Archived from groups: comp.sys.laptops (More info?)

I'm considering getting a Vaio PCG-TR3AP1. The store clerk's negative
comment was there are few tech support sites for repairs. Looking for
comments about any experience with Sony Tech support.

Thanks, TERRY

Archived from groups: comp.sys.laptops (More info?)

Terry Ryan wrote:
>
> I'm considering getting a Vaio PCG-TR3AP1. The store clerk's negative
> comment was there are few tech support sites for repairs. Looking for
> comments about any experience with Sony Tech support.
>
> Thanks, TERRY

Be real careful, these days, before going out and buying a Sony.

If you search the newsgroups, I think you'll find that there's
an overwhelming bad feeling about Sony's "service after the sale."

Great products, piss-poor service.

Larry

Archived from groups: comp.sys.laptops (More info?)

Terry Ryan wrote:

> I'm considering getting a Vaio PCG-TR3AP1. The store clerk's negative
> comment was there are few tech support sites for repairs. Looking for
> comments about any experience with Sony Tech support.


Sony's approach to support seems to consist entirely and solely of "No
user serviceable parts inside" - and that extends to the supplied OS -
which Sony treat as integral part of the "package".

Sony s/w support consists of burger-shifters reciting "you need to
re-install your OS".

Archived from groups: comp.sys.laptops (More info?)

"Terry Ryan" <ter5g@virginia.edu> wrote in message
news:c56ib3$1of$1@murdoch.acc.Virginia.EDU...
>
> I'm considering getting a Vaio PCG-TR3AP1.
> The store clerk's negative comment was
> there are few tech support sites for
> repairs. Looking for comments about
> any experience with Sony Tech support.
>


Software support is practically non-existent.

BIOS upgrades are very few and far between.

HW support is kind of OK, as long as it is
clear which parts are broken, e.g. screens,
disks or CD-ROM drives, and it is obvious
what parts need replacement. It is also
slow, with 6-8 week turnaround involving
shipping the units to one of a few repair
facilities (I believe in CA, NJ and TX).

The smaller Sonys have been quite reliable.

The larger ones tend to have more problems,
epecially with the LCD displays (have seen
several going bad).

What I have learned through experience is
that consumer electronics companies, e.g.
Sony, Toshiba, JVC or Panasonic can build
excellent products but are not very good
at supporting them when they break, or
when they malfunction.

Computer companies on the other hand tend
to have better support for their products,
e.g. IBM, Dell and Fujitsu (HP seems to be
the exception).

My rule of thumb these days is: buy IBM if
I can afford it, buy Fujitsu if price is a
consideration, buy Panasonic for special
requirements, e.g. ruggedness or lighter
weight.

Archived from groups: comp.sys.laptops (More info?)

Sony has been screwing their customers for years, and not just
computers. Years ago I tried to get my Sony VCR repaired under
warranty. What a runaround I got from those fools!

Archived from groups: comp.sys.laptops (More info?)

Then you were lucky.

The screen of my daughter's GRX-650 went dead,
and it took Sony more than 2 months to replace
it under warranty.


dk


"Ronald Griffing" <griffingr@spamtrap.hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:107irag75p98g2c@corp.supernews.com...
> I have an F430 that had a problem with the screen while under warranty. I
> called the number in the manual and they sent me by express delivery a box
> to mail it to them. Turn around was about a week.
>
> Ron
> "Terry Ryan" <ter5g@virginia.edu> wrote in message
> news:c56ib3$1of$1@murdoch.acc.Virginia.EDU...
> > I'm considering getting a Vaio PCG-TR3AP1. The store clerk's negative
> > comment was there are few tech support sites for repairs. Looking for
> > comments about any experience with Sony Tech support.
> >
> > Thanks, TERRY
> >
> >
>
>

Archived from groups: comp.sys.laptops (More info?)

Well, I have two Sony laptops. PCG-F420 and PCG-GRT150, great features
for a good price. But I have had mixed success with Sony tech
support. A display problem with the F420 was "supported" with the
advice to send it to a Sony Service Center for a minimum cost of a few
hundred dollars and possibly several hundred dollars to replace the
LCD. A $50 service session with a Circuit City repair shop fixed the
problem. A key function problem with the GRT150 was supported "right
on" with advice to re-install the "Hot Key Utility" from a directory
on the hard drive. I guess overall, I will continue to buy Sony laptops.

Regards, hawk


Terry Ryan wrote:
> I'm considering getting a Vaio PCG-TR3AP1. The store clerk's negative
> comment was there are few tech support sites for repairs. Looking for
> comments about any experience with Sony Tech support.
>
> Thanks, TERRY
>
>