... As youcan imagine, after buying six computers, I've gotten to know Gateway's procedures pretty well.
One of the computers I bought from them came with the video card badly inserted - it meant that the monitor wouldn't work. I called Gateway's tech support, (which was closed - understandable ... Read review
Advantages: Good machines, good quality, efficient company. Disadvantages: Expensive for those on a budget.
...I was solving a problem Gateway should have sorted out at their manufacturing plant.
When I bought the latest computer, the sales advisor was trying to get me to buy things for my computer that I didn't really need. For example, a more powerful video card than I really needed etc etc, and if I was a novice at buying computers, I would have been sucked in. My advice: do your research before you buy a computer - don't believe everything ... ...did speak to someone from Gateway once, but that was them calling me to tell me that the system would be delivered tomorrow. How curteous. Ordering from the website meansyou can take things at your own pace - spend hours if you want taking a look at all the computers and their options and working out how much each option costs without feeling pressured by a sales person. BUT - if you ever do have to talk to someone, Gateway are just a free phone ... more
I work for a small, (very small) company. I'm known as the IT-guy there. Over the last two years, we've bought six computers from them. Most of them have been trouble free purchases. As youcan imagine, after buying six computers, I've gotten to know Gateway's procedures pretty well.
One of the computers I bought from them came with the video card badly inserted - it meant that the monitor wouldn't work. I called Gateway's tech support, (which was closed - understandable at 11pm on a Sunday night). I had the option of being put through to their automated service, which I went through. I was first asked a series of yes/no questions about my computer - does your screen display a certain message (ans: yes/no). Then I was guided through the process for finding out what was wrong. The 'voice' told me to open the case of my computer and to check a particular card in a particular slot. Since it would take me some minutes to open my PC, I was given the option to call back later with a reference number. When I was ready to call back, I simply keyed in my reference number and the 'voice' carried on from where it left off. In short, I had solved my problem at 11pm on a Sunday night when normally I would have had to have waited until Monday morning. However, don't forget that I was solving a problem Gateway should have sorted out at their manufacturing plant.
When I bought the latest computer, the sales advisor was trying to get me to buy things for my computer that I didn't really need. For example, a more powerful video card than I really needed etc etc, and if I was a novice at buying computers, I would have been sucked in. My advice: do your research before you buy a computer - don't believe everything the sales guy (or gal) tells you.
Their web site is also very useful for ordering computers. I have now bought three computers from their web site without ever having to speak to anyone. Actually, I lie - I did speak to someone from Gateway once, but that was them calling me to tell me that the system would be delivered tomorrow. How curteous. Ordering from the website meansyou can take things at your own pace - spend hours if you want taking a look at all the computers and their options and working out how much each option costs without feeling pressured by a sales person. BUT - if you ever do have to talk to someone, Gateway are just a free phone call away.
With all the computers Gateway sell, they give you lifetime technical support over the phone. This is great if you don't have a mate who knows all the ins and outs about computers who can help you out once your standard warrenty runs out.
Gateway are expensive though. I once bought a system for £2000 from them which I knew I could get £100 cheaper from another manufacturer, but I knew how Gateway worked, and I knew that they would sort out any problems I had. I knew that they were efficient (delivering my PC in only 4 days compared with several weeks for some other brands).
I have also experienced very little system crashes with my gateway computers, and they have caused me the least hassels to date. The precious brands of computers we used to operate were very troublesome compared to these.
All in all, if you know what you are buying and what you want, and don't mind spending a little bit extra for peace of mind because you know you'll be buying from one of the best, Gateway's your company.
Advantages: Tech support Disadvantages: Poor customer support and delivery
...I decided to go with Gateway because they have a better reputation than most. I also looked at Novatech, but as I didn’t know much about them chose Gateway, as the prices for the spec I wanted were almost similar.
When I was first looking a getting a new PC, I was looking at gateways, £999.99 deal, but was persuaded to buy the one I now have for 1180 (ish). I didn’t need much persuading as the system had nearly double the spec for only ... ...service was great, from the Gateway store in Crawley, but what do you expect from a sales team, they are always trained to be helpful and knowledgeable…
… On the other hand, the customer support team is just the opposite! Is it because they are Irish? No I don’t think so, I think they just don’t care. AFTER FIVE DAYS of having the computer, which actually took nearly a month to be put together (something which takes about ...
Please_believe_me 17.06.2001 (19.06.2001)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Gateway (Shop)
Advantages: very good tech. help line also can change your system to suit your need Disadvantages: can not see what you are buying
I first heard about Gateway computers a few years ago, when a friend of mine( a university computer programmer) recommended them to me.
I was a bit wary at first,mainly because i did not fancy spending most of my hard earned cash on a new computer system, that i could not see or try before i decide to buy.
I am currently using my third computer set up that i have bought from Gateway, and can honestly say that i have had no major problems at this ... ...about their web site, is that it is well laid out, you can look at computers for business or home systems or even lap tops. When you find a system you like, you can alter the set up of the system. You can change the size of the monitor, the ammount of memory for your system the size of hard drive and even the software that comes with the system.
This is all done by pop down menus. When you have defined the system you want you just proceed with your ...
burnie 05.05.2001
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Gateway (Shop)
...I as a friend recommended Gateway (previously Gateway 2000). I was a little hesitant at first because it was strictly mail order. However, a very friendly sales person advised me on the best package and within around a week I had a new PC delivered to my door. Assembly was, quite simply, a gift thanks to Gateway's coloured coded cables. Within about an hour my new PC was up and running.
With my computer I got a built-in DVD-ROM drive. However, soon ... ...ring back, you will not get the same person and then have to explain the problem all over again.
I would strongly recommend Gateway to anybody, but particularly those who are buying their first computer as there is always free and friendly help at hand if it is needed!!! ...
paulruegg 24.07.2000
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Gateway (Shop)
Advantages: Reasonably well priced and good mix of components Disadvantages: Poor after sales support
I have been using a Gateway for two years now, and despite the companies offer of trading in a computer for a new model after two years, its an offer which isn't enough for me to recommend a Gateway. In the beginning everything was rosy, the computer itself contained a good mix of components, and even today will play some of the newest games to a degree.
Two days after setting up the system, the screen reduced itself to a minimum resolution and ... ...as poor.
It took Gateway nearly 4 months to send out another technician, who replaced the motherboard again - with no success. Following this Gateway finally agreed to replace the computer. Great I thought, well no not really, they shipped the new computer out in the wrong case! Gateway then supplied the correct case and sent yet another technical to take out the computers gubbins and put it into the correct case! All in all it took 4 months to ...
ali007 14.04.2001
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Gateway (Shop)
Advantages: Affordable , Fast, Montly payments Disadvantages: Free service of AOL
...a call from August a Gateway representative, she explained to me that I have been approved for a new computer from Gateway. I could customize my own computer anyway I wanted. With no money down and easy monthly payments. And a free years worth of service from AOL was included. We decided upon the Gateway Essential 500. It seemed to be the best computer for us. The Gateway Essential 500 does come standard with a 17 inch monitor, a small tower modem ... ...needs we did upgrade our Gateway Essential 500. We upgraded the processor to 866, the Ram to 128 and the Hard drive to 20. And added on a CD writer, a CD burner and a printer. Which each piece is very attractive and stylish looking. The total cost plus shipping and handling was just under 1,500.00. I don't think it was a bad price at all considering everything we got and all of the upgrading that was done. After placing my order I was told I would ...
sarah1 04.08.2001
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Gateway (Shop)
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