davidbrierley@LYNX.NORTHEASTERN.EDU (01/16/89)
I too don't recommend buying Sears appliances, that is, appliances which bear the Sears/Kenmore name. As far as I can tell there is no separate manufacturing agreement between Laser and Sears. The word Sears does not appear on the Laser computer, packaging, literature, or warrantee. Sears sends defective models back to Video Technology, the manufacturer - not to its own repair center. Also, considering that other chains (i.e. Lechmere) now sell the Laser 128 I doubt that the company makes "special store" models. You could always call Laser at their toll-free technical support number at 1-800-551-5742 to find out more. You could still order by mail, which is usually less expensive (but time consuming). Remember, however, that there are risks. One is that warrantees are usually voided by damage caused during shipping. Also, if you order by mail and you receive a defective model you must mail it back (after obtaining what is called a "return authorization number"). The Laser warrantee says that if the model is replaced, the originall warrantee holds or is extended for 30 days, whichever is greater. This is a normal policy and it means that if you send back a computer by mail, much of your warrantee time will be used up because it will take several weeks for replacement (regardless of whether you send it back to the company from which you ordered it or to the manufacturer). If the replacement is defective, you will then have little time left in your warrantee left (although you will have some) to act. By obtaining your machine from a store, you get the benefit of being able to return a defectve model (if its still under the 90 day warrantee) and having it replaced immediately - I know sears does this, and I think Lechmere does it, too. Internet: davidbrierley@lynx.northeastern.edu