posted on December 8, 2000 11:38:21 AM
UPDATE: 500MHz reading
Our techs have verified that Windows ME is stating in the system control panel that the processor is a Genuine Intel Pentium III ~500 Mhz. However, the BIOS (which is completely accurate in this case) shows the processor running at the real speed of 600, 667, or 800Mhz (depending on your computer).
You can't see the BIOS reading without bypassing the splash screen that pops up (Multimedia System) which displays during the POST (ie hardware startup) thus you don't get to see the actual speed. You can do so by following the splash screen instructions at the bottom.
We haven't had this problem before, as there wasn't a splash screen. The manufacturer of the motherboard included it in the BIOS Flash update disks provided to us. We implemented them as it gave better support for the Pentium III processor. While we thought it was cool, it now causes a problem for people to properly see their computer speed.
You can download several utilities, including CPUspeed 1.0 from download.com and verify the speed of the system also.
As always you can verify the actual hardware itself by opening the system up and reading the Intel spec.
We do not overclock these systems. They do not lend themselves to overclocking in the first place. To state we purposely mislead people is an incorrect statement, and completely untrue. While our delivery times are in question and slow shipping, we have always delivered the goods equal to or greater than what was ordered.
posted on December 8, 2000 12:45:15 PM
Alien has arisen from the dead but has not commented on the listings that are outdated by 2 weeks. I ask everyone to go back to your auction page from Ebay and read their legal disclaimer at the bottom of the auction page. It states that "any outstanding orders resulting in more than 60 days will be cancelled and money will be refunded". Then "Alien Distribution, Inc. has 30 business days after cancellation either by Alien Distribution, Inc. or by bidder/buyer, in which to refund any paid money".
Regardless as to what Alien is saying now after reading this notice this could be delayed for another month. It will be at their discretion to cancel or ship orders after 60 days (which we are near) and it may be sometime in late January before a refund is given - if then. I Would love for someone to tell me that I am wrong because I am devastated!
posted on December 8, 2000 02:17:31 PM
On the subject of the outdated listing, I finally see why some people think that the auction ending in the numbers 274 is outdated. We mistakenly left the date 11/24/2000 on the page even after an update.
If one were to actually look at the list itself (perhaps hit refresh) you would see considerable amounts of tracking numbers added from that date, and many more dates.
Our mistake for leaving the outdated date, but the list is fresh.
posted on December 8, 2000 04:37:53 PM
Let's make this clear then, check the processor physically, if anyone has doubts about the speed of their processors.
You will see that we do not use 500MHz processors for anything, and never have. The unit was offered only at 600MHz and higher.
This is also not the first time Microsoft Windows has incorrectly identified a processor.
Actually, we should state our CUSTOMERS should check their processors. A third party who is not in posession of one our machines or even orderd one, and proclaims fraud at the drop of a hat, cannot accurately judge our equipment or intent.
posted on December 8, 2000 09:19:05 PM
No, I did not buy one from you Alien.
Being in the same field as you however, I do not want ebay buyers getting ripped off, because that will make them weary of buying from ME the next time.
I have done some checking, and you do not appear to be intentionally running your business this way, however, you DID oversell for your capacity, and you do make too many excuses. (it's true)
You need to grasp the fact that your customers should not be made to wait this long for a PC, since you know as well as I do that in the computer world, it is likened to buying a 2000 car in Dec 2000. No longer really "new" if you get my drift.
I will go back and make some edits to my comments, to be fair to you, and I offer you my help in trying to iron out some of these problems if you would like it.
I've been there Alien, beleive me, and you need to prioritise big time.
COMMUNICATE, COMMUNICATE, COMMUNICATE!
You would be surprised at how understanding MOST customers can be, if you just COMMUNICATE!
Set up an autoresponder, that gives alternate e-mail address's for HIGH PRIORITY, TECH SUPPORT, SHIPPING INFO, ETC.
Give a timeline of how often you check these e-mails, and how and when your responses will be delivered and can be expected.
Have form letter responses ready to send, to save time, for your most FAQ's.
Send each response letter to as many people via BCC as you need to, rather then one at a time.
Get the idea? Small things make big differences.
I may goof around alot on these boards, but I have owned many business's, and always had a "plan" to deal with such things.
posted on December 10, 2000 08:14:12 AM
I had a chance to open up the case and
the chip is a PIII 667/133/256, which is better than the chip that was stated in the auction specs. I tried going into the BIOS
and setting the bus speed to 133 and the multiplier to 5x, but it still reported a
500E chip at the boot screen. If we can
get the chipset to actually run at 133,
it will be a decent machine. Could AD please
post info on their website on how to perform
the update. I searched for a while on the net, but couldn't find anything relating to getting the intel 810 chipset running at 133. Thanks
posted on December 11, 2000 07:28:21 AM
Hello every one! i was one of the winning bidder in AD's auction. After been waiting like all of you i even filed a fraud report(not fraud claim) against them to PAYPAL so i can get my money back but finally this weekend i received my PC which is exactly the same as they described on their auction.Eventhough i have waited a LONG and have not received my speakers yet i have to admit the PC is really COOL and it is worth to wait for it. Make sure you get your UPS tracking number from them ASAP. And you do not need to buy a black monitor for this PC because you can connect it with your TV and use it like a regular monitor which is great. Anyway i knoe its hard to wait when you have paid a good amount of money to them but beleive me PC is really good and when you receive it you will be very satisfied.
posted on December 13, 2000 03:33:19 PM
I have been trying to be patient but when the only information I'm getting is through Auction Watch and the last response here was on 12/10 I really am worried. None of my emails are answered and the Order Status System is continually down. The last update on your site is dated 12/08! I really NEED to know when my computer will arrive. I purchased mine during the Ebay #481491062 auction and there are very few tracking numbers shown for this particular auction. I also notice that on your Yahoo auctions their computers will be sent upon payment!
[ edited by lshorman on Dec 13, 2000 04:30 PM ]
posted on December 13, 2000 06:42:54 PM
I to have been waiting very patiently for information and updates, I check the web site and order status page about two times a day in hopes that there will be some kind of update to auction #481491062.
I see more information on Auction Watch from the seller that I see on their web site.
My emails are also unanswered, it sure would be nice to have some idea of when the units will ship, if it will be before Christmas or next year. Or after I have disputed the charge on my credit card
(I hope it is before it comes to this).
posted on December 15, 2000 03:34:16 AM
I still have not heard anything back from AD on my computer purchase. It appears that they don't even respond to Auction Watch now. Maybe they are too busy getting our units out! Why should I have to wonder about what they're doing at this late date! This just doesn't make any sense! Will someone from AD respond so that I will atleast know that you are still in business! I am a customer who has paid good money for your item and I feel that I DESERVE more RESPECT than you have been showing me and anyone else that's still holding on to some hope of getting our units before Christmas. Your site is down and you are not responding to emails or Auction Watch. You ARE NOT KEEPING YOUR CUSTOMERS INFORMED ABOUT WHERE WE STAND!
posted on December 15, 2000 04:56:42 AM
I ALSO HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR NEARLY TWO MONTHS. I HAVE BEEN ON EBAY FOR NEARLY EIGHT MONTHS AND NEVER HAVE I HAD TO GO THRU THIS KIND OF TURMOIL. IT IS VERY CLEAR THAT THESE PEOPLE CARE NOTHING ABOUT THIER CUSTOMERS.
I PAID WITH A CREDIT CARD THRU PAYPAL SO MAYBE I CAN GET MY MONEY BACK IF THEY DON'T DELIVER SOON. IF ANYONE ELSE RECIEVES THE COMPUTER, WOULD YOU PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE A LITTLE SUNSHINE IN THIS STORM!!!
posted on December 15, 2000 07:37:38 AM
My money order was cashed the week after I sent it, but I havent recieved my computer yet and have gotten no response from the "Alien Crew" about the status of my order. I have noticed yesterday morning that a complete list of shipped systems showed up on their website for the second 100 lot auction.I am in the fourth auction. But I figure that if they have sent out the units for the first two auctions, we will recieve ours eventually.There are no tracking numbers or status for the third or fourth auction on the website, but until yesterday, there were no numbers for the second auction posted either, so they are making progress. EXTREMELY SLOW progress, but progress none the less. I would like to have some notification from Alien that I am on their list. This was supposed to be the BIG Christmas gift for my son, but now I don't think we will have it by then.
I'm still hoping but not holding my breath.
posted on December 15, 2000 07:48:05 AM
We had the same thing in mind. This is and I'm being "positive" the Big Christmas gift for my son. I haven't lost faith yet in Alien, I just wish they'd let us know something! I'm hoping that the "Aliens" won't be our GRINCH this year.
posted on December 15, 2000 09:53:31 PM
We are working to try to meet the X-Mas deadline for the systems that have been ordered via auction.
This is also a busy time of year to build other systems for other customers both direct, and through other resellers. Unlike Gateway, Compaq, etc. we are experiencing very heavy build loads.
We have agreed to put new processors in every single machine and upgrade them to 800MHz, though this is probably little compensation for some.
Auction ending in 062 will see updates on monday with new tracking numbers.
I will admit, we screwed up in taking on more than we can chew.
posted on December 15, 2000 11:02:10 PM
Thanks for the response.I really am putting my faith in you Alien. Hopefully, I will have a tracking number on Monday and will get my computer on time for Christmas.
posted on December 18, 2000 09:21:10 AM
Alien Distribution your customers are waiting on those tracking numbers you promised us today! Keep your promise and give us some "PEACE OF MIND."
posted on December 18, 2000 11:18:22 AM
where is the update that u promised for the auction number ending at 062.there is no new tracking numbers.it is still the same 5 tracking numbers for the last 3 to 4 weeks.if u can't deliver please send me a refund the same way i paid you.I paid 10min after auction ended by PayPay and i would assume it would only take a few min to send me my refund if u are unable to deliver as u promised.
posted on December 18, 2000 11:23:37 AM
Community, I know that Alien is way behind and I'm here to tell you that the TRACKING NUMBERS DON'T MEAN A THING! I am in the 274 auction and I am on the bottom of the list. I was just assigned a tracking number last week and guess what - my system came on Friday by UPS. So the website is not up to date (go figure). It is cool and yes I am a real person. Hopefully, everyone will get their system before Xmas. Look out for the UPS truck!
posted on December 18, 2000 11:51:14 AM
Hi Aliens I have received my computer and i am very happy with the system but the thing is that i need to get my speakers too !! and you do not reply to emails i beleive. Please let me know atleast here about my speakers.
Thanks
[ edited by IRFAN on Dec 20, 2000 01:39 PM ]
posted on December 18, 2000 12:50:22 PM
What's going on Alien, I finally get 2 emails from you today and all of the information is outdated! Your last update on your site is still 12/8/00! There are no new tracking numbers... Maybe it's me, has your website changed or something?
posted on December 19, 2000 12:05:26 PM
Hello Alien, I noticed on the order status section of your website today it no longer states that the system is down, it now states that "THESE SYSTEMS ARE SHIPPING THIS WEEK." Are you referring to the 5 systems that have tracking numbers on them only or ALL of the OUTSTANDING ORDERS. I still have faith that my system will arrive in time for Christmas.
posted on December 20, 2000 08:54:01 AM
What is going on? Every time i send you an email you reply back with the automatic email which is not the answer of my question. My friend who is bidding on your's yahoo auction, told me to use [email protected] because you reply to this address but i have not got any response from you? I need to have a tracking number for my speakers !!
posted on December 20, 2000 11:48:17 AM
Alright now, times running out for me. I still don't have my tracking numbers! Will my computer be here in time for Christmas? I can't believe that a reputable business would mislead their customers like this! I will cross my fingers, toes and anything else I can do for luck and PRAY that my computer is on one of those next day delivery flights your company uses.
posted on December 20, 2000 02:19:20 PM
Okay, it is over two months now and all I have received a set of speakers. I have sent emails but get no reply. It has been a week or so since they have updated their web page and their site says they have no current auctions. You cant even purchase the Book PC on their site anymore. Some people in my same auction got their computers a couple of weeks ago but Im left hanging. Does anybody have any suggestions on this. (It's too late for "Buyer Beware".) Has anyone gotten their money back? Alien, if you're still out there, please respond to one of my emails.
posted on December 21, 2000 05:11:09 AM
O.K. Alien, you claim that over selling computers through Auctions, etc. was not an intentional act of fraud... well I have a problem with that excuse. How could your company sell hundreds of computers through 2 auction sites that I'm aware of along with trying to keep up with your regular demand when as I see it; YOU HAVE ONLY FINISHED BUILDING (GOTTEN TRACKING NUMBERS)FOR "ONE" ("1" ADDITIONAL SYSTEM FOR OUR AUCTION IN 5 WEEKS! THIS LOOKS LIKE OUT AND OUT GROSS NEGLIGENCE TO ME! You promised us our computers by Christmas and I will hold you to that! This is starting to feel like a 9-5 job just checking your website and reading all of the emails from other auction winners THAT ARE AS WORRIED AS I AM, and waiting and waiting and waiting....
posted on December 21, 2000 06:04:48 AM
I sent a Western Union money order for $500 on November 3rd for the #062 auction. I contacted Western Union and found that alien cashed my money order the following week.I didn't bother to check the status page until the week before thanksgiving when I found that rcooper was not on the status page for the 062 auction. And as of today, I still am not in the list although Alien has recieved and cashed my $500 dollars. I found out today that I am not alone. Two other people from that auction have emailed me and expressed the problem with not being on the list for the auction and having proof that their money orders and checks had been cashed! Where are our names? Have we been abducted Alien???
This topic is 12 pages long: 1234new5new6new7new8new9new10new11new12new
ADDITIONAL SYSTEM FOR OUR AUCTION IN 5 WEEKS! THIS LOOKS LIKE OUT AND OUT GROSS NEGLIGENCE TO ME! You promised us our computers by Christmas and I will hold you to that! This is starting to feel like a 9-5 job just checking your website and reading all of the emails from other auction winners THAT ARE AS WORRIED AS I AM, and waiting and waiting and waiting....