Out-of-warranty repairs: Caveat Emptor

I tried to get my old Travelmate 290 repaired today, and the guy on the phone at the Acer repair center in TX said that out-of-warranty repairs have a flat rate of $449 + shipping, and you have to pay up front. I mean, [Language removed...please observe forum rules - Greg the mod]! They rob you up front!

I saw the the founder of Acer at the opera in Taipei last year. Next time I do, I'll give him a piece of my mind!

***edit***
Ok, I just called them again to express my outrage, and this time I got a different guy who explained to me that it was an authorization of "up to $449," but I don't like not knowing how much it would cost. I think I'll just buy a new one and get it repaired in Taiwan next time I drop by...

***edit2***
I just called them again to get some more details, and got yet another person; now they're telling me again that it's a $449 flat fee. Well, I don't know who to believe, so I guess I just won't buy an Acer next time.

 

for $449 you get youself a 5315 then buy a a nice txxxx cpu of ebay and bingo you have a a lot more bang for your buck
just a thought.
Phil

PS. i think my keyboard has a stammer

 

I went with a known brand because Zepto were too awkward, sending it back to Denmark etc. was awkward. I was hoping Acer would be decent at repairs if something went wrong.