[missythng]

VM has definitely gone downhill in both quality and customer service. I bought my first computer from them about a year and a half ago and got great service, no matter how big or small the problem.

Just bought a new one, waiting for the review to pass and be posted. This experience has been awful. The computer works, but it certainly doesn't work well. Not for what's in it and what I paid for it. And I feel like there's just not the level of care there used to be.

Of course, the person who used to be in charge of tech support has gone to another company, so that's not a good thing.

I think they grew way too fast and have gone "corporate". The bottom line has become more important than the customer.

The only positive about VM is they do use "real" parts, as opposed to most of the big box proprietary overpriced crummy parts - and that includes Alienware (they are owned by Dell after all). Another company to consider if you're looking to buy is Puget. I couldn't afford them ... but right now I wish I'd found a way to come up with the extra bucks.

I too miss [H]Consumer, that's how I found VM in the first place! Their reviews were great, completely unbiased and even I could understand most of what they were talking about. At least they still have their great forum.