Well where should I start. I ordered a clevo d900f laptop/desktop replacement on May 5th, it finally arrived on July 3rd.
I waited for about a month while my order was "PROCESSING : Your order is in the production cycle." Finally I message AVADIRECT to ask when it will ship (since I heard a rumor clevo was having supply issues) and they say they are waiting on the WSXGA+ screen from clevo, and had been the entire time. If I had known this I would have cancelled my order and went somewhere else. They made no effort to contact me and their website even said my order was processing, not ON HOLD.
When I ordered the computer it said nothing about the part being on back-order and they never let me know this. So of course I am a little upset, they tell me they will upgrade my screen to the more expensive WUXGA (for free of course, after some haggling) since they will have some of those in stock in about a week (I would have to wait an entire month longer if I actually wanted the WUXGA screen I ordered), I say fine. Another few weeks pass as they keep saying the part is coming in and keep giving me shipping estimates. Finally almost two full months after I ordered the computer I finally receive something.
Problem is when I recieve the computer I am getting a lot of visual tearing and static whenever the screen isn't opened to a perfectly vertical position. I assume this is due to a loose or pinched connection between the screen and video card. They say they want me to send it back so they or clevo can fix the issue. Having already waited for a whole month longer than I should have had to wait to receive the computer, I say no I don’t really want to send it anywhere. I instead open the laptop myself and fix the pinched cord, now everything is working 100%.
The screen also has a couple stuck pixels in the upper right hand corner, nothing that is really that big of a deal and of course is not covered by the standard dead pixel warranty. I have tried running a few programs to fix the stuck pixels but to no avail. My question is, if I was already somewhat disgruntled from them not letting me know they didn’t have the part in until I asked an entire month after ordering the computer, why send me a screen that clearly has stuck pixels? Just to piss me off a little more I guess.
Overall the build quality seems solid and the computer works fine, minus the visual tearing issue which I have fixed myself. AVAdirects customer support is also very responsive, once you message them. However nothing makes up for the lack of communication when they clearly had a part on back order from day one that I ordered my computer. Their website even has a built in system for this but no one bothered to switch the status of my order from PROCESSING to ON HOLD, causing me to wait thinking everything was fine for an entire month. If I had known they would not have the part in I would have ordered my clevo d900f from somewhere else.
UPDATE: AVADIRECT did offer to replace my screen even though it is not technically covered. They also assured me that they have updated a few of there build and support procedures to ensure that other customers do not have a similar experience to what I had. AVADIRECTS customer support has been very helpful and they did do everything in their power to make up for the mistakes they made during my order process. They even offered various forms of compensation to make up for their shortfalls, which I did not accept. Despite this they insisted on shipping me a few free games at least for my trouble, which I do appreciate. They went above and beyond to try to make me happy, I just wish I hadn't had so many problems to begin with.
This review was modified by its author, mcbainvt, on
7/21/09 8:14 PM.
I had an issue with a red stuck pixel in center screen--really annoying as I bought the laptop as a mobile gaming platform to take on frequent business trips--that red dot never moved and was very easy to see in games. I realize that just one stuck/dead pixel doesn't meet the minimum number to get a replacement, but you guys did take the laptop back after going back and forth with the manufacturer and replaced the screen. You went above and beyond, and I'm more than happy with my new laptop! You guys rock! Now 6 months later, the laptop is still running topnotch! Thanks!
This review was modified by its author, palatins, on
10/20/09 2:52 PM.
I encountered unforeseen difficulties when the 12gb of memory I had purchased for a server project was found to be incompatible upon installation. With an evening of searching the web I found that AVA Direct appeared to have a suitable supply of 2gb modules with the appropriate chip set and orientation. I ordered them poste-haste and they responded in like fashion. Within 16 hrs my order was shipped and on the way. Unfortunately, on-hand supply was not sufficient for my order and two modules were listed as back ordered.
The first shipment arrived in timely fashion well protected against possible damage. All 4 modules were in their original unopened blister packs, surround and taped with copious quantities of bubble wrap, then further protected with additional padding in an oversized carton.
The back order was shipped out and arrived just a few days later. Now all 6 modules are installed and the server has been running 24/7 without any problems.
AVA Direct personnel were right on top of things with respect to messaging, maintaining communication right through to delivery.
I give them high marks all the way around for their professionalism and courtesy and will not hesitate to order from them again should they have something that I require.
This order was my first custom build/barebones kit and AVADirect provided a great experience. I was pleased to be able to order the kit to my specifications and have the parts installed, tested, and warrantied. The cables were routed and tied down beautifully! I was able to install my RAM, drives, video card, etc. and have a working system quickly. The customer service was excellent during the order and after I received the kit, and I have no regrets paying just a small amount more than buying the components individually. I'll be a repeat customer and have recommended AVADirect to several people already.
Had a very good experience with Avadirect. Their prices were very competitive and service was excellent. I chose to have my wife call in over the phone to place the order since I was deployed at the time and during the call they let us know that one of the parts we wanted with the computer had been known to have some problems. They then suggested a different brand with the same specifications at the same price. This was very appreciated. After the order was placed, I received an email notifying me of the order. I logged onto the website a few days later and checked out the account that had been set up for me and saw that you could post questions pertaining to your order in one of the sections. I decided to try it out and asked a quick question. The next day checked the account and the question had been answered about 15 minutes after they opened for the day (hours were 10am-6pm ET if i recall correctly).
The order was placed on the 22nd of may and i received my computer on the 9th or thereabouts (I was on leave at the time so it was delivered to my apartment manager instead). When I got back I started to set up the computer and everything was well packaged and in very good condition. A note was attached to the side of the computer with some helpful things pertaining to taking out the packaging and inspecting the parts to make sure nothing was loose. After a few minutes of rearranging my desk area I plugged everything in and the computer booted up without problems. Drivers were installed and fully up to date which was very nice to see.
Overall this has been a very good experience and for the price I paid, the computer is very powerful. Avadirect put together a good computer at a good price with professional and courteous service the whole time. Excellent work!
Such a good price for this very high end item that I was suspicious, in spite of excellent ratings for this company. Should not have worried. Excellent quality, just as described, super fast shipping, great communication. Plan to use them again and again.
It's been about 9 months now since I purchased my system from AVA. I have to say that I have been pleased with the entire process. The people are friendly and professional. The machine was well put together and the shipping went well. The system has been running now for 9 months like a champ. My goal was a gaming system that didn't sound like a jet plane (i.e. my old Dell XPS).
Over the years (many of them), I have built several of my own systems and purchases systems from Dell, Gateway, Micron, Alienware (pre-Dell days), etc for myself and others.
I'm a tough grader, but I would have to give the guys at AVA an A.
Here is the link to my build if anyone is interested.
OCZ DIY10N1 Neutrino Netbook, 10.1" WSVGA TFT Glossy LCD, Intel® 945GSE Graphics 1 $571.43 $571.43
OCZ, Neutrino DIY Netbook Barebone, Atom™ N270 1.6GHz, Intel® 945GSE, 10.1" TFT WSVGA TFT Glossy, SATA, Integrated Intel® 945GSE Graphics
KINGSTON, 2GB ValueRAM PC2-5300 DDR2 667MHz SDRAM SODIMM, CL5, Non-ECC
WESTERN DIGITAL, 160GB Scorpio® Black™ WD1600BJKT, 7200-RPM, 16MB cache, 2.5-Inch, SATA 3 Gb/s, OEM
ACCESSORY, Built-in 4-in-1 MMC/SD/MS/MS Pro Media Card Reader (Included)
NETWORK, Built-in IEEE 802.11b/g 11/54Mbps WLAN Adapter (Included)
MICROSOFT, Windows XP Professional Edition w/ SP3, OEM
SERVICE, OEM System Recovery (secure HDD partition only)
SERVICE, System Binder
WARRANTY, Assembled and Tested (1 Year Limited Parts, Lifetime Labor Warranty)
I wanted to buy a netbook for my parents who don’t use their computer for anything more than normal everyday use. The primary reason I initially decided to go with custom built netbook was because I could get 2GB of RAM without having Vista preinstalled like other big name companies enforce because of obligations with Microsoft. Yes RAM is easy to upgrade yourself, but most big name netbook companies void your warranty if you upgrade the RAM yourself (a sticker is placed on the RAM to inform you of this in most cases).
I’ve never ordered a customized computer before so I was a little bit nervous on what to expect. I did a few days of extensive research on netbooks and the reviews of different companies. After reading reviews (to include those on this site) I decided to go with AVA. I had looked at 3 other custom computer companies too. If you’re like me, you read the bad reviews to get an idea of what to expect if something goes wrong. Computers aren’t perfect so a small percentage of computers WILL have problems. I was satisfied with the work AVA did to resolve issues and work with the owners when these problems came up.
As I started to “customize” the netbook, I had several questions on different options. You don’t have as many options available as you do for building some high-end gaming desktop, but you still have plenty of options to ensure you are only paying for the things you want and not paying for the things you’ll never use. The sales staff answered the questions I had about what options to go with and what level of performance I could expect for my money. I probably could have asked more questions and gotten more feedback on the phone, but I preferred to use e-mail. One question I forgot to ask is what the difference is between “OEM vs retail” on different options?
From there, it all went smoothly. I paid for it, they built it, tested it, and sent it to me. Once it was in the mail, they sent me an e-mail so I could track it.
The computer arrives in a package that could survive a car wreck with all the padding and care they take in packing it. The package also comes with a binder of documents that you need to save so that they don’t get accidently thrown out.
It started up perfectly fine and all the drivers were up-to-date. Before sending it to my computer illiterate parents I set it up to automatically update the MS, Windows, AV, and other software.
When it’s time for me to get a new computer, I’ll be back to AVA. Their quality of work and professionalism was evident during every phase. Any chance you’ll offer a military discount? :)
This review was modified by its author, edspanol, on
6/13/09 2:49 PM.
I used AVA Direct to pick out a good computer for MS Flight Simulator X. AVA Direct did a great job on this. I am really pleased with the quality of their workmanship and their service. They are very responsive to any questions I had. I had no problems with the shipping either. I will definitely be contacting them again in the future for components/computers.
Excellent all around package. Solid communication from a customer support aspect. Great overall pricing compared to competition. Timely delivery of a quality product for a minimum price premium. If AVA Direct can maintain this level of excellence they will have a customer for life.
My only concern is for those without easy access to a fax machine during the ordering process. Without one it may delay the overall process. Thankfully I had one at my disposal. Seems like a slightly antiquated method to be honest.
This review was modified by its author, astrodudepsu, on
6/12/09 5:38 PM.
Item arrived promptly in two days.
it was exactly as advertised. Appreciated the follow-up in spite of this having been a minor order which normally wouldn't merit the inquiry.
My experience with AVA Direct was a very enjoyable one. Their staff was extremely cooperative and curtious, and I have no complaints about the MSI MS-1651 I ordered from them. I would recommend this very professional company to others.
It's been a great experience for me with these guys. I carefully chose every single component of my rig, ask for confirmation and a couple of corrections were suggested. Excellent suggestions since i had overlooked one or two things.
We managed to agree in a payment method, no easy task because i'm overseas. Then confirmed and processing started, tested my baby to the limits and shipped to my address. Received right on time and very carefully packed. I DEFINITELY recommend AVA Direct.
Post-transaction feedback has been excellent and the forums are very helpful. 10/10 for you guys.
Thanks Joseph and all your crew.
This review was modified by its author, yabran, on
6/10/09 3:59 PM.
AVA Direct built an awesome gaming PC based on my use and requirements. Their website configurators offer a multitude of choices, and if you cannot see what you want, call them and they will make it happen.
Previously I purchased a desktop from Dell and notebook from Alienware, however, neither of these companies would change their configurations to meet my needs. Previously both companies were much more flexible.
The AVA Direct PC I ordered arrived on time, was very easy to set up and the performance exceeded my expectations.
Overall a very nice purchasing experience. I ordered 18 server memory modules (4GB ECC DDR3 each) and received a call the same day to verify that 1) I really wanted that many, 2) I understood they would be non-refundable as a special order. The ordered was processed without issue after I confirmed that I knew what I was doing. ;-) AVA Direct had the memory modules shipped to me directly from Crucial a few days later.
I could have ordered the memory directly from Crucial but would have had to pay several hundred dollars more.
