Gateway downgrades monitor on RMA!

[hirschma]

I bought two beautiful Gateway FPD2485W 24" monitors last November, mostly because they used a non-TN panel type (I believe that they used a S-PVA for that model).

Both were the nicest monitors that I'd ever had the pleasure of using. I set them up as a nicely extended, dual monitor desktop.

One died last week, still under warranty. I called Gateway, and after hours on hold, they finally decided to replace the monitor.

I was expecting a refurbed model, but instead... I got an FPD2400, their current model. And while it isn't a bad monitor, it uses a TN panel, and it looks like ass compared to the currently surviving unit that is still on my desk.

Is there anything to be done in this situation? I really hate getting something inferior back like this.

 

[chizow]

I doubt it, if you really argued you might be able to get a credit to apply to something else. Most warranties do state they have the right to replace with a similar product if the original is not available. Usually this results in an upgrade but in cases like this it doesn't always work out. I have the same FPD2485W, but I've actually heard good things about the FHD2400 and thought about getting one. Have you tried calibrating the colors on it? I've read its excellent for gaming and movies and doesn't have the inverse ghosting the FPD2485W has. Other alternative is just selling it and using that to buy a new monitor of your choosing.

 

[dakels]

What can be done? What did the CSR say? They only sell 1 type of unit now it seems for that size. Like dell usually has 2 classes of screens but I only see 1 option with gateway. They can't give you something they don't have and even if they could bend over backwards to find an old refurb or old stock. They are probably well within their right to give you what you got. They probably think they are doing you the favor by giving you a new unit instead of refurb (what you know to be as better).

I don't see any viable solution other then to ask if they carry old refurb stock.

 

[hirschma]

I did a quick calibration, and while that improved things, the new panel simply will never measure up to what's sitting next to it. It has a reddish cast, and it is somewhat less sharp.

It never occurred to me that this would be a factor in choosing a monitor - that you could end up with a downgrade in a situation like this. Next time, I go with someone that has a history of using better panels.

My suggestion is to not consider the FPD2400 unless you have full return privs. Once you see them side-by-side, you'll realize how spoiled you've been with what you have.

 

[dakels]

It might be a good TN chiz but going from PVA/IPS to TN especially when side by side is going to be noticeably worse to anyone I think.

 

[hirschma]

Originally posted by: dakels
They probably think they are doing you the favor by giving you a new unit instead of refurb (what you know to be as better).

I don't see any viable solution other then to ask if they carry old refurb stock.

I guess I'm going to have to just resign myself to having a less optimal setup. No, they have no other stock whatsoever. It appears that this is related to them getting out of the direct-sales business.

OK, scratch them off my "will ever consider again" list. Guess the Acer takeover isn't really working out so well.

jh

 

[hirschma]

Originally posted by: dakels
It might be a good TN chiz but going from PVA/IPS to TN especially when side by side is going to be noticeably worse to anyone I think.

Yeah, it really isn't bad in isolation, to be totally fair. But sitting next to the old model? Whoa - now I really understand why people try to avoid getting TN's.

The worst part? They're selling the FPD2400 for more than I paid for the old model. While the HDMI port is nice, you could get the same capability by using an adapter with the DVI port on the FPD2485W (I think, anyway).

New Gateway slogan: higher price, less good

 

[shangshang]

Yeah, I think nothing more you can do at this point.

it's time like this that illustrates that it's always better to buy from the big guns when it come to electronics. Sure people pay more for the Sony, Samsung, LG brands, but when it come to warranty, chances are they'll give you the same model back. Personally, I tend to stick to Dell, Samsung, or LG when considering an LCD, and dont even bother looking at Acer and Westinghouse.

Which reminds me, what's that very popular LCD TV maker that just went bankrupt??? Man I forget! But places like Mircrocenter and Frys carry this brand a lot, often with big Black Friday savings on them. oh that's right.. the Olevia brand! There are now many Olevia owners who are a little upset!

 

[dakels]

Yea even my cheapo 22" came with a DVI-HDMI converter as did my video card so I have 2 of them I don't use. I have used and tested many high end LCD's mostly for graphics and medical/surgical. It's really amazing how different LCD panels vary. I work with side by side, or near side by side LCD's a lot and I've given up trying to have them both identical. Even higher end IPS/PVA monitors from the same manufacturer but different years/models can look very different.

Maybe if it's worth it, you can sell the new replacement and try to get a used/refurb of your old model.

 

[dakels]

Originally posted by: shangshang
Yeah, I think nothing more you can do at this point.

it's time like this that illustrates that it's always better to buy from the big guns when it come to electronics. Sure people pay more for the Sony, Samsung, LG brands, but when it come to warranty, chances are they'll give you the same model back. Personally, I tend to stick to Dell, Samsung, or LG when considering an LCD, and dont even bother looking at Acer and Westinghouse.

Which reminds me, what's that very popular LCD TV maker that just went bankrupt??? Man I forget! But places like Mircrocenter and Frys carry this brand a lot, often with big Black Friday savings on them. oh that's right.. the Olevia brand! There are now many Olevia owners who are a little upset!

I think it depends on what you want to do with it. People always want to ignore the adage, you get what you pay for. There are always going to be deals and discounts but in the end, the adage usually rings true. A situation that demands highly accurate, sustainable color and performance (like dual monitors, -no offense hirschma) is going to be very sensitive to quality control and longevity issues. I really don't know if you can blame this on something like hirschma's situation. Gateway is not a fly by night Olevia. But yea basically, I try to get the best bang for the buck like most of us, but I am willing to accept the fact that my chances of failure are higher then someone who payed double. Also stay with the experienced specialists like Sony, and Samsung who have been in the monitor business for a long time and probably a long time more.

 

[OCGuy]

Im in ignorant bliss with my TN. Its like getting really good seats at a game...after that you cant go back to the nose-bleeders.

 

[taltamir]

i disagree about all those "nothing can be done". Call and ask (nicely,at least at first) to have that TN unit replaced with what you paid for, or ask to send it back and get some monetary compensation.
They are within their right to send you an equivalent unit, but this is not an equivalent unit, and typically they consult the customer before doing such a thing. Actually typically you get a CLEAR upgrade when the old unit is no longer available. This might be newer, but it is of lower quality.

How much you want to push varies on your tolerance to dealing with such things, and your callousness, but I think at the very least you should call them and ask nicely to ship it back to them and get a refurbished unit of what you bought before.

 

[chizow]

Originally posted by: hirschma

Originally posted by: dakels
It might be a good TN chiz but going from PVA/IPS to TN especially when side by side is going to be noticeably worse to anyone I think.

Yeah, it really isn't bad in isolation, to be totally fair. But sitting next to the old model? Whoa - now I really understand why people try to avoid getting TN's.

The worst part? They're selling the FPD2400 for more than I paid for the old model. While the HDMI port is nice, you could get the same capability by using an adapter with the DVI port on the FPD2485W (I think, anyway).

New Gateway slogan: higher price, less good

I've seen it before in BB and MicroCenter and thought it looked pretty good. I really liked the glossy finish for sure, although I love how I can just clean my FPD2485W with lint-free cotton and distilled water without messing up the finish.

Also about the HDMI, its really hit or miss due to handshake issues. This is especially true if sound is involved. Anytime you use an HDMI to DVI or vice-versa there's a good chance you'll have some problems here. For instance, my Motorola DCH3200 and Sony STR DG1000 will not pass 1080i/p to my Gateway because there's no HDMI handshake on the panel end.

I was actually considering using the FHD for gaming mostly and the FPD for movies/desktop. But I'll probably just end up holding off and getting a 37-40" LCD TV or 30" instead.

 

[hirschma]

Well, I did more tweaking and calibration, and in short - it is a very, very good TN panel. Nonetheless, it is not in the same league as the older model with the S-PVA panel.

For example, you cannot get it to the point where gray is just gray - it always has some slight ting of another color, probably a bit of red. It is a tiny bit blotchy, and a bit given to some slight "rainbowing" around hard edges.

If I had never seen the older model, I'd be very happy with it

Thanks all, if for commiserating with me if nothing else.