elusive 1711/1712

Hi, folks, My name is griegerie(greg)
I have been trying to come within typing distance of an Acer 1710 series computer in the NYC area. All the stores listed in Acer.com's search engine don't carry the 1711 or 1712. Originaly I wanted the compaq presario 3000 series with the 16 incher, but they were discontinued, and I can't find a refurb with the specs I want. Sony has 16 inchers, but I suspect paying their premium would feel like getting my wallet extracted through my nose. I thought the 16 inch screen on the fujitsu lifebook looked great, but the fit and finish was too funky, and though the 15 inch 5010 lifebooks with the MVU(?) sxga screen look great, it was too small. I think the toshiba wides look bizaar. I heard the 17 widescreen apple has back lit keys. I'd sure like that, but I've been pc brainwashed. I was then intent to get the HP zd7000 series 17 wide screen, even though it is only as tall as a 15 incher, but I was not allowed to fiddle with them at the likes of comp usa and best buys. They have some fuzzy presentation software running through them and there's no way to judge what you are getting. But thank goodness for the delay, I recently found out about the acer. and after debating what to get without putting either though their paces, I went to best buys and bought a dvd, and went and stuck it in the hp, after a long debate with the manager, durring which customers stood around cuncuring with my gripes about not being able to utilize any programs on the demos. One particularly perturbed custumer was a goth who's teeth were filed into fangs. It was shortly after the manager noticed the fangs that he relented. for futer reference I will carry a set of vampire teeth for future dealings with pc dept managers in hopes that I get a similer result. Meanwhile, other custmers asked for me to put the dvd in laptops they were considering, and one lady who had been debating three toshibas for 2 hours decided instantly after viewing the dvd on those units. But funny, after waiting all that time and finaly putting my foot down, the end result was that I felt the hp zd700o was not bright enough when playing the dvds, even with the brightness turned all the way up. The funny part is, I frequent the hp site every other day, and that night when I get home, I go to hp.com, to the custom order section as usual, and all of a sudden the base price is up $150- and they had a new option. An xbrite screen with higher resolution. For an xtra $200 on top of that initial price hike.
I do believe I want that Acer 1711/1712.I have called every store in the acer site searcg engine, but no one in NY, brooklyn, long island, etc, has one in stock. I then called the 7 third party service centers to see if they had any in for repairs, Just so I could see one in the flesh. None had any such animal. I got hold of a distributer, and a middle man, none of them had pocesion of a demo for this model. I spent hours on the phone with acer usa in ca and texas 'tech'. I asked if they would let me purchase a refurb, just to see it, then send it back and order one retail. Nyet! No Store wants to order the unit and crack the box for a peek, because that instantly makes it an 'open box' or refurb, and they lose money on the unit.
If trying to buy one of these units is this hard, what is it going to be like to get it fixed?
Is there anyone in NYC or on the outskirts that has one of these units? If so, might they be willing to show me the unit? It would be a godsend, I just can't commit to anything sight unseen. By the way, are the screens on these units out of the acer 17" desk top flat panels? The top lid looks rather thick. Also someone needs a case for these, there are a few metal and inlaid leather ataches made that fit the 17 wide screens. The may be ideal. I've seen them on computer sites. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

Welcome to the boards. First thing: you can buy a Sony GRT360ZG for 2229.98 including shipping if you buy online. Thats not really a price premium at all: considering that you get things not found on the other machines you mentioned (whether you would use them or not. . .you decide) including integrated TV tuner and A/V input. And of course it comes with a remote control. [ ] Just wanted to clarify that.

Secondly, there is usually a 14-30 day return policy on most places you purchase from online, just make sure there isn't any restocking fee. Then you can actually see if you like it and send it back if you don't. My three cents.

Sony GRT270-16.1" UXGA; P4 2.8GHz; 1GB RAM; 80GB HD; DVD+-RW; 64MB Geforce 5600; XP Pro

"People demand freedom of speech to make up for the freedom of thought which they avoid." - Soren Aabye Kierkegaard

 

Hi Greg,

First off, LOL @ the goth with vampire teeth & his "persuasive effect" on the manager. And yes, the manager was an idiot.

Have you tried MicroCenter on LI (or "LON GISLAND," as some would say)? Check it out.

Keep in mind that the 1700 series was "released" a month ago or less. Furthermore, Acer has a relatively small presence in the U.S. Best Buy used to carry Acer notebooks until the end of 2003. It seems that online retailers are the best bet when it comes to Acer units.

You might also try to see if the various warehouse/wholesale stores (Costco, BJ's, Sam's Club) carry the 1700 series.