Buying a new computer. Can MDG be trusted?
Sorry if this is OT, but I didn't see another computer-related thread. I'm currently in the process of buying a new laptop computer for school (as well for gaming and social networking) and I am seeking some advice.
After checking out various retailers (Futureshop, Best Buy, the Source, Staples and MDG) I've found that the Aptonbook from MDG combines most of the features that I want: upto 4Gs memory, upto 250Gs storage, CD/DVD rewriter, high res Eyecare display, ShockGuard Technology, Embedded Error Repair, Biometrics Fingerprint Reader, Web Camera and Microphone. Literally, the only thing it's lacking is Lightscribe. The 2 models they carry (L and XL) seem to only vary in the amount of Gigabytes offered and XL has Premium Windows Vista as opposed to Basic for the L. What really drew me in though was that in addition to the actual computer you get well over $1000 in free merchandise after mail-in rebates (Microsoft Software Bundle and game bundle including Call of Duty 2, Corel WordPerfect 2003, MP4 player, digital camera, backpack w/ optical mouse, TV tuner, flat-screen monitor, VOIP phone and 3 months free high-speed internet service from Rogers or Cogeco). The main webpage states I can get all this starting at $1499 (I'm assuming that's what the L will cost). Through a promotional link however I found the price for XL listed as only $1399.
That is about the price range I'm willing to spend (< $1600) so that works. The only other comparative deal I could find was on a Toshiba Satelite Pro laptop but only through the company website could I find this particular make. It was $1599 pretax & shipping and had features such as the fingerprint scan, webcam and graphics but lost me on its limited variety of provided software (it had Microsoft Office 2007 and Norton Antivirus on 60-day trial basis only but it did have Google Earth and movie-making software). They also throw in a free docking station. Then there's Lenovo but I think for what I would want, they are out of my price range. Because I'd like to pick it up in store vs. ordering online sight unseen, my top preference is MDG.
So now here's where my dilemna comes in. I was all set to visit a MDG showroom and discuss specifics when while googling the company I come across a storm of bad press about them. It was mainly people who had bought from them in the past and weren't satisfied. These forums are a bit dated now (the latest ones on RedFlagDeals and Epinions are about 2 1/2 years old) and were to the tune of false advertising and bait-'n'-switch sales tactics being used on non- tech-savvy individuals. I've also heard of inferior parts being used and a rude customer service staff handling the complaints. Things may have changed since then though as bad press tends to correct bad business practices.
I've been saving up for this computer for years now and don't want to get duped. I just want the computer to load pages quickly, not overheat and be able to host streaming media. So guys, tell me, is the Aptonbook from MDG too good to be true? Is it realistic to expect all the aformentioned features and bonus freebies for just around $1500 or should I just purchase something of lesser quality (and price) from the chain stores and then can customize/add features to it later?
