In a turnabout, I.B.M. says, 'we'll talk to anybody.' (The Executive Computer) (Column)

Article Abstract:

IBM announces that it is offering telephone service support for its customers via a toll-free number, a 30-day money back guarantee on its PS/2 microcomputers, an enticing trade-in policy, a nationwide training program and options for buying or leasing in an effort to regain customer satisfaction in the face of competition. IBM has traditionally relied upon its dealers to provide services to customers, but the firm has last market ground to smaller and more aggressive companies that provide support services in addition to lower prices. IBM's new policy is to provide all the help it can for customers and will even refer clients to other companies for additional help. IBM's toll-free number is intended to provide support only, not for sales. IBM's in-person support comes from its dealers, costing hundreds of dollars, unlike a company like Dell Computer Inc, which sends technicians to a site within 48 hours. Whether or not IBM can match Dell's customer satisfaction will be seen in terms of the results of its new services.

Prepackaged software, Services, International Business Machines Corp., IBM, Wholesale trade, Customer service, Customer relations, Competition, Support Services, Wholesale Dealer/Distributor, IBM PS/2 (Intel-compatible system), OS/2 (Operating system), Trade-In Policy

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Quick! Translate 2s/1p/1g, win3.1, .28dpi, N/I SVGA; interpreting baffling advertisements: a primer

Article Abstract:

One day it will be possible to purchase a microcomputer system through a computerized sales station endowed with handwriting- or voice-recognition capabilities, obviating the need to deal with today's jargon-spouting salespeople. Unfortunately, the latest handwriting- and voice-recognition software remains incapable of such a feat. Worse, some people choose to buy computers through the want ads, where acronyms fly fast and free. A few glosses are in order to aid novice buyers. There are four kinds of Intel 80486 microprocessors: the 486DX is standard, a 486SLC uses less power, a 486SX offers 30 percent less performance and a 486DX2 works at twice the speed. Hard-disk storage and RAM memory are measured in megabytes; 170Mbytes is large for a disk, while 4Mbytes is small for RAM. In ads, 's' refers to serial, 'p' to parallel and 'g' to game ports. SVGA is a top-of-the-line color monitor, N/I (non-interlaced) signifies less flicker and .28dpi means a .28-mm dot pitch, fine for a 13- or 14-in monitor.

Purchasing, Microcomputers, Speech recognition, Video monitors, Microcomputer, Hardware Selection, Monitors, Tutorial, Voice Recognition, Definitions, Handwriting, Acronyms, Jargon, Critique, Pen-Based I/O

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