Re: [H] Disposable computers
At 07:51 PM 19/07/2005, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I always said that HP is the only name in printers, but make a lousy computer, like the rest of the name brands. My HP LaserJet 1100 has served me well for years. When it does go South, what brand of color laser should I replace my black white HP laser printer with? If you still think HP is the only name in printers, then you're living in the lates 80s. A lot of companies are competing very handily with HP. I'd look at Lexmark, which I find, beats them hands down. T
Re: [H] Disposable computers
At 08:09 PM 19/07/2005, joeuser wrote: Samsung or Xerox. Yeah, for colour Xerox is a good bet. Especially with a Fiery controller. T
Re: [H] Disposable computers
Lexmark inkjets blow. Someone has one at work - they have to be an administrator on their PC for it to work. Thane Sherrington wrote: At 07:51 PM 19/07/2005, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I always said that HP is the only name in printers, but make a lousy computer, like the rest of the name brands. My HP LaserJet 1100 has served me well for years. When it does go South, what brand of color laser should I replace my black white HP laser printer with? If you still think HP is the only name in printers, then you're living in the lates 80s. A lot of companies are competing very handily with HP. I'd look at Lexmark, which I find, beats them hands down. T
Re: [H] Disposable computers
- Original Message - From: Ben Ruset [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: The Hardware List hardware@hardwaregroup.com Sent: Wednesday, July 20, 2005 7:46 AM Subject: Re: [H] Disposable computers Lexmark inkjets blow. Someone has one at work - they have to be an administrator on their PC for it to work. Thanks for all the advice. Here I am waiting for a 5 year old HP LaserJet 1100 to eventually die so I can have an excuse to change brands of printers and get me a color Laser printer. The reason I asked is I realize things change with time and HP may not make the same quality printers they made 5 years ago. It looks like I will be needing a Xerox next time. Thanks, Chuck
Re: [H] Disposable computers
The high end HP's are still good. Like everything, most computer equipment is lower quality than it was 5 years ago. I have a HP Photosmart printer which has been great. I'd probably still buy one of their laser printers over a Samsung or something like that. The new cheap HP's have built in duplexing which is cool. [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: - Original Message - From: Ben Ruset [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: The Hardware List hardware@hardwaregroup.com Sent: Wednesday, July 20, 2005 7:46 AM Subject: Re: [H] Disposable computers Lexmark inkjets blow. Someone has one at work - they have to be an administrator on their PC for it to work. Thanks for all the advice. Here I am waiting for a 5 year old HP LaserJet 1100 to eventually die so I can have an excuse to change brands of printers and get me a color Laser printer. The reason I asked is I realize things change with time and HP may not make the same quality printers they made 5 years ago. It looks like I will be needing a Xerox next time. Thanks, Chuck
RE: [H] Disposable computers
If you pay the same for a high-end HP as you did 2 years ago, you get a very good printer. So, their $900-up printers are not bad to very nice. The problem is, they are busy pitching $440 workgroup laser printers that are basically junk. -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Ben Ruset Sent: Wednesday, July 20, 2005 8:50 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; The Hardware List Subject: Re: [H] Disposable computers The high end HP's are still good. Like everything, most computer equipment is lower quality than it was 5 years ago. I have a HP Photosmart printer which has been great. I'd probably still buy one of their laser printers over a Samsung or something like that. The new cheap HP's have built in duplexing which is cool. [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: - Original Message - From: Ben Ruset [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: The Hardware List hardware@hardwaregroup.com Sent: Wednesday, July 20, 2005 7:46 AM Subject: Re: [H] Disposable computers Lexmark inkjets blow. Someone has one at work - they have to be an administrator on their PC for it to work. Thanks for all the advice. Here I am waiting for a 5 year old HP LaserJet 1100 to eventually die so I can have an excuse to change brands of printers and get me a color Laser printer. The reason I asked is I realize things change with time and HP may not make the same quality printers they made 5 years ago. It looks like I will be needing a Xerox next time. Thanks, Chuck
RE: [H] Disposable computers
At 12:17 PM 20/07/2005, Mark Dodge wrote: The trouble I find with Lexmark is that the cartridges cost more than the printer is worth in most of the lower end models making them almost a throw away. Are you talking laser or inkjet? With inkjets, that's the case in all models I've seen. But Lexmarks refill easily, which drops the price. T
RE: [H] Disposable computers
At 08:15 AM 7/19/2005, Christopher Klein typed: It all depends...every system is different. This is why I don't like to quote a per hour fee as I'm not a plumber. Many times I'll only charge $50 for cleaning a system maintaining their data intact while the other shops are charging several hundred for wiping the machine all it's data then charging the customer per hour to surf the net to retrieve the necessary drivers. I also like asking people how much is knowledge worth. ;-) Hey if they insist on a per hour fee then I'll quote them $100/hr for a stand alone machine $150/hr if it's networked. --+-- Wayne D. Johnson Ashland, OH, USA 44805 http://www.wavijo.com
RE: [H] Disposable computers
At 09:15 AM 19/07/2005, Christopher Klein wrote: It all depends...every system is different. My fiancee's parent's computer for example. It was an old pentium, dial up modem, but had over 600 pieces of spyware. It took hours for adaware to run. Of course that was a freebie as it is family but you get the point. Every system is different. If they are a good customer I don't nickel and dime them. I was just wondering about the average time it takes you. I find it takes at least four hours to thoroughly scan for viruses and spyware. More if there is hardware corruption, or if the machine is slow or has a ton of files on it. T
RE: [H] Disposable computers
At 09:34 AM 19/07/2005, Wayne Johnson wrote: This is why I don't like to quote a per hour fee as I'm not a plumber. Many times I'll only charge $50 for cleaning a system maintaining their data intact while the other shops are charging several hundred for wiping the machine all it's data then charging the customer per hour to surf the net to retrieve the necessary drivers. I also like asking people how much is knowledge worth. ;-) Yes, I charge a flat rate for all our jobs. Sometimes I lose - but most times I'm accurate, and since I can do a bunch of machines simultaneously, it generally works out. (I'm not rich, however, so maybe I'm doing this wrong.) :) T
RE: [H] Disposable computers
At 09:47 AM 19/07/2005, Christopher Klein wrote: When I get a customer who has an insane amount of spyware, I try to take it home with me. If I can watch TV, or do something else while running the scan I don't charge them nearly as much...maybe an hour total depending. That's my approach as well to onsite calls. T
Re: [H] Disposable computers
I've switched to $90/hr, $60/hr each additional. Seems to work out OK for me. Oftentimes, though, I will round down so 1.5hr ends up being $90. I may be too nice. Wayne Johnson wrote: Hey if they insist on a per hour fee then I'll quote them $100/hr for a stand alone machine $150/hr if it's networked. --+-- Wayne D. Johnson Ashland, OH, USA 44805 http://www.wavijo.com
Re: [H] Disposable computers
- Original Message - From: Thane Sherrington [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: The Hardware List hardware@hardwaregroup.com Sent: Tuesday, July 19, 2005 8:50 AM Subject: RE: [H] Disposable computers I was just wondering about the average time it takes you. I find it takes at least four hours to thoroughly scan for viruses and spyware. More if there is hardware corruption, or if the machine is slow or has a ton of files on it. It sounds like you are another believer in formatting Drive C (No big deal if the data has been copied elsewhere such as to another partition or drive etc.) and reinstalling Windows in a way far superior to the way the name brand manufacturers install it. This is not tied only to the business methods of my computer repair shop. We power users routinely did this with new name brand computers 10 years ago, before we had easy access to custom built computers. It was common knowledge among us that when you get a name brand computer home, you format and reinstall. If you had no Windows CD you borrowed from a friend and used your own Product Key, where applicable. I charge $20.00 extra on a $40.00 format job when I copy a customer's data to preserve it. I use to copy their whole C Drive but that much data is simply too much to saddle them with later. Now I just copy all they have in their My Documents folder, Favorites folder and I extract their .dbx and .wab (messages and address book) files from their Outlook Express Store folder. I copy other folders they identify as having valuable data in them. I compare a format and reinstall job vs. fixing Windows to patching a problem instead of fixing it with new parts etc. Can those who repair Windows truthfully say they have gotten out all of the crud and that it will run as well as a format job and new install of Windows will run? A true programmer might can fix Windows this well. Most repair technicians can't. We were discussing time consumed. It takes about an hour to copy date, partition and format and reinstall Windows. Then I have another 2 hours of updating and installing the selected free software that I have found to be beneficial. I tweak the results and Ghost myself a verbatim copy onto 1 of 10 partitions on an 80 GB data storage hard drive I keep for that purpose. If need be within a few months, for $20.00 I will Ghost that data back to the customer's C Drive. This comes in handy when they mess it up again soon. Note that with a Ghost job you do not have to format or erase first. Ghost even changes the file system if need be. Example: You can Ghost a NTFS source to a FAT 32 target and the results are a NTFS partition that works. Copy Speed? I have copied faster than 2500 MB (twenty five hundred megabytes) per minute with Ghost outside of the Windows environment. Try getting past even 1000 MB per minute within Windows. Your letters in this thread drive my point home that the cost per year for buying and operating one of my computers for 5 years is far less than any other procurement and repair method I have heard of. The $800.00 spent on a $600.00 computer in one letter proves this. Worst case scenario with my system would have been $1000.00 ($800.00 for the computer and $200.00 for the repairs if the customer was a total disaster to software. My worst customers come in about once a month or so for the twenty dollar Ghost over C. At times it is more feasible to format and reinstall. It depends on how many updates have been released since that original Ghost clone was made etc. After about 5 or 6 months and after having spent from $100.00 to $200.00 on these C drive restorations, they either learn or quit. I do not hear from them again. And, no, I do not create and give them Restore CD's or DVD's. I give them their Microsoft OEM Windows Kit (sealed as I use a CD of mine to install Windows XP). If they mess up, they need to come see me so they will get the benefit of all updates and tweaks etc. I have received and learned since last time they where here. Chuck
RE: [H] Disposable computers
There is a fundamental difference between doing it in a shop and at their local. If we do it at a shop, we have tons of techs who can work on 10+ PCs at once with multiple benches setup. So cost to us is less, cost to the customer is less. If I (or anyone) has to go to them, we are -only- working on that 1 PC at that time, we have a cost of gas involved, time traveled involved, other PCs not being worked on, etc. so the minimum is really a per hour, it's the only way to calculate revenue lost vs. revenue made to make it worth it. CW -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Thane Sherrington Sent: Tuesday, July 19, 2005 7:51 AM To: The Hardware List Subject: RE: [H] Disposable computers At 09:34 AM 19/07/2005, Wayne Johnson wrote: This is why I don't like to quote a per hour fee as I'm not a plumber. Many times I'll only charge $50 for cleaning a system maintaining their data intact while the other shops are charging several hundred for wiping the machine all it's data then charging the customer per hour to surf the net to retrieve the necessary drivers. I also like asking people how much is knowledge worth. ;-) Yes, I charge a flat rate for all our jobs. Sometimes I lose - but most times I'm accurate, and since I can do a bunch of machines simultaneously, it generally works out. (I'm not rich, however, so maybe I'm doing this wrong.) :) T
Re: [H] Disposable computers
I think you're all missing the point that GS represents the state of the repair business vs. the cost of today's PC's. They're charging a set fee (and insane one) and getting it for REPEATED bad work on a daily basis. So yes, those of you charging less or feeling you need to give a customer a break are ripping yourselves off. If they came out and decided it would take several hours to clean a system they would simply say it's more economically sound to re-format reinstall the system (which it it is). Then they would charge you $90 to back up ( restore?) the data on top of that. No hourly rate, just a comodtized fee for a service. Need apps reinstalled, same deal, a fee per-app. I'd say were going the direction of car repair where there is a set time fee allotted to a task and if you can get it done faster, the more profit in your pocket. This should be fine by us all since it free us from multi-hour surgeries potentially huge charges to the customer, it also justifies charging market value per incident. Chris Reeves wrote: There is a fundamental difference between doing it in a shop and at their local. If we do it at a shop, we have tons of techs who can work on 10+ PCs at once with multiple benches setup. So cost to us is less, cost to the customer is less. If I (or anyone) has to go to them, we are -only- working on that 1 PC at that time, we have a cost of gas involved, time traveled involved, other PCs not being worked on, etc. so the minimum is really a per hour, it's the only way to calculate revenue lost vs. revenue made to make it worth it. CW -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Thane Sherrington Sent: Tuesday, July 19, 2005 7:51 AM To: The Hardware List Subject: RE: [H] Disposable computers At 09:34 AM 19/07/2005, Wayne Johnson wrote: This is why I don't like to quote a per hour fee as I'm not a plumber. Many times I'll only charge $50 for cleaning a system maintaining their data intact while the other shops are charging several hundred for wiping the machine all it's data then charging the customer per hour to surf the net to retrieve the necessary drivers. I also like asking people how much is knowledge worth. ;-) Yes, I charge a flat rate for all our jobs. Sometimes I lose - but most times I'm accurate, and since I can do a bunch of machines simultaneously, it generally works out. (I'm not rich, however, so maybe I'm doing this wrong.) :) T
Re: [H] Disposable computers
The one thing that GS has that nobody else can touch is the brand. Most customers (lemmings) feel safer dealing with a big name company rather than Joe Blow Computer the sole proprietorship. It gives customers a sense of security in that they have a large company to hold accountable when there are problems. In addition, GS members are also insured bonded. How many local techs can say the same? So that's likely why the price is higher. warpmedia wrote: I think you're all missing the point that GS represents the state of the repair business vs. the cost of today's PC's. They're charging a set fee (and insane one) and getting it for REPEATED bad work on a daily basis. So yes, those of you charging less or feeling you need to give a customer a break are ripping yourselves off. If they came out and decided it would take several hours to clean a system they would simply say it's more economically sound to re-format reinstall the system (which it it is). Then they would charge you $90 to back up ( restore?) the data on top of that. No hourly rate, just a comodtized fee for a service. Need apps reinstalled, same deal, a fee per-app. I'd say were going the direction of car repair where there is a set time fee allotted to a task and if you can get it done faster, the more profit in your pocket. This should be fine by us all since it free us from multi-hour surgeries potentially huge charges to the customer, it also justifies charging market value per incident. Chris Reeves wrote: There is a fundamental difference between doing it in a shop and at their local. If we do it at a shop, we have tons of techs who can work on 10+ PCs at once with multiple benches setup. So cost to us is less, cost to the customer is less. If I (or anyone) has to go to them, we are -only- working on that 1 PC at that time, we have a cost of gas involved, time traveled involved, other PCs not being worked on, etc. so the minimum is really a per hour, it's the only way to calculate revenue lost vs. revenue made to make it worth it. CW -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Thane Sherrington Sent: Tuesday, July 19, 2005 7:51 AM To: The Hardware List Subject: RE: [H] Disposable computers At 09:34 AM 19/07/2005, Wayne Johnson wrote: This is why I don't like to quote a per hour fee as I'm not a plumber. Many times I'll only charge $50 for cleaning a system maintaining their data intact while the other shops are charging several hundred for wiping the machine all it's data then charging the customer per hour to surf the net to retrieve the necessary drivers. I also like asking people how much is knowledge worth. ;-) Yes, I charge a flat rate for all our jobs. Sometimes I lose - but most times I'm accurate, and since I can do a bunch of machines simultaneously, it generally works out. (I'm not rich, however, so maybe I'm doing this wrong.) :) T
Re: [H] Disposable computers
Bullshit, charge them the fee, reformat then charge them to setup the system network to properly defend them against future problems. That is a much more efficient use of their funds then cleaning a system that may or MAY NOT be clean when you're done. It also frees your from the nightmare of what they may have had installed causing you problems that you can't track down. In the my shop days we mostly did this because surgery was so hit or miss but we charged 3 hours to reinstall. More in some cases where the tech's were slow and the owner insisted that we charge even though it was the techs speed, not the real time it should have taken which I did not agree with, Thane Sherrington wrote: At 09:47 AM 19/07/2005, Christopher Klein wrote: When I get a customer who has an insane amount of spyware, I try to take it home with me. If I can watch TV, or do something else while running the scan I don't charge them nearly as much...maybe an hour total depending. That's my approach as well to onsite calls. T
Re: [H] Disposable computers
At 10:11 AM 19/07/2005, Ben Ruset wrote: I've switched to $90/hr, $60/hr each additional. Seems to work out OK for me. Oftentimes, though, I will round down so 1.5hr ends up being $90. I may be too nice. It's $55 Cdn an hour here - only for onsite calls, however. T
Re: [H] Disposable computers
At 11:14 AM 7/19/2005, warpmedia typed: They're charging a set fee (and insane one) and getting it for REPEATED bad work on a daily basis. So yes, those of you charging less or feeling you need to give a customer a break are ripping yourselves off. Are you kidding? We're killing HP. lol See http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/07/19/ap/business/main709913.shtml where it talks about them cutting 14,500 Jobs especially in the area of [you guessed it] support. --+-- Wayne D. Johnson Ashland, OH, USA 44805 http://www.wavijo.com
Re: [H] Disposable computers
I'd say it takes about 4 hours to be thorough. Sometimes a little longer for machines with unknown malware that you have to root out by hand. I quote 2 to 3 hours to the customer. Once in awhile I can get done quickly but anymore it takes longer then I quote. I always give a free hour in the least. My typical job is about twice Wayne's price (around 100.00) but my hourly is less then his. Thane Sherrington wrote: I was just wondering about the average time it takes you. I find it takes at least four hours to thoroughly scan for viruses and spyware. More if there is hardware corruption, or if the machine is slow or has a ton of files on it. T -- Cheers, joeuser (still looking for the 'any' key)
Re: [H] Disposable computers
At 12:14 PM 19/07/2005, warpmedia wrote: I'd say were going the direction of car repair where there is a set time fee allotted to a task and if you can get it done faster, the more profit in your pocket. This should be fine by us all since it free us from multi-hour surgeries potentially huge charges to the customer, it also justifies charging market value per incident. I agree. And it's easier for the customer. Which would you prefer if you didn't know anything about computers: Virus and spyware removal - $32 or Virus and spyware removal - $45 per hour and it could take two or more hours, but we can't say until we're done? T
Re: [H] Disposable computers
At 12:21 PM 19/07/2005, Ben Ruset wrote: The one thing that GS has that nobody else can touch is the brand. Most customers (lemmings) feel safer dealing with a big name company rather than Joe Blow Computer the sole proprietorship. It gives customers a sense of security in that they have a large company to hold accountable when there are problems. The problem with small companies that there are a good number of rip off artists out there, and once someone is burned by a small shop, he/she is leery to try another one. In addition, GS members are also insured bonded. How many local techs can say the same? I'm insured, but not bonded. Is that something I should consider? T
Re: [H] Disposable computers
Same here. I try to be as ruthless as possible with my on site charges esp when I could do the work back at the shop and the customer has been so informed. Thane Sherrington wrote: At 09:47 AM 19/07/2005, Christopher Klein wrote: When I get a customer who has an insane amount of spyware, I try to take it home with me. If I can watch TV, or do something else while running the scan I don't charge them nearly as much...maybe an hour total depending. That's my approach as well to onsite calls. T -- Cheers, joeuser (still looking for the 'any' key)
Re: [H] Disposable computers
To get bonded is nothing.. just have no felony convictions, have insurance, and pay a very small fee. It's nothing. -Original message- From: Thane Sherrington [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Tue, 19 Jul 2005 09:39:27 -0500 To: The Hardware List hardware@hardwaregroup.com Subject: Re: [H] Disposable computers At 12:21 PM 19/07/2005, Ben Ruset wrote: The one thing that GS has that nobody else can touch is the brand. Most customers (lemmings) feel safer dealing with a big name company rather than Joe Blow Computer the sole proprietorship. It gives customers a sense of security in that they have a large company to hold accountable when there are problems. The problem with small companies that there are a good number of rip off artists out there, and once someone is burned by a small shop, he/she is leery to try another one. In addition, GS members are also insured bonded. How many local techs can say the same? I'm insured, but not bonded. Is that something I should consider? T
Re: [H] Disposable computers
Lemmings don't think, so I doubt it's the bonded insured thing (which I wonder just how much if at all they are BI). It's not more, it's about the same with a few things broken out priced that regular shops would just charge per hour for. Bottom line is one size fits all, ala cart pricing. You I have seen just how much BS the customer will put up with and STILL come back for more. GS is on the same track except I don't think they are fixing as many PC's as we did, just re-fixing them fixing them again while charging over over. Ben Ruset wrote: The one thing that GS has that nobody else can touch is the brand. Most customers (lemmings) feel safer dealing with a big name company rather than Joe Blow Computer the sole proprietorship. It gives customers a sense of security in that they have a large company to hold accountable when there are problems. In addition, GS members are also insured bonded. How many local techs can say the same? So that's likely why the price is higher. warpmedia wrote: I think you're all missing the point that GS represents the state of the repair business vs. the cost of today's PC's. They're charging a set fee (and insane one) and getting it for REPEATED bad work on a daily basis. So yes, those of you charging less or feeling you need to give a customer a break are ripping yourselves off. If they came out and decided it would take several hours to clean a system they would simply say it's more economically sound to re-format reinstall the system (which it it is). Then they would charge you $90 to back up ( restore?) the data on top of that. No hourly rate, just a comodtized fee for a service. Need apps reinstalled, same deal, a fee per-app. I'd say were going the direction of car repair where there is a set time fee allotted to a task and if you can get it done faster, the more profit in your pocket. This should be fine by us all since it free us from multi-hour surgeries potentially huge charges to the customer, it also justifies charging market value per incident.
Re: [H] Disposable computers
On Tue, 19 Jul 2005, Thane Sherrington wrote: I agree. And it's easier for the customer. Which would you prefer if you didn't know anything about computers: Virus and spyware removal - $32 or Virus and spyware removal - $45 per hour and it could take two or more hours, but we can't say until we're done? well, consider this: Company X does it for $90/hr, company Y does it at $100/hr, you do it for $32 flat fee. First thing I would wonder as a customer is Why is his price so much lower than all these big companies? Being that much lower than your competition can push the customers to your competition as well, people distrust a price that seems strange to them. Maybe a Why is our price so much lower FAQ? Christopher Fisk -- Homer: Little baby batter, Can't control his bladder! Burns: Mmm...Crude, but I like it. What do you say we freshen up out little drinkie poos? Homer: Don't mind if I do. Dancin' Homer cBlog: http://chris.uasoft.com/
Re: [H] Disposable computers
And what retail repair business does HP run? I stand by my statement that by trying to be a good guy you are stealing from yourself. Though I agree the customer is much better served by bringing the machine to you to be work on at your convince vs. paying inflated on-site charges. I mean, what car repair place comes to your house fixes your engine or changes your breaks??? =) Wayne Johnson wrote: At 11:14 AM 7/19/2005, warpmedia typed: They're charging a set fee (and insane one) and getting it for REPEATED bad work on a daily basis. So yes, those of you charging less or feeling you need to give a customer a break are ripping yourselves off. Are you kidding? We're killing HP. lol See http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/07/19/ap/business/main709913.shtml where it talks about them cutting 14,500 Jobs especially in the area of [you guessed it] support. --+-- Wayne D. Johnson Ashland, OH, USA 44805 http://www.wavijo.com
Re: [H] Disposable computers
Thane Sherrington wrote: I'm insured, but not bonded. Is that something I should consider? I dunno. I'm not even insured. But then again I try to limit dealing with on-site service or really anything outside of my 9-5 IT job.
Re: [H] Disposable computers
At 12:43 PM 19/07/2005, CW wrote: To get bonded is nothing.. just have no felony convictions, have insurance, and pay a very small fee. It's nothing. I thought so. Why would anyone really care? T
Re: [H] Disposable computers
Slight difference though; the car doesn't contain nudie pictures of their wife, their checkbook, and video of that wild party in Cabo San Lucas. :) .. Most people have stuff in their PC maybe they don't want to be in the hands of others, free to be spread at will or copied off for some tech guy in his house.. so they like to keep it close at hand; never leave there house, so they can make sure there data.. and certain things.. never leave. I know this sounds silly, but just my experience. CW -Original message- From: warpmedia [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Tue, 19 Jul 2005 09:52:44 -0500 To: The Hardware List hardware@hardwaregroup.com Subject: Re: [H] Disposable computers And what retail repair business does HP run? I stand by my statement that by trying to be a good guy you are stealing from yourself. Though I agree the customer is much better served by bringing the machine to you to be work on at your convince vs. paying inflated on-site charges. I mean, what car repair place comes to your house fixes your engine or changes your breaks??? =) Wayne Johnson wrote: At 11:14 AM 7/19/2005, warpmedia typed: They're charging a set fee (and insane one) and getting it for REPEATED bad work on a daily basis. So yes, those of you charging less or feeling you need to give a customer a break are ripping yourselves off. Are you kidding? We're killing HP. lol See http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/07/19/ap/business/main709913.shtml where it talks about them cutting 14,500 Jobs especially in the area of [you guessed it] support. --+-- Wayne D. Johnson Ashland, OH, USA 44805 http://www.wavijo.com
Re: [H] Disposable computers
Samsung or Xerox. [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: - Original Message - From: Thane Sherrington [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: The Hardware List hardware@hardwaregroup.com Sent: Tuesday, July 19, 2005 12:06 PM Subject: Re: [H] Disposable computers LOL! Yeah, I love it. HP slowly destroys itself. Their service has gone down the crapper too. And their laser printers take far too long to boot up. I always said that HP is the only name in printers, but make a lousy computer, like the rest of the name brands. My HP LaserJet 1100 has served me well for years. When it does go South, what brand of color laser should I replace my black white HP laser printer with? Chuck -- Cheers, joeuser (still looking for the 'any' key)
Re: [H] Disposable computers
At 06:09 PM 7/19/2005, you wrote: Samsung or Xerox. -- Cheers, joeuser (still looking for the 'any' key) Wow, has HP really fallen that far? The most recent printers I have are 3 old faithful 6MPs. Built like tanks - been working great since 1995. Also have 3P somewhere, though the rollers are really creaky. -- JW
RE: [H] Disposable computers
Now the conspiracy theorist in me will wonder whether PC, component and OS makers are secretly propagating--or at least tolerating--all this malware to boost system sales. -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Robert Turnbull Sent: Sunday, July 17, 2005 11:44 AM To: hardware@hardwaregroup.com Subject: [H] Disposable computers From The New York Times: SAN FRANCISCO, July 15 - Add personal computers to the list of throwaways in the disposable society. [snip]
Re: [H] Disposable computers
At 05:58 PM 18/07/2005, warpmedia wrote: The Dork Squad guys come out for $229, or $167 in store to do exactly that. When I read that, I started to think seriously about opening a repair shop that just does in-shop repairs since I know I can do it better the the GS people. $167 for this? Full hardware and software diagnostic evaluation (Whatever that means.) Remove all spyware and viruses (All? They are awefully sure of themselves.) Repair your damaged or corrupt operating system (How damaged?) Ensure your operating system is fully functional and working properly (So they actually test every function in every program?) Install all patches and critical updates (All patches? For every program on the computer?) Optimize your computer to suit your needs (Optimize how? Defrag?) Remove unnecessary/unwanted icons and applications I guess that if they really do what they claim to do, this is good price. But I'm betting they aren't as thorough as they claim. T
Re: [H] Disposable computers
All you have to do is look at the requirements to be a Dork Squad agent: Qualifications * HS Diploma/Equivalent required * 2 years Prior work experience in diagnosing and repairing PCs or consumer electronics * Must be able to safely lift 50 pounds maximum of equipment. (This includes computers, monitors, etc.) Thane Sherrington wrote: At 05:58 PM 18/07/2005, warpmedia wrote: The Dork Squad guys come out for $229, or $167 in store to do exactly that. When I read that, I started to think seriously about opening a repair shop that just does in-shop repairs since I know I can do it better the the GS people. $167 for this? • Full hardware and software diagnostic evaluation (Whatever that means.) • Remove all spyware and viruses (All? They are awefully sure of themselves.) • Repair your damaged or corrupt operating system (How damaged?) • Ensure your operating system is fully functional and working properly (So they actually test every function in every program?) • Install all patches and critical updates (All patches? For every program on the computer?) • Optimize your computer to suit your needs (Optimize how? Defrag?) • Remove unnecessary/unwanted icons and applications I guess that if they really do what they claim to do, this is good price. But I'm betting they aren't as thorough as they claim. T
RE: [H] Disposable computers
At 05:15 PM 18/07/2005, Christopher Klein wrote: Easily hereusually I charge at least $100 bare minimum to make a house call. I do it all on the side, so there are no taxes or anything for the customers. And what does $100 generally buy them? T
Re: [H] Disposable computers
At 05:40 PM 18/07/2005, Rob Finger HWG wrote: It is time to change the oil in my car and I hate waiting an hour so I think I shall just get another one. Exactly. You also have to wonder how he has been getting all this spyware. I am on the Internet a lot and I hardly ever have more then a tracking cookie. Nothing that will take me 2 hours to clean up that's for sure.I can't believe they even put crap like this in the paper. The quality of media coverage is at an all time low. It's a combination of untrained and uncaring reporters and the belief of the need to cater to lowest common denominator. T
RE: [H] Disposable computers
Easily hereusually I charge at least $100 bare minimum to make a house call. I do it all on the side, so there are no taxes or anything for the customers. --- Thane Sherrington [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: At 04:53 PM 17/07/2005, Chris Reeves wrote: The real reason is this: they call out onsite help (like any service) and they get told hey, it's $75/hr etc. and they may do it once, but after that, they just say I'll spend $200 to get it fixed, or I can just go buy a new one and not have to worry about it I have got to move to your area. $75/hr US? $200 US to fix infection? Man. I could retire in two years. :) T
Re: [H] Disposable computers
I agree. He is a moron. It is time to change the oil in my car and I hate waiting an hour so I think I shall just get another one. You also have to wonder how he has been getting all this spyware. I am on the Internet a lot and I hardly ever have more then a tracking cookie. Nothing that will take me 2 hours to clean up that's for sure. I can't believe they even put crap like this in the paper. Rob Thane Sherrington wrote: At 12:43 PM 17/07/2005, Robert Turnbull wrote: Mr. Tucker, an Internet industry executive who holds a Ph.D. in computer science, decided that rather than take the time to remove the offending software, he would spend $400 on a new machine. He's a moron. It would take a couple of hours to clean this up. Heck, even backing up data and reinstalling Windows wouldn't take any real time compared to getting a new machine. It'll take the same amount of time to install, configure and transfer data to a new machine as it would to the old one, so the only extra time is the Windows install. What's that? An hour? So his time is worth more than $400 an hour? I doubt it. If he lived near me, I could have cleaned it up, most likely, for $32. I'm guessing he wanted a new computer and is using spyware as an excuse to get it. And next week, when he's infected the new computer, is he going to throw that one out too? T
Re: [H] Disposable computers
At 12:43 PM 17/07/2005, Robert Turnbull wrote: Mr. Tucker, an Internet industry executive who holds a Ph.D. in computer science, decided that rather than take the time to remove the offending software, he would spend $400 on a new machine. He's a moron. It would take a couple of hours to clean this up. Heck, even backing up data and reinstalling Windows wouldn't take any real time compared to getting a new machine. It'll take the same amount of time to install, configure and transfer data to a new machine as it would to the old one, so the only extra time is the Windows install. What's that? An hour? So his time is worth more than $400 an hour? I doubt it. If he lived near me, I could have cleaned it up, most likely, for $32. I'm guessing he wanted a new computer and is using spyware as an excuse to get it. And next week, when he's infected the new computer, is he going to throw that one out too? T
Re: [H] Disposable computers
It's funny because I've been applying for Army Civilian jobs and have not had a single bite. And I have 10 years in the field. Brian Weeden wrote: Lol those are better qualifications that 75% of the tech force here in the military :)
Re: [H] Disposable computers
On 7/18/05, Ben Ruset [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: It's funny because I've been applying for Army Civilian jobs and have not had a single bite. And I have 10 years in the field. I meant the military computer guys, not the civilians. Generally those are halfway decent. The military comm people don't know crap and as soon as the military spends the money to educate them they punch for a civilian job where they can earn (supposedly) a ton more money. -- Brian
Re: [H] Disposable computers
Ah, that I have heard. My friend works for a contractor on Ft. Monmouth in New Jersey. Apparently the networking guys are pretty bad over there. Brian Weeden wrote: On 7/18/05, Ben Ruset [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: It's funny because I've been applying for Army Civilian jobs and have not had a single bite. And I have 10 years in the field. I meant the military computer guys, not the civilians. Generally those are halfway decent. The military comm people don't know crap and as soon as the military spends the money to educate them they punch for a civilian job where they can earn (supposedly) a ton more money.
Re: [H] Disposable computers
On 7/18/05, Ben Ruset [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Ah, that I have heard. My friend works for a contractor on Ft. Monmouth in New Jersey. Apparently the networking guys are pretty bad over there. As a life long geek I try not to think about it and pretend I'm as ignorant as the rest. It helps me get through the day. -- Brian
RE: [H] Disposable computers
An hour of my workwhether it is connecting their cable modem to the computer, installing ram, installing a printer, repairing something, training, etcwhatever they need. -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Thane Sherrington Sent: Monday, July 18, 2005 4:52 PM To: The Hardware List Subject: RE: [H] Disposable computers At 05:15 PM 18/07/2005, Christopher Klein wrote: Easily hereusually I charge at least $100 bare minimum to make a house call. I do it all on the side, so there are no taxes or anything for the customers. And what does $100 generally buy them? T
Re: [H] Disposable computers
Or, you know, stop using IE and clicking on EVERY popup that comes up. And stop surfing porn too. Robert Turnbull wrote: I was spending time every week trying to keep the machine free of viruses and worms, said Mr. Tucker, a vice president of Salesforce.com, a Web services firm based here. I was losing the battle. It was cheaper and faster to go to the store and buy a low-end PC.
Re: [H] Disposable computers
At 11:48 AM 7/17/2005, Ben Ruset typed: Or, you know, stop using IE and clicking on EVERY popup that comes up. And stop surfing porn too. Oh no, anything but that. ;-) You sound like the doctor that told his patent that he had nothing wrong a healthy diet exercise wouldn't cure but the patient went got another doctor. --+-- Wayne D. Johnson Ashland, OH, USA 44805 http://www.wavijo.com
Re: [H] Disposable computers
At 12:28 PM 7/17/2005, Ben Ruset typed: I wonder how he'll feel when he has the same problems with his $400 low-end PC in a week. I guess we have to remember it's there money even if we don't approve of the way they want to spend it. I know I can't earn $400 fast enough justifying buying another computer every time something little goes wrong. Heck it would be cheaper to buy some adware av software even if all he did was accept the defaults but it's his money time. --+-- Wayne D. Johnson Ashland, OH, USA 44805 http://www.wavijo.com
Re: [H] Disposable computers
It's cheaper and easier to flatten and reinstall. :) I could use his old PC though. I need to make a file server in my house. My wife's PC is too slow and can't hold more than 1 drive at a time. Wayne Johnson wrote: At 12:28 PM 7/17/2005, Ben Ruset typed: I wonder how he'll feel when he has the same problems with his $400 low-end PC in a week. I guess we have to remember it's there money even if we don't approve of the way they want to spend it. I know I can't earn $400 fast enough justifying buying another computer every time something little goes wrong. Heck it would be cheaper to buy some adware av software even if all he did was accept the defaults but it's his money time. --+-- Wayne D. Johnson Ashland, OH, USA 44805 http://www.wavijo.com
RE: [H] Disposable computers
At 02:53 PM 7/17/2005, you wrote: Trust me, I'm collecting a room full of PCs with this basic kind of problem... The real reason is this: they call out onsite help (like any service) and they get told hey, it's $75/hr etc. and they may do it once, but after that, they just say I'll spend $200 to get it fixed, or I can just go buy a new one and not have to worry about it Wow... I wished people would throw their PCs my way. ;) -- JW
RE: [H] Disposable computers
major DITTO
fp
I feel his pain, have a HP on the bench ( old ) I have spent way to much
time on ( win95 and I am stubborn ) finally just threw in some old edo to
get it up to 128 and a old drive from the pile and installed win98. I
gave up and hate to admit it :{(. If this was a paying customer I would
be in trouble ( family )
fp
At 12:55 PM 7/17/2005, Jin-Wei Tioh Poked the stick with:
At 02:53 PM 7/17/2005, you
wrote:
Trust me, I'm collecting a room
full of PCs with this basic kind of
problem...
The real reason is this: they call out onsite help (like any service)
and
they get told hey, it's $75/hr etc. and they may do it once,
but after
that, they just say I'll spend $200 to get it fixed, or I can just
go buy a
new one and not have to worry about it
Wow... I wished people would throw their PCs my way. ;)
--
JW
--
Tallyho ! ]:8)
--
Don't judge a book by its mini-series.
Re: [H] Disposable computers
Me too. I've got a big computer room and no money.(grin) Jeff From: Jin-Wei Tioh [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: RE: [H] Disposable computers At 02:53 PM 7/17/2005, you wrote: Trust me, I'm collecting a room full of PCs with this basic kind of problem... The real reason is this: they call out onsite help (like any service) and they get told hey, it's $75/hr etc. and they may do it once, but after that, they just say I'll spend $200 to get it fixed, or I can just go buy a new one and not have to worry about it Wow... I wished people would throw their PCs my way. ;) -- JW
Re: [H] Disposable computers
At 03:45 PM 7/17/2005, you wrote: Me too. I've got a big computer room and no money.(grin) Jeff Ain't that the truth. Preach on brothers (and sisters ;)... I had to scrounge an old P3-450 for the fileserver (running on a BX6 Rev 1) -- JW
