Do NOT Buy a Gateway Computer
Okay, to clear things up; I actually know a thing or two about computers. First and foremost, I HATE Gateway. The computers they produce are garbage. The customer service is not even third-rate. And, really, even if you know nothing about PC; you know to avoid Gateway by now. If not, here’s why you should:
A few years ago I was in college and needed a computer. I needed something that would cover all angles. I needed a computer for gaming (because I didn’t study); at this time I was more into gaming than anything else and this was just inside the era that “Mac’s” were a joke. I also needed something that would handle all the media I was working with (photo editing, video production, audio editing.) I was dabbling in a number of hobbies. So with these needs in mind I headed to the local electronic super store. We had two in the small city/big town I’m from. I started at my old stand by Circuit City and was snuffed by the staff who ignored me so headed for the other. Circuit City filed for bankruptcy November 10, 2008 if that gives you reference to my timeline. At the other store (shall we call them Superior Purchase?) I was greeted by a young man; told him what I wanted and was edged toward a Gateway PC. I told him of my distrust toward the company. Long and short, he was a good salesman; in fact, he probably sold you a used car or got your 13-year-old daughter hooked on meth because I bought a $3500 Gateway PC with Media Center (this was BRAND FUCKING NEW) (in that same receipt was a printer, an iPod, an upgrade or two, and an extended warranty which, believe it or not paid off.)
At the end of my standard warranty I noticed something odd. Not all that inconspicuous either. The LCD flat-screen monitor I purchased had a GIANT black blob down the middle of it. Lucky for me (at least this one time) the extended warranty paid off and Superior Purchase replaced it free of charge. AFTER, that is, they kept it for a week in their “Nerd Team” department. That was not the end. Almost six months later, SAME FUCKING PROBLEM. At this point I have no option but to purchase a new monitor. I forked up the cash for an LG Flatron (actually still in use now). Rather size-able. At this point the LCD monitor is still top of the line, TV’s didn’t have that nifty PC in port yet and HD is still on the rise (my monitor has both DV-i and VGA input.)
To shorten this rant, I’ve had to replace almost every original piece of this Gateway PC (model GM5048) that wasn’t manufactured by another company (the modem has never been used. I honestly don’t know if it ever worked) including the keyboard and mouse. Not one of these “upgrades” was by choice but by necessity.
Now, why am I writing this now? Well, a few years ago (okay, more than a few) I had to re-format after a catastrophic system collapse. I lost everything. Since my reformat I have been faced with so many missing drivers, files, and resources that I could write a book on how to find missing computer files as thick as the King James version of the Christian Bible. So help me God, no matter what I did I could not find the missing video CODEC for media center to understand a TV signal. Guess where this VITAL piece of software ISN’T: The original install disc.
The fix is relatively easy. Spend more money. I can buy a third-party CODEC for ~$14 or I can pay Gateway (since I’m out of warranty) $100. But, really, after (my estimation) turning a $3000 computer into a $5000 computer, can’t I just get the goddamn CODEC that came with my PC?? Well, see for yourself. Here is a conversation with a Gateway support tech that I had:
Shipin **********: Hi, my name is Shipin **********. How may I help you?
R**********: Hi, I’ve been having trouble with media center. I keep getting a decoder error when I try to watch live tv.
Shipin **********: That’s so unfortunate.
Shipin **********: May I have the serial number or SNID of the computer?
R**********: Well, Inconvenient anyway…
R**********: cc25c
R**********: 110 01274
Shipin **********: Unfortunately, the serial number is invalid. The serial number is a 22 or 13 digit alphanumeric code.
If it is a laptop, check the bottom of the laptop, and if it is a desktop, check the rear of the tower.
Without the correct serial number we would not be in a position to help you. Please contact us with the correct serial number.
R**********: cc25c 110 01274
Shipin **********: Okay.
Shipin **********: Thank you.
Shipin **********: R**********(this was the only point I was sure that I wasn’t chatting with a BOT: They spelled my name wrong), I have verified your product serial number and found that the unit is out of standard manufacturer’s warranty; hence I regret to inform you that Gateway is unable to provide warranty privileges to fix this issue. However, I can offer you few suggestions.
R**********: I don’t need warranty service. I need to find the codec that came with my PC. It is not on the original install disc.
Shipin **********: We have information and self-help articles available on our support website that can help and guide you with the necessary troubleshooting steps to resolve this issue. Please visit 
http://support.gateway.com/us/en/support/default.aspx You can update drivers and utilities, purchase spare parts and accessories and also access system information and manuals using our support website. We have extensive checklists and answers which are updated regularly. We recommend visiting the website for better experience.
Shipin **********: I would also recommend Answers by Gateway to. Answers by Gateway is a convenient and affordable fee based technical support service with support agents providing their “best effort” in resolving all issues. You can contact Answers by at 800-237-6483. More information is available on the Answers by web site. http://support.gateway.com/answersby/answers.aspx
R**********: Yea, the website is chaotic and only offers help for windows 7
Shipin **********: In that case, please contact the Answers By team.
R**********: to pay more
Shipin **********: You may also contact a local technician or the retailer from whom you purchased this computer for any assistance.
R**********: I bought a $5000 system to be told to pay more?
R**********: I’ve been spending money on this PC since the year after I bought it
Shipin **********: Okay.
Shipin **********: Unfortunately, we are unable to assist you further with this issue.
R**********: And that’s why I shouldn’t have purchased gateway?
Shipin **********: R**********, to conclude we have suggested you contact the Answers By team and this should help you fix the issue. If there are no additional questions on this topic, I will close the chat session.
Shipin **********: Thank you for using Gateway Live Chat.
Shipin ********** has disconnected. (Yea, I was typing when they disconnected. WHICH THEY CAN SEE!!! Don’t you love being hung-up on?)
Look, I may be bitching but the bottom line is this: You are going to pay top dollar for a PC if you are going to use it to its potential. Spend it now or spend it later. Odds are if you spend it up-front the company you buy it from is going to take care of you. If you spend it over time, the way I did, you’ll not only spend just as much you’ll be plagued by frustration and sodomy.
Interested in a new computer? Here are some suggestions:
If you want to just web surf and check e-mail: get a tablet or an iPad (this gets tricky if you watch flash videos)
If you’re a heavy gamer: You need a PC or a Windows partition on Apple
For professional media editing you cannot survive with out an Apple
If you are the casual media editor (family and friends on a low cost camera) PC will do, but not nearly as well nor as simply as Apple. (Microsoft Cloud is not where they want you to think it is)
If your only concern is personal security go Apple. Or PC. Really it’s the protection you buy third-party that will save your ass. ~OR~ you can simply stay off the internet. WHY ARE YOU STILL HERE?? RUN AND HIDE IN THE CLOSET!!!!
As for customer service… well, it pains me to say that Apple will all but perform fellatio/cunilingus when you call. Microsoft is (technically, and legally) third-party and has no interest in your problems. Your actual computer manufacturer (that Microsoft will kindly direct you toward with any problems) will have a customer service that is directly proportional to the amount of money they feel you should have spent, not what your actual cost ends up being.
Please offer comments on your opinion.
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