Where to Buy a Computer

I need to re-rank my recommended places where you should buy a computer based on some recent experiences with the retailers in the Dunwoody area.

I like mail order with Dell, first and foremost. Why? You can configure your computer as much or as little as you want to. They've got some great deals like a bare bones laptop with XP for only $399 (prices change daily). You can easily get their Vostro line of laptops or desktops with XP installed and not VISTA.

I like Costco if you can deal with their limited selection of Vista computers. You do get a 90 day return policy but it's a pain to go there and only buy one item.

I like Office Depot but I find their main technical guy is very condescending to his customers. I remember asking him if he was excited for Vista and his response? "I don't care I like UNIX".

I like Fry's for selection, but I am not a fan of their death march checkout and their 'price depends on who you talk to' policy.

I don't like Vision Computers. They are trained like mattress salespeople. Go in for the $399 Neil Boortz special and leave with a $2,000 computer that you've been upsold to. Guys, computers are depreciating assets. Buy the cheapest one you're comfortable with. A laptop will last you 4 years, a desktop 6. Keep those #s in mind.

I don't like used computers. If you know how to shop for new computers and know where the deals are, you'll never buy used.

Free SPAM blocker

SPAM Fighter seems to get good reviews as a free (and advanced if you pay for it) SPAM filter for Outlook and Outlook Express. I've been happy with Outlook's SPAM filtering but as you probably know, Outlook Express doesn't have one built in.

You can download here:

http://www.spamfighter.com/Download_Download.asp

SPAM filters and naughty words

I sent out a mailer to my customers about a month ago. In the mailer, I had the word SEX as part of "SEX offender web site" that I wanted to make sure that people knew about. Not suprisingly, this email was tagged as SPAM by many SPAM filters because of the word SEX. Be careful about the words you choose and you will minimize the effect of SPAM filters. That's why you've received emails containing the words S.EX, s3x, SE..>X and other variations. They are trying to trick the SPAM filters.

All You Can Eat Wireless for $99

As you might have seen, I've seen commercials for AT&T Wireless and Sprint and false memories of Verizon (not sure if they're real) for unlimited local and long distance from your wireless phone for only $99. You will pay more for SMS (texting) and Internet but for several of you out there with cell phones glued to your ear, this is quite the deal.

Beware of Auction Scammers

Before I tell you specifics of my story, I must say that I've been on eBay since 1999 and with Paypal since 2001.

On March 5, I sold an iPod Touch with a buy it now auction to a buyer in Texas. They purchased with Paypal, which by the way, is owned by eBay. The purchase who purchased has a confirmed address and has 8 positive feedback points with 0 negatives. I received the cash, $257.01 after fees. I shipped the item UPS Ground through the Paypal integrated shipping system with a tracking label. On March 10, it was received. On March 18, I get an email from Paypal that they have flagged the auction as potentially fraudulent and that they have reversed the funds until they have fully investigated the case. On March 30, I receive an email saying that basically the auction was a fraud and I was out the money, and the item. I contacted the buyer and have not heard back. I called PayPal and they basically said "oh, the auction was for greater than $250, you needed to have checked the box for delivery confirmation so you're not covered for fraud". I told them that it was ridiculous that they sent me a fraud notice 13 days after the close of the auction. I mean, who waits 13 days to ship an item?? They said it's not unheard of to get a chargeback 60 days after an auction closes. They basically have built in protections so that they don't have any responsibility for bad transactions. They make it seem like they are protecting you but in reality they are protecting themselves. Be careful. I'm out $257.01 and a $200+ item.