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Lemon Law....for computers

F

Frenchie

Moderator Emeritus<br>Elite Member
Just got done reading this months issue of the American Bar Association Journal. There was an interesting article about proposed laws similar to automobile lemon laws, except these laws would apply to computers. They are working on those laws in at least seven states, and PA already has a bill that they are voting on. It would require manufacturers to actually fix your computer (not just call tech support and be on hold for 30 minutes before speaking to someone that barely speaks english, and cant help you so he puts you on hold, etc.). That applies to both hardware and software issues (for all preinstalled components/programs) They get three chances to fix it. If they cant, then they either have to give you a refund, give you a new one, or give you a better computer.
Only potential problem is that the manufacturers (of course) say that they are going to raise the price a little because in their eyes, that amounts to providing an extra warranty. The proponents likened technical support to calling your auto dealer, advising him that your car isnt running and them telling you to get underneath the hood while they talk you through a repair. Or a dentist telling you to look in the mirror while he talks you through repairing a crown he installed. Scary thoughts! Give it a few months and PA will be the (virtual) guinea pig for this type legislation.
 
This sounds like the Best Buy No Lemon policy. The problem is that you cant cover software, because when a user installs a program that didnt come with the system, it makes it unfair to the manufacturer to have to deal with that, especially if it screws up other software or the computer.
 
Interesting.

I don't know if I like it. There are so many variables that could be going on that it's tough to make a call, especially on software related problems. Half time the end user is lying their ass off to the tech and doesn't give the full story and gets free tech support on stuff that the tech shouldn't have to support. It costs the computer companies huge $$ to support this abuse but there really isn't a whole lot they can do about it.

To go with that, the cost of computers is so cheap and the profit margins are so razor thin, that tech support costs are really starting to outweigh profits on the machines.

The manufacturers are no angels themselves though. Laws like this will make companies really product test their machines for compatibility and reliability before sending them out. It will also pressure them to get real techs instead of having some incompetent bastard on the phone that is only trained on how to use the system restore function.

I'll be curious to see how this works out.


 
Would there be a "No Idiot" law protecting the manufacturers? And if there were how would the people buying Dell P4 systems with the i845 Chipset figure in?
 


<< This sounds like the Best Buy No Lemon policy. The problem is that you cant cover software, because when a user installs a program that didnt come with the system, it makes it unfair to the manufacturer to have to deal with that, especially if it screws up other software or the computer. >>

That's pretty much what I was going to say. An analogy to the car comparison - if a guy cuts his springs and then tears up his transmission going over a speed bump, the dealer isn't gonna fix it for him.
 
this does make it an interesting deal. maybe the users would have to have the manufacturer or a certified person install the software for them?
 
How would they cover "Sir, there isnt a CD Drive in my computer, but it's got a great lil automatic pop out cub holder..." 😉

Too many variables, as said before, UNLESS, its restricted to HARDWARE only. Can you see Microsoft doing this for their software?
H*LL NO!!!!

I personally like MS, but can't see them covering anything like this. All software makers for that matter. All intelligent "geeks" expect some sort of bugs from time to time.. And as stated before, the relationship tween hardware/software/and even environment can have an affect on whether things work or not. Try telling a person in a 6x6 closet with no ventilation in the middle of arizona that hey, u need to get an air conditioner to cool things down a bit to make your computer work rite..😀

Rambling, so shutting up now..
 
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