First of all I want to note that I have no relations with Quantex, except I bought a computer from them. The following is a collection of posts on Usenet and links to Web pages about Quantex that I found interesting. You may also look at Alta Vista or Deja News for some current posts.
There are similar web pages about Midwest Micro and CyberMax.
If you want to add your opinion to this page, please, mail me. I will be glad to do it.
You are visitor number
since June 23, 1996.
From: Tom Rebman (trebman@qualcomm.com) Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.systems Subject: Re: Quantex Systems Date: 1 Feb 1996 20:26:06 GMT jberry@brutus.ct.gmr.com (John Berry CT/90) wrote: > >Carol Steen writes: >+Excerpts from netnews.comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.systems: 17-Jan-96 Re: >+Quantex Systems by krw@together.net >+> From: krw@together.net@krw@together.net >+> Subject: Re: Quantex Systems >+> Date: 17 Jan 1996 05:27:32 GMT >+> >+> In >+ , >+"Q. Sun >+> " writes: >+> >On Sun, 14 Jan 1996, Karl Honig wrote: >+> > >+> >> Hi, >+> >> >+> >> Does anyone have experiance with Quantex systems? I am looking at the >+> >> QP5/120 SM-1. The price seems almost too good to be true. >+> > >+> >If something seems too good to be true, most definitely it is. Look >+> >carefully and compare what others are offering. >+> >+> Actually these are very good deals (I have one). Their tech support >+> is next to impossible to reach, but not too bad. Never let the operator >+> tell you they'll call back. They will, three weeks later. Keep at the >+> thech support people, when they free yo and you're lucky enough >+> win the lottery, they're not too bad. A bit inflexable, but for the most >+> part knowledgable. >+> >+> The systems are of resonable quality, but I'd make some suggestions. >+> Forget their sound card, buy a good one and at all costs try to get them >+> to delete the modem. They're crap. Buy a good modem. >+> >+> Keith R. Williams >+> krw@together.net >+ >+I am considering a QP5/166 SM-2 and I was told that the modem was an >+ASKEY modem. Is this the crappy modem you were talking about? I >+already have a 14.4 based modem in another machine that I was >+considering using if this one is really bad. BTW, did you spring for >+the ATI card? Please respond by e-mail if possible. >+ >+Thanks in advance, >+ >+ >+Dave Zawicki >+ >+ > >Hmmm... Which modem are we talking about? > >I just bought one of their ws-1 "dream systems" (p133 w/PBC). > >The modem card is a "supraexpress 28.8pnp". I haven't had any problems >with it. This might be a different card than the one they put in their >lesser models. Weird... the 28.8 modem I got with a P133/SM-2 in November was a "Garnet". Maybe not the best modem in the world, but I haven't had any problems with it... no problems connecting or anything. BTW I too am very happy with my system and recommend going with Quantex. -- Tom From: krw@together.net Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.systems Subject: Re: Quantex Systems Date: 2 Feb 1996 03:32:05 GMT Tom Rebman writes: >jberry@brutus.ct.gmr.com (John Berry CT/90) wrote: >> >>Carol Steen writes: >Weird... the 28.8 modem I got with a P133/SM-2 in November was a "Garnet". >Maybe not the best modem in the world, but I haven't had any problems with >it... no problems connecting or anything. BTW I too am very happy with my >system and recommend going with Quantex. I've seen a lot of Quantex systems. They tend to have pretty decent components, except for the keyboards and modems. I didn't get a sound card with my system (didn't like the deal, or the card), so I have no real first hand knowledge here. The keyboard was the wimpiest thing I've ever seen. As I've stated before, as soon as I got a converter ($4) for a PS/2 keyboard, that puppy was down the road. The modem was an RPI hunk-o-junk. My wife finally forced ;-) me to buy the modem I really wanted, because she couldn't stand my bitching anymore. I've looked into other's Quantex machines, and seen tech stuff on the Inet. They still like Rockwell modems. And RPI or not, Rockwell is the pond scum of the industry. They are all over because they are cheap! From: krw@together.net Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.systems Subject: Re: Quantex Systems Date: 3 Feb 1996 04:01:56 GMT jberry@brutus.ct.gmr.com (John Berry CT/90) writes: >>The modem card is a "supraexpress 28.8pnp". I haven't had any problems >with it. This might be a different card than the one they put in their >lesser models. Look at the chip-set on the modem. I'll bet it's a Rockwell chip-set. I have seen some info that they also do AT&T, but my money is still on the crap Rockwell. All Rockwell chips are crap, some stink more than others. >I haven't had to use support (but I've heard it not all that responsive). > Not that... Hell they do not exist! I've had a problem report in for over a month! With my latest problems, not severe mind you, I'll likely never recommed them again. I've sold, or at least recommended at least a dozen Quantex systems, but I'm begining to think I've been suckered. >All in all, I'm still pretty happy with the ws-1. It was the best overall >hardware deal I could find at the time (I poured over computer-shopper for >three weeks before making a decision). It didn't come with an extensive >software package, but I already have more code than I know what to do with. Yep, I thought so until they stopped talking to me. Don't believe their web page! >-jb From: tschrein@holly.ACNS.ColoState.EDU (Tony Schreiner) Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.systems Subject: Re: [Q] Quantex Hardware -- Good/Bad? Date: 1 Feb 1996 16:30:41 -0700 krw@together.net wrote: : syardee@mail.execpc.com (Sila Yardee) writes: : > : >Hi all, : > : >I've probably heard quite a few negatives about Quantex tech support, but : >how good *is* their hardware? It *seems* to have the most bang for the : >buck, but what I want to know is if the hardware quality and performance : >are worth the investment. : I bought a Quantex about 9 months ago. You said that you don't want hear : about service, or tech support, so I won't bore you. : The hardware isn't too bad. The WD Caviar drives seem to bee very good : and the MB doesn't seem to be too bad. I have a GigaByte MB with the SIS : chip set. I think the new ones use the Intel set. The multi-function card : is so-so to poor, but I'm not sure there are better. It has the CMD640 : chip set, which is flawed, as is the RZ1000, but since these make up 90% of : the market, what;s the choice. The modem and keyboard were less than : usefull. I am picky about human interface things, so the keyboard lasted : all of ten minutes, or until I could get my IBM PS/2 keyboard attached. : The modem was a Rockwell RPI hunk-o-junk, which has been replaced by : an IBM Multimedia Modem (nice). : The documentation is non-existant, and what there is, in my case anyway, : was totallly erroneous. The tech support (oh you didn't want to hear this) : is knowlegable, if impossible to get to. They now have a web site, with : on-line service, which is a tad less responsive than, well, Univac. I bought a system about 6 months ago, and it appears that there are several differences. I bought a Pentium/90 system and it came with a Biostar motherboard and the Intel Triton chip set. There is no multi-function card; serial and parallel ports are controlled by the motherboard. It also has the "Socket 7" which allows easy replacement of the CPU. Compared to retail brands, the keyboard is good, and I haven't upgraded that yet. The mouse should be replaced by a better one. The sound card is a generic SB16 clone, but it works well for me. I also had problems with the (cheap/generic) 28.8k modem, but it turns out that it was just a configuration problem on the other end. (I now reliably connect at the full 28.8k speed). The manuals were skimpy, but they mostly lacked information for absolute beginners. The manuals cover jumpers and other similar information fine. Quantex seems to use quality parts for essential stuff, but as stated things like the keyboard and mouse and modem aren't as good. It's important to note that they seem happy to, for example, replace the sound card with a better one for a relatively small upgrade price. Overall, I got a good computer at a very good price. Tech support has lately been hard to get through to, but once you do they seem pretty knowledgable. : Would I recommend them to others? Yes, unless the person was a total : know nothing. What would I recommend above Quantex? Depends on : the person, for a newbie that I dodn't want to babysit, most likely GW2K, : but I've had no direct contact with them either. I would recommend them for people who want a good machine and already know what they're doing. Many people couldn't care less if they had the Triton chip set or if their machine is upgradable, and it might just be less of a hastle for them to get a retail brand. -- ........................................................................... : Tony Schreiner : Phone: (970)495-5222 : : tschrein@holly.colostate.edu : INTP. TKD. Major: Computer Science : ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: From: krw@together.net Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.systems Subject: Re: [Q] Quantex Hardware -- Good/Bad? Date: 3 Feb 1996 03:48:15 GMT In <310babf9.1951275@news.gulf.net>, jackdins@gulf.net (JackDinsmore) writes: Is this a hint? I know the answer btw. They absolutely refuse to answer my notes, phone calls, problems on their WWW page. I have had several problems, and refuse to help. My latest problem is a failing fan. I've sent them many email, and notes to their WWW home page regarding this problem, with zip for a response. The only response I've had from them was a complaint to theit webmaster about the readabily of their pages. They have good prices, but their service is going from poor to impossible! From: jberry@brutus.ct.gmr.com (John Berry CT/90) Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.systems Subject: Re: Quantex Systems Date: 6 Feb 1996 12:15:18 GMT krw@together.net writes: +In <4er7ku$gj8@qualcomm.com>, Tom Rebman writes: +>jberry@brutus.ct.gmr.com (John Berry CT/90) wrote: +>> +>>Carol Steen writes: + + + +>Weird... the 28.8 modem I got with a P133/SM-2 in November was a "Garnet". +>Maybe not the best modem in the world, but I haven't had any problems with +>it... no problems connecting or anything. BTW I too am very happy with my +>system and recommend going with Quantex. + + I've seen a lot of Quantex systems. They tend to have pretty decent + components, except for the keyboards and modems. I didn't get a sound + card with my system (didn't like the deal, or the card), so I have no real + first hand knowledge here. + + The keyboard was the wimpiest thing I've ever seen. As I've stated before, + as soon as I got a converter ($4) for a PS/2 keyboard, that puppy was + down the road. + + The modem was an RPI hunk-o-junk. My wife finally forced ;-) me to buy + the modem I really wanted, because she couldn't stand my bitching anymore. + I've looked into other's Quantex machines, and seen tech stuff on the Inet. + They still like Rockwell modems. And RPI or not, Rockwell is the pond + scum of the industry. They are all over because they are cheap! + + Okay, I'll bite. As I stated in my previous message, I'm not having any trouble with the 28.8 modem installed in my new quantex p133. So, I guess I don't understand what all the bad press is about concerning the modem. What exactly is it that makes them crap? I'm not disputing your statements, mind you- I just don't know what it is I'm not seeing. What is it that a "good" modem would do for me that the card installed in my quantex doesn't? And what brand of modem would be good? (Ow, yeah, and what is "RPI"?) -jb From: Tom Rebman Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.systems Subject: Re: Quantex Qp5 Date: 14 Feb 1996 22:54:28 GMT rltstats@his.com (Rob Thomas) wrote: >I think Zitt-Davis's 1995 vendors survey rated them about the worst. > >krw@together.net wrote: > >>:>I just bought one in decenber. I think my assesment would be the >>:>same as others I've read here. Decent system- everything works and >>:>it gets respectable benchmarks. Service is so-so (at best). >>:> >> Very nice of you! They are the worst! > >>:>(Write back directly if you want more details.) >>:> >> Ditto! > >>/---------------------------------------------------------- >>/ Keith R. Williams >>/ krw@together.net >>/ Burlington Vermont > > >========================================================================= >Advanced Data Analysis, Inc., Est.'89, Inc.93. General statistical con- >sulting and SAS programming in the Federal Government's seat.301-949-8065 >========================================================================= My personal opinion is that its a roll of the dice with any large mail order company. I have had *great* experiences with Quantex tech support. I called in last week and told the tech support rep that the top edge of the viewable portion of my monitor was not completely straight with respect to the inside edge of the monitor. I told him I was not worried about it, but just wanted to make sure it was not a sign of defective monitor. He said that he didn't think so, but would send me out a new monitor anyway. Can't beat that. I also had no problem getting through to tech support, but I called between 5 & 6pm eastern time... when I thought there would be less activity. I'm not denying that people have had very real problems with Quantex tech support. But people have also had very real problems from other companies' tech support... just check out the Gateway/Dell/Micron groups. As I said above, I believe it's just a matter of luck. BTW, my replacement monitor arrived 3 days after the phone call with the tech rep and it displayed the same behavior, so I promptly sent the replacement back. My P-133/SM-2 gets benchmark scores equal to other P-133 machines listed in the Wintune benchmark (Micron and some other one), so all in all, I think it was a very good purchase -- especially as the price was significantly lower than other vendors. The MAG monitor if fine for me, but I'm sure there are better out there.... Anyway, good luck. My best advice is be courteous and polite with mail order sales/tech support people, and you better your chances of receiving good treatment. -- Tom From: krw@together.net Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.systems Subject: Re: Quantex Systems Date: 18 Feb 1996 22:04:24 GMT I>: Lots! If you had one you's know. ;> ;>Could you be more specific? What is included in "Lots"? ;>I 've an Askey brand modem but it does all the things I want it to do-- ;>connecting to the host machine. I admit that I don't usually use many of ;>the availble functions (i.e. faxing, and all the telephony features) ;>that nowadays' modems have to offer. But mainly connecting to my school ;>account. My modem is also using the Rockwell chipset but I 'm not ;>sure that whether it is a RPI one you mentioned or others. ;>I'm interested in knowing why people are so upset about the Rockwell thing ;>but yet no one has provided solid evidence that it is as "crap" as they ;>had mentioned. Well, support under something other than Windows is one. An RPI modem must have 'doze for the other half of the modem to run. The RPI modem is only half the modem the WinRPI is the other half. RPI is also a proprietary interface, so there is *no hope* of support for a truely open OS like Linux. BTW, there are some good reasons for buying a modem that is not supported under Linux (I did), but proprietary standards is not one. Again, my Quantex system came with a 14.4K RPI modem (I couldn't delete it for credit) that was miserable. The error rate was absimal and once in a while it would just loose it's mind and transfer garbage. This is a problem common to RPI modems. I only single out Quantex (in this case) because they're one of the companies foisting such crap on the unsuspecting public. Rockwell in general is the scurge of the modem chip set manufacturers, because of their violations of the published standards. They work fine when talking to other Rockwell's, but the interoperatability with other modems is poor. "Lots of other things" include DSVD, delephony, dictation, SB (with multiple source mixer), and general MIDI, all in one. Add to that software upgradability and you can do a lot better than RPI, or any Rockwell chip set. In fact it's hard to do worse. /---------------------------------------------------------- / Keith R. Williams / krw@together.net / Burlington Vermont From: lees@equinox (Lee Schwartz) Date: 17 Feb 1996 23:07:58 GMT Organization: University of Nevada, Reno Reply-To: lees@unr.edu We have bought MANY Quantex computers over the last several years for our high school -very few problems, great tech support WHEN you can finally get a hold of someone!!! (same old story) Ram Varra (rvarra@sedona.intel.com) wrote: : I was looking at Quantex web page and found excellent prices for : Pentium (133/150) systems. I am thinking of buying one from this : company. Any body has experiences with Quantex's quality and : customer service and kind enough to share with me? : Thanks in advance, : Ram Varra : rvarra@sedona.intel.com -- -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- | Lee Schwartz ............... Elko High School | + Phone: (702) 738-7281 ... 987 College Avenue + | Fax: (702) 738-3624 ..... Elko, Nevada 89801 | -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- From: Jim Good (jimgood@sover.net) Subject: Re: Quantex: opinions, comments on qualify/service Date: Wed, 21 Feb 1996 19:47:41 -0500 Organization: SoVerNet, Inc. To: lees@unr.edu CC: rvarra@sedona.intel.com Lee Schwartz wrote: > > We have bought MANY Quantex computers over the last several years for our > high school -very few problems, great tech support WHEN you can finally > get a hold of someone!!! (same old story) > > Ram Varra (rvarra@sedona.intel.com) wrote: > : I was looking at Quantex web page and found excellent prices for > : Pentium (133/150) systems. I am thinking of buying one from this > : company. Any body has experiences with Quantex's quality and > : customer service and kind enough to share with me? > I have been using a Quantex Pentium 90 as our main daily business computer for 1 1/2 years and the only problems with it have been almost entirely self-inflicted. When I have needed help, Quantex personnel have always had the answer right on the money (once I got through). I have installed Windows 95 on this machine with no trouble with configuring. (Based on my experience, I wouldn't try OS/2). Good luck! -- Jim Good(jimgood@sover.net) http://www.sover.net/~jimgood/ "Live, from Guilford Country Store" From: Mark R (ritehand@nando.net) Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.systems Subject: Re: QUANTEX: Any good? Date: Tue, 23 Apr 1996 18:01:45 -0700 Organization: Duke University Medical Center You ask if Quantex is any good. Well, I purchased one back around Christmas time. It was a pretty good system, and I felt I got a good deal for the money. The tech support sucks, though, I must admit. After Christmas, I would call and most of the time was told to leave a message including a phone number and a time to call back. If they did call back, it wasn't when I had specified or even close. (I told them to call in the evening after I got home from work, and they would call at 9 in the morning.) I tried e-mailing them, but got no response. Sometimes when I called, I got a voice saying that due to the heavy volume, I'd have to try my call later. I just waited on hold for 5 minutes to be told to call back later??? They didn't offer to take a message and have somebody call me back or anything. In fact, when I suggested it, they said they couldn't take a message. I even got had to call customer service and get a supervisor to have a tech call me back about a problem. I never got it resolved, and decided the time required to solve the issue wasn't worth it. The problem that I was having was with the Ensonic sound card. I couldn't use my MIDI keyboard with it. Other that that, I'm very pleased with the system. I'm getting ready to purchase another system, but I'm looking strongly at CyberMax. They have a Cyrix 6x86 P166+, 32 MB RAM, 512K PB cache, ATI Mach 64 PCI w/2MB VRAM (or Diamond Stealth, depending), 8X CD ROM, 2.5 GB HDD, Ensonic Sound card (which I'll replace with a SB AWE 32), Mag 1795 (17") monitor (.26), microphone, Altec Lansing ACS 31 speakers w/subwoofer, 28.8 v.34 voice, fax, data modem, 10 bay vertical tower case w/ 2 fans, the same software of a Quantex. It is $2949. It is on page 249 of the May Computer Shopper, upper right hand corner. Check it out. Mike Gallo wrote: > > Quantex was getting some bad postings about the lack of technical > support, but this was right after the Christmas rush. Lately I have not > seen any postings on Quantex, good or bad, which is probably a good > indicator since human nature would be to post only bad dealings with a > company or product. I too am interested in their systems, but am probably > going to wait for the Pentium with the MMX features included. From: jberry@brutus.ct.gmr.com (John Berry CT/90) Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.systems Subject: Re: Just bought a Dell, is that so wronnggg? Date: 24 Apr 1996 17:42:25 GMT hdkwi@grrs06.nor.chevron.com (Jeffrey K. Wilson) writes: +Just purchased a Dell Dimension XPS P133c with 16MB RAM, 512KB Cache, +2GB HD, 17 monitor (1280x1024 .26dp Samsung), 6x CD_ROM, #9 FX MGA w/2MB VRAM, +AWE32 Wavetable, US Robotics 28.8kb fax/modem, 3year bumper-bumper in home +service warranty + windows 95 + some other software titles for $3400 delivered. +Should I kill myself or get an "atta boy"? + + Well, I bought a comparable model from Quantex back in december for 2993 delivered, but you got a larger hard drive (2 vs 1.6), and a 3 year warrentee. Still, 3400 seems just a tad high considering the 150's and 166's are out now. But I can't think of any good reason to kill yourself. Just fire the damn thing up and play with it. Thats what I've been doing... -jb From: john3016@gnn.com (John) Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.systems Subject: Re: QUANTEX: Any good? Date: Thu, 09 May 1996 02:45:35 Got my Quantex 166 w/2.5 gig, 17"mag, Diamond Stealth 4 MB, 3.2 gig tape backup unit, 8X goldstar CDrom, a couple of days ago. It worked on the first try after hooking everything up. The only problem (not really a problem) was that one screw on the joystick port had fallen out into the box. It didn't come with the latest video driver, so I downloaded that. Modem works great, cd is fast & plays audio cds without a hitch. The Mag .26 monitor looks really sharp (although it has the 2 faint trinitron lines). Speaker system w/subwoofer is excellent. Took them 2 weeks to customize my order, but they got it right. Haven't had to call tech support, so no opinion on that (yet). Got an add-on 3 year parts warranty for $99. So, to answer your question, yeah it appears to be a good system. --- John Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.systems From: sasjzt@hawaii.unx.sas.com (Jason Thomas) Subject: Re: QUANTEX: Any good? Date: Fri, 10 May 1996 20:28:50 GMT Gotta add my $.02 : I just received my Quantex M-4 133, 2GB, 16MB edo, 17" .25dp MAG Technitron Monitor, 8x cd, 28.8 modem, Altec Lansing spkrs w/ sub, etc. It arrived on time, was very easy to setup, and so far (knock on wood), has performed wonderfully. Comes with 5 free trials for on-line access (AOL, Compuserve, Prodigy, Microsoft Internet Explorer, and Netcom). The sales staff were easy to work with and they have a great home page to check out info. (http://www.quantex.com) Imho, you can't beat their prices...... Jason -- Jason Thomas | "The universe is full of magical things, patiently MIS E315 x5857 | waiting for our wits to grow sharper." sasjzt@unx.sas.com | Eden Phillpotts From: navigator@sprynet.com (S Hudson) Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.systems Subject: Re: QUANTEX: Any good? Date: Fri, 10 May 1996 05:38:23 GMT john3016@gnn.com (John) wrote: >Got my Quantex 166 w/2.5 gig, 17"mag, Diamond Stealth 4 MB, 3.2 gig tape >backup unit, 8X goldstar CDrom, a couple of days ago. It worked on the first >try after hooking everything up. The only problem (not really a problem) was >that one screw on the joystick port had fallen out into the box. It didn't >come with the latest video driver, so I downloaded that. Modem works great, >cd is fast & plays audio cds without a hitch. The Mag .26 monitor looks >really sharp (although it has the 2 faint trinitron lines). Speaker system >w/subwoofer is excellent. Took them 2 weeks to customize my order, but they >got it right. Haven't had to call tech support, so no opinion on that (yet). > Got an add-on 3 year parts warranty for $99. >So, to answer your question, yeah it appears to be a good system. >--- >John >I got my 3 year parts warranty for $49 from Quantex in March 1996 From: staros@midamer.net (James D. Staros) Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.systems Subject: Re: Quantex?? Date: 16 May 96 22:40:56 GMT drcarson@uoknor.edu (Douglas R. Carson) says: > >I am considering the Quantex SM-2 133. Being a converted Mac(groan) user, >I would like some opinion on this system and Quantex as a company. Their >prices seem hard to beat for the components they use. > >Replies by email or posting would be appreciated. > >Doug I am the proud owner of a new Quantex SM-2 P-166, and I couln't be happier with the system. It booted right out of the box, and has been burning up my desktop ever since (figuratively of course :-)) I had a small which ended up being something stupid I did, but the Quantex dudes were very helpful, and helped me with my problem. This is my fifth or sixth computer I have bought, and I have never been more satisfied from a company. I don't think you can go wrong with either system, but if you can spare the extra $200, go for the 166. Even internally, the system is organized in a ver efficient manner so it will be easy to install/upgrade/work on the computer at a later time If you have any other questions, e-mail me. -Jim Jim Staros staros@midwest.net Doug From: staros@midamer.net (Jimmy D) Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.systems Subject: Re: Good Quantex Sales Rep? Date: 6 Jun 96 00:46:09 GMT radoc@connix.com (Gary R.) says: > >drh4@midway.uchicago.edu (David R. Hanson) wrote: > Just want to add my two cents. My sales rep was Gordon, and was ok. He was nothing special, but the system was. I got a SM-2 P166, and my friend who got a similar Gateway is pissed because mine benches faster and I paid $1000 less!! I LOVE my system, and the price dropped $250 from the time I ordered to the time I recieved it, and they refunded the price. I only wish they sold laptops, because I need a new one, and I love this company Jim (Not a shareholder in Quantex) From: tschrein@holly.colostate.edu (Tony Schreiner) Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.systems Subject: Re: Quantex Date: Wed, 12 Jun 1996 16:00:01 GMT Organization: Denver Internet Access Corporation On 10 Jun 1996 11:05:54 GMT, Mike Gallo wrote: >I have been curious also. It seems that after the Christmas rush there >were a glut of negative postings regarding getting through to tech >support. These seem to have subsided (actually to zero) in recent months. > >During the same period there were also negative postings about Gateway, >Micron, Dell, etc. Quantex has extended its sales and tech support hours. Also, they have been keeping up with providing brand name components pretty well. They are now offering the Matrox Millenium (probably the OEM version, like everybody else...), STB Powergraph, and STB LightSpeed 128. They also offer the full variety of Triton II chip sets, 512k cache, EDO RAM, Mag Innovision 17" monitors (both the DX17T (trintron) and the DX17F (shadow-mask)), etc. The P5 systems use a generic-brand BioStar motherboard, but I've had a P-90 system with this MB and it appears to perform quite well and I have not had any problems with it. The P6 systems have the latest Intel motherboards. Also, they're even one of the first vendors I know of that is bundling the new WordPerfect 7 suite. Since I'm going to order a new system in the near future, this is good news since I was going to buy WP7. Back when I bought this system a year ago, they offered a very (poor) generic mouse, speakers, etc. but now they offer the Microsoft mouse, Altec Lansing speakers, etc. I'm not sure about the keyboard, but they offer an upgrade to the Microsoft Natural KB for $39. Also, unlike other cheapy vendors, Quantex gives you ALL manuals and installation disks and CD-ROM's instead of just pre-installing it and forcing you to make your own origionals off the HD or a custom CD-ROM (I have seen this from Packard Bell, Acer and others). For having extremely low prices, they seem to be offering near top of the line hardware and software. I'm not affiliated with Quantex in any way, but I'm a satisfied customer. I had trouble during around Christmas because my CD-ROM drive went out and I couldn't get a hold of tech support. Once I did, however, they shipped out a replacement (it got here in less than 2 days) and I swapped it in for the broken one. No problems since. ........................................................................... : Tony Schreiner : 2 + 2 = 5 for large values of 2 : : tschrein@holly.colostate.edu : INTP. TKD. Major: Computer Science : : http://holly.colostate.edu/~tschrein : ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: From: dbrewer@calvin.linfield.edu (David Brewer) Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.systems Subject: Re: Quantex Date: 13 Jun 1996 03:51:22 GMT Organization: Linfield College, McMinnville Oregon D.W. Frommer II (frommer@empnet.com) wrote: : Has anyone had any experience wqith buying a system from Quantex -- : good or bad? Well, just this evening I ordered a system from Quantex - a SM-1 system with standard configuration, minus the standard 28.8 modem. The total price (with shipping) was 2338, which I feel is very reasonable for what I am getting. This system includes: P133 processor 512k cache 2.1 gig HD STB Powergraph video with 2mb EDO 16 MB 60ns EDO RAM Ensoniq sound card 17" MAG monitor Decent software bundle 8x toshiba cdrom And some other basics. I had no problems at all with the sales staff; I talked with Tim (1-800-419-4683) who knew the answer to every question I asked him, faxed me a spec sheet very quickly, and seemed quite competent. The system is supposed to arrive in 2-3 weeks. If there's any interest, I'll be glad to post some updates once the system arrives. David Brewer dbrewer@linfield.edu From: jberry@brutus.ct.gmr.com (John Berry CT/90) Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.systems Subject: Re: Quantex Systems Date: 21 Jun 1996 16:32:18 GMT gjones@ionet.net (Galen D. Jones) writes: +Does anybody know if Quantex is a good company to do mail order business with. +I'm considering buying a complete system from them but would like to know if I +can trust them. + + I guess I can add my name to the chorus of positive comments I just read about quantex machines. I bought my p133 back around christmas (when a 133 was the big kid on the block). It was probably $300- $400 cheaper than other comparable machines at that time. It works well, and is a fast, powerful, little bugger. So far, I really haven't been able to tax it at all. I have had a number of gpf type aborts occur occassionally. But I blame that on windows-95 mostly. The system doesn't crash, just windows or the application. I'm sure its not the hardware because I have one of those bootable hardware diagnostics cassettes that I've used to thoroughly test the hardware. It reported no problems, and every test that measured a "rate" reported the machine at the top of the measurement range. -jb From: Mike Waters (comtech@bright.net) Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.systems Subject: Re: Quantex Date: Sun, 16 Jun 1996 16:28:47 -0400 Organization: Comtech Research > frommer@empnet.com (D.W. Frommer II) wrote: > >Has anyone had any experience wqith buying a system from Quantex -- > >good or bad? I bought a Quantex 486DX2-66 multimedia computer (December 1994, I think), and was so happy with it, I sang its praises far and wide. I've since sold it to a friend of mine, and he's been using it in his business for several months with no problems. However, _ALL_ the Quantex systems I subsequently recommended to others (seven or so) --before I started selling and building PCs myself-- had problems. Some problems are to be expected, I realize. Specifically, besides as-received configuration troubles, we had video card and hard drive problems. They were taken care of by Quantex. The last two Quantex systems I recommended for a couple of associates were the last straw. They helped me decide to start selling my own systems. They were both 486DX2-66 systems. One, as received, had an apparently dead CD-ROM drive. I had to repair the CD-ROM power connector (one wire was improperly crimped) before the the person that bought it could use it. Also, the 3.5" FDD didn't work; the IDC connector was plugged into the FDD at an angle. After I fixed those problems, he hasn't had any more problems with it, that I know of. The other Quantex 486, for someone else, he bought for his daughter out west in college It also had the 3.5" FDD plug in at an angle, causing it not to work. I opened that one up, too, and fixed it. But two weeks after his daughter got it, the HD controller went bad. My freind called and called Quantex on the phone, but he could never get through. He even faxed them. No reply. After two weeks, he finally paid for a local shop there to repair it, out of his own pocket, since his daughter needed it for her school work. He never got a reply, to this date, from Quantex. Maybe their quality and service has changed since then. I don't know. But I know one thing: if I didn't build them, I would never recommend Quantex to anyone, ever again. As you notice, I sell PCs myself, but I am not making any of this up. In fact, there is a lot more to this than I care to go into detail about here. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Mike Waters - Comtech Research - comtech@bright.net Superior Computer Systems - http://www.bright.net/~comtech/ "Take care of the Customer, and the business will take care of itself." From: tschrein@holly.colostate.edu (Tony Schreiner) Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.systems Subject: Re: Quantex Date: Tue, 18 Jun 1996 15:41:28 GMT Organization: Denver Internet Access Corporation On Sun, 16 Jun 1996 16:28:47 -0400, Mike Waters wrote: >> frommer@empnet.com (D.W. Frommer II) wrote: >> >Has anyone had any experience wqith buying a system from Quantex -- >> >good or bad? > >I bought a Quantex 486DX2-66 multimedia computer (December 1994, I think), >and was so happy with it, I sang its praises far and wide. I've since sold >it to a friend of mine, and he's been using it in his business for several >months with no problems. > >However, _ALL_ the Quantex systems I subsequently recommended to others >(seven or so) --before I started selling and building PCs myself-- had >problems. Some problems are to be expected, I realize. Specifically, >besides as-received configuration troubles, we had video card and hard >drive problems. They were taken care of by Quantex. [Snip, snip] I've seen you post this message before, and it's quite out of date. I'm not sure how tech support is right now, but other than that Quantex offers pretty good hardware. The hardware they offer varies widely depending on the system, and the hardware they offer changes as new and better hardware becomes available. The only non-name brand parts of the system are the Biostar motherboards (which appear to work and benchmark fine) and the generic (but capable) sound card. The Pentium Pro units do come with genuine Intel motherboards. They also keep up with the latest chip sets and offer the different varieties of Triton II chip sets. My only problem is that the CD-ROM drive stopped recognizing CD's about 6 months after I bought the system. This was during December when their tech support was horrible. I eventually got through and they immediately shipped a replacement drive. Everything has worked without a hitch and the computer is almost a year old. For an industry as rapidly changing as the computer industry, poor quality on 486 systems years ago does not necessarily make them a bad company. It looks to me that they are steadily improving, even from when I bought my system. (BTW: They've nearly doubled their tech support hours.) Disclaimer: I'm just a satisfied customer. We are currently purchasing a 2nd machine from them and will be purchasing a 3rd shortly. For what they offer, their prices are unbeatable. ........................................................................... : Tony Schreiner : 2 + 2 = 5 for large values of 2 : : tschrein@holly.colostate.edu : INTP. TKD. Major: Computer Science : : http://holly.colostate.edu/~tschrein : ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: From: jriddle@clark.net (Geist) Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.systems Subject: Re: Quantex Date: 19 Jun 1996 17:03:09 GMT : My only problem is that the CD-ROM drive stopped recognizing CD's : about 6 months after I bought the system. This was during December : when their tech support was horrible. I eventually got through and : they immediately shipped a replacement drive. Everything has worked : without a hitch and the computer is almost a year old. The CD-ROM in my Quantex crapped out after 6 months too. They replaced it without a hitch, but I sold the replacement and bought a different drive. It was the Toshiba 4x, kind of crappy if you ask me. (But then, most CD-ROM drives seem to be a bit crappy unless its a SCSI) From: dbrewer@calvin.linfield.edu (David Brewer) Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.systems Subject: The Quantex Experience Date: 24 Jun 1996 04:40:53 GMT Organization: Linfield College, McMinnville Oregon I have just received my new system from Quantex, so as promised, here is a summary of my experience so far. I ordered the system on the 12th of June from a salesman named Tim (direct number: 1-800-419-4683) who seemed very friendly and knowledgeable. He seemed to know the answer to every question I asked (although I can't honestly say that I asked any really difficult questions). I was told that the system would ship in 2-3 weeks. I ordered the QP5/133 SM-1 (which is basically a P133 with all the standard goodies) with one slight modification; I had him drop the modem, since I already have one. A week later, on the 19th, I called Quantex customer service to ask about the status of my order. I was told that it was scheduled to ship on July 3rd. You can therefore imagine my surprise when it arrived on that Friday, the 21st. I don't know why or how it shipped so early, but I'm certainly not complaining. I spent this weekend playing with the machine, and so far I'm very pleased. The hardware performs at or beyond my expectations (but keep in mind that I'm used to a 486/66). All my old DOS/WIN3.1 software seems to be fairly happy in Win95. My only complaint is with the Ensoniq Vivo sound card, which has some rather finicky dos-mode drivers. The driver sometimes crashes when it is first loaded, but always works fine on the second try. And in one game, Relentless, the digital sound is a bit scratchy compared to my old card (an SB16). The construction of the hardware also seems to be pretty high quality. The case looks good, has a convenient tool-free way to remove the cover, and lacks the useless turbo button. The interior of the case seems well laid-out (but maybe that's just because it looks so empty since the I/O and IDE are built-in to the motherboard). I'm not thrilled with the official Win95 keyboard (I'd prefer a full-sized space bar to all the extra keys), but it is of acceptable quality. I am very happy with the MAG 17" monitor and the performance of the STB graphics card. Oh, one little complaint... the hard drive seems kind of noisy. I haven't yet had a chance to try tech support, and I hope that I never will. However, if I DO, I'll be sure to give you all the gory details. Summary: I am currently a very satisfied customer, and I would recommend Quantex highly as far as their product goes. I am so far unqualified to comment on their tech support. David Brewer dbrewer@linfield.edu Beware Quantex Microsystems!! I've had problems with Quantex From engulf@ix.netcom.com Sun Jul 7 04:10:42 1996 Date: Sun, 7 Jul 1996 01:10:05 -0700 From: engulf@ix.netcom.com (Keith Lindstrom ) Subject: Our Quantex To: pavel@cs.cornell.edu We.bought.our.QP5/60.in.Sept.'94.It.arrived.with.a.bad motherboard (had to reset to boot up). Quantex sent a tech to our house with a new one. It used to be impossible to reach their tech support and they never called back. Recently, however, their tech support has been relatively easy to reach and extremely helpful with reformatting harddrive after a Dos game crashed on Windows95. Overall - a satisfied customer. From: pking@smd4d.wes.army.mil (Peter King) Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.systems Subject: Re: Quantex information, anyone? Date: Fri, 12 Jul 1996 17:41:03 GMT Organization: USAE Waterways Experiment Station I just recieved my SM-1 the other day, and I like it a lot so far. I upgraded the system you mention to 32 Meg and 166 MHz. I've heard some great and some not so great things about the MAG, but it does have a sharp, bright picture, and I like it. The fax card and Ensoniq VIVO cards are nothing special, but do the job OK. Customer service was quick and friendly, and it shipped on the day they said it would. The only problem I have had is that they didn't include the CDs for the bundled software (which is a nice package) yet, but said they would ship them sometime next week. All aof the bundle came preinstalled, but some of them require the actual CD in the drive. In summary, I'm very happy with the system and Quantex, at least so far. Hope this helps. Peter S. King, PhD Research Engineer, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg, MS pking@smd4d.wes.army.mil Buying a Quantex? Then this is a must READ From: ewagnr@buffnet.net (Eric Wagner) Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.systems Subject: Re: Quantex vs. CyberMax/Pentium vs. Cyrix 6x86 Date: Sun, 14 Jul 1996 02:16:03 GMT There is DEFINITELY some connection between these two companies. I have noticed for 5-6 months parallels in various business practices... pricing, ad designs and layouts. When I was shopping for a system, the specs were so similar (only companies using Biostar MB's?) that I commented to the sales reps about it. Neither would give any info other than to say the other company was "their best competition". Also notice next time you have sluggish or no response at either web site... the other one will be acting the same way. Same server??? Date: Mon, 15 Jul 1996 08:46:15 -0500 From: Jimmy D (staros@siu.edu) Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.systems Subject: Re: Quantex information, anyone? I bought a Quantex SM-2/166 several months ago, and I am VERY pleased with it. Recently, they have upgraded the Monitor, Video card, RAM, and Harddrive, while leaving it at the same price I paid. I would definately buy this system again. I have bought several systems in the last few years, and this is by far the best one yet. Even the way the inside of the case is layed out is wonderful. The only thing I regret is that they do not make laptops, since I am looking to get one soon. -Jim From: liuyi@cs.utexas.edu (Yi Liu) Newsgroups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell,alt.sys.pc-clone.gateway2000,alt.sys.pc-clone.micron Subject: Re: Quantex PCs Date: 16 Jul 1996 14:36:09 -0500 Organization: CS Dept, University of Texas at Austin Three of my friends have bought the SM-2 series Pentiums (133&166MHz) from Quantex recently, and they are quite satisfied with the machines. And Quantex has kept its promises and shipped in 2 weeks in all 3 cases. It also has a 30-day price protection policy which was tested by one friend. The SM-2 Pro line looks like a bargain, but last time I checked (1 week ago) Quantex was still using the Intel Aurora motherboard with the 450KX chipset. So if you're after the newer and better 440FX, this machine is not for you. And also be prepared to deal with some rude salesmen, especially if you call them late. A couple of people hung up on me when I confused Micron with Quantex and asked about the Jaz drive. ("No! We don't sell that!" Slaaam!) Don't let this sort of thing prevent from getting a good deal. I think I'm going to get myself a Quantex SM-2 P6 once they switched over to the 440FX. Micron Millenia is very good, but it just takes too damn long. And since I've read in WSJ a couple of days ago about "Dell's successful switch from focusing on the consumer market to targeting coorperate sales...", I guess my money doesn't mean anything to them anymore. Good luck! liuyi -- Realife: Liu Yi, Univ of Tx at Austin, , 214.306.7096 Sybase Professional Services. Dallas, Texas, 214.716.5715 From: Kelley Essoe (kme@aracnet.com) Newsgroups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell,alt.sys.pc-clone.gateway2000,alt.sys.pc-clone.micron Subject: Re: Quantex PCs Date: Tue, 16 Jul 1996 20:01:18 -0700 Organization: aracnet.com -- Portland's loudest electrons I have called Quantex four times now, trying to decide whether I'm buying another cow, or risking an unknown quantity. I have been scraping and saving since my last computer buy -- a gateway P133XL -- which I researched until I wanted to simply thow a dart at a board to make the decision. I actually ordered and received a Micron and ended up returning it within the first 30 days. It was just not right. I ended up choosing the Gateway, and have been extremely happy with the bugger. An enormous part of my satisfaction comes from the fact that from the sales person to tech support, EVERY person I spoke with always not only knew what they were talking about, and tried to make me happy, but they were always friendly and pleasant about it. As I said -- FOUR times I called Quantex -- and got four different morons. Not only did none of them have an intelligent answer to one specific question about the configuration of the system I was asking about, none knew what I was talking about when I got more technical than how many megabytes and what kind of cd-rom drive it was. Beyond the basics they were lost. One guy was unbelievably rude. And I kept thinking -- what if I need help from these people? Needless to say, they lost me. I just ordered another Gateway -- this time the P5-200XL. My spouse will inherit the 133. I have complete faith that I'm gonna be happy. From: 5150@5150.net (5150) Newsgroups: alt.sys.pc-clone.micron Subject: Re: Quantex PCs Date: Wed, 17 Jul 1996 04:12:30 GMT Organization: Voicenet - Internet Access - (215)674-9290 Lines: 15 cakyol@cisco.com (Cihangir Akyol) stands accused of saying: >Does anyone know or had any expereience with Quantex PCs ? >they have just reduced their prices and the value for money >seems great. good until something goes wrong. THEN you find out they never heard of you. From: bullseye (bullfam@tu.infi.net) Newsgroups: alt.sys.pc-clone.gateway2000 Subject: Re: Quantex PCs Date: Tue, 16 Jul 1996 19:15:20 -0400 Organization: InfiNet I bought one last year, based on the good magazine ratings and the great price. It wouldn't turn on. Eventually it did, but it had lost all its settings. We re-established those, then it wouldn't work again. When it did work, it did read many of my CD Roms. It went back for another motherboard. Came back and still didn't work right. Went back again. Came back again. After a lot of hassle, it went back and I got my money back. Then I ordered a Gateway and have had no problems at all.I'm sure there are people who are satisfied. But my experience was a nightmare. From: xiaopeng@astro.ocis.temple.edu (Yiyang) Newsgroups: alt.industrial.computing Subject: terrible experience with Quantex Microsystem Inc. Date: 16 Jul 1996 17:50:45 GMT Organization: Temple University, Academic Computer Services t maynot be the right palce to put this. I am sorry about that. But I thought it will be good to have some palce to put this so that people can rate the service from Different computer vendor. Here is my terrible experience with Quantex Microsystem Inc. I ordered a new computer from Quantex Microsystems I E Brunswick NJ on Jun 12 over phone. I got the system on Jun 28. The service I expected from Quantex Microsystems: When I placed the order, I read the specification of the system on the web page of Quantex and printed the specification. It says the system has the Corel 7.0 office suite and other corel software, for multimedia hardware: 8x CD-ROM, and 28.8Kbit build-in modem. Plus one year whole system warranty, 3 years parts warranty. What I received from Quantex Microsystems: However, when I got the system, first I found the software is not the same as they specified on the advertisement. It is Perfect Office 6.1, CD-ROM does not work, and modem does not work. So I called their customer service and technical support. Followed were what happened about my new computer, which is supposed to work well as a new product and under its warranty. For the CD-ROM, the technical support told me to open the system and did a lot of work to fix it. However, although the system turns out to work, but it does not work as it is expect, it lost the auto-play function. For the modem, it does not work yet For the software, 5 different persons in their customer service told me different story: One who named Julie told me I must return the whole system to get the software, get the system fixed for CD-ROM and modem and I need to pay the shipment fee. Another person who named Cameo told me that due to the delay of the shipment of the software from Corel, they did not install it on my system, so they are going to send me the new one by Jul 31. Then another person named Rich who is a supervisor in the Department of Customer service override what Cameo said. He told me different story about my system. When I asked him to explain why different person in the same department, He just gave me 2 options, one is I pay the shipment fee and return the system to get the software; another option is I do whatever I want, Quantex does not care. The fourth person is the manager of the Customer service Department who named John. He said he is not sure that they advertised the specification when I placed the order. He insisted what Rich said, and asked me to fax the specification when I ordered the system, I faxed it 4 days ago, they just ignore this and just do not response. Finally, I caught him on the phone. He insisted that I need to pay the shipment fee and return the system to their company to get the new software and fix the problem of the hardware. And told me that I can not go to any other person regarding this problem. The fifth person in the Customer Service Department said, because of the delay of the software, they did not install the new software in my system, but every company advertises before the product is available. So I must pay the shipment fee by myself to return the system to their company to get the new software. I DO NOT THINK ALL OF THESE ARE REASONABLE: 1. Every company advertises before the product is available DOES NOT MEAN that every company can ship the old product to their customer in place of the advertised new product. 2. A new computer is supposed to work well. If Modem ,CD-ROM and other major components do not work properly, even do not work, that can not be called as a function-well-product. THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THEM AND FOR ALL THE LOSS RESULTED FROM THIS DEFECT SYSTEM. 3. Manufacture should pay for the lab the customer did to fix their defect "NEW" product, since manufacture has already charged their customer lab and sells the customer a "GOOD" product (If not specified as defect system in the advertisement) -- xiaopeng ======================================================= Chemistry Graduate student 215-2047149(office) 215-5357188(home) xiaopeng@astro.ocis.temple.edu URL: http://astro.ocis.temple.edu/~xiaopeng ====================================================== From: "James P Picotte" (jpicotte@nmu.edu) Newsgroups: misc.forsale.computers.discussion Subject: Quantex Microsystems Horror Story Date: Mon, 15 Jul 1996 21:32:44 -0500 Organization: University of Minnesota, Duluth I'm writing to inform everyone of this discussion group the experience I'm currently having with the company Quantex Microsystems, Inc. I purchased one of their SM-1 Pentium 120 PC's about 7 months ago and have had nothing but nightmarish problems with the system. The system seemed to work fine for the first month and then mysterious problems started occuring. First my power supply went out on me and then my graphics card. Soon after that, I had to sent the entire system in for repair and they replaced my motherboard, sound card, CPU, memory SIMMs, graphics card (again), and hard disk drive. When I received the system back, I found that I couldn't boot up the system and received numerous fatal exception errors in Windows. Well after countless hours talking to tech support, they decided it was my motherboard and sent me another one. When I received this motherboard and installed it, there was still something wrong with my system as Windows wouldn't boot. Not my sound card and modem are totally inoperable and I'm waiting for my fourth motherboard for this system. This week alone I've spent over 20 hours talking with their pathetic technical support and an additional 20 hours working on the system by myself. I've reinstalled Windows 95 about 20 times. Oh, the mouse broke within the first 2 weeks also. I'm currently negotiating with their customer support to resolve this problem instead of technical support. I've had enough of this system and I'd like the company to take the system back and hopefully burn it. I called their Supervisor of the Returns Department, Carol Lula, and have had no success with here at all. She offered to extend the warranty 3 months on a system that is being sent its 4th motherboard. I think the machine I bought is garbage, their technical support staff can barely read the computer screen to try and solve you're problems and I believe I deserve a refund for this huge paperweight. This company seems content with not accepting the fact that this system is beyond help and I believe that I deserve a refund for this pathetic system which has only been operable about 35% of the time I've owned it. I'm currently exploring my options which include writing a letter to the president of the company, a letter to the Attorney Generals Office advising them about my experience with the company, and I'm looking at my legal options as well as posting my experience wherever anyone will listen. If anyone else has any other suggestions on any course of action please e-mail me or contact me any way that is convinient for you. I for one never want to deal with this company again. Their technical and customer support is horrendous and their systems just don't work. Thanks. A very frustrated and sorry Quantex Owner, James P Picotte 821 N. Fourth St. Apt 2 Marquette, MI 49855 (906) 228-9539 jpicotte@nmu.edu
At this point I decided to try it myself. On July 17, 1996 I placed an order for their SM-1/133 system with upgrade to MAG Technitron monitor. I was told that system will be shipped on July 24 and I should get it next Friday, July 26. They shipped it only on July 25, so I got it on Monday, July 29. It works without problems already almost for 2 months. Each time when I called CS or Tech support it took then just several minutes to answer my call.
The only one complaint that I have is that they didn't send me all CDs that are supposed to come with the system. I called them and told that I am moving and asked to send CDs to the new address. In a week I called again to check when I will get CDs and to make sure that they will send it to the correct address. I got CDs only in about one month after I got computer and ... yes, they sent them to my old address. After one more week I realized that I don't have a CD with MS Phone, it took them two more week to send it out.
Anyway, in about two months after I made my first call to Quantex I got working computer and all software that I was supposed to get. And now it's up to the reader to decide if (s)he wants order from Quantex.
Pavel
From oncomouse@aol.com (Oncomouse) Organization America Online, Inc. (1-800-827-6364) Date 18 Jul 1996 12:14:33 -0400 Newsgroups alt.sys.pc-clone.micron I just got a quantex a couple of weeks ago and I have not problems to report whatsoever. A while back someone mentioned that they were concerned with the "long term quality" of machines made by newer manufacturers. I'm no computer authority, but it seems that if a computer is made of quality components (which the quantex is) -- what's going to go wrong? You can only plug a board in so tightly, etc. best, AustinFrom Bob Velick <botis@wwa.com> Organization WorldWide Access (tm) - Chicagoland Internet Services (http://www.wwa.com) Date Tue, 16 Jul 1996 16:51:12 -0700 Newsgroups alt.sys.pc-clone.gateway2000 Subject Re: Quantex PCs My brother-in-law and a bunch of his co-workers have them and love them. Only problem is I believe that they only ship Quattro & Word Perfect instead of the MS products. Otherwise, no problems. From outasync@eola.ao.net (OutaSync) Organization Access Orlando Date 20 Jul 1996 05:14:16 GMT Newsgroups comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.systems R Jones (flyfisher@thegrid.net) wrote: : I have called Quantex several times to ask the same question and I : can't get a consistent answer. I wanted to know if they provide the : manufacture's manuals for the hardware in their computers (ie. : monitor, motherboard, sound card, video card, ect.). Has anyone else : ordered one of their systems and knows the answer to this. : Thanks for any help. : : Rick Jones, flyfisher@thegrid.net : Thats funny. Back in November when I ordered my computer I was looking at Vektron and Quantex. I ordered from Quantex because They always gave me a consistent answer on the phone. I have not had any real problems with my system an I'm quite happy with it. As for the manuals, back in November they did in fact send the manuals for almost all the hardware. Including the Motherboard manual, Sound, and Video cards. Mike From dbrewer@calvin.linfield.edu (David Brewer) Organization Linfield College, McMinnville Oregon Date 20 Jul 1996 01:21:54 GMT Newsgroups comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.systems I recently purchased the SM-1 from Quantex. I received manuals for each of the components you mentioned. Some of the manuals were a little more like pamphlets than real manuals, but I found them sufficient. Don't expect much in the way of software manuals, though... Hope this helps. David Brewer dbrewer@linfield.edu From iida@sojourn.com (Nitetyme) Organization Sojourn Systems, Lansing, MI (USA) Date Sun, 21 Jul 1996 08:23:06 GMT Newsgroups comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.systems They sure did send me the manuals, but I don't think it's a complete one. For example, the manual of the Ami Bios says check the Hard drive part of the manual for more details, but there were no hard drive section. Also I didn't get the piece of paper which should include list of all the components and the customer numbers and stuff (kind of like a bill). I agree with you on the tech support part, they are really ignorant. When I called the 1-800 number, sometimes randomly some messanger picks up the phone and tells you that they'll get back to you. But if you keep trying, the real tech support guy will pick the phone up and take the questions right away. That's a really unfair practice to save their phone bill. But it's better than making a long distand call and kept on hold for hours, though. You just have to keep trying. Nitetyme iida@sojourn.com From JCross5168@aol.comSun Aug 18 22:35:24 1996 Date: Sun, 18 Aug 1996 22:15:17 -0400 From: JCross5168@aol.com To: pavel@cs.cornell.edu Subject: My new Quantex QP6/200 SM-2 Well, I just got my SM-2 Pentium Pro Quantex, and thought I'd write up this review of it because I feel far too many people write when a PC is bad, and not enough when it is good. My PC took about two week to arrive after I ordered it, but according to Quantex, that was because it was assembled after it was ordered. The first thing that I noticed was that the PC was sealed in a bag, as opposed to it just being wrapped in plastic, which was nice. Also the packing styrofoam was sealed in plastic as well, which kept styrofoam from getting into the machine. I was impressed so far. They included all of the CD-ROMs (except for Compton's Reference shelf which they were out of and are now sending. They also included full documentation for the PC, including a computing basics for Win95 guide as well as an in-depth technical manual for the Intel 440FX motherboard. I assembled the PC and pushed the power button, and NOTHING HAPPENED. So I checked all of the connections. Nothing there. I opened up the PC and and called the Quantex custome support line. They answered immediately and had me check the power connection in the PC from the motherboard to the power supply. That cable was not plugged in, so I plugged it in, and the computer started up. As for why it was not plugged in, I don't know if it was their doing, or if it fell out when I installed my gamecard 3 automatic. The MAG Technitron 17" monitor is great, very crisp and clear, with all digital controls, They sent me the ACS-31 Altec-Lansing speakers, though they had switched to the 400 series one before they assemled my PC, so I'm going to try and get those from them. The MSNatural Keyboard and MSMouse are both high quality products. The Matrox Millenium 3D card w/ 4MB WRAM is very nice, with the ability to do 1280x1024 in 16.7 million colors. The CD-ROM is a Sony 8x and seems to be very fast. The 33.6 voice modem is nice. I often connect to AOL with 38400 baud now, and the MSVoice software is handy, with built in CallerID functions. The Soundscape Ensoniq VIVO card could be better. It gets a bit scratchy when the microphone is on, and some games think it's a SBPro, and Tie Fighter requires a patch to use it. I think I'll soon get a SBAWE32PnP instead. The thing that strikes me most about this system is that it is so plug and playish. The video, sound, modem, and monitor are all PnP. Another neat feature is that the entire system turns off when I select "shut down" in Win95. Of course, I hear that only their Pentium Pros have the Intel motherboards, and that may be part of why it all works so well, but if you are considering a PPro, get a Quantex. The system was well worth the $3500. From PrestonPW@msn.comTue Sep 17 18:51:41 1996 Date: Tue, 17 Sep 96 20:53:47 UT From: Preston Ward To: Pavel@CS.Cornell.EDU Subject: Quantex hardware I would bet that I have the worst horror story you've heard thus far. Here's an extremely short version of the entire story: The Quantex computer I bought has turned out to be absolutely nothing but TOTAL JUNK. To say my experience with Quantex has been a nightmare would be a gross understatement. To tell you everything would take about 50-60 pages, and I had all of that on my hard drive but the computer crashed once AGAIN (it does this regularly about once an hour) and destroyed almost 5 gigs of data on two hard drives, so now I have to put all my notes back together again. I have spent literally thousands of hours trying to correct the problems and about 2/3's the full price of the computer in replacing bad parts and diagnostic software. It's supposedly under a full On-Site warranty but they refuse to send anyone out. Quantex does not really have On-Site service, but they advertise their computers as including it. They sent me two monitors, both were defective. They even wanted ME to pay to ship them back to them ($50). The tape backup has never worked, two floppy drives have been bad, they sent me a defective mouse, the keyboard is the flimsiest I've ever seen, the hard drive is crap, the machine consistently overheats, and I can always count on a steady stream of GPF's, Invalid Page Faults, disk errors, and an otherwise staggering array of innumerable problems for which Quantex is not only totally clueless about, but simply refuses to do anything about as well. Their Tech Support is a **complete** joke and their replies sometimes leave me absolutely speechless in their stupidity (standard answer to anything is: you have a virus and you'll have to format your hard drive"). This is assuming you can even get through to them though - and their average call-return time is 2-3 weeks. They claim their computers are made of high-quality parts, but in reality they are so cheaply made that I was shocked to find out that there were actually computer parts made so poorly. They can't even keep their story straight on why they are refusing on-site service. What they want me to do is pay to have the PC shipped to them so they can keep it for an indefinite period of time and replace everything with used parts salvaged from other computers. In fact they were one of a few companies that actually admitted to doing this in the June(?) '96 issue of PC World. Additionally, a couple weeks ago I received a solicitation letter from them wanting another $200 to extend my "On-Site Warranty" which went on to describe how I had been "enjoying" having On-Site service for the past year and how my On-Siite service completely covered me in the case of ANY problems arising from my system. The people there are by far, without a doubt, most certainly the *RUDEST* people I have *ever* run across in my entire life!! They are so bad that I stopped calling Tech Support and Customer Service because it was just making a horrendous situation even worse. One woman there went completely hysterical on me, screaming, throwing the phone down, all for no reason whatsoever. This is another story in itself though. So I complained to the Better Business Bureau and the Dept. of Consumer Affairs, and was told that I'm one of many people that have had problems with Quantex. Quantex doesn't even have the decency to respond to written letters though (and they just summarily ignore phone calls). The Dept. of Consumer Affairs called Quantex in to interview them about all of the complaints that had been filed against them but they refused to do anything about resolving my probleems other than having me pay to send the computer to them to keep for however long they felt like having it. If I do send it to them, they state that they can't be responsible for the safe-keeping of the system while in their custody, and won't be held responsible if for some reason they decide to format the hard drives and erase whatever data I now have left. But the tape backup drives don't work so I can't back anything up on them. They told me that I was most likely going have to sue Quantex, but that I would probably have to go to New Jersey to do it, and I'm in California. Well anyway, this isn't the 60-page version, but I'm thinking of putting up a website describing my Quantex experience. Any suggestions on this matter? Let me know if you have any... Thanks, Preston Ward From NYspcman@ix.network.comTue Sep 24 02:23:49 1996 Date: Fri, 20 Sep 1996 03:09:41 -0400 From: "Christopher C. Schwartz" To: pavel@CS.Cornell.EDU Subject: Quantex I've had my QP5/166 SM2/C for about 2 months now......so far so good. I've read all the notes about tech support. My experience with it has been very good...but...I haven't even bothered to try online ( my friends had all ready told me to forget it ! ). You really have to call them on the phone during the time span of 7 hours from 9am to 4 pm EST....and I do mean 4pm, not 4:03 ! ( I think they must all run out off the building in as one mad heard at exactly 4pm. Once in a blue moon you can find someone there later...but not very often ! This is really bad news for those of you on the west coast. :( Now for the good news....I love it ! It is fast ( well I did ask them to put in 4 megs of video ram instead of the 2 that came with it ), but as for the modem..a 33.6 CPI, yes it's rpi, but who cares as long as it is fast and not giving me any problems, and the sound card is okay for now. The keyboard was something else....but it gave me a reason to go shopping in my favorite electronics rippoff joint ! From c608233@cclabs.missouri.eduTue Sep 24 02:24:43 1996 Date: Tue, 24 Sep 1996 01:11:34 -0400 From: Xiaoqing Sun To: pavel@CS.Cornell.EDU Subject: Knowledgeable tech support? Hi, Everyone. I have had very bad experience with Quantex tech. support and customer service. I bought a system from Quantex. Within a year, mouse was broken, modem is not working or com2, two monitors were replaced. The attitude of customer service was bad. Tech. support is not knowledgeable at all. On one of CD's coming with the system with a value of $15.00, one file is not readible. A person from tech. support was trying to solve the problem for 3 hours. I am not a computer expert. I know that if a file on a CD is not readible, the CD drive is not likely having problems. Quantex technical support still could not explain why the modem is not working on com2. Nothingelse is using com2. Quantex technical support is not reachable(not close to unreachable). They only call you back if the problem has been solved. Incoming call management is stupid. After you have been on the line for 10 mins, you are kicked out of the queue. Probably, they should optimize the toll and hiring more tech support personnel. To be fair, my recent experience with the tech support was better than it was few months ago. X. Sun From: Tarnovo@aol.com Date: Mon, 21 Oct 1996 23:11:28 -0400 To: pavel@CS.Cornell.EDU Subject: Quantex Shipment Delays I can't rate my Quantex system since I haven't yet received it 4 weeks after ordering it. I was promised a 2 week burn-in period, but now every time I call them (and it takes dozens of attempts to actually speak to someone) I have my delivery date pushed back again. Do you know if it's possible to cancel the order prior to shipment? Thanks. David A. DeMello San Francisco, CA From seabee74@essex1.com Mon Oct 28 21:32:23 1996 Date: Mon, 28 Oct 1996 20:31:42 -0600 From: "Glenn N. Wallin" Subject: tech support I am so far pleased with the operation of the new QP5/133 M-4. However, I have had reason to ask several questions and just can't seem to get through to the support number.It rings and finally an operator will come on and tell me to call back later. This has happened 6 times in a row calling at different times and is getting to be very irritating. I feel that they need to put on more operators. Service is the name of the game . My last computer (AT&T Globalyst) provided a tech support that was very good. There was always a human on the other end who seemed to know what was happening and all were very helpful. Bottom line; I like this computer but wish I had my old tech support! G. wallin Dixon, Il From: Mingsheng Luo (Mingsheng.Luo@Eng.Auburn.EDU) Date: Sun, 3 Nov 1996 20:51:20 -0600 To: pavel@CS.Cornell.EDU Subject: My experience with Quantex I should say Quantex tech support is pretty good compared with other companies which let you pay much more for a PC system. I am not saying Quantex service is perfect. I had no problem reaching the tech. support representatives, almost everytime I successfully got a reply with minutes. Everyone was very polite and patient with me. They are generally knowledgable, except one problem with my system-- the MS phone/FAX, or the phone "Operator Agent", the program can't work till now, it always gave a message"insufficient memory", while I close all the programs and files, and tried to send FAX to the system from outside, the manual requires only 8 MB, my system got 16 MB there. I have made more than 10 calls, still nobody can solve the problem till now. I wish I'll solve it tomorrow. My PC was bought in September, only a few days before a price drop, from this review site, I heard that they may give some refund for the new system bouhgt within 30 days, and some friends even "tested" so. So I tried that out, 2 representative answered my calls, one said "Yes", the other said "NO", the one said "yes" asked me fax to "some office to estimate the refund, I did so, but never get a reply till now. Anyway, I am satisfied with their system, considering the price I paid, and I should say the cust. service is very good too. I don't think it's fair to expect every one in such company to be "very very very knowledgable", I understand the problem they are asked may sometimes very frustrating, or very rare, in such case, you shouldn't blame them for the delayed solution. So I wish Quantex can keep the good services records and do a better business. M. Luo Auburn University Nov. 3 1996 Subject: Quantex Microsystems Date: Wed, 05 Mar 1997 16:06:59 -0500 From: Rob Hirdt (rjhirdt@walrus.com) To: pavel@CS.Cornell.EDU Hi, just wanted to add my two cents about Quantex. I bought a QP5/75 in November '95, it arrived when they said it would TO THE EXACT DAY. I had it up and running perfectly in about 30 minutes and never had a problem with it until about a month ago, when the Western Digital Caviar hard drive started acting very funky. The system was locking up, sometimes in the midst of running something, sometimes as I re-booted. I messed around, trying to see if I could fix things myself, and I wound up making things worse (a lot worse - I lost both my HD controller and FD controller - can you say SCREWED?) Anyway, I called their tech support, whom I must say I reached every single time I called them. They were great. Tech support helped me get control of my drives back, then sent me to software support, who told me they thought I had a virus. I still couldn't get to most of my software, most importantly my virus cleaner, so they sent me one on floppy, overnight. That cleaned out my system, but I still couldn't reinstall Windows due to another (physical, it turns out) problem with my hard drive. I was out of warranty, but they referred me to Western Digital (the drive itself was still under warranty). Western Digital allowed me to trade-in/trade-up the defective drive, so I got a brand spanking new 2.5G hard drive for next to nothing (my old drive was 850M). Anyway, I installed the new drive, reinstalled Windows, and all is well. I've since added 16MB ram, and my next upgrade is a Pentium overdrive chip. I've had nothing but good experiences with Quantex, and I'd recommend them to anyone in the market for a new machine. Date: Fri, 14 Mar 1997 17:18:30 -0500 From: doug lovegren To: pavel@CS.Cornell.EDU I have owned my Quantex computer for about four years and have had no problems with it. I use it to run large CAD programs (Microstation,Autocad, and Datacad) They all run with no problem. I always recomend them to people who are looking for the best price and high quality. My close friend recently ordered their highest system. I think it was a Pro 200 with 64 megs of ram and 4 meg of VRAM with a princton graphics EO17 (same one I have), he has no complaint so far and is really happy that I told him about Quantex. Most of the high volume companies have crappy tech support and there are always going to be horror stories about any company that sells any product. I am planning to purchase a Pro 200 very soon, and knowing about Quantex saves me a lot of time looking through the CSG. Subject: Oldie but a goodie! Date: Wed, 19 Mar 1997 14:59:02 -0800 From: Joel Embry I bought a Quantex P75 January of '95 I believe. I haven't had one problem with it except for the modem not working well, but I've had just as many problems with the US Robotics 28.8 that I replaced it with. I think it's just my lack of knowledge of how a modem is set up and run. The few times I called tech support, I got through and the person was very nice and helpful and quickly solved my problem. This was a while back though. I've had the computer for two years with no problems and the price was $300 to $800 less than anything else with the same equipment. I couldn't pass the deal up. I'm thinking about going back to get a Pentium Pro 200, but I've read in PC World (about six months ago) that the service and reliability has gone downhill. I bought it in the first place on the fact that Quantex was always in the top 20 in PC World. I haven't looked lately. Joel Embry Subject: Quantex Purchase Date: Tue, 01 Apr 1997 21:25:51 -0600 From: KIrk Simmons I recently bout a Quantex QP5 SM200 MMX machine. I received my order about a week earlier than expected. Every thing was very weel packaged and was easy to set up. When I unloaded my Mag DX700T monitor I noticed that the case was cracked. It worked fine, just cracked. I called Customer service the next morning explained the problem and they told me they would have someone from the returns department call me back. Yah right! To my amasement a got a call back within 10 minutes. I had the new monitor within two days and I sent the bad one back on Quantex's nickel. A couple of days ago I began having trouble with the CPI 33.6 modem that came with my computer. This piece of crap won't stay connected. I called tech support with some difficulty but had to wait much less than I did with Packard Bell. The tech though that the Modem might be flaky and offered me credit on a modem of my choice or would send me a replacement. Quantex stands behind their stuff. I decided to give the CPI modem one more chance. I would like feedback from anyone on their experience with CPI. I ahve no problem with Quantex. I love my machine, but not the modem. Date: Sat, 05 Apr 1997 01:38:48 -0800 From: Nancy Kramer Had my Quantex p90 about two years now. Never any problem even with the no name 14.4 modem that came with it. That modem was removed in perfect working condition when I upgraded to 28.8. Some friends of ours bought one of their computers Christmas before last on our recommendation. They have also never had any problems and their children love it. Nancy Kramer PS Dell will only give you 30 days free support. Quantex has free lifetime support and I have been very pleased with it. Subject: Quantex 150 Date: Sun, 06 Apr 1997 00:59:27 -0600 From: Cristoforo Albertini After 8 months I am relatively satisfied. About the service: My machine made some noise. I called support. They made me ship the computer back (Fedexp at their expense). They replaced the motherboard and the sound card. After a week the noise started again. I complained again. They made me ship it back again. They changed the power supply. After a few days the noise started again. (It could be the hard drive) The computer works OK. The noise lasts about ten minutes then stops. I have given up. They didn't solve my problem, but they were decent to me. Subject: Quantex Date: Sat, 03 May 1997 22:45:46 -0400 From: Alex Yershov To: pavel@CS.Cornell.EDU The system (P-166) arrived as ordered with a slight delay, although instead of MAG they gave me Princeton graphics. The monitor is great, though. Tech suppport is responsive and helpful. Yes, they have some kind of a problem with the noise (not too bad, comes and goes, I think it's the CD-ROM drive). I would buy from them again and recommend them to others. Subject: Quantex Crap Date: Wed, 07 May 1997 21:32:52 -0400 From: Michael Baldauff To: pavel@CS.Cornell.EDU I have had a lot of problems with the modem the soundcard and high resolution with the video card. The aggravation is not worth the so called savings. I've had the system a year and 1/2 and hven't got any of the problems resolved. I wanted to use the computer as an answering machine but problems with the modem cause to to lock up and leave the phone off the hook. Good luck. Date: Tue, 13 May 1997 21:07:05 -0400 (EDT) To: pavel@CS.Cornell.EDU Subject: Quantex QP5/200 SM-3 I received my new Quantex QP5/200 SM-3 on April 30, 1997. This is an awesome machine. Chose it over the comparable Dell and Micron based on price, hardware, and bundled software. Price was excellent. No bugs in 2 weeks of intense use. The response to my one minor tech support question was immediate without waiting -- the support guy answered the phone (no voice mail) and answered my question satisfactorily. I am extremely satisfied with the purchase. David Schaffer Date: Fri, 11 Jul 1997 14:26:40 -0500 Reply-To: cen144427@centuryinter.net Organization: CENTURYinter.net To: pavel@CS.Cornell.EDU Subject: Service Contract. BUYERS BEWARE!! THE QUANTEX AND GE SERVICE CONTRACT IS A RIP OFF!!!! First let me tell you what you get for $199.95. Call 1 800 777-0809. That's the number for getting service. See if you can get through!!! NOW THE WHOLE STORY. I received an offer from Quantex for a GE Service contract. They asked for the money in advance and I could get a refund anytime before July 8 when the contract took effect. I mailed a check. They cashed it on May 22. Ten days later I received the legal contract with big GE logos everywhere. When I read the small print I didn't like it. I called Quantex and I told them that I wanted My money back. They told me to contact GE. I called the GE number on the contract. They gave me another GE number. I called. "No problem," she told me. Write us a letter with your request and you will get your money back. On July 9 (23 days later and the day after the expiration of my option) GE sent back my letter with a note telling me that I should send my request to the agent I bought the contract from. Quantex has no record, but during one of my call someone told me that they had sold my contract to CMG. I never heard of CGM. I thought I was dealing with GE. They gave me their number. I called it and CGM told me that my option had expired. Since then Quantex, GE, and CGM have been playing ping pong with me. (I am amazed at GE callousness.) I will pursue the matter with the consumer protection agencies, the Postal Service and I hope to find a lawyer that would take the case on a contingency basis. I hope I have been of some help. I WOULD WELCOME SOME LEGAL HELP. FEEL FREE TO E-MAIL SUGGESTIONS. --------------------------- Mr. Pavel, I am the person who sent you the complaint about the Quantex-GE service contract. My name is Chris Albertini 202 Ruby Ln. Horseshoe Bend AR. 72512 (870) 6704172 My e-mail is: achriscenturyinter.net I am poorly versed in computers, but there is an error in my Id number. My id number is:cen14427 From: tl102761@mwci.net To: Subject: Quantex Date: Tue, 15 Jul 1997 13:52:34 -0500 I have a Quantex system,so far I like it. When I have a problem they take care of it.Sometimes it takes awhile to get through,but that's the way it is with most tech or service departments. I would recommend Quantex for the price and the components. Where can you get a system like these that include a monitor(a Mag monitor at that) ? I like my Quantex, Ted