While I was working in London in August 2005, I needed a new laptop (to replace my rather old and battered one that I’d found in a cupboard at work). I seriously looked at ThinkPads, but then read an outstanding review for an Acer Ferrari 4k, that was half the price of lower specced ThinkPads.

I was convinced, and bought an Acer Ferrari 4005WLMi laptop from Acer Notebooks (alias Laptops Direct, alias Easy Computers). They convinced me into a 50 quid 3yr warranty that covered accidental damage, which I was assured that it was International. Sounded like a good deal. The laptop was to be delivered post-haste by a courier company better known for it’s parent company’s pest removal abilities. I should have known that I was in for trouble…

I was going to South Africa in a week, so it was essential that the deliver happened fast…

Well, a couple of days later, I got a call back. Company policy stated that they couldn’t deliver to my office, because it was in the same building as a car park, and they don’t deliver to car parks. After lots of wangling, and eventually fudging the address enough that it didn’t look like a carpark any more, they agreed to deliver to me. (and added a note to the couriers, explaining the address)

On the eventual day of delivery, a green branded courier van stopped outside my office. I waited…

…

Another van pulled up behind it.

The driver of the first van took out a large laptop-sized box and gave it to the other driver, and they both sped off in different directions.

I phoned up the courier company, and asked them where my delivery was. After a thorough search, they decided that it had been lost. I was assured that I shouldn’t worry, it was insured (I bet the driver knew that), and I should contact the supplier to send another one. :-) Being a good soul, I tried to report the van driver for thievery, but they couldn’t care. All their staff were beyond reproach.

Needless to say, this second delivery happened after I’d left the country, and I only got my laptop later.

Oh, and it wasn’t the right model, and it didn’t come with the extended warranty that I’d purchased. So I phoned up the supplier who referred me to Acer. I opened a ticket with them. Nothing. Zip. Nada.