I often say that I dislike products, and I often say that I dislike companies, but I have one exception.

Sager Midern computer.

http://www.sagernotebook.com

Sager is a company that resells and “supports” computers manufactured by the Taiwanese notebook manufacturer Clevo. Clevo has a pretty good reputation in the industry for being on cutting edge of notebook technology in the gaming and graphics sector. Essentially, they will give you the newest hardware features as fast as they can after their release. Notable companies that have used their products are Falcon Northwest, Alienware, and Voodoo PC. Sager essentially sells the same products, but without flashy paint jobs, flashy advertising, or apparently almost any support.

At the time the product that they offered, which caught my eye, was the Clevo M400a / Sager 4880. Same computer, different name. This is an extremely computer because of the way it combines features. It takes a 15 inch form factor, but gives you an internal 12 cell battery, dvd burner, a Pentium m processor, and a 256 meg x700 graphics card. To the non geek, that means you can play games extremely fast, and still be able to carry it, and run it off of batteries for a while once you get to where you are going.

This is a combination that is extremely rare to find in such an audacious scope.

Unfortunately, upon purchasing it, I had two major problems. One, the construction of the computer was so poor, making it so fragile, that it would fall apart regularly under normal use even if not carried. The most evident example of this problem, was the fact that every few months, the screen latches would simply crumble, leaving the screen to flop on the table. Here is a picture.

Lets skip the spelling out of the service ordeal, you have heard it all before, and just include a few highlights of the experience.

1. They do not answer their service phone number, they insist you leave a message and claim they will return your call, which does not happen unless you get one of their resellers to call them on your behalf.

2. The one service tech I was ever able to speak to, “Alan” (from my understanding not his real name) Zhang, did not speak English above a third grade level.

3. Any structural issue with the laptop was instantly assumed to be customer abuse.

fast forward with the magic of television… and a few months later the computer was repaired.

The replacement hinges were no better, and also flopped back and fourth when in position, until they cracked, again. I made the computer a dedicated desk dweller, but eventually the power brick ceased to work, and the screen started flickering.

Back to the repair center.

Eventually it was returned repaired, despite the fact that I had purchased an extended accidental protection plan, and much frustration ensued. I purchased replacement parts, and fixed it myself.

This Sager product looked good on paper, but failed at the things that are easily the most important although least glamorous parts of notebook production.

1. Craftsmanship
2. Quality
3. Reliability
4. Customer Service
5. Honesty

But people only blog about things when they are dissatisfied right? One complaint does not mean that they are complete failures?

Wrong.

The better business bureau agrees… and gives them an “F” rating. Thats a complete failure. Here is proof.

http://www.labbb.org/BBBWeb/Forms/Business/CompanyReport_Details.aspx?CompanyID=33000135&sm=

If you are considering buying a Sager, or maybe even a Clevo computer, don’t. If you want more information, I will be glad to provide it.

If you know generally where “Alan” Zhang or any of his co-workers live, please feel free to ritually pass gas in the direction of their homes when they are downwind.

A business has two main goals.

1. Serve your consumers
2. Earn a profit

You will fail at making a profit long term if you do not not putmeeting or exceeding your consumers wants and expectations your consumers the absolute pinnacle of your priority list.

- The Digital Kitty