55srwlgs@SACEMNET.AF.MIL ("55SRWLGS") (12/15/90)
So far, I have 23 replies to my query regarding DAK industries.
I was mainly considering the purchase of a laptop. Thanks to all who
responded. The replies would be far too numerous to post, or even to
send out via e-mail. If there is enough interest, I could maybe post
the replies to SIMTEL20.
Without doing a scientific count, or anything, I'd say that about
85% of my replies related positive experiences, even with non-PC
purchases. Many felt that the equipment was discontinued merchandise
or remarketing of very offbrand equipment, but there was general
satisfaction anyway. Several felt that the advertisements were extreme
in exaggeration and self-congratulation.
I can summarize feelings of dissatisfaction under the caveat of
"buyer beware". Although all buyers of the 386 equipment were
especially satisfied, one equipment reseller noted that DAK sold a
discontinued ZENITH micro for more than ZENITH itself was selling it
for, and at the same time.
One buyer bought a modem which wasn't as close to HAYES comatible as
he would have preferred. Many noted DAK's policy of 3O day, no
questions asked refund policy. Which this buyer was able to use.
Even satisfied customers noted that delivery, at least of PCs,
took from 7 weeks average to 3 months for the new 386. Customer
support is available via telephone, although it can be trying to get
through.
Although none of the software received within the past year has
been hopelessly outdated, there was some disappointment with
paperbound manuals, all of which were copies made, apparently by DAK,
with original manufacturer's permission, as noted in the liscense
paperwork. The software generally performed well, and up to realistic
expectations (in light of price paid to a discount mailorder firm).
DAK does provide in addition it's own setup and quick getting
started guides, for the PCs. Many were impressed with the easy set up,
and the performance of the equipment once assembled.
In summary, I'd say that DAK would be a good place for someone to
shop, providing that they're very conscientious consumers. Since the
advertising in the catalogs is liable to get you to order, be sure
that you have a good idea of what you want, and compare around for
prices available, especially from other mail-order places (such as
those listed in Computer Shopper). Then, look at the DAK catalog.
All technical specs may not be available until you have read the
entire entry, and disregarded the hype. DAK's prices may not be the
best. They have been around for about 20 years, however, and their
refund policy does seem to be good, as well as customer support.
Please note that this is my own summary of these messages. It's
not guaranteed to be perfectly definitive, or technically accurate. I
think I had a DAK catalog or two in the mail this year. I wasn't
looking to buy at the time, and so threw them away. I don't know their
address.
These messages take about 300 lines of ASCII text. I was editing
out a lot of the mail headers, but blew the session. It was still
about 175 lines, so I gave up. However, again, if there's enough
interest, and they think it worth the bother, I could place an
archived copy of the messages, minus the headers, on SIMTEL20.
Frank Starr
55srwlgs@sacemnet.af.mil