From: yee@aix01.aix.rpi.edu (Crimson Avenger) Newsgroups: comp.os.os2.misc Subject: Re: IBM OS/2 1.3 pricing (I can't buy OS/2) Message-ID: Date: 10 May 91 18:44:36 GMT References: <8546@umd5.umd.edu> <1991May9.161843.9689@watson.ibm.com> <28648@hydra.gatech.EDU> Lines: 61 Nntp-Posting-Host: aix01srv.aix.rpi.edu I'm sorry, this is not a flame. This is just some experience of trying to get IBM OS/2 from several dealers. I know that in my past messages, I been critical of OS/2 based upon my opinions of using 1.x (except 1.3). Anyway, this morning I visited 4-5 dealers and I couldn't buy it off the shelve. They didn't have in stock and would take 4-6 weeks. Well: Computerland - First store I went to went out of business, the second store, OS/2 1.3 WASN'T listed in there computerized inventory. After 1.5 hours, they had to call corporate to get a pricing. They had 1.3 listed in their catalog, with the reference number, but the local store didn't have a copy. Corporate said that it was BACKORDERED and that IBM won't resolve it for a couple of weeks (3 or 4). They said that IBM wasn't fulfilling the orders for 1.3 and etc... I put my name on the waiting list. Computer Factory- Didn't have it.. not on inventory list, don't carry it, although they are an IBM Business Partner.. (they made some excuse about being just authorized), but CF been a partner for years. I asked if I could be on a waiting list, got TURN DOWN, said they couldn't tell me when they will even have it. Egghead- 6 weeks and have to put 25% of the price up front. If they can't get it in 6 weeks and if I cancel the order, I lose the 25% deposit. No returns etc.. Computer Programmer- They didn't carry OS/2 and I asked them where can I find it. They said I CAN'T buy it.. It comes with the hardware and I would have to buy a computer system from them to get a copy. IBM Stores- Never even checked, they charge retail prices ($150). Okay, I don't mean to flame, BUT if IBM wants OS/2 to be a success, THEY BETTER make it so people can BUY it.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am SO MAD, that it will take WEEKS for getting the order. THIS is STUPID!!!!!! Did I try to get OS/2 that was reasonable? I think that most end-users would have been frustated by now, since they can't buy OS/2 in a reasonable time. I might have tried mail-order but it would have been longer. Microsoft made Windows 3.0 easily available with upgrades at Eggheads or at computer stores. ON May 17, while they were introducing Windows 3.0 in New York, California, I walked into Eggheads and brought a copy. I paid $99 and had a copy in my hand. I should be able to pay $100+ and have a copy in my hand at the SAME time. It is frustrated, when the Computerland order comes in, I might just say NO, thanks... I am MAD!!! I hope whoever from IBM is reading this understands the frustation of TRYING to buy the product. (oh, I'm not a student, so forget about local universities).. Matter of FACT, I want an EXPLAINATION from someone at IBM... -- On the other hand, Unix isn't available off the shelve either, right? Well, yes and NO, SCO and Interactives gave me the names of dealers in the area and they had the product on-hand, so I could buy it and be in my hands at the same time. It isn't true for OS/2 -- -- Robert aka Crimson Avenger (yee@rpi.edu or crimson_avenger@mts.rpi.edu) Once a hacker, always a hacker. (usere3jp@rpitsmts.bitnet)