I'm sure it wouldn't be a problem, either they'd have spares, or I'm sure for all it's worth they would offer you a similar or slightly better model. Let's jump that hurdle when we get to it ;)
jayaldous: I'm sure it wouldn't be a problem, either they'd have spares, or I'm sure for all it's worth they would offer you a similar or slightly better model. Let's jump that hurdle when we get to it ;)
It is just crazy that HN couldn't just give us the closest matching normal production model, even if it meant they incurred a small loss, rather than some el cheapo refurb/downgrade that probably isn't even worth $288 after all is said and done.
Would have saved so many headaches!
The HP Mini's RRP was $800 ish, but I doubt the same could be accurately said for these.
Hmmmm, do I sense a whole load of 'RTB's' (for a replacement) coming on?
You don't have the computer or even know what it is. ASUS have a pretty good reputation with their eee PCs. It's not the original HP (which in some ways is inferior to some ASUS models), but I imagine it's worth paying $288. If it isn't, then simple answer is to not pay it, then weigh up your options. Take your time and effort to the consumer disputes tribunal or pay a few extra dollars and buy an HP netbook from Dick Smith $599 isn't a bad price for that.
My point is, if HN have gone down the 'minimise costs as much as possible' path, which they probably have, then the machines must be some sort of refurb or downgrade or old stock or something, as Asus wouldn't have built nice brand new machines in and out and sold them for less than they could get for them elsewhere.
So in many ways the machines that we're likely to get are pretty much equivalent to second hand machines.
So they have radically reduced overall worth.
Yes, probably still cheap compared with Dick Smiths or something, but at least then you would be getting a genuine and new normal production model.
I consider the netbooks we'll be getting to be equivalent to second hand machines, and if a new netbook from Dick Smiths is $600 ish, then I wouldn't want to pay more than half that for a second hand machine (i.e. $300 ish, which is more than $288).
But what will they be worth on TradeMe if firstly everyone knows what they are (the HN 'cheapies') and secondly everyone knows what they were bought for?
You'd have to wait a while to get a new batch of buyers who aren't fishing around now.
jayaldous: Seems like a lot of extrapolation, but I guess I'll eat my words if you come out correct. I am at least a little worried myself.
Yes well as others and I have been saying from day one, if HN could have just been a little more upfront and communicative about this, rather than being silent, and ducking and diving, and generally being 'dodgy', then we would be more likely to trust them.
I imagine they are counting on a fair bit of "purchase fever" to kick in once the units arrive. That is to say they will call you in to the store, show you a shiny box and you will think "bugger it, I've already paid for it, I'll accept any old rubbish because it's here and it was cheap".
I've built most of my computers over the years myself, but where I have bought manufacturer-built laptops, I've always known exactly what is inside the case well before I enter the store and the salesperson opens his/her gob. Irrespective of whether this thing was $288 or $88 or $8.80, I won't be changing from that process.
It's just a shame HN hasn't been more forthcoming with precise details. I can't see any advantage in the strategy they have undertaken. There are always going to be those computer "illiterates" who will be happy with any old cobblers just "so long as it's black and cheap", and those of us who are interested in and influenced by the technical specifications.
But who knows ..... maybe it will be an all-singing, all-dancing 1005 they have arrive for us in a week or three.
c71931f: I'm not going to hassle the people/person that runs the harvey norman nz account.
Yeah, forget them, they've made too many promises they didn't keep. Such as saying they would provide more information on the model number, but they never have. And saying they had spoken to a manager and would be back in touch etc etc but still no info.
However, while we're on the subject, even the harveynormannz Twitter account is a bit wierd.
I mean, who exactly runs it? Is it an official head office function? Or just some communications guy somewhere who thinks he'd better use Twitter to look "all modern"?
It is very strange in this day and age that HN don't have a proper e-commerce website.
Yes, I know they have some new/updated site in Aus. However an NZ site is well overdue!!!
tons, you're hurting, we can see that. I'd prefer if a thread like this was mostly about the computer, when it's expected and how everyone finds this to be working out for them.
But I want to say that I don't think Harvey Norman have done much wrong, there were several mistakes: 1. Publication of the advertisement 2. Not taking rainchecks from some customers 3. Taking a long time to get things done
and, debatably, they are providing new ASUS machines of similar standard instead of the HP machines advertised.
If your badgering a salesperson try and remember that keeping up to date on the details of on particular backorder may not be a priority, they may not have the correct information and there may not be a model number for this computer.
If, or when Harvey Norman do something else wrong, that will make an interesting point of contention.
4. Failed to provide pertinent information to their paying customers. I've spoken to the Propeitor on a number of occasions and there is still no details on what the 'custom build' is based on. This, despite the machines already being built (or built already). As someone already pointed out, all they are quoting is Atom CPU, 160GB HDD and 10 inch screen - very scant specs indeed.
They will provide this information, they're just taking their time with it. Which I think is more fortunate for customers who haven't already had to pay up, like I have. Stupid interested free loan to Harvey Norman.
O.K.
5. Making people cough up way in advance. I think that is f***ing it pretty badly.
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