Date   : Tue, 13 Dec 1983106:42:00-PST
From   : chris@rand-unix
Subject: Xerox hardware support for Osborne Computers

After Osborne filed for limited bankruptcy in September, Xerox picked
up the service vacuum, and those of us with Osbornes breathed a little
easier, knowing that somebody out there would fix the machines when
they blipped.

Well, Xerox will, but they extort the last drop of blood while they
do it.

My friend has an Osborne with the double-density upgrade.  In June, just
after the warranty on his double density upgrad ran out he had the logic
board and the power supply for about $350, including labor. [Moral 1: don't
get upgrades unless you know somebody who builds comuters and will fix it
for you.  My Osborne with its pokey drives has never been sick since it
came out of warrenty 18 months ago].  Two weeks ago his Osborne developed a
sick logic board, which manifested itself by spinning both screaming disks
and filling the CRT with snow immediately upon power-up.  He took it into
Xerox and requested that they let him know if it would cost more than $350.
Several days later he called to see what was happening, and was told the
work had been completed and it would cost $500: $50 in labor and $419 for
the logic board, plus tax.  This was over twice what the logic board cost
when it was replaced six months ago by Osborne.  It is not clear whether
Xerox has upped the price because it is the only game in town, or whether
the supplier is trying to recover losses.

Moreover, in order to get a service contract from Xerox, one must pay
a $35 inspection fee which is non-applicable to the $285/single year
maintenance fee if the computer passes the inspection.  They will no
longer offer the 2-year contract advertised recently.

Moral 2:  If you take a computer into Xerox and want an estimate,
better get it in writing that they agree to call you before performing
the work.

Moral 3: [Sigh] If you get a chance to pick up an Osborne cheap (and they
are going for less than $1000 with everything thrown in) think twice
about it.  Maintenance may double the cost of your machine.  Which is
too bad, because in many ways, the Osborne is a good computer.

Moral 4:  If you want to make a fortune these days, skip law school,
don't go into medicine, and don't wait to be discovered as a rock
star.  Just open a computer repair shop.