Vista: The Final Chapter
Following on my last post about my issues with the Windows Vista operating system on my short-lived new machine, after far too many late nights and even more restores, rebuilds and exponential amounts of frustration, I discovered only one sure-fire way to resolve the difficulties I was having with the OS: return the machine.
Let it never be said that I took the easy way out. Being the good IT professional and researcher I am, I devoted no less than 30 hours this week in total to resolving the problems I’ve been having with the operating system - researching drivers, reading articles, scouring discussion boards, and even just experimenting. Unfortunately none of them worked.
Just as unfortunate, when I contacted tech support for the computer manufacturer (who shall remain nameless), I was told that their policy is that all new machines will carry Vista - no if’s, and’s, or buts - and they do not have versions of XP available with the necessary drivers. I was free to try and get another OS on there; but if I did it was no longer under warranty.
My parting comment to them was something to the effect of “That’s really unfortunate because it means I can’t keep this machine. The machine is great, Vista is crap.” I wish I were exaggerating, but I’m not.
From the look of things I’m not the only one who feels that way either, because when I tried to locate a comparable PC with XP installed I discovered they were as rare as hen’s teeth. So much in fact that one of the customer service reps at a local department store said “We just can’t keep XP machines in stock. As soon as we get a shipment, they sell immediately.”
My comment to him was “That doesn’t say much for Vista, now does it.” He didn’t find it too funny though. He proceeded to explain how people come in and say Vista sucks, but that it’s based on hearsay and that’s not true at all. I wasn’t going to argue, but unfortunately I’ve had firsthand experience with the realities of the OS, and was not impressed at all.
Ultimately I wound up back at the same store that sold me the first machine and found a fantastic machine running on XP that was an even better spec at only $100 more. I don’t mind telling you it was Dick Smith Electronic PowerHouse in Penrith on Mulgoa, because their customer service rep was fantastic despite me bringing back a machine I’d only purchased one week before. That’s the way you keep me coming back guys: courteous customer service reps. Nice job on that.
I guess the message to computer manufacturers is pay attention to the demands of your customers. Dell has. They were carrying Vista exclusively and then realised that a fairly large number of people hated it and wanted XP back as an option - and they listened. The only reason I didn’t buy a Dell this time is that there wasn’t one in stock and they’re typically more expensive than I could afford. But it’s still an admirable move on their part.
