Left Out in the Cold

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TimWang · #1 Post by **TimWang** » Mon Feb 28, 2005 6:02 pm

I tried placing an order today with IBM Canada division and it they informed me that the 2373M3U wasn't a model availiable to Canadians. I then asked the customer service guy if they had a similar model for Canadians with 14.1', SXGA+, Radeon 9600, Bluetooth, Integrated Finger Print Reader, but he immediately replied with a sternly spoken "NO". For those Canadians shoppers out there, is there any possible way for me to get a laptop with similar specs?

In conclusion, I am very disappointed in the Canadian branch and I hope I dont have to travel all the way to the United States to get a laptop.

dfumento · #2 Post by **dfumento** » Mon Feb 28, 2005 6:10 pm

Sorry to hear your trouble. Try calling again and ask to speak with a supervisor.

syhead · #3 Post by **syhead** » Mon Feb 28, 2005 6:16 pm

yes, we have fewer options in Canada... that's why I got my T42 from the US. I got the FVU. I paid less taxes and took advantage of the strong CDN dollar.

Have you considered checking with Bill how for much he could get a FVU for you? You could check on ebay too, but be careful and make sure you have at least a 1-year warranty from IBM.

p.s.: I'm mentioning the FVU just in case the fingerprint reader and bt are not essential for you.

TimWang · #4 Post by **TimWang** » Mon Feb 28, 2005 6:16 pm

Well, my major problem is that the Canadian IBM seems to have few T42 models. I can understand the reason why US doesn't want to ship to Canada because they dont want to steal profits form the Canadian business but if there is a model that is only provided in the US, IBM Canada should place a special order for that model. Isn't this what the free trade agreement was for?

syhead · #5 Post by **syhead** » Mon Feb 28, 2005 6:21 pm

TimWang wrote:Well, my major problem is that the Canadian IBM seems to have few T42 models. I can understand the reason why US doesn't want to ship to Canada because they dont want to steal profits form the Canadian business but if there is a model that is only provided in the US, IBM Canada should place a special order for that model. Isn't this what the free trade agreement was for?

one way to go around that is getting it from a dealer in the US, Bill, ebay, etc... I paid CDN$120 when I imported a T42 for US$1450 from the US. Not bad since I would have to pay 13% in taxes buying from IBM.ca (PST + GST).

I think I got a very good deal, because I got an additional 256mb of RAM and a, additional 3-year warranty (not from IBM though

). I still got the standard 1year warranty from IBM.

TimWang · #6 Post by **TimWang** » Mon Feb 28, 2005 6:29 pm

So, if I give Bill a model number and a shipping address, will he be able to order it from the US and re-ship it to me in Canada? Also, will warranty be an issue? I am going off to University in Sept. and I really would like a reliable warranty.

P.S. I also dislike having to pay the taxes (its 15% here in Ontario), but, that's the price of being Canadian I guess.

syhead · #7 Post by **syhead** » Mon Feb 28, 2005 6:55 pm

I don't mind paying the taxes either, I like our system. But I do mind not having as many options and they have in the US!

I don't know where the laptop would be coming from in case you buy from Bill. Check with him... and then check if different import duties apply in case it does not come from the US...

Tan Mann · #8 Post by **Tan Mann** » Mon Feb 28, 2005 7:56 pm

TimWang wrote:Well, my major problem is that the Canadian IBM seems to have few T42 models. I can understand the reason why US doesn't want to ship to Canada because they dont want to steal profits form the Canadian business but if there is a model that is only provided in the US, IBM Canada should place a special order for that model. Isn't this what the free trade agreement was for?

You are so so right...I have purchased about 8 T42 from the US(I am in Canada) simply because the price is much better(even after NY State tax of 8%) and the choices available are so much better!

Give IBM US a call, ask them to ship to your US address...what US Address you ask???

Try this:

US Address Mail Box Rentals
3909 Witmer Road
Niagara Falls
NY 1405-1244
Ph. # 1-716-298-1822
Fax # 1-716-298-5502

They will allow for 1-time drops for $5.00!
You will ahev to setup this address as a "ALTERNATE ADDRESS" for your credit card...That card will have to be Mastercard(according to IBM US) .Call your Mastercard customer service people.

You order up your Thinkpad, pay an 8% NY Stat Tax and wait...when your Thinkpad is at the address above, they will call/email you and you drive there(short trip), pay $5.00 and pickup notebook.

You come back to Canada, lie about what you have and NOT pay GST and PST(if you have balls of steel) if the Customs person believes you...or do the legal thing and pay the GST and PST and come back home a very happy camper know that you are getting EXACTLY the Thinkpad that you want.

I am exceedingly disappointed with IBM Canada with their brutal manner in dealing with Canadian customers in terms of pricing and selection.

As far as I am concerned, when you think Thinkpads, think IBM US...they are more than happy to take your money.

By the way, the US EZ Serv Warranty is perfectly valid in Canada. No fear there.

I am very very happy with IBM US.

Sorry about this rant-like nature of this posting...I hope this helps any Canadians out there who are tired of the abysmal treatment by IBM Canada.

By the way, my latest transaction...
1 of 2373M3U Estimated Ship Date: 03/14/05 $1,539.85 USD + NY Tax = $1,666.88 USD.

Not a bad deal on this unit! Try getting this in Canada...Jeez!

Oh yeah, when you talk to IBM US, you are actually talking to a dude(ss) in Toronto...How's that for ironic!

Tan Mann

Left Out in the Cold

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