Viewsonic service - must try harder

[Rik]

The Viewsonic w/s monitor I purchased with the new machine developed 'burn-in' along the right-hand edge of my browser window, which meant I had shadows in the mid-tones when working in Photoshop, or any other graphics program. This struck me as unacceptable, what's the point in having a wide-screen monitor if the edges of windows will leave their mark on it?

I contacted Viewsonic, and was connected to what sounded like an aircraft hanger somewhere in Europe, possibly Amsterdam. After some 30 minutes on the phone, and much consulation, Viewsonic had me run a series of diagnostics, after which they arranged to swap the monitor - or at least said they would when they had one to swap.

Today, eight days later (I'm glad the monitor had not died!), they made the swap. Despite all the exhortations to me about packing the returning monitor correctly, they supplied me with the new monitor in a box not made for the job, and packed round with bubble bags.

Perhaps, unsurprisingly, when I set the monitor up, I found it had a 2cm drop from left to right - strangely disconcerting, I find myself leaning to correct it! In addition, the illumination was not even, with a fall off at the screen edges, particularly down the right.

I phoned Viewsonic again. It took 30 minutes again (do they time the calls?). I am waiting for them to find a replacement again.

I've already let Scan know that, if the second attempt at resolving this with the manufacturer (at their request) does not produce a satisfactory conclusion, then I shall be looking to them to provide a remedy.

I am disappointed with Viewsonic, I've had two previous monitors from them (one is still going strong) and there was no problem of burn-in. The first time I've needed to call upon their warranty service I've found it to be lacking. Great shame, but time to find a new manufacturer. I've already started dropping hints to Sue about a rather tasty Eizo 24" w/s unit... 

[Inactive]

I've already let Scan know that, if the second attempt at resolving this with the manufacturer (at their request) does not produce a satisfactory conclusion, then I shall be looking to them to provide a remedy.

Sorry to hear that ..

I am surprised at you Rik, I will never deal with the maker, only the seller for warranty work under your circumstances, these companies that palm of warranty work to others, when it is clearly their responsibility, get under my skin.

Personally I would contact Scan again and insist on an effective repair / replacement, especially as you are very good customer of theirs.

[Rik]

I don't normally deal with manufacturers, Inactive, like you I insist on the retailer sorting the problem. In the case of the monitor, though, I knew if I forced that route I'd have to buy another monitor (or rest the machine) while mine was away. Going through Viewsonic, I knew I'd have just a few hours of down time while waiting for the swap. Fine if it had worked, but...

[daveygravey]

Shame about the CS from viewsonic, I was toying with the idea of getting the 23" (presume it's the same one you have Rik?) but this has totally put me off. I never understand why such large companies fail in this department.

mmmmm Eizo.... very tempted by this http://www.eizo.com/products/lcd/hd2441w/index.asp

[Rik]

This one is quite nice too, Dave:

http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/ProductInfo.asp?WebProductID=390085

I was looking at that as an alternative to the Viewsonic, but went with the latter as I already had a couple of their monitors. Interestingly, Scan are much cheaper than Misco on these.

As to why companies fail, at this sort of purchase price it beats me. They are supposedly making the monitor for the professional market, you'd think they would provide the service to match.

[daveygravey]

My thoughts exactly, surely it's a fundimental thing to get right!? anyway I hope you get the issue resolved quickly

[Inactive]

Fine if it had worked, but...

Fair comment Rik.


We are talking megga money here, they really should treat customers better than this.

[Rik]

Hopefully, having been told (politely) what I think, the second attempt will be more successful. If not, Scan and I will be discussing the purchase of the system - not just the monitor.

[Inactive]

That's more like it Rik. 

[Rik]

I've already put the teeth to sharpen! 

[Rik]

As more than six weeks have now passed, I got Scan involved directly. They tried to get some sense out of Viewsonic, but got pretty much the same treatment as me, even to the extent of being let down on a promised delivery.

They have suggested, therefore, that I choose a new monitor - they will collect the old one and sort the it out with Viewsonic, rather than have me being messed about any longer.

I've gone for the Eizo S2410WK, which would have been here tomorrow if Barclaycard hadn't decided to invoke extra security checks on the purchase. (There's a price difference...)  So, new monitor here on Wednesday, Viewsonic collected on Thursday.

Well done Scan. 

[Lance]

Great news Rik, and well done Scan!

[Rik]

Now all I have to do is spend the day tuning the Eizo. It's apparently well-endowed with controls!!

[Simon]

I'm expecting a new laptop to arrive tomorrow, from Ebuyer, so that will be the day taken care of for me too! 

[Rik]

You tomorrow, me Wednesday. Anyone got something coming on Thursday??

[Simon]

Me - a laptop technician! 

[mrapoc]

I have ebuyer coming tomorrow to collect a faulty gaming headset...no use if ur mic dont work >.<

I can thoroughly recommend dell for CS, next day collection and 10 minute phone call to funny sounding irish men (lovely chaps) but it does usually have gradient banding so no use for you (i think most of their monitors do)

[Inactive]

You tomorrow, me Wednesday. Anyone got something coming on Thursday??

I have a new fan oven and ceramic hob arriving tomorrow ( hopefully )..oh and some Euro's, from Saga..

A new record?  I ordered some ink cartridges from Choice Stationery in Jersey late last Thursday, arrived this morning.

[Simon]

A new record?  I ordered some ink cartridges from Choice Stationery in Jersey late last Thursday, arrived this morning.

It would certainly have been very quick from Jersey, however, I was under the impression that Choice Stationary, who I also use, are based in Somerset. 

[Inactive]

I think they have an office in Somerset, but the package certainly came from Jersey, no doubt a VAT thing, order came to £17.90, so just under the import charge level of £18.00.

[Simon]

Well, my laptop has arrived!    I may not be seen for some time!   

[Rik]

Enjoy.

[Lance]

What are the specs? (Just so I know it's not as good as mine!!!)

[Simon]

What are the specs? (Just so I know it's not as good as mine!!!)

I haven't got it out the box yet, but obviously, I'll have to big it up now! 

If you want to have a look, it's this one.  Nothing too spectacular, but it's just a toy really.  My desktop will still be my main PC.

[Lance]

Not a bad toy, maybe a little underpowered on the processor front though

The spec of my lappy is:

Intel® Core™ 2 Duo processor T7300   

Genuine Windows® Vista™ Home Premium Edition   

1 year standard + 1 year warranty extension (HP Care Pack service)   

17" WXGA+ High Definition Ultra BrightView Widescreen and NVIDIA® GeForce™ Go 8600/256 MB video   

HP Imprint™ finish with webcam and 2 integrated microphones and Fingerprint scanner   

2048MB Memory DDR2 667MHz (2x1024MB)   

320GB SATA 5,400rpm Hard Disk Drive (2x160GB)

Lightscribe Super Multi DVD Writer (+/-R +/-RW) with Double Layer support   

Intel® PRO/Wireless 3945AGN integrated wireless LAN with Bluetooth® wireless networking

8-cell Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) battery

Total cost = £819.02 including delivery and 15% discount.