VPR Matrix gone bad

[pcdsiner]

In April 2003 I purchased what was the most remarkable computer that I had ever experienced. From Best Buy online, after patiently waiting for the release of the FT9150, mine arrived.
My main focus is digital and everything Adobe & Macromedia related, and let me tell you - Photoshop rocked!

Then in November, it all went wrong. Screen started jumbling on me and then the computer would lock up. Then it wouldn't read the dvd drive. The start up took very long. Many other things ocurred, none of which I could fix myself or with Technical support.

It went to Best Buy for repair and they replaced the motherboard.
It worked fine for about 2 days, and the same symptoms resurfaced. After Christmas, in January, I returned it to Best Buy.
They sent it to their service center in Boston, where it was analyzed - they replaced the hard drive. Took them three weeks. So here I am, an entrepeneur - without my big hitter.

I must say that the Customer service manager at Best Buy Norwalk has done everything that he could to help me. He paid attention to a lot of details. But, unfortunately, the issues were not resolved and I am sitting with an apparent lemon.

Here is the bad part, I was just told that they cant get anymore machines to replace this one, and that I have to pick a different computer from Best Buy. HELP. I did so much research on this computer and felt that I had made the best choice. Now what do I buy, they are recommending a Sony. Paleeze.

Does anyone know if VPR matrix's are still being made? Any advice is appreciated. Mara

[JiminElkGrove]

Best Buy stopped selling VPR Matrix computers in October of last year so about 5 months ago. Apparently production stopped around the same time and a few new machines were available briefly after that but now they are all gone. Scuttlebut was that they caved in to pressure from the other OEM computer makers, primarily HP, that they would remove thier branded machines from Best Buy stores if they had to compete with VPR's on the shelves next to them. VPR Matrix computers sold like hotcakes. The stores in the Chicago area were perpetually out of them as they could not keep up with the demand. Apparently, HP and others caught on to this and threatened to pull not only their computers but the entire myraid of other products they sell: Printers, scanners, FAX machines and all the rest. Best Buy took the threat seriously and decided rather than to lose the entire HP line they would discontinue the house brand VPR Matrix. The brand is gone. What to buy from Best Buy? Tough question. I personnally do not care for the OEM machines although they may be the most economical solution. Either Sony or HP would probably be my choice if I were faced with an off the shelf system and they carry both. A real downer for you and all VPR Matrix owners. Jim