I purchased a Gateway Notebook model 450 ROG on the 28th of may 2004 with 4 year warranty. Since then had the following problems:

1. March 4th 2005: Motherboard replaced for computer not powering on.

2. March 20th 2006: Motherboard and Hard Disk replacement for computer not powering up.

3. November 26th 2006: Inverterboard (motherboard) replacement for black screen. Computer returned with missing screws of hard disk, multiple scratches and missed repairing the audio which was malfunctioning? Promised that they will pay for shipment this time. They send me a box a few weeks later with no prepaid invoice from DHL? called Gateway Canada and spoke to 2 supervisors who had no clue? talked to USA Gateway who did not have a clue? I was promised by gateway Canada to be paid back the money once i fax the invoice. i did that the second day and until today no money was paid? I called them and they don't even have a clue in gateway Canada? I was initially quoted by a supervisor, whom name and number i have, that if the same problem occurs again i would be eligible for a replacement. At that stage i accepted to send it again for repair.

4. Feb 8th 2007: Motherboard replaced again, top assembly replaced.

5. March 2007: The system is very slow despite a new format. they advise me to cancel some the background programs. Pixel defects more prominent on the screen. Had about 3 spots each measuring 1 by 2mm. Nothing changes and i give it a rest because involved in exams and work. During that time the screen occasionally jitters and becomes not readable but generally manageable although slow.

6. June 2007: System wont start? After attempting the trouble shooting the Gateway Canada tech decides its probably the motherboard again? I insisted on getting a replacement as promised by the previous support tech. He refuses to commit to this event hough its documented he tells me that there had been a discussion with ATS, the department that handles such affairs, and that repair will be a attempted one more time!? I talk to two other supervisors who started blaming me for not calling within the 90 day repair warranty, even though my warranty still has almost one year to go!? After another lengthy discussion for 90 minutes he provided me with the Executive Resources Team at 610 Gateway Drive. He tells me they have no choice but to do that since the request for replacement has been already refused before?

I have lost my notebook, and only computer unfortunately, in total more than 3 months, have spent almost 8 hours of my time and more of my energy stressing about loosing my notebook yet again!? I have lost total trust in my system and in fact in the integrity if the technical support people who had given me conflicting messages and did not follow up on their promise. Some were helpful in collecting the information but others either had inadequate knowledge or on one occasion he suggested that I just want a replacement!? What an insensitive and disrespectful way of treating a customer who has been buying from gateway for more than 6 years!?

I am currently preparing to send a letter to 610 Gateway Drive. I refused to send my notebook for repair until i hear from them. I will be buying another computer irrespective of what happens, it will obviously not be a Gateway! To be honest I do not trust that anything will change. They will replace the motherboard for the 5th time and it will probably fail again in less than one year!?

I am considering my other options and not sure if three is any way of getting compensation for all the pain i have been through with Gateway?

Peoples advise in welcomed.
Thanks

Alkhabaz A
Hamilton, Canada