Defective product combined with terrible customer service ruins it all. Avoid Lenovo.
For long, the name IBM has been associated with quality, service and reliability. So when Lenovo bought out the PC division from IBM, certainly many eyebrows were raised, with questions about whether this would impact their QSR (Quality-Service-Reliability) metrics. I did not think up till this point that it would change, but I am quite sadly mistaken. My experience over the past two weeks working on Lenovo laptops and working with their representatives, right from call center people to high-profile men in leading positions like "VP of Web Marketing", has been nothing short of painful, with general sense of I-don't-really-know-what-you-are-talking-about attitude displayed by all and sundry. Given that Lenovo now also markets Thinkpads, one wonders how long will it be before Thinkpads reach the trash-bin too.…
Article comments
26 - Sm!tH
I purchased the lenovo 3000 N100. I hate the Wireless System of Lenovo because of disconnect from Internet often.Sometime, Wireless does not detect any wireless network even though Wireless button is ON. So, I have to make diagnose and repair many times. Sometime, I have to restart my Computer. So, it is really bad for wireless connnection.
27 - Priya
i thought of buying a lenovo 3000 N100.Thank god i read all your reviews.I dropped my idea of buying Lenovo.Please suggest a good one.
28 - krs
Worth every penny. Works excellent! Test winner/very good rankings on 10-15 different notebook rewiev sites. Cons: short battery life, PCMCIA slot instead of Express Card. I just love this one. recommended!
29 - Javila
Hey, recentlly I purchased a Lenovo N100, 0769-A49. Fisrt problem, only have Vista and no XP. Second one, when I install XP, every time I connect a USB device and press any key the USB is disconnected. I've reinstalled the SO but allways the same problem. The support of Lenovo, in Argentina, only have one solution do an upgrade to bios.
After a lot of calls to sopport, I found this page. In this page Zimo (the rock) have a solution for my problem. I don't know if this resolve your problem, but what can you loose?. Try it.
30 - 96rt10
Dennis: I have been in IT for about 10 years, in various roles. The winxp driver on their website does not work with a clean install of winxp. Windows says the driver is for different hardware, and won't start. The response from their tech support is (as always) "format/reinstall from the restore disc". I informed him that I didn't want to use the restore disc because I didn't want to use Vista. Even if I did have the XP restore disc, I would rather do a fresh install because I don't like trialware. He said "well then there is nothing we can do". Good old American apathy.
It's cool that their tech support is in the US - at least you can understand what they're saying - but if they're reading from the same scripts then it doesn't matter where they're located, it's just as useless.
31 - A Qureishi
Purchased a Lenovo 3000 N100 last year for my daughter. Generally speaking the quality of the laptop for the price paid seemed okay, even though the physical quality of the laptop is certainly inferior. For example, the letters from the keyboard have been wiped out twice. I was able to have the keyboard replaced before it's warranty expired -- however after another 3 months of casual use, the lettering from the keyboard has been wiped off. And today the power adapter has given up. No longer able to charge the laptop.
The laptop is out of warranty after a year -- so I guess I will have to shell out money to have the keyboard replaced again and to purchase another AC adapter. I own a ThinkPad T40 and have used it for almost 8 to 10 hours per day for the last few years, never had a problem with it.I was looking at purchasing a T60 in the next few months but I have my reservations now after reading other owners reviews.
32 - vash
Some interesting comments here already . My sound card for brand new 3000 N100 wont work no matter what I do . I have spent more than 1 month trying to get it to work already .
This Blog Gave me the answer finally : The sound card will never work .
People who need to know my background rather check Lennovo's . It is Chinese .
What surprises me is the fact that how can 3000 n100 ( thats what I have )be introduced in 2007 !! . If the year was 2000 , I wouldnt have been surprised .
Any body who is short of funds for a good laptop need not fall in for lennovo's ( meant only for sale in Office Depot) since these laptops will only make u loose more money / time / energy eventually .
33 - pooledge
it's not a review it's your bad luck.
do not use vista, do use powerbooks.
34 - lenovo owner
I got a T60 not too long ago, All I can say so far is that it's a bit slow, and I am upset that there is no longer a true IBM thinkpad.
Same thing happens with all great products, does anyone remember the AT&T Paradyne modems? Awesome equipment.. And then a company called paradyne bought that part of AT&T's company and turned it into a junk factory..
35 - bliffle
I'm using a T60 right now. I got it because I figure it's the last IBM Thinkpad. I don't know what to do for a laptop in the future. I was prepared to switch to Mac, but this is a better machine and with linux it's a better all-round system with really competitive possibilities.
36 - Mark
Others have said it; what can I add more? My 3000 N100 is a constant reminder of a poor decision. I bought my "Lemonovu" the end of Feb 07. Eight days later IBM asked me to send it to the service center. No repair, but some replaced parts (that didn't make a difference to its operation). Vista was blamed by IBM and Microsoft blames Lenovo. IBM kept me dangling until the return policy for Circuit City had expired and then suggested I return the machine to them as IBM would not fix the many problems. Even though the machine was out of coverage, Circuit City made an exception and gave me a new machine. It went to a service center 10 days after opening it. Vista does not seem to be compatable with my Lenovo. Wireless card works occasionally. Sound card has stopped working. And I am left with a tangible reminder that I made an $800 dollar mistake. At least these blogs confirm that it isn't me. Thanks for all the posts.
37 - Drawyan
It seems a lot of ppl having problems with lenovo 3000 N100. I own one N100 from one and half years ago, and it's great, Not because of its quality, but the ratio of quality and price. I don't think I could get such high configuration from other brands , and 3000 N100 series is aiming on the ppl who don't have much money for a GREAT laptop, like students. I don't think the N100 let me down at all, cuz it worked so well for one and half years. The only problem is the battery, but when i called Lenovo customer service, they just sent me another new battery without any delay. I really appreciate it. And i think i bought the right brand and the right product for my college life, and my next goal is a Lenovo T61.
38 - Yuval
What's the best laptop to purchase.
I don't care much about portability.
I do care about speed and few crashes and errors.
39 - Sarah
SARAH CRAWFORD
December 13, 2007
International Business Machines Corp.
New Orchard Road
Armonk, NY 10504
Dear Corporate Headquarters,
I am a recent purchaser of the Think Centre operating system. Until recently, I was very satisfied with my decision. I am a single mother of two young children and purchasing a home computer takes very crafty budgeting. This was a well thought out decision.
Unfortunately upon receiving my computer and hooking it up, I ran into a problem. My monitor only wanted to give me a no signal message. I promptly called for technical support. As I myself work in a call center for the state of Ohio, I trusted that I would receive polite and courteous guidance throughout my call. I was very wrong in my assumption.
I began my quest by calling the Atlanta, GA call center for technical support on Friday evening. After selecting my options, I was transferred to them from a main number. This first gentleman that I encountered on the phone seemed to be polite at first. I explained to him that I purchased a new system through my work and that I could not get it to operate. I asked him to walk me through the hookups one more time to be sure that it was not my error. As he walked me through the steps he became rude and offensive. I asked him if there was a problem and he continued to laugh at me and say, “You don’t even know how to hook up your computer?”. Needless to say I ended that call. I do not feel I should have to be ridiculed if I lacked the proper computer terminology to express my problem. I was just trying to make sure that I had a valid concern and that I did not create the error message.
Upon calling back, I was again transferred to the Atlanta call center and reached a representative by the name of Jerome. I explained to him my computer problem and told him of my previous call. He said he would transfer me to someone who would assist me. Much to my astonishment I was transferred to the same individual that I just spoke with. I told him that I work in a call center myself and I just needed a little assistance. He immediately started laughing so I, again, terminated the call.
I tried my luck the following day, and was again transferred to the call center in Atlanta. Needless to say I was not looking forward to it. This time I can not be sure if I reached the same individual or not. It sounded almost exactly like him. Once on the phone with this “new” representative, I explained what the problem was. Once we went through all the initial hookups again and still had the same problem. That’s right, I am not an idiot. I each time I hooked up my computer I was doing it correctly. I guess I do know how to do that after all.
Now we can get to the problem. I was asked to look at the back of my monitor and provide the model type. Upon doing this I was met with frustration and hostility. I was not giving him the correct number. He told me that I was not looking in the correct spot. I explained to him that I was sure if they manufactured the monitor. I bought a package deal through my work that my have bought a different monitor. I tried to explain to him the V7 logo on the front of my monitor and asked him if that was a Lenovo or IBM logo. He said with absolute frustration to just look at the back of the monitor and read the numbers. I again read off everything that was on the back the monitor. At this point the gentleman’s irritation with me reached a boiling point and he called my stupid.
I came to learn, after calling information and tracking the address via Fed Ex, I found that I was right the monitor they did not make and therefore could not provide me assistance on it. After speaking with them, I ran my monitor through my fathers laptop and discovered that the monitor did not have an issue. This would bring us back to your hardware, and yes, your call center. How else could I schedule a technician to come out to my house. It was pretty apparent to me that the problem was definitely with the tower. My monitor company even told me it was most likely a problem with the video card.
I called back once again to Atlanta, this time I asked for a supervisor and hoped I would be met with actual support. However, I was denied the transfer. It seems I needed another identification number or processing number to be able to get me to a supervisor. I find it a little to convenient that I could not be transferred without going through another wall of fire. I could not find a processing ID # because by this point it was now Monday and I was calling from work. I was denied transfer, denied a corporate phone number and address, and also denied to be transferred back in to technical support.
On my last attempt, I said absolutely nothing to the call center representative. I told them to send a technician and if the problem was not with the hardware then I would pay for his visit. Sure enough, after I was visited by a technician the problem was found in the video card which lives in the motherboard. This was replaced upon the technicians visit.
I pride myself as a professional, but I do know what it is like to deal with the general public on the phone all day. If I can deal with sexual oriented offenders, felons, and drunks, trying to reinstate their drivers licenses and still be professional, then I don’t see any reason why a company that I purchased $1400 worth of equipment from can’t at least pretend to care. I would have preferred my initial call to result in an order for a technician. At least I could have spent more time with my children over my weekend before I had to go back to work.
I would hope that someone would take a closer look over the calls being made to that call center in Atlanta. Every call center that I have worked in has had some sort of accountability system. Whether it be monthly monitors or a stern talking to over complaints received, something should be done. I work for the main office of the Bureau of Motor Vehicles and trust me we have a lot of employees. I have been asked what I thought of the program and unfortunately I have no good experiences to relate.
In closing, I am extremely not pleased with the service that I was provided. The only good thing that they did was send a sub-contracted technician to my house who was very nice. I can definitely say at this point, you have lost this customer and the rate your headed, are soon to lose many others.
Sincerely,
Sarah Crawford
Customer Service Assistant 2
Department of Public Safety
40 - Amit
I bought Lenovo 3000-N100 its just works fine.......i love it..........
41 - Will
Lenovo N100
Q: Want a surprise?
A: Try PCLinuxOS MiniME (Live) distro. It just came out second week of January and it is very nice on the N100.
Also try Knoppix 5.1.1 CD with "noagp" option, it works too.
42 - test1
being in software field for several years, i bought lenovo after the name ibm. i repent daily by buying and spent some $680+ in ebay. This wont allow me to expand memory more than 1.5Gig.
I also had trouble in sound card(but figured out by download driver from realtek, it worked!!).
Vista on this lenovo is not at all acceptble.
43 - Richard
I have now had my Lenovo 3000 N100 for over a year, in that time it is on constantly, I use it for everything, business, hooking up to my TV to stream my SlingBox, music, etc and I must admit I have been impressed....in the past month. Before that, it was a nightmare. The problem was down to the initial Vista install, I had to remove that, and I installed Windows XP. The sound was giving me problems, so looking at the Lenovo site a BIOS upgrade was a possible fix. I found my exact model, ran there BIOS upgrade and everything was fine....
Apart from the fact Lenovo screwed up, they put the wrong BIOS on the site for my laptop! Nightmare! Sound worked but the headphone socket didn't, along with the USB, everytime I plugged something in a hit the keyboard, it disconnected. Calls and calls to tech support, no one had a clue about the problem, plus no one was any real help as they didn't support XP with this laptop. New BIOS upgrades were posted to the site but they would not work.
Just a month a go I found a lot of users with the same problem on the same laptop, one clever user found an old BIOS which worked much better, posted that, and now the laptop runs without a problem! I am actually happy with the build, keyboard is great as is the display, just the support is so poor.
I believe its all down to cost, I remember spending a large sum of cash on a Texas Instruments 486 laptop, the build quality was great, support was excellent, just a great, all round machine. Now with more laptops being products and a more competitive market I find that a lot of corners are being cust just to be cheaper than the next guy. Not good.
44 - bliffle
Yuval sez: "#38 " December 8, 2007 @ 06:20AM " Yuval
What's the best laptop to purchase.
I don't care much about portability.
I do care about speed and few crashes and errors."
I picked up an IBM/Lenova thinkpad T60 on eBay for $700, used but like new, no scratches, no problems, 17" LCD, 80gb, 2gb. I did it by careful shopping and inquiries. Took about a week to get the good one.
It's fast enoughh to show HDTV from a USB HDTV stick, has never crashed. I have latest XP and ubuntu in a dual-boot setup.
Not one problem with this computer. Run it for long periods every day. Best laptop keyboard since my old TP600. It's a little heavier and wider than my old t40, but that's OK.
45 - bliffle
KNoppix and PCLinuxOS both have good reps for running on 'difficult' machines.
46 - Bader
I too have a problem with the wireless internet! It doesnt work!
Oh, I wish I read your review before I bought this laptop :(
47 - bliffle
People with wireless problems, especially with laptops, should look into replacing the 3945 miniPCI card, which you can get for about $20-30 on ebay. You have to get the right one, and HP and IBM systems require the "express" version. There's a guy on ebay whose entire business is based on replacing these things. Check it out.
The 3945 controls the wireless and the LAN and it can cause your CPU to run slow and haltingly.
48 - Michelle
Battery was replaced during warranty. System crashed after warranty. Seems like junk to me.
49 - D.
I agree with original poster.....I have a lenovo 3000 n100 too that is a piece of junk. But it is the best dam DVD player for travel and a bargain at $900 new. I got mine at officeless depot and it was sooooo loaded with 'extra value added' software, I had to uninstall most of it so the machine was at least somewhat usable after powering it on and waiting 20 minutes to load up.
Then to add insult to injury, it came with VISTA. Vista is more junkier than lenovo. And 2 pieces of junk make for a really big pile of garbage! Save your money, get Dell or Acer.
50 - Fabricio
Guys I totally agree with you. I bought a Lenovo 3000 N100 and i've never ever seen a worst laptop that this junk. In less than a year 2 big issues happened, LCD display stopped working and now the battery is no charging anymore as well as the keyboard. I have to use a external usb keyboard to typing.
Lenovo, you are CRAP!!!! $900 directly to garbage, thanks for taking my year-savings
51 - kashif
i buy lenove 3000 n 100 with core 2 duo T2300 E
in late 2006. and till now its working perfect. i m using deul Os XP and vista and both windows running perfectly. Not any serious error. but when its goes to sleep mode then when u come 2 normal mode then lcd did't work so i did't allow my laptop to sleep so its always awak.
other issu is they did't provide any kind of backup cd and drivers. but All drivers are available on lenove website. IBM send OS cd on request with in warenty but y not give cd on purchase as when we are paying for OS then y we don't have that.......
OtherWise machine is super i love lenove and i will keep loving and using it
52 - Richelle
Just wanted to say thank you. I was going to buy an IBM, but now that I've read this and a bunch of other reviews, I think I'll go somewhere else.
53 - milton
My Lenovo 3000 N 100 was bought one year ago and now the battery is " dead", the A/C adapter is broken and the computer gets hot very soon and shuts down by itself unexpectedly. i regret i spent a huge amount for this computer!
54 - JAIDEEP KAR
MY RECOVERY IS NOT WORKING & SPEED OF MY LAPTOP HAS GONE WORST
55 - Marcus
My 3000 n100 has this funny problem that's cropped up recently... it will 'lag' periodically regardless of what I'm doing. The screenw ill just hang/freeze and I have to wait for a good 20s usually before things get moving again but this time with some jerkiness and delay to anything I do...
Reformatting the computer did not make this go away ;(
56 - T.L.
I happen to really like the 3000 series. All the major components are very accessable from the bottom and upgrading has been a breeze. And honestly, I'm not worried about keyboard keys that I rarely use.
To me ...they are very functional...and do have quiete a few strong points.
If you wanna point a finger......point one at the Y series.....the hinges are breaking off those puppies at an alarming rate.....they are junk.