Interesting, baffling, somewhat frustrating Gateway situation

Okay, so I order a P-173X FX from Gateway over the phone Saturday, 7-19-2008, get $200 off the online price so I get it for about $1400 all together. That was Saturday. Over the weekend I try to check my order status online and no go, website keeps telling me there is no order number (which I copy exactly as is from my confirmation email). Monday comes and I decide to call the 800 number. Get through and the rep tells me I have to pay them with a wire transfer in order get the laptop.

See, I had asked them to deliver the laptop to my workplace as I work at a my family's restaurant 10am-10pm Tuesday-Friday, so I figured it would be easier for all involved as I would not have to play post-it tag with the UPS guy. Apparently that set off some red flags (which it should) and then the rep tells me they can't verify my billing or shipping address with my phone number. Okay, this part is my fault because I live in Florida now, but I was living in California. I never changed my cell phone number so it's still a California number. Arguing ensues, Gateway rep won't budge so I tell them to cancel the order

Monday night I check my email, see one from Gateway saying my order has been shipped, tracking number and everything. I click the tracking number and it shows it is on its way, but there is a note "THE SHIPPER HAS REQUESTED A DELIVERY INTERCEPT FOR THIS PACKAGE / RETURN TO SENDER PENDING". I think nothing of it, figuring the package would be going back to them.

Tuesday night, after much debate, I go ahead and order the 6860FX from BestBuy.com because I have a $150 giftcard. I have them deliver to my restaurant instead of my home and I check my email all day Wednesday to see if there will be any issues as there was with Gateway. Get email that item has been shipped.

On a larf, I decide to check the Gateway order and it shows that the item has reached Orlando FL and it looks like I may be receiving the laptop after all. Then when I get home I check my credit card to see if BestBuy charged me for the laptop and instead I see a charge on there from Gateway instead

So now I'm gonna see what happens in the next couple days. Most likely I will return the 6860FX to Best Buy but now I'm undecided as to whether I should return the Gateway Direct laptop and wait until mid August for the P-7811FX from Best Buy.

Sorry about the uber long post, but I needed to rant and vent. Mods, I wasn't sure if this was the right forum, move if needed. I'll keep you guys updated if y'all are interested.

 

Personally, with the problems gateway reps have given you, I'd be jsut above pissed off "enough" to not by direct from them and wait mid august.

 

tbh i had no problem ordering direct from gateway.
they even priced matched a week later when they dropped the price by 50 bucks.

issues aside, i would suggest waiting. its too close to release to NOT wait now.

 

That or get the 1year adh plan for 99 from bb and give it a bath in about 10 months, request the value of your purchase back on a giftcard and get the lappy with the 260. Im sure we'll have the 260 or 280m's by then.

 

Chase, the Best Buy I purchased my notebook from never informed me about the warranty, they just rushed the sale. I may go back in there and speak to a manager, to get that warranty. BUT, I was told on my last notebook that the warranty covered the damage, but they would attempt repair up to 3 times before reimbursing me.

 

hey the gateway.com is sell 1792 dollar for the P-173XL, u should ask gate rep give u the price match

 

And good lord, Chase, don't let the couple of high-strung individuals in the "6860 Disassemble guide" thread see you say that. They're probably forming a posse as we speak.

 

yes it was a joke
no comments needed

 

so it looks like UPS was able to delivery intercept. I never got the package though I suspect it was on the delivery truck according to what the tracking information tells me. anywho, I've got the 6860FX coming on Monday. I think I'm gonna return that to a store . I shouldn't be hit with a 15% restocking fee as the laptop will be unopen. I'll eat the shipping cost if I have to as this situation is partly my fault for being impatient. I might wait to get some more specs on the 7811FX though

 

If you have a hard drive die 4 more than 3 times, then they will replace the entire system assuming that you purchased a "lemon."

I know that the Geek Squad guys at my store would just declare it unfixable if you took it in there still dripping.

Seriously, who wants to try and fix a laptop with a cracked screen, parts in 2 different bags, and soaked in water?

 

Thanks Chase, I may check into it.