MaximumPC 2005 05

IBM 75GXP Deskstar >Altec Lansing >CompUSA >QPS

Radio-Free Altec Lansing

DEAR DOG: I recently purchased an Altec

Lansing VS3121 speaker system. I’ve noticed

that the speakers pick up a faint buzz and

some radio signals. I disconnected the speaker

set and moved to the power outlet in my din-

ing room, far from any electrical appliance or

computer. The buzz and radio signals are still

audible. Is this a common problem with these

speakers? Is there a quick fix?

— H. GOLDSTEIN

The Dog spoke with Altec Lansing officials who

said, “Altec Lansing has recently received a few

customer complaints of VS3121 systems buzzing

or picking up radio signals. While we have been

unable to duplicate the condition, we are actively

investigating this issue.” Officials said consum-

ers with the interference problems should call

Altec Lansing at 00.25.32. If the problem

cannot be solved over the phone, Altec Lansing

will replace the speakers, provided they are still

within the one-year warranty period.

FTC Gets Tough

on Bad Rebates

In what amounts to a shot across the bow

of retailers everywhere, the Federal Trade

Commission has forced CompUSA to pay the

rebates for one of its errant vendors.

CompUSA has agreed to fulfill advertised

rebates for consumers who purchased 1PS

eQuipment. The FTC alleged that CompUSA

engaged in deceptive and unfair practices in

both the 1PS rebate program, which the store

had a hand in crafting, as well as the rebates on

some of its own CompUSA-branded goods.

The FTC said CompUSA’s ads claimed that

consumers who purchased 1PS hardware

would receive rebates within six to eight

weeks, or within a reasonable time period. But

in some cases it took as long as six months to

receive checks, and some consumers never

received rebates at all. The FTC settlement is

uniQue because it holds CompUSA responsible

for the poor rebate fulfillment of a vendor. 1PS

subseQuently filed for bankruptcy protection.

The settlement isn’t Just a wrist slap either.

Under the settlement, CompUSA will pay all

valid 1PS rebates, which are past due and

worth from 15 to 100. For the next 20 years,

CompUSA must also conduct financial analysis

of its vendors who don’t have established track

records to ensure they make good on their

rebate promises. The company is also on a tight

leash for the next 20 years to make sure rebates

are paid in a timely manner. CompUSA officials

declined to comment on the settlement.

The owners of 1PS—Prita and RaJeev

Sharma—aren’t off the hook, either. The couple

agreed to police their own rebate habits for

the next 20 years if they ever pull 1PS out of

bankruptcy or start a new company in the future

where rebates are offered.

Does this signal a more aggressive stance

by the government regarding rebates? The

Dog thinks so, Judging by statements made by

FTC Chairman Deborah Platt MaJoras to the

MAY 2005 MAXIMUMPC 

Got a bone to pick with a vendor? Been spiked by

a fly-by-night operation? Sic The Dog on them by

writing [email protected]. The Dog

promises to get to as many letters as possible,

but only has four paws to work with.

Consumer Federation of America in March:

“The message to retailers should be clear: If

you promise to provide a rebate of your own,

you must honor that promise in a timely man-

ner,” MaJoras said. “Even if you are advertis-

ing someone else’s rebate program, you may

not turn a blind eye when that company fails

to honor its rebates. If you wish to continue

advertising that company’s rebates, you must

take reasonable steps to assure that consum-

ers get the promised rebates.”

Amen, sister. The G’s butt-biting move

is long overdue. For years, tech consumers

have had to deal with excessive waits or

no rebates at all, due to mysteriously “miss-

ing” documents or roadblocks thrown up to

prevent consumers from properly filing. If

you are having such a problem collecting on

a rebate, report it to the FTC (www.ftc.gov).

The agency ultimately took action against

CompUSA after seeing a pattern of abuse and

complaints. The FTC received roughly 2,

complaints regarding technology products

in 2003, and about 25 percent were rebate

related. Woof. n

RECALL ALERT

➤➤

Microsoft is recalling some 14.1 million

Xbox console power cords, which pose a

fire hazard. The company has received 30

complaints of minor injury or property

damage resulting from the bad cords.

Seven people have reported that the

power cord overheated and burned their

hands, while others said the cord caused

smoke damage and other heat-related

property damage.

For U.S. consumers, only Xbox con-

soles made before October 23, 2003

require the new cable. In Europe, consoles

made before January 13, 2004 require the

new cable. Microsoft says it will take two

to four weeks for a replacement to arrive,

in the meantime, the company says gam-

ers should turn off the Xbox when not

in use. Use of a surge protector or power

strip will not decrease the possibility of

the cable overheating. For more informa-

tion and to obtain a new cable, visit: http://

replacements.webprogram.com/en-us/index.asp

or call 866.271.0450.

Altec Lansing said a few consumers have picked up errant radio stations on its

VS3121 speakers.

You’re mucking with the G here. The

FTC caned CompUSA and QPS for

allegedly poor rebate fulfillment.