Computer
Computers are complex machines, and often they break down. When this happens, the key questions are whether the breakdowns are the fault of the computer manufacturer, and thus the computer is defective, or whether the breakdowns are unavoidable and simply a function of the computer’s complexity. Depending on the answer, the computer purchaser may be entitled to compensation. In addition to dealing with breakdowns, consumers must also decide whether their computers live-up to the manufacturer’s or seller’s advertisements and whether the support offered by the manufacturer or seller is adequate for their needs and whether it too is as advertised. These are difficult questions, but given the expense and necessity of computers, consumers must strive to answer them. In fact, in many situations, consumers not only answer the questions, they fight back against the computer companies.
For example, Fujitsu Computer Products of America agreed to pay $42.5 million to settle a lawsuit alleging that a series of hard disk drives were defective. In another current case involving Compaq and Dell, consumers are alleging that brand new computer systems and/or components which are defective are being replaced with refurbished systems or parts, worth far less than similar new equivalents. In another case, consumers allege that Hewlett-Packard is aware of defects in its notebook computers but is continuing to market, sell, and warrant its computers as if there were no defects. Another group of consumers allege that Dell Canada is not honoring the posted prices on its hardware. In all these cases, the bottom line is the same: computer manufacturers and sellers are not living up to their promises and the requirements of the law, to the detriment of consumers. Indeed, if the allegations in the above actions, and other cases like them, are true, then computer consumers are being bilked of millions of dollars which are rightfully theirs and are grappling with defects in machines that they rely on every day.
If you or anyone you know has suffered a violation of their consumer rights at the hands of the computer industry, please click here to contact us.
For further information on issues relating to the computer industry and computers, see the following:
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