I don't think I have ever had a good experience shopping at Bestbuy. The very first time I went into one and purchased something was an event by itself. I was in the checkout line right next to the front door. The security guard was watching me the whole time. I paid for my small purchase and thanked the cashier. As I tried to leave, the guard stopped me and demanded to inspect my purchase and see my receipt....after he watched me pay. I told him that this was ridiculous and the only way he could see my receipt is if he could physically take it away from me. He just saw me pay and the item was less than $20. Needless to say, I told him if he could kick my ass, he could see it. The store manager was called and eventually I gave up the receipt and told the manager that the guard needed to be fired. I normally wouldn't have done that, but the guard saw me pay and was just trying to be an ass.
Fast forward to August of this year......
I decided to purchase a desktop computer for my shop. I wanted to be able to edit my Go-Pro videos, monitor my security system, and run my small business. I went to Bestbuy online (as I don't shop there in person anymore) and picked out an Asus CM6730. I figured the 16GB of ram and 1TB of hard drive would do well for what I wanted.
About 40 days after receiving it, the computer started shutting off every time I watched a video. I contacted Asus asking for a replacement computer, so that I could still run my business. I figured they would send me one and I'd send the defective one back. Nope. They said that there warranty is 30 days...and I was at 40ish. So, I had to get another computer to run my shop while I sent it out for repair. They said to take it to the local Geek Squad and have them fix it. So in mid September, the computer was dropped off with the Geek Squad and they had it for 48 hours and said it was all fixed. I got the computer back to the shop, updated all the files and then decided to test it out. 9 seconds into a Youtube video, my computer crashed....exactly the same as before. So, I boxed it back up and dropped it off again. Looking at their writeup sheet from the first time and second time the computer was listed in "clean and new" condition the first time and "dirty and worn" the second time. I had the damn computer for 30 minutes inbetween that time. I didn't think it looked dirty and used. They told me that my monitor had to be the cause. I told them that I have two monitors at the shop and both have the same issue....but don't have issues on the other computer.
So, they sent the computer to Asus and they have had it since and still no word about the repairs....all I know is that they haven't sent me a replacement or even know what is wrong with it. I contacted them and they told me to be patient.
So, are they messing with me? have no clue? or know that there is an issue with that model and don't have parts to fix it?
At what point can I demand my money back or demand a replacement? At this point, I just want a functional computer. I paid over $800 for it and now they can be purchased for around $600.
It does have a one year warranty, but I have to be at their mercy after 30 days. If it fails in the first 30 days, then they would have replaced it. I didn't really use it other than for shop stuff for the first month because the shop was so busy. One morning, I decided to put on a music concert on Youtube while I did some paperwork and that was when it crapped out.
They are fixing it for free under the warranty, but now I am out a computer for a month. I didn't really like windows 8 anyway.
Did you buy it with plastic? Even debit cards have built in features that may help you get your money back. Call the number on the back of the card and explain, you might be pleasantly surprised.
Did you buy it with plastic? Even debit cards have built in features that may help you get your money back. Call the number on the back of the card and explain, you might be pleasantly surprised.
Paypal.....I contacted them prior to 60 days and they said it wasn't covered by their buyers protection plan and i would have to deal with bestbuy directly. Bestbuy said I have to deal with Asus.
1 - I guess things are different where you live. Over here, we have 'security' guys at all home depots and stores such as BestBuy. they take EVERY PERSON's receipt, peek in their bags, and then either poke a hole in the person's receipt, or draw on it (with a highligher or a pen) and give it back. Funny thing is, they don't really 'check' anything at all, they don't even count items or look at the receipt. They are just doing this automatic motion. Reminds me of THIS As for the machine, sorry you had grief. When you get your machine back, I'd open up and exit paint three times, then go to youtube and try to watch a video. if/when it "crashes", reboot and check the log files - you should be able to see the error. How does it "crash"? does the computer itslef turn off? Or does the monitor just turn off (do you have a different monitor?)
{{{if you try to play the downloaded youtube clip}}}, does it crash the machine?
{{{}}}(I can explain to you how to do this - you'd pause the clip the moment it starts, and then download it, and then close the browser and try to play it.)
Could be video card issues, RAM issues (may be 'shared') may be a capacitor issue (I've seen one car issues on a bunch of machines where a pdf would crach the machine on cue.)
But the log files should give you a starting point...
I have always had a great shopping experience with them. In fact, they're a favorite of mine for electronics. Just so you know, they check everyone's receipt. Multiple states I've been to and all Best Buys do that...
They normally don't check receipts at the door....and the guy let 3 other people pass by me. he just wanted to be a meathead and bust my balls.
I spoke with Asus today and they said my video card fan wasn't working. They didn't tell me what they did to fix it, but they said it is on the way back to me.
I'm also going to send one of my employees over to Bestbuy today to pick out a new monitor....just in case if that is causing issues as well. The one I have is old and crappy....a first year flat screen monitor.
I have always had a great shopping experience with them. In fact, they're a favorite of mine for electronics. Just so you know, they check everyone's receipt. Multiple states I've been to and all Best Buys do that...
The Best Buy that I use has only checked my receipt once in the last seven years and I have been in there multiple times. Maybe this is done on a store by store basis or maybe I have just been lucky.
If you paid for it with a credit card, check your cards buyer protection program. They often extend warranties to 90 days.
You could also call your credit card company, and tell them you want to return the faulty computer and get the credit returned. They will tell you what to do next.
If you paid for it with a credit card, check your cards buyer protection program. They often extend warranties to 90 days.
You could also call your credit card company, and tell them you want to return the faulty computer and get the credit returned. They will tell you what to do next.
I paid through paypal and they wouldn't help in any way.
I bet they do like Wal Mart does and have computers made to their specs at rock bottom prices and then screw with the company making their stuff so that they can get it at an even cheaper price, Wal Mart is famous for that. that said first computer I got from Wal Mart not a month after we got it, it started doing just what yours was doing only all the time, shutting down after less than half an hour after I turned it on. I searched the net and the prognosis was the power supply was over heating, then I called HP the maker and they said send it back, I told them no way, this thing is full of our home business info, send me another one and I'll transfer everything and then send you the old one back. they did and that one lasted quite a few years. so maybe you should have been more forceful in them sending you another one. just a suggestion. cause I know nothing about computers, nothing.
But I feel your pain in dealing with the big box stores and wish you better luck with any other purchases from any of them.
Steve
------------------ Technology is great when it works, and one big pain in the ass when it doesn't
I will buy at Best Buy AFTER I do my own research. Im usually more knowlegable than any of their salesmen...if you can get one to help you. They do have a lot of stuff I cant find anywhere else unless I drive 40 miles to Micro Center. Last time, I went looking for a replacement DVD Recorder. Salesmen all there told me there never was such a thing. I explained it was just like a VCR but burned DVDs, and most were dual decks with both. They were determined to say no one ever made those. Pizzed me off so much I took my broke one over to the store to show them one. Found that Walmart still sells Funai DVDRs and KMart sells Toshiba.
I recently had a problem with some software I bought online (not EBay) and paid with Paypal. It didnt work and supplier would not answer emails. I called Paypal and they credited my account back the next day.
Good advice......and I just purchased a new monitor at Bestbuy.com about an hour ago. I guess I am just used to the big companies not really caring and it is easier than trying to go pick one out that may not be in stock
I was told the video card is part of the motherboard. I would like to get a decent working setup in my shop that iI can use it to run my shop software, ordering online software, my neat scanner, my security cameras, and for personal use, my iTunes and go pro editor.
I will prob post a new thread or Google how to set up a proper network in the shop in the near future.
was on sale last week for $399.. I was going to pick it up when a voice told me to read the reviews online... Yikes...
Most of your problems are the onboard video... Get a decent $50 video card and you should be ok..
Even if a new video card is an option, it doesn't change that he's got a NEW from the store computer that's 60 days old (or less)---that doesn't work. I've personally had good luck with BB--2 laptops bought and using them with no problems to speak of in the last 18 months, but in his case, BB or Asus simply needs to honor their warranty, and do so in a timely manner instead of trying to kick the can back and forth to one another.
I had an E-Machine about 15 years ago that went through power supplies about twice a year. I swore I'd never buy another one. I was relieved to see they don't make them any more. Then, correct me if I'm wrong" I heard they changed their name to ASUS. Enough said for me.
I bet they do like Wal Mart does and have computers made to their specs at rock bottom prices and then screw with the company making their stuff so that they can get it at an even cheaper price, Wal Mart is famous for that. that said first computer I got from Wal Mart not a month after we got it, it started doing just what yours was doing only all the time, shutting down after less than half an hour after I turned it on. I searched the net and the prognosis was the power supply was over heating, then I called HP the maker and they said send it back, I told them no way, this thing is full of our home business info, send me another one and I'll transfer everything and then send you the old one back. they did and that one lasted quite a few years. so maybe you should have been more forceful in them sending you another one. just a suggestion. cause I know nothing about computers, nothing.
But I feel your pain in dealing with the big box stores and wish you better luck with any other purchases from any of them.
Steve
I try not to buy expensive electronic devices from places that also sell garden hoes, tires, Big Macs, condoms, rib roasts, hemorrhoid medicine, and pinto beans.......
I was told the video card is part of the motherboard. I would like to get a decent working setup in my shop that iI can use it to run my shop software, ordering online software, my neat scanner, my security cameras, and for personal use, my iTunes and go pro editor.
I will prob post a new thread or Google how to set up a proper network in the shop in the near future.
Dave
Yup, you can put in a new video card and disable the onboard unit.
I try not to buy expensive electronic devices from places that also sell garden hoes . . .
Aren't those rented by the hour?
The last computer I bought came from Walmart, four years ago, I think. The price was good. It did, and still does, what I need it to do, which is study meteorology. I have never had problems with it, or with Walmart in dealing with electronics. But I am not the sophisticated user of technology that everyone in Texas is.
computers at walmart? Sure.... why not. We are not talking about $3K machines. These are disposable units. If the price is right, I would buy one. Same for TVs and DVD players, etc. Eh... no worse than anyone else's products.
computers at walmart? Sure.... why not. We are not talking about $3K machines. These are disposable units. If the price is right, I would buy one. Same for TVs and DVD players, etc. Eh... no worse than anyone else's products.
Last one we bought there was just a few hundred and lasted 5 years or more. I think, you know how bad my memory is.
Last one we bought there was just a few hundred and lasted 5 years or more. I think, you know how bad my memory is.
Steve
yup, exactly.... keeping and upgrading a computer is becoming a thing of the past.... I have a couple of old ones laying around, but basically, I just bought new ones to replace them as needed. No need to even think about upgrading, when the parts cost more than buying a complete system
I try to buy bigger electronics at Micro Center. I got a brand new, 24" LED flat screen tv that operates ac or 12v for my motorhome.....for $75.00. Its also nearly impossible to find a 12 volt one anywhere. It is only a 720 resolution, but you cant tell it with the size it is. RV stores want $600 or so for 24" to 32" ones.
Originally posted by bmwguru: I was told the video card is part of the motherboard. I would like to get a decent working setup in my shop that iI can use it to run my shop software, ordering online software, my neat scanner, my security cameras, and for personal use, my iTunes and go pro editor.
Get another machine or NAS for security cameras. And keep that hidden. Otherwise they steal computer, they get camera's video.
Onboard video would not barf on Web video. Iffy system ram could cause video problems.
------------------ Dr. Ian Malcolm: Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should. (Jurassic Park)
Get another machine or NAS for security cameras. And keep that hidden. Otherwise they steal computer, they get camera's video.
Onboard video would not barf on Web video. Iffy system ram could cause video problems
The cameras have their own hard drive which is hidden. It links to my phone and to the shop's computer, so I have a good backup system.
I received an email the other day stating that the computer was complete and heading back to me. I received another email today stating that they sent the computer elsewhere for more testing, it failed and it was headed somewhere else. I am really upset about this.
Dave
[This message has been edited by bmwguru (edited 10-28-2013).]
I have always had a great shopping experience with them. In fact, they're a favorite of mine for electronics. Just so you know, they check everyone's receipt. Multiple states I've been to and all Best Buys do that...
The best buy I frequent checks receipts as you leave, just like "sams club" does.
[This message has been edited by htexans1 (edited 10-29-2013).]
With Black Friday coming up remember that many manufacturers now make special Black Friday Only models. These are the items advertised at way-too-low prices to get you in the door. If it's too good to be true.......
They have had 3 tries with my computer so far....The latest news is they have no clue where my computer is or who has it. Is it time for me to be a jerk and demand a new computer or an upgrade (if they manage to find it and get mine working?) All I do know is that they couldn't get it to play videos again after the repair, so they sent it elsewhere to be fixed. How hard is this to fix? Slap a new board and video card in it (I assume).....or send me a new computer and write that POS off as a loss.
I spent 45 minutes on the phone with the Geek Squad on Friday. They told me that my computer is at some repair facility other than Asus and it is in Kentucky somewhere. They gave me a UPS tracking number as it had already been completed and shipped. The tracking number was no good and the computer never made it back to the store in the time they promised. They are not willing to give me any upgrade or do anything other than apologize at this time.
I tracked my repair online and the only thing it says is that they are sorry it is taking too long. I plan to call again tomorrow. All I want at this point is a functional computer in my hands now. I can hardly wait for them to send me the email asking how my experience was with them. I'll include this thread in my return email along with my log of other BS that they gave me.