Since I am not an expert, the first laptop I received kept seeming like the motherboard shorted out and caused a feedback through the speakers. A week later, and after sending it back, a replacement arrived.
I spent 12 hours installing all my software and stuff in the replacement model. Then, in the middle of everything, the laptop began to suddenly turn off without any warning and without any ryhme or reason.
To make a very long story short, after spending considerable time on these forums to see if there was an easy diagnosis, I downloaded system performance tests and a memory test. Both tests crashed each time causing the computer to turn off. I had my friend install Photoshop so we can test the graphics out, and that program, while in use, also caused the computer to shutdown, too.
Then, I tried CS: Source and each time it caused the computer to turn off. And yes, I tried the power settings, saw that the bios was updated and even made sure the latest ATI OEM driver was in use. I double checked to make sure there was no conflicts and saw that the temp of the laptop seemed normal. It had me scratching my head.
To no avail, the crashing kept occurring. To add insult to injury, while looking at the system config in the device manager, I noticed that MWave had given me a 4200 RPM drive and not the 5400 RPM 8MB cache one I paid for. I was quite upset, seeing how I spent 12 hours (or near that) installing all of my biz apps.
So, this morning, I called MWave's customer service. The first girl I spoke to did not believe me when I told her the model number of the hard drive was the Hitachi 40GB 4200 RPM. It was quite insulting because she said I had to wait one more hour to call Tech Support so they could verify my story.
So, lo and behold, I called Tech Support at 9 am. The tech also did not take my word for it and insisted I open the back of the laptop and remove the hard drive to read the label. I didn't want to do that, but he insisted, even though I questioned him about voiding an existing warranty. He said it would not, so I listened to his advice.
I followed his directions and finally was able to read the label to him. Guess what? I was right. They sent me the 4200 RPM drive. But what's worse is that I sliced my hand pretty good while getting the drive out.
The tech guy, nevertheless, told me they would overnight me a correct hard drive. I thanked him and called customer support where I talked to a very helpful, professional and corteous customer support rep.
She also told me the right drive would be overnighted to me. However, by this time, I just didn't want to fool with anything anymore and I requested they just overnight me a new laptop with the correct drive inside, seeing how the tech support couldn't help me with my initial problem of the laptop automatically shutting down. I also didn't want to fool around inside of a laptop. I can't imagine their techs requesting customers to do that.
The nice rep regretably said they couldn't sned me a new one, so, disappointingly, I requested an RMA # to return the laptop.
I would still consider buying from MWave, but just not now. Two defective laptops in two weeks just blows, so I am taking a break for now. So far, I am satisfied with their customer support and company. I blame the manufacturer more tha MWave.
I just think I have some really bad luck this month.
