Re: The Tree is Dead
Without trying to put to fine a point of it, my experience with two leading companie has been like this
Dell:-
Helllloooooo, my name isss andddrreewww, (Is it bollocks, you can't even pronounce it! Your pissing me off by lying to me before i've said a single word) how can elp you this morning? (it's mid afternoon)
I have a dead hard drive and I need a replacement.
Is light on computer? Maybbe power iss not on?
I'm an IT Professional, the hard drive has failed and I need a replacement.
<... 45 minutes later...>
I think hard drive dead. (No, really...) I sond engiineer to raplace, ok?
I can fit the new Hard dri.... Never mind, that's fine send me an engineer to fit it.
Alternately, HP Support:-
<scottish accent>Your through to Andrew, how can I help?
I... have a dead hard drive and I need a replacement.
Ok, have you got the code from the diagnostic?
Uh, sorry didn't realise I needed one, first time i've called HP for a replacement HDD. How do I get it?
<concise directions from HP chap>
ok, running the diagnostic now. So, uh. Your in Britain?
Aye, our business support is based in the UK. *chuckle* Your used to dealing with "support" from India then?
...If you would describe indian help lines as support, yes. Oh, i've got the diagnostic code *abc-code-123*
ok, just entered that on our support system. [droll tone] apparently the hard drive is dead.[/droll tone] would you like an engineer to fit the replacement or are you happy fitting the drive?
Just the drive is fine mate.
Yeah, thought it would be. The giveaway was you telling me what the problem was as soon as I picked the phone up. Where do you want the drive sent to?
<address>
ok, i'm just going to stick you on hold and type this up, ok?
Sure.
<2 mins later>
Ok, your new drive should be with you in the morning, can I help you with anything else this afternoon?
No, it was just the HDD.
Ok, thanks for calling and have a nice day.
You too, thanks for the help.
---
Having deal with both, do you think I buy (and advise other people to buy) from Dell or HP?
More importantly to Dell's prospects, if Dell started offering services do you think that any significant number of people who have had the "pleasure" of dealing with Dell support would be happy with the prospect of buying services from Dell?