Disappointment with US Computer manfacturer Gateway Home » Blogs » tomfriedel's blog

Quick Summary: My brand new Gateway laptop died in six weeks. I was in Colombia, rented another, and both were stolen. Laptops are expensive in Colombia. Since I had the box and charger, I thought Gateway could at worst case sell me a refurbished unit at their cost. But they would not help me, and I had to buy a new computer from a different company.

October 8, 2009
Tom Friedel
100 S Birch Rd #2502
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
tom@birdphotos.com

On August 1 I purchased a Gateway LT3103Uu laptop from Best Buy for my 7 week trip to Colombia. After about five weeks the computer suddenly went black. I contacted Gateway and nothing could be done, I was given the RMA 1-5BT7SP. A sequence of unfortunate events followed.

First, I am a photographer, and had hundreds of photos on the computer, only the best of which I had saved. It took me several days to find a computer to rent, and to get my software working. Then I had to purchase a new bag for both computers. My wife carried the bag, and ended up putting her medication and wallet inside, and we got robbed. I have included the police report. In addition to my photos, we lost around $2000 worth of possessions, of which the travel insurance may cover $500.

I still have the charger, box and accessories. If what happened to me is a known defect in this new model Gateway laptop, I would appreciate if you could send a replacement with the problem corrected. If what happened to me was an anomaly, I would appreciate it if you could send me a refurbished unit at the best possible price.

You have the serial number for my registered computer. Please do not service this stolen computer.

So there are no questions that these events occurred, I have included the receipt for my Best Buy/Gateway laptop, the receipt from the rental computer, and the charge slip for the purchase of the stolen rental computer.

Sincerly,
Tom Friedel
tom@birdphotos.com