Cheating Google... Or Why Pay Per Click Isn't Always The Best Model

Gateway Sued Over Broken Plasma TVs

from the should-have-stuck-to-computers dept

Wed, Dec 14th 2005 2:11am — Mike Masnick

A few years ago, Gateway, in an attempt to reinvent itself, decided it wanted to be more like Apple and would start selling consumer electronics. It made a big push in the space for a while, but not too many people were all that interested, as Gateway didn't offer anything all that special -- and most people just don't think of the company as selling anything but computers in cow spotted boxes. The company still sells some consumer electronics (and I've heard that it's ditched the cow spotted boxes), but it's hardly a major focus. However, when it first launched the consumer electronics line, one of the ways the company tried to get attention was by selling LCD and plasma TVs at low prices -- and apparently some people bought them, only to discover you get what you pay for. Plasma TVs are notoriously troublesome, and it appears Gateway's TVs were no exception -- to the point that some are trying to organize a class action lawsuit against the company for selling defective TVs, while advertising them as "setting new standards in quality." If you were feeling snarky, you might note they don't say that those levels were the highest -- just "new."

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112 Comments

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Anonymous Coward, 14 Dec 2005 @ 3:09am

No Subject Given
Weren't those Gateway plasma TVs just Sampo or Samsung TVs with a G on the chassis? Gateway was doing this when they had that chain of money-bleeding retail stores. Not long after they announced their reinvention, the stores all closed. Anyway, you get what you pay for, and anyone buying a plasma TV from the notoriously shoddy Gateway should have expected at least some trouble. Caveat emptor.
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- Anonymous Coward, 14 Dec 2005 @ 7:15am
  
  Re: No Subject Given
  Yea, it looks like gateway doesn't even hack on their logo on the tv... how can you sue a middleman for someone elses product.
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
- rANDOM internet doosh, 15 Nov 2011 @ 7:17am
  
  Re: No Subject Given
  well they wouldn't have bought it if they knew would they?
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
dorpus, 14 Dec 2005 @ 7:04am

Gateway, heh
They had a store in Berkeley where employees (with bad attitudes) insisted on following you around as soon as you entered the store. Everything was overpriced, they required that you buy a 3-item minimum, and that you write down your address with a pen in a notebook if you bought anything.

Not surprisingly, they went out of business 6 months later.

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MissingFrame, 14 Dec 2005 @ 7:14am

Good for the lawyers!
Just when I thought lawyers were running out of things to do and ways to make money.
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Ben McNelly, 14 Dec 2005 @ 7:27am

the real question...
I think the real question here is, is it gateway cow spots or sploches?
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- David Christy, 14 Dec 2005 @ 8:58am
  
  Re: the real question...
  Healthy cows have spots,
  Diseased cows have Sploches.
  
  So, it would be sploches!
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
Oliver Wendell Jones, 14 Dec 2005 @ 8:54am

Remember when?
Anyone remember when Gateway sold a system with a "giant" 30 or 35 inch TV/Monitor?

Maybe the new level of quality referred to how clear the TV picture was compared to those previous POS screens...
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- Anonymous Coward, 14 Dec 2005 @ 7:20pm
  
  Re: Remember when?
  Yes, I wish I could remember the name. Started with a D and meant something like endeavor. Maybe not, but yeah, I was really interested in that computer. So sweet to me at age 8 or 9.
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
Rob, 14 Dec 2005 @ 9:25am

No Subject Given
my dad bought an lcd from gateway a little over a year ago because he felt he spent too much on the one he has in the basement. he's already had to send it back once and i'll definitely be telling him about this class-action to see if he can get some money back...
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Gee, 14 Dec 2005 @ 9:57am

Gateway :-)
All u suck, Gateway is an amazing company that has come back from death. Their PCs are non proprietary, they last a long time with reasonable upgrade pricing and good customer service. An addition, they have an awesome non-complicated trade-in program for consumers.
Anyway I have one of their Plasma TVs and it is fantastic. The Picture is crystal clear with a good amount of tweaking options. I have had this TV for 2yrs with abosoltle no problems, except its heavy as hell. Unlike DELL who� PCs have always sucked and use the cheapest components and are proprietary. What a piece of dog poo.

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- Anonymous Coward, 14 Dec 2005 @ 10:10am
  
  Re: Gateway :-)
  One word, NOOB
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- Count Porkula, 14 Dec 2005 @ 11:11am
  
  Re: Gateway :-)
  WTF? Do you work for Gateway or are you just a mentally handicapped noob?
  
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
  - Right back at you, 16 Dec 2005 @ 3:50am
    
    Re: Gateway :-)
    Just to set the record straight, gay ones. DELL, GATEWAY,HP,COMPAQ,APPLE,INTEL are all complete pieces of sh**, but I do enjoy my Gateway Plasma, which was free by the way, woot!
    [ link to this | view in chronology ]
- Anonymous Coward, 13 Jan 2006 @ 1:15pm
  
  Re: Gateway :-)
  It is just a matter of time. Your TV is going to crap out any minute.
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- JP, 19 Apr 2008 @ 8:45pm
  
  Re: Gateway :-)
  My first Gateway 42" plasma didn't work right out of the box. It was replaced with another one, (but Gateway didn't know) that worked for five years and now sits in a box because Gateway told me to throw it out and buy a new "LG" they had on sale. Later, I find out that's the Gateway I bought was an LG! so NO..I don't want more crap! Anyway, Your's is about five years old now. Better start shoping around my friend.
  
  Let me bottom line it for you Gateway fans. No LG's, Samsungs, Acres. you get where I'm coming from I'm sure. Good luck and I'll race you to the used parts store. :)
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
- Anonymous Coward, 8 Jan 2010 @ 6:22am
  
  Re: Gateway :-) Really
  Want to buy my Plasma 46", Nothing but trouble, I glad you got lucky. I did not. My third replacement TV is now giving me picture problems. I sure Gateway is going to rush out here and replace this one. what a waste of 3000 dollars. Wow did I say 3000 dollars, Thank you Gateway..
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
- sab, 19 Jan 2012 @ 2:43pm
  
  Re: Gateway :-)
  gateway suck big time i bought a $1100.00 fx gateway and 1st month motherboard went out sence then bios and keeps going out best buy nor gatewat will exchange it and costumer service suck aswell who wants to talk to a dothead i never understand them nor do they understand me we need to hire english or someone that can speak both also americans needs jobs and they hire the oversea ppl wtf
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
D Siess, 2 Jan 2006 @ 8:48pm

GTW TV's
I bet you are correct about the Gateway TV's- but I would not call Plasma TV's "troublesome". this is incorrect, and really not true.
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Mike Fisher, 10 Jan 2006 @ 3:21pm

Gateway defective 46" plasma
Hello,

Thank you for expressing interest in the Gateway Case. To get involved you will need to fill out the attached forms. Attached are a retainer agreement and a questionnaire regarding your TV. Please fill out both and return as soon as possible.

Mail to:

1200 Third Ave Suite 1321

San Diego, CA 92101

Or Fax to:

619.696.0323

If you have any question please call me at (619) 544-6400.

Thank you,

Miray Handal

1200 Third Ave Suite 1321

San Diego, Ca 92101

(619)544-6400

email: mhandal@handal-law.com

____________________________________________

This message and any attached documents contain information from the law firm of Handal & Associates that may be confidential and/or privileged.
If you are not the intended recipient, you may not read, copy, distribute, or use this information. If you have received this transmission in error, please notify the sender immediately by reply e-mail and then delete this message.
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- Clare Harrigan, 7 Feb 2006 @ 4:50pm
  
  Re: Gateway defective 46
  please e-mail me information regarding the lawsuit - thank you
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
- bill wennerberg, 14 Apr 2006 @ 12:20pm
  
  Re: Gateway defective 42" plasma
  can you send me some info on this
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
john arbuet, 21 Mar 2006 @ 5:30pm

defective gateway tv
my tv stop working littel after 1year. if you have any information please email me.
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john arbuet, 21 Mar 2006 @ 5:30pm

defective gateway tv
my tv stop working littel after 1year. if you have any information please email me.
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Kevin, 16 Aug 2006 @ 11:21am

46" Plasma
Wow, was I pissed when my TV went out 5 minutes ago. Looks like the same has been going on everywhere else. If any one has any information (repair, lawsuit, some guy named guido that can fix it for $300 bucks) please let me know. Thanks

skeeter0311@yahoo.com
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- sully, 24 Aug 2006 @ 11:04am
  
  I've joined the club.
  My 42" just died today.
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  - Deb, 25 Feb 2009 @ 11:36pm
    
    Re: I've joined the club.
    Well ours lasted longer and now all we can get is HD and no regular - - what a MESS.
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Bob, 27 Aug 2006 @ 7:59pm

Good company & products.
Gateway never actually built the plasmas and most of their tv's for that matter (which was most likely why they were problematic) If gateway would have built them, they would have been much better since gateway is a company of high quality. Not all of the televisions had many problems, just select models.
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Ismael Montiel, 2 Oct 2006 @ 8:34pm

42
I bought a 42" plasma and computer for father's day 2004, t.v lasted less than 2 yrs,computer lasted 25 months called gateway no help. Called Korea Sampoo and got immidiate action, got the correct board and got plasma fixed, it is less than 24 months again and plasma went out again today. Gateway is the worst company I have ever dealt with, second is Apple and the IPod.
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- Ismael Montiel, 6 Oct 2008 @ 7:56pm
  
  Re: 42
  update repaired it in 2006 and it went out again in 10/01/2008 again, bought new lcd, will place gateway in garage until I can dump it in the landfill.
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Shane, 7 Nov 2006 @ 4:16pm

48 inch plasma went out today
I want to call sampoo for parts for my gateway plasma
Anyone have the number?
My gateway is 22 months old and does not work anymore Its does turn on but no connection I think to the board any help would be great.
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- JD, 9 Feb 2007 @ 1:08pm
  
  Re: 48 inch plasma went out today
  Did you have any luck?
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Shane, 7 Nov 2006 @ 4:18pm

48 inch plasma went out today
I would like to get in touch with the poster before me Ismauel , want to call sampoo for parts for my gateway plasma
Anyone have the number?
My gateway is 22 months old and does not work anymore Its does turn on but no connection I think to the board any help would be great.
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- JD, 6 Jan 2007 @ 10:04am
  
  Re: 48 inch plasma went out today
  Did you have any luck with a number for parts. My 48 went out to. It turns on and then we just get a click sound right buy the power button and no screen.
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- Kevin, 26 Jan 2007 @ 6:06pm
  
  Re: 48 inch plasma went out today
  Any luck getting your 42" fixed? Mine currently has 4 2inch wide black strips running from top to bottom, I'd really like to get this fixed...what can be done?
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J Larsen, 22 Jan 2007 @ 9:14am

42 plasma tv
We are the "proud" owners of our 3rd gateway tv which has just gone out again. 1st tv lasted just over 1 year, 2nd tv lasted 2 weeks, 3rd tv has now lasted less than 1 year. Called gateway, a tech is supposed to come and repair our tv.

We are lucky that we bought a 5 year full warranty. Which doesn't really help when you are stuck with a real stinker of a tv.

Since we still have 2+ years left on the warranty, we are considering our options. We are not satisfied with fixing the tv with a replacement that is just as bad as the original.

We still own a Curtis Manthis TV bought in 1983. Still works, no repairs, ever.

Not sure what we will do, but a letter to Gateway Executive Response is currently being written.
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DIEGO MARTINEZ, 27 Jan 2007 @ 8:58am

info on lawsuit on gateway for 42 inch plasma
can i stiill get in on lawsuit if so how
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Joe Marquez, 6 Mar 2007 @ 3:39pm

Gateway LCD
I bought a Gateway LCD (GTW-L26M103) and a year later the picture went out. Now, I have extensive electronics background and I was able to troubleshoot the problem to the power supply. I called gateway to see if I could get the part and they gave me nothing but the run around. #1 they don’t repair any of their own equipment as far as TV's go. #2 they don’t supply parts for their TV's. #3 since I wasn't on their "list" of people who had purchased gateway products, they would replace it. This took hours on the phone to find out and all they could tell me is to take it to a "local TV repair shop" and good luck, thank you for your business. GDM frustrating. I'm definitely joining the class action.
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- crystal wells, 22 Mar 2007 @ 11:56am
  
  Re: Gateway LCD
  Any luck with repairs on 42" that will not turn on any longer? I live in the North San Diego County area.
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
- John, 16 May 2007 @ 12:01am
  
  Re: Gateway LCD
  I am having the same problem as you and i would like to repair this unit myself do you have any information that would be helpful in this matter. I do have SOME training in electronics and this is a task I think I can handle. But at the same time if you have the knowledge and are willing to share it please do.
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- J.J. Lopez, 30 Oct 2007 @ 1:26pm
  
  Re: Gateway LCD
  How and where do I join the class action in sueing gateway. I have the same model...see my message. I called gateway last year at Christmas , just to find out that I was 20 days too late with the extended warranty. My TV started to show green halo's around all the images. Later no sound and no TV..and no response to any controls. I was on the jphone with gateway for hours. They counldn't help me with anything except the Thanks for purchasing their product.
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James, 23 Mar 2007 @ 6:06pm

My tv broke three years to the day I purchased it.
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Michael Shaw, 27 Mar 2007 @ 5:38pm

I am on my second set (42" plasma) the first not a year old had to be replaced. It took me several weeks to get some one to resolve the problem and another month to get it replaced. Luckily I purchased the extended warrenty on the first one or I would probably be o my own. Another thing I didn't like was the fact that nobody from Gateway told me of known problems or the expected life until after I had mad the purchase and needed repairs. I really felt cheated. The replacement set is a little over a year old and it is not right either.
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Larry C, 2 Jun 2007 @ 9:50am

Gateway 46" plasma tv problems
I have a 46" Gateway plasma tv. The y-sustain board blew out
causing the tv not to work. If you unhook the cable to the board the tv will work, but the picture is grainy looking.
My friend was able to buy a board from Gateway for $189.
My friend who is a technician installed the board. Wow, the
set was fixed, the picture was beautiful. Watched the tv for
about 30 hours and then the picture went out. The same problem , the same board. Although Gateway claims a 90 day parts warranty on their website, they will not honor it. They only
honor if someone from Gateway ( Decison One $900 service call ) installs the board. By the way, the board that they sold was not new, it had replacement parts soldered to it.
Gateway will not provide schematics or parts lists for this tv.
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Chip, 14 Jun 2007 @ 12:00pm

Gateway Plasma
I also bought a gateway plasma tv 2 years ago that has
three black lines on the screen. There sampo tv,s are junk.
I would love to get in on a lawsuit against them.
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marie haar, 15 Jul 2007 @ 3:15pm

Gateway 42 in plasma -broken of course
I have the 42 in plasma I bought in 2002 and now the green light goes on but no picture...any one know ifthis is fixable gateway says it 500 to be looked at ((are they nuts) 5 years on a 5000 TV set..please anyone know what this might be or where I can get the scamitics please email me also is that class action suit over? and how come all gateway clients werent notified?? Marie
cutieonli@aol.com
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Mike, 15 Aug 2007 @ 8:00am

42" Gateway Plasma
Need help
I have a 42" plasma which has about 1" black horizontal line.
Any assistance would be appreciated.
If you can leave your contact I shall call you if you can suggest what I do or what part I should get and have changed

Your assistance would be greatly appreciated.
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- josh, 11 Mar 2008 @ 1:33am
  
  Re: 42" Gateway Plasma
  did you ever work out this issue?
  
  m friend just gave me his gateway 42" cause it has a 1.5" vertical line on the right side of the screen.
  
  It's not that big of a deal since it was free but i would like to get it fixed.
  
  any help would be appreciated.
  thanks
  Josh
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kevin Davis, 20 Aug 2007 @ 11:19am

46' Gateway Plasma
I bought the gateway 46' plasma after I returned from Iraq.

After 9 months the TV went out, someone from Gateway came out and repaired the plasma.

Now, it just went out again!! What the heck is going on?

Does anyone have any information on the lawsuit?

Thanks

Kevin
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kevin Davis, 20 Aug 2007 @ 11:20am

46' Gateway Plasma
I bought the gateway 46' plasma after I returned from Iraq.

After 9 months the TV went out, someone from Gateway came out and repaired the plasma.

Now, it just went out again!! What the heck is going on?

Does anyone have any information on the lawsuit?

Thanks

Kevin
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Andrew Lowy, 31 Aug 2007 @ 9:26pm

46 inch GW plasma
Our plasma worked great for 2.5 years and just went out- turns on but no picture or sound and unresponsive to all controls. Any info on repair sin the Sna Diego area and lawsuit info would be appreciated.

Andy
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Andrew Lowy, 31 Aug 2007 @ 9:26pm

46 inch GW plasma
Our plasma worked great for 2.5 years and just went out- turns on but no picture or sound and unresponsive to all controls. Any info on repair sin the Sna Diego area and lawsuit info would be appreciated.

Andy
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eugene rogers laier, 10 Oct 2007 @ 5:19pm

46 inch gateway plasma
it appears that my moms 46 inch gateway is dead too, when she passed on 2 years ago we covered it and now we tried it and it worked for 2 days...now it should last longer than that, less than 1 year use.....
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J. J. Lopez, 30 Oct 2007 @ 1:19pm

Model GTW-L26-M103
20 days after my warranty expired...the TV had a green Halo around the images...later no picture or sound and unresponsive to all controls. I should of known better as 3 weeks after purchasing the TV/Computer....Gateway left the area, Albuquerque, NM. Any info on repairing, please email. Also, I am interested in the lawsuit. Gateway will not give me any info on repairing.
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C.D. Gandy, 2 Dec 2007 @ 3:58pm

Gateway 42 inch
Is this class action suit still going on? I need to put my name on it. Like many, many, many of you, my t.v. just died. Green light comes on, nothing else. Called Gateway, $450 just to get them here to look at it, $1000 for parts- before they even know what they are going to use to repair it. After reading many comments not only on this page, but on CNET as well, I feel betrayed. Good money paid for this and all I did was throw it out the window!
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Ron Westphal, 2 Dec 2007 @ 6:19pm

broken 50 " GW Plasma
I bought my GW 50" Plasma 12/03 from one of their retail stores in Clackamas,OR. Paid $5500 + a 3yr warranty mounting bracket and installation $7500 by the time I was done. A couple mo later the store closed down. HMMM! I now live in AZ. 10/06 I had a black square about 12" sq appear ( the rest of the picture was fine. I called gw and the sent out Decision one. After they ordered the part they came back and installed it and it made the problem worse (solved the original problem but created a different one) so they ordered a new (probably refurbished) one from GW. Now it's 12/07 and the other day while my wife was at home it happened again. What really sucks is the warranty I bought ended last Dec. (3 yr warranty really 2 yrs because the 1 yr manufacturers war is part of the 3 stupid me). would like to get it fixed but these days I could buy a DLP or LCD for what it would probably cost.

Anyone have an idea of what I should do?
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rino, 6 Dec 2007 @ 10:23pm

42 inch plasma
i bought the plasma and the same as everyone else it blew out what a piece of junk.
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P B Morrison, 7 Dec 2007 @ 4:44pm

Gateway 42" Plasma
Just go down the local Courthouse and file suit. The clerks are very helpful. About $25.00 to file a claim. State what happen to your Plasma and make sure you serve the Resident Agent via Certified Mail. The Clerks of the Court will help you with any info. Gateway does business in all states so the long arm statue may apply. Gateway will have 30 or so days to respond and a Court date will be set. Just tell the Judge what happened. As a Corporation they must be represented by an Attorney. You think Gateway might want to settle your claim quickly vs. hiring an Attorney to defend each case @ $250 an hour
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chip, 27 Dec 2007 @ 10:07pm

Gateway tv plasma
What a piece of junk''' I bought one 2.5 years ago,has three black lines across screen. threw in garbage'''
I would like to sue them.
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blkted, 3 Jan 2008 @ 11:12am

46" Plasma not working either
All, I had the same thing. I missed out on the class action suit (don't know if it is still going on or not) but I had my Gateway 46" Plasma for about 18 months and it went out. It didn't go out all at once, after not wanting to come on, it just finally died. I paid $3500 for the TV, which was cheap at that time compared to others. I remember looking at a panasonic for $3700, sure wish I would have paid the extra $200 now. If any one has any class-action suit info, please post. Alot of stuff is old, my Plasma has been in storage, I was out of the country, Being All I Can Be and right now, I be pissed.
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lyn, 7 Jan 2008 @ 7:42pm

Gateway 42" Plasma
Ok. So I am in the same boat in NYC. I have had my plasma for about 3 years with no problems. Suddenly, it stopped working. The Power light goes on, but no picture and no sound. The remote doesn't work, so I have to cut the power either with the main switch on the back of the set. Please if the law suit is still going on, let me know or if anyone has any suggestions as what to do. I would appreciate your input.
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Brian, 31 Jan 2008 @ 12:57pm

gtwp46m103 dead
I read this forum with interest, the set I have has had simple broken connections at almost every large connector. I have repaired those I found, but still have the green LED, and no sound or picture. I will check back to see how this all works out!
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brian, 1 Feb 2008 @ 5:20pm

42" plasma 3yrs old
These things cant even be fixed!

Here is what my repair shop has to say;

Hi Brian,

Bad news.....we will not be able to repair your set. Part we got from them got set running for three hours, then it went dead. Board we got from them is bad & it has also now taken out the power supply board.

Unit will need both boards. We inquired with gateway & although they will send us a replacement board for the one that went bad, they will not let us return it for credit.

It is to risky for me to go any further on this set...if I also buy a power supply from them & any other problems arise...I will be stuck with NO return options.

I have to cut my loses on eating the cost of the Y Sustain board. I will not risk purchasing a power supply also & get stuck with both if there is another problem.

We will reassemble the set unrepaired and have it ready for your pick up on monday. Sry for the bad news. In my expierance, there is very little good news on gateway plasmas.

Kevin
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Brian, 4 Feb 2008 @ 8:03am

y sustain board
Gateway 1888-737-6949 indicates y assy instock for around $200.00. Might want to call and get yours.
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Dianna Smith, 6 Feb 2008 @ 7:57pm

Not one, but two defective 50" plasma TVs/both hav
I purchased a 50" Plasma TV in 2003 - just before the warranty expired the picture became so blurry you couldn't see a picture. After numerous phone calls and complaints the TV was replaced. Shortly after the warranty expired on the second tv, no picture. Called Gateway- Service call was going to be $500. Called Best Buy to check the problem only to find out that the TV I had purchased was NOT the TV I had in my home. It was definitely inferior to the original set I bought (in Kansas City MO) and when replacing the first tv, the Gateway technician had removed the serial # from the first set and put it on the second!!! Which I found out negated any warranty on the second set. Totally and completely ILLEGAL. Several calls to Gateway have produced no satisfaction. I was told that since the warranty was expired, it wasn't their problem.
If there is a class action suit against Gateway, I would definitely like to be included. According to three other prominent stores that sell TVs, switching the serial #'s is fraudulent. Each set has it's own serial #, one store referred it to stealing someones fingerprints. I'm talking about a $5999. tv. Something needs to be done to prevent this from happening to other people.
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Jeffrey L. Shurtliff, 3 May 2008 @ 10:13am

The Defective Gateways
I am a television service center. 15 year independent. When I first saw this TV I laughed, because I knew this was going to happen. Plasma is one of the worst TVs on the market for reliability. Especially if you are buying an off brand. That is what this TV is, an off brand. It is like lean ground beef and ground beef; you get what you pay for.
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Ray, 7 May 2008 @ 4:16pm

RE: Gateway 46
My TV just went down for the count as well. It did make it 4.5 years, however, & I have been totally happy with it. Until now. Same problem as others have described: power light comes on, a loud "thunk" sound & nothing.
I took it to a local tv shop, they said a transformer had gone out & Gateway told him they will sell him a used one with no warranty for $300!
I'm probably too late for the class action suit, but if anyone has any suggestions, I would appreciate hearing from you.
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Paul Bridgewater, 7 May 2008 @ 7:30pm

Gateway's 42 In Plasma GTW P42M303
We have had our tv for 3 year's untill it died today. The tv will power on but it has a black screen and no sound. The green light will come on but will have to shut the main power switch off before it turns off. So I called Gateway to talk a tech, he advised me that the image board was bad. For $500 and another $500 for a service call which is non refundable it might work again thats alot of money for a might. If a lawsuit has already been filed then gateway should stand up and take care of the problem and fix the defective tv's for free. I dont understand if a tv cost over $3200.00 we should get more then three year's of use. The tv's that sold for $200.00 last for 15 or 20 years, so whats up with the new ones
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- art, 17 Jun 2008 @ 9:24am
  
  Re: Gateway's 42 In Plasma GTW P42M303
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C. Wells, 5 Jun 2008 @ 5:06pm

42" Plasma
anyone know if it is too late to join in class action lawsuit or have current infomation about this horrific purchase? Please update. I am getting no where with this TV. It's as broken and the people runing the country. Help!
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C.My, 15 Jun 2008 @ 6:03pm

Gateway to Hell
I bought my Gateway plasma 3/24/04 realizing it was not "top of the line", I did however hope it would last at least 6 years. I am at the 4 year mark. Luckily (sarcastic) before the 1st year was up it broke, the same problem everyone is chatting about. They came out and fixed it and it has been fine up until today with the exception of the picture getting really light and flickering occassionaly. Turning the power button off on the side and waiting a few minutes, turning it back on and it was ok. Today I heard some sizzling sounds, the picture went all crazy, I shut it down immed. and now am afraid to turn it back on--LOL....needless to say I am sure it is fried so to speak. After it initailly broke and was fixed I called back a little later to get the remote replaced as my dog had chewed it, it no longer worked and to my dismay but not surpize, I was informed by the Gateway tech they no longer made/serviced my product. I could look on ebay was the suggestion. I believe whole heartedly that something needs to be done about this and a message sent to these companies that are selling faulty/bad product to consumers. I am not going to spend a penny on a TV that is 4 years old, will cost about 1000.00 to (hopefully) fix when you can buy a new, different brand LCD for a little more than the fix price for this piece of crap. I guess I should be glad I got 4 years out of it, at 3567.28 thats less than 1000.00 a year....I will never buy GATEWAY anything and will tell every person I know about this horrible company and it's practices and everyone else should do the same. If anyone can let me know I would love to be a part of this class action lawsuit if it's still possible. I hope they lose and have to pay back everyone's money. Hitting them in the pocketbook the same way they hit us will hopefully teach the crooks a lesson.
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- JOHN, 30 Jul 2008 @ 11:59pm
  
  Re: Gateway to Hell
  VIRUS ON FIX IT LINK BELOW!!!!
  DON'T CLICK ON IT.
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art, 17 Jun 2008 @ 9:25am

GW Plasma
Try this, worked for me
http://nyclubkid.com/gatewayrepair/
aRTie
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- john, 30 Jul 2008 @ 11:55pm
  
  Re: GW Plasma
  fu muther fucker....
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  - john, 30 Jul 2008 @ 11:58pm
    
    Re: Re: GW Plasma
    don't click on http/link above. nyclubkid.com VIRUS!!!
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Keri, 17 Jun 2008 @ 6:03pm

Mine Died Too!!
The same old story.. i have the 42 inch plasma and it is slowly but surely dying... it starts to flicker and i turn it off ( by the kill switch in the back) and after a while it .. i will be able to come back on....
I figure its days are numbered... I saw alot of questions, but does anyonehave any answers to what to do.. i paid $5000 4 years ago for this pile of crap!!!!!
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- deb wiess, 19 Jul 2008 @ 3:21pm
  
  Re: Mine Died Too!!
  I guess that we are in the same boat - - now it goes on and off at will - -
  Deb
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chris, 20 Jun 2008 @ 9:19am

mine too
my 50" Plasma tv from Gateway takes from 45 min to 2 hours to get a picture. I turn it on and listen to the news while waiting for the pic to show up i the morning and usually have to leave for work before i get to SEE the news. What happened to the lawsuit i heard about?
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Pam, 21 Jun 2008 @ 6:59pm

Gateway TV's are CRAP
Bought a 42" GW TV in 2004. Had a fam member come over to accept the delivery... arrived in a van instead of a truck and the bottom was cracked in half and dangling in the middle. GW came and picked up the broken TV after a couple hrs on the phone convincing them that it arrived in that condition and that we hadn't done it. Then, it took a full 2 months of fighting with cust. svc. to get a replacement. We were hung up on, transferred when we were mid-sentence and on and on. Finally got ahold of a mgr in some other dept. that seemed to not have his head firmly wedged and was able to get us a TV which he gave us a free upgrade so we got the ultrabright model. Two days ago a black bar appeared on the screen and we were told that it's probably a board that costs $250 and in the end would cost about $1500 to fix but, the initial expense would be $2k because you have to buy all possible parts up front and when the tech is done they'll give you a credit. I will NEVER own another piece of Gateway equipment again... if I were offered something free I would refuse it. Their products apparantly are garbage. They are proprietary and long after the warranty is gone they will not allow anyone else have any parts or do any work. They're customer service is the worst I've ever dealt with.
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Steve, 28 Jun 2008 @ 11:12am

Gateway 42" Plasma TV - GTW-P42M102
After 5 years my Gateway 42" Plasma TV went black screen, and moving from side to side is a 10" wide vertical bar with red & yellow speckled background with 10 vertical teal blue lines, and no sound. I tried the simple burnt plug repair, but I have a different board. Anyone with any ideas for repair, or should I just throw it away? Steven@H2Aarchitects.com
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lance schneider, 19 Jul 2008 @ 7:00am

plasma
I have the same problem did you ever find out what it was?
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deb wiess, 19 Jul 2008 @ 3:19pm

Plasma TV 42 inch
We bought ours in 04 and about a year ago it started going out and we blamed it on Charter - - well apparently it was not charter it is gateway.
I just got the class action info 2day and plan on filling.
Deb
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Linda Kenney, 28 Jul 2008 @ 5:35pm

Gateway Plasma Class Action Suit
The suit is Koch, et al vs. Gateway, Inc. and it is for all purchases in the U.S. of GTW series of Gateway Plasma TV's 2002 - 2005. Contact www.plasmatvsettlement.com if you have not received something from this class action suit or try Koch vs. Gateway Settlement Administrator in Portland, OR 97208
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NANCY L. ISLA, 5 Aug 2008 @ 8:10am

PLASMA 42" EDTV DEFECTIVE.
I PURCHASED MY TV 42" PLASMA EDTV IN SEPT. 2003, ABOUT ONE YEAR LATER THE PICTURE STARTED TO SCRAMBLED, AND THE DVD TRANSMISSION CHANGED TO BLACK AND WHITE., PHONE THE COMPANY SEVERAL TIMES, THEY SEND A PERSON OVER AND HE STATED THAT IT WAS A FACTORY DEFECT. I HAD THE TV CHECKED OUT A FEW MORE TIMES, WITH THE SAME RESULTS. NOBODY CAN FIX IT. IT IS A PIECE OF CRAP.I WANT TO BE INCLUDED IN THE CLASS ACTION SUIT.
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billy wade, 6 Aug 2008 @ 12:14pm

tv
this is a piece of crap. i spent $5500 and this tv worked for only six months and gateway wont help me out at all
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Bill, 8 Aug 2008 @ 11:01am

TV Died Today
Had 42 inch repaired, twice, and replaced once while still under warrenty. Only way it worked was with HDMI cable. S-Video and other inputs all dead. TV finally died today. Called Gateway. $500.00 just to send a repair person out. Anyone know where to get parts?
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T. DeCastro, 18 Aug 2008 @ 6:23pm

42" Plasma
Ours died today. Same symptoms as all of yours. In our little town there is no one to repair it. Looks like we are out a TV.
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Stacy Arcese, 19 Aug 2008 @ 12:04pm

Mine died too!!
After one year of owning it, it just died. I called gateway and they could not and would not help me. I brought it to be repaired and I could get a new one for what they wanted to charge me. Now its in the trash and I get a letter saying to send in the original receipt and serial number. OK SURE!! NEVER BUY GATEWAY
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Richard Smith, 28 Sep 2008 @ 12:56pm

GateWay 46" plasma TV - ser # 1097515997
This has turn out to be a piece of crap. Picture shows a fusion of colors now, and hisses at me when turned on/off. George (G.W TV rep, emp ID MU023), tells me it will take at least $1500 to repair!!!!!!!!! Incredible!!! Can someone help with this..I feel like a complete fool for buying this $40000.00 junk from them.

HELLLLLLLLLLLLPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Rachel, 18 Nov 2008 @ 6:34am

File a Claim NOW
We are all in the same boat. My out of pocket expenses were over $5,000 even after repair all 3 components blew again. Go to www.plasmatvsettlement.com and file your claim before November 27th. At least you'll get something. I'm reading about $400 per t.v. Yes it's an insult but it's better than fighting those morons at Gateway. They don't care they've already got your money. Thats why they were sued BOYCOTT ANY PURCHASES AND LET YOUR FRIENDS KNOW then move forward.
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stacey kingston, 4 Dec 2008 @ 6:57am

ok, i have a gateway 46" plasma tv, but i'm not the original owner...is there anyway i can get money back, because i need a new power supply. this tv is crazy, and i can't even find the power supply on gateway.com
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Chantel Smith, 5 Jan 2009 @ 6:39am

50 in plasma
We bought a 50 in plasma back in Sept 2003. We paid ALOT of money for it. About 6 months ago the screen started flickering, but would eventually stop. Picture was always good. Slowly the flickering lasted longer and longer and now doesn't stop at all. We cannot watch this tv at all. Unfortunately our warranty expired in 2006. Sounds like ours has lasted longer than others I have been reading about.I have not tried to contact Gateway, sounds like it would be a waste of time. Is the class action still pending? I'm on board if it is.
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SDHusker, 5 Jan 2009 @ 10:40am

Sorry
I apologize to all of you for the issues you have had with your products.

There was a time not so long ago when Gateway stood for value and reliability but that ideology went out the window when the original CEO of the company stepped down in the late 90's. After that we were working under one mercenary CEO or another whose interest were their own and not the customer, company or employees.

I do hope you all received some sort of compensation.
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- audrey almanzar, 22 Feb 2009 @ 6:19am
  
  Re: Sorry
  I am one of those who bought a gateway plasma in 2003 paid 4000.00 for it, after 3 years the picture started going until a couple of days ago, when my tv went completely blank. I did receive the papers for for the lawsuit but it was too late when i filed. I felt that it was an insult to get 400.00 rebate on any gateway item this was part of the settlement and only if you had the receipt, if you didn't have the receipt you were going to get 30.00 rebate. to get 30.00 back for a 4000.00 T.V. is an insult. from what i've been reading it seems like the T.V. are not able to be repaired, so should I just consider buying another one? Not from gateway, of course!
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deb, 25 Feb 2009 @ 11:41pm

42 in Plasma
I ment to say that we bought ours in Nov 03 and now all we can get on the reg channels is lines but guess what the HD works but not all the channels are in HD - - the Charter Guy was here and said that ours has lasted longer than most - - You would think when you pay that much for a TV it would last longer than 5 yrs?? Any help would be appreciated since we are retired and this was our retriement gift to us.
Deb and Gary
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L.J., 27 Feb 2009 @ 1:32pm

Where can I get a main power board?
I need a replacement main power board for my gtw-p42m303 42" plasma. Where can i buy one?
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Peter, 7 Mar 2009 @ 1:46am

GateWay 42"
No need trying to get any better results than what is posted above. My daughter has experienced the same symtons with her set. They are, as stated earlier, a bunch of junk. Only a mass picketing campaign could have any chance of bring this company to its knees on this issue.
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pumkineater59, 14 Apr 2009 @ 9:21pm

Another Gateway 46" dead
Same old story. The 46" died with the same sympton as everybody else. We had it for 5 years, guess we were lucky. I'm cutting my losses right now. No additional money will be spent on this set, not worth it. Luckily we have another Sharp 46" LCD bought a year ago that we can still use.
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charles themens, 17 Apr 2009 @ 8:40am

42" Gateway Plasma
C0TWP42M1CR Serial Numer
Stock Number 1097466008
Turns on and shuts off...where can I get power board or repairs
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skw, 26 May 2009 @ 6:53pm

42" GW ultrabright smoking
My wife and 8 month old daughter were in the living room this evening when my wife smelled a burning scent. The picture had a greenish grainy looking bar that would randomly come and go and the tv also started making a loud buzzing noise. Calling gateway is of no help as the phone system just directs you to go online and the web chat guy not only rudely ended the chat session on me but his only response was to go find a local repairman or contact their per per use "answers by gateway" line which I find unacceptable for an item that is potentially a fire hazard in my home w/ my infant daughter sleeping. I bought it on May 21, 2004, it was delivered on the 25th and now useless exactly 5yrs and 1 day later, go figure. Wish I knew about the class action but seems I got longer out of it than some others. Also I bought the 3yr ext warranty but that was a waste as well.
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gotbeat2, 24 Jun 2009 @ 3:34pm

46" dead
spent close to $5000 4 years ago on this tv. Came here looking for answers, how to repair. I guess the answer is to go tv shopping. Sorry to all of us who got beat by gateway. Lets hope this company does not make it through these tough financial times. This is one no one would miss.
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Anonymous Coward, 7 Sep 2009 @ 12:28pm

42" tv gtw-p42m303
i have a gateway plasma 42" model gtw-p42m303 when you turn it on it looks good until the lines start coming up on it and then if you turn it off and wont turn back on the green light comes on but no screen . what to do ?? any help out there?
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Ricardo S. Mendoza Jr, 6 Oct 2009 @ 12:04pm

XHD 3000
Defective High Resolution Monitor. I send this monitor to the Service Repair Depot in Texas. Reason screen turning green. They have it since july 6, 2009. After many call, and E-Mails, they finally told me that there is no way they can fix this very expencive High Resolution Monitor. I do not have a time, when this unit, is going to be replace, or I am going to be reimburse. They are getting nasty, and rude with every call I made. I need to joing a Class Action against Gateway. My phone number is 407-474-0045 I'll apreciate any help I can get. Thank you.
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Courtland Sorenson, 12 Oct 2009 @ 5:00pm

42 inch gateway plasma problem resolution
Long time systems integrator and business problem solver. I hardly ever post, due to the fact that I am so very busy. This one is important because it does work , about half the time and could really save frustrated consumers.

Take the input/output box OFF the back of the Plasma television. Use just the DVI/HDMI outs on the bottom. You will need to come up with another solution for the receiver portion of your television, however, the t.v. now turned plasma monitor will work.

The other half of you where this doesn't work...I am sorry. There is no getting around the inexperienced sales team that bought these cheap plasma's, jacked up the price and fed them to the public. Or is that the experienced sales team that KNEW these T.V.'s were going to have problems and have waited to have the cash just handed to them by frustrated Gateway loyalists?! Either way, MOOOOOO!!!!
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Suresh Narasimhan, 4 Nov 2009 @ 2:10pm

XHD3000
My XHD3000 like all others was dead after 12 months.I got it repaired from gateway after a long struggle, but I am sure its going to break soon. What should I do to file a class action suit?
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Andrew Przybylski, 4 Nov 2009 @ 2:17pm

XHD 3000 as well
Oh my, the only thing worse than my XHD 3000 failing just out of warranty was Gateway's horrible customer support. When I sent a paper letter I got a call back from execute support, the woman said she would look into my case and call me back... and she never did! A $1,600 should not fail after 16 months!
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F. Baldwin, 27 Nov 2009 @ 11:56am

XHD 3000 Here too
Just last night mine started to screw up.. No help from Gateway either.. Maybe 14 or 15 months old and shot... $1600.00 down the drain.. Some one really needs to get a class action going on this...
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Matthew B, 28 Feb 2010 @ 5:58pm

GATEWAY
I owned 3 Gateway computers before they were bought by Acer. Now I am in the market for another Laptop and I looked at everything but Gateway. Why? Well since the aquisition by Acer I hadn't seen any Gateway's advertised. I assumed that Acer had just ended the brand. Low and behold I find HSN showing a Gateway for $699 bucks with a blu-ray and LED screen. After buying and then cancelling the unit (because the host just told lie after lie) I went to the GATEWAY web-site and found Laptops at the same price as HSN but with better processors and more drive space. The only difference was the free, and mostly useless, software. Now Gateway no longer sells from their own site and they directed me to Amazon who sold me the unit on 12 payments interest free. It's due to show up here in two days and I'm hoping I can come back here and tell you how great the product still is.... I'm crossing my fingers because it is not often that one would have four good Laptops in a row from the same company. We shall see. Anyhow, why is there no new Gateway reviews on the Web? They all seem to be years old.
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FREDRICK MILLER, 23 Jun 2010 @ 5:56pm

worthless gateway 47inch tv
just looking for info 4 how get in on class action suit some 1 please help me. i was bured with a 47inch plasma yes from gateway.
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TIFFANY JONES, 26 Jul 2010 @ 9:24pm

46" GATEWAY
I HAVE A 46" LCD GATEWAY TV. IT BLEW OUT ABOUT A YEAR AGO, I SPENT OVER $500 DOLLARS TO GET IT FIXED AND THEN NOT EVEN SIX MTS LATER IT BROKE AGAIN... SO I LOSSED OUT ON A 46" TV ANY HARD EARNED MONEY.
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luke, 25 Jun 2011 @ 4:08pm

XHD3000
I bet there isn't ONE SINGLE XHD3000 that has lasted over a year - which explains why it has a 1/5 star rating on amazon and cnet. I have money that I'm willing to invest in a class action lawsuit. If anyone knows a lawyer willing to take up the case let me know!
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one more, 4 Dec 2011 @ 4:57am

very heavy 42 plasma
broke, clicks but no pick, bummed, has anyone burnt it down like they do in China to extract precious metals???????????
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