Chapter 18 Blog- Install Linux, Void Your Netbook's Warranty?

http://www.technewsworld.com/story/Install-Linux-Void-Your-Netbooks-Warranty-69073.html?wlc=1274858030

Summary:
A man on the consumerist blog writes that he purchased a net book from Best Buy, four months later the power adapter and the touch pad becomes dysfunctional. As he takes it back to Best Buy under the Geek Squad Black Tie Protection Plan to show them the problems with the netbook the manager refuses to repair the product as the customer has installed Linux on the computer. The manager states that they will only repair it if Windows was restored. The next day the customer returns with the original Windows installed however the manager states that the installing of Linux has voided the warrantee and that it was Linux which caused the problems with the net book. Many readers online are clearly outraged and appalled by the fact that Best Buy and the Geek Squad backed out of their warrantee.

Connections:
This article is mainly revolved around the idea of a warrantee which is mentioned in the book. A warrantee is a promise by the manufacture to repair or replace items that are not properly represented of dysfunctional. However in this case the store refused to repair the dysfunctional product as it claimed the installation of Linux has caused the problems with the netbook’s power adapter and touch pad. This article also ties into customer service and how poorly the customer claims that he was treated. The company showed no empathy what so ever and backed out on their word of a warranty. This customer certainly won’t be returning for any future purchases with Best Buy and in addition has created a ripple of bad publicity for Best Buy over the internet

Reflection:
Although the story may be biased I disagree on how Best Buy would back down on their policies. They told the customer that they would only repair it if the original Window settings were restored. He brought it back the next day and yet again Best Buy created another excuse saying that the installation of Linux has permanently voided the warranty. However I do believe that there are some missing parts of the article that the customer has not shared on the blog post. It violates the law to back out of a warranty and I do not believe such a big company such as Best Buy would do so without proper grounds. However this article has brought damage to Best Buy’s reputation whether it being dubbed true or not.