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From: bobh@pedsgd.UUCP (Bob Halloran)
Newsgroups: net.micro.atari
Subject: Unbundled ST or ripoff?
Message-ID: <380@pedsgd.UUCP>
Date: Thu, 19-Dec-85 09:46:02 EST
Article-I.D.: pedsgd.380
Posted: Thu Dec 19 09:46:02 1985
Date-Received: Fri, 20-Dec-85 05:01:11 EST
Distribution: net
Organization: CONCURRENT Computer Corp, Tinton Falls, NJ
Lines: 44

<here, line eater .. nice line eater .. >

Potential scam here, folks.

I saw an ad in the NY Times this past Tues (12/17) from one Executive
Photo on 31st St, Manhattan.  In their computer section, they had the
following entry: "Atari 520 ST  $369.".  I called their WATS number
(800-223-7323), frankly assuming a typo for an intended price of $639,
still an excellent discount on the B&W ST. 

When I got through to them, they told me over the phone "That's the
price for the CPU only, the package is $699."

Say WHAT?!?!?!

I called the distributor in Westchester county as shown in the
recent ST ads and asked if the ST was available unbundled.  The
answer was that they had heard Atari was considering it, but not
at the present.  Okay, I called Atari in Sunnyvale.  The person
I got was 'puzzled'.  They took the dealer's name & phone #, my
name & address, and said they'd look into it.

If the manufacturer doesn't offer something unbundled, and the
regional distributor doesn't distribute it unbundled, and NO ONE
has ever advertised the item in unbundled form, what do you call
an ad selling you a piece of an otherwise bundled system?  I called 
Executive again to see if they were still holding to their line.  
They were.  I called the NY state Atty General's office and have
requested complaint forms be sent.  I think false advertising
charges are appropriate. 

ANYONE else ever see ads for unbundled ST systems?  I don't mean
supplemental drives, etc.  I mean an ad along the lines of 'CPU
only $XXX, monitor $XXX, first disk $XXX'.  If so, please let
me know.  Thanks.

					Bob Halloran
					
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Disclaimer: My opinions are my own.
Quote: "When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro..." -- Hunter Thompson