AIComputers - 50% Off Coupon. Our AI Rep's ICQ#256399925

[dizzytrain]

ahh yes but what about the glorious suspence, The elation after receiving the good deal, and then the big let down, and then the elation once more. I hope thats where the cycle ends,
No but seriously
a posting on their site would have been the reasonable thing to do,
i ordered one with a Intel Pentium 4 Processor 3.2GHz 800MHz FSB

[tourbound]

I'm at the upper end of the 37XX's so it will be interesting to see when I get my stage 3 notification, or any other notification.

[ApltnHkyMutt]

I'm at the upper end of the 37XX's so it will be interesting to see when I get my stage 3 notification, or any other notification.
hopefully if your like me well be receiving the email tomorrow or Monday. i think they should be able to do around 100 systems a day? no? I should be right around the cut off for where they stoped with the email notification. (fingers crossed)

[tourbound]

hopefully if your like me well be receiving the email tomorrow or Monday. i think they should be able to do around 100 systems a day? no? I should be right around the cut off for where they stoped with the email notification. (fingers crossed)

I am going to hope for tomorrow :) I bought a new video card a couple days before this deal popped up and I had to return it yesterday to get my money back. I hope I don't have to wait to much longer to get back to playing FarCry.

[dizzytrain]

should note that i also ordered a laptop (centrino) with no change to that orders status. The wait for those maybe longer.

[Ravendas]

Here (http://www.resellerratings.com/seller1823.html) before you shop at Best Buy

Here (http://www.resellerratings.com/seller1347.html) before you shop at Circuit City

Here (http://www.resellerratings.com/seller1636.html) before you shop at Wal-Mart

Here (http://www.resellerratings.com/seller1912.html) before you shop at CompUSA

...

Thanks guys! You've succeeded in pointing out the general uselessness (or actually, "bias") of ResellerRatings.com. The companies that get the most customers will by nature get the most complaints, because as it was pointed out earlier, people with a complaint are far more likely to post to such a site than people who are satisfied.

I think that even the most optimistic of us will agree that AI seems to have bitten off far more than they can chew, and that their customer service has thus far pretty much sucked. I'll give them the benefit of the doubt that they just underestimated the number of orders they'd receive and wait and see. However, I'm not interested in waiting a couple of months for my system - by then, I'd be able to buy these parts or better for that price or better on my own.

:spam: :spam: :spam: :spam: bacon eggs and :spam:

No one said they weren't useful; check out this. (http://www.resellerratings.com/topstores.pl) They still offer a good overall guide to online dealers who are trustworthy. If Apex hadn't personally endorsed this company by posting the deal on his website, I would never have ordered from them based on their RR rating alone.

When these systems come through, I'd better see positive ratings on RR from every one of you whiney bastards! :hehehmm:

-Rav

[ApltnHkyMutt]

No one said they weren't useful; check out this. (http://www.resellerratings.com/topstores.pl) They still offer a good overall guide to online dealers who are trustworthy. If Apex hadn't personally endorsed this company by posting the deal on his website, I would never have ordered from them based on their RR rating alone.

When these systems come through, I'd better see positive ratings on RR from every one of you whiney bastards! :hehehmm:

-Rav

I will definately leave a positive rating for this companie if it goes through. though i will mention the lack of comunication on there part. still a busy signal...

[Apex]

Our rep there at AI Computers just opened an ICQ account to help with our customer concerns. He's been working overtime to help me get all of our emails answered. Believe me, there's been a lot.

Anyhow, the ICQ# is 256399925.

[lurch70]

first time poster here .. but have been getting many deals through Apex .. thanks for all the bargains so far!

I got in on this last week as well. Bought a home machine for myself and a laptop for a client.

My question is, where is AI located??? their website does not mention a physical address anywhere. this is a little shady in my book.

i think this deal will go through however, I have faith. Although I question why they would run a massive promo like this and coincide it with a telephone system upgrade??!?!?!?!

[Apex]

It's located on Marine Street in Farmingdale, NY.

[bradpitt]

Good news! :cheers:
So when you look it up on the order status page, what does it say? New, Pending, Stage 3, etc.? And is this the first e-mail you've received from them?


ooooh i just checked and it does say stage3! :) and my order number is a very low 370X sorry if i confused you if i put 37XX

[ApltnHkyMutt]

I just used the 5 dollars credit they gave me for placing an order to purchase "Case Fan Quad Led Bi Colors" fan for free, subtotal is 4.99 with free ground shipping. so for those of you looking for what to do with your free 5 dollar credit thats a freebe if you want to do it. just my .02

[DankNstickY]

so apex.... any word if they'll be doing this again sometime in the near future??? i SOOO wanted to get that AMD desktop, but not enough credit on the card... i'll be prepared this time

[gwells]

i'm in the low 37XX and am still looking at "new" status. :sad:

[beo]

I just used the 5 dollars credit they gave me for placing an order to purchase "Case Fan Quad Led Bi Colors" fan for free, subtotal is 4.99 with free ground shipping. so for those of you looking for what to do with your free 5 dollar credit thats a freebe if you want to do it. just my .02

How did you pay with AICash? When I tried, it was not included in the payment options.

[lurch70]

It's located on Marine Street in Farmingdale, NY.

Great, so since I am in LI also .. once they ship, it will be here the next day.

[gremlin190]

OOOH man I cant wait to finally get my amd 64, any good sites about the ASus k8v deluxe? I read that there are modded bioses for it so you can overclock :)

By the way Thanks Apex for all your hard word and dedication to this thread.
This bud's for you :cheers:


To ppl worried about there cc getting charged. My CC has still not been charged and I don't think they'll charge you until the product is being built or what not.

[ThinkBling]

Anybody above a 37xx order number get an email? It would be nice if they were in the 40xx range.:winkie:

[weavweb]

401X =) Tell me about it --- I'll post when I recieve word
Dale!

**thanks guys**

[satish]

Our rep there at AI Computers just opened an ICQ account to help with our customer concerns. He's been working overtime to help me get all of our emails answered. Believe me, there's been a lot.

Anyhow, the ICQ# is 256399925.

I have been watching for "Mr. AI 5447" on ICQ since early this morning. No sign of life so far. I tried the 800-775-4010 & 631-755-8000 numbers this morning at 7:00 AM EST and it was still busy, so I guess they have the phones off the hook or something. I have never heard of a T1 upgrade taking 10 days.

[beo]

40XX =) Tell me about it --- I'll post when I recieve word
Dale!

Dude, you need to edit your post and take out your order number. AIComputers' system is not secure on that. You can type in an order number to the URL and get the customer's address/phone/etc.

:censored:

[Porkfry]

Ok so, earlier in the week I sent AI an e-mail asking them what the deal was with AIPCS and how things were going. I mainly was looking for them to put my mind at ease and here's what I just got.


"We did a formal email to all customers on file as of december, and I believe another one was originally scheduled again for June.

Unfortunately, if you go to a site such as resellerratings and do searches for bestbuy, circuit city, walmart or any other chains, you will see the largest always have the most complaints, because of the way it goes.

Thank you for your concern, and sorry if our current "Tech" situation alarmed you.

Thank you,

The a.i Team"

As of right now I'm not too conscerned about any of this. I mean if people are being moved to "stage 3" then that is very encouraging that I too will soon be up to stage 3....I just wish it was sooner because I'm going to a LAN party tonight. I'll post when my number comes up I'm in the 40XX group.

One thing I was thinking about. ok check it, so AIPCS was the "bad apple" as it were that put a mark on AI Computers name. So they're gone now and AI computers is actively trying to do something to fix that. How they do that is by putting out the deal of the century. A boat load of people take advantage of that deal and in the end, if all things go as they seem to. Man They're going to have some seriously awesome press.

[ThinkBling]

It is a very interesting concept aicomputers has. With an initial offering of coupons that one gives to others that give the receiver a discount and the giver some "ai" bucks, they can spread the word VERY quickly. Although this probably won't be a permanent thing, it could generate the traffic and recognition that puts this business up there.

It's not certain that this will work... but it IS very interesting.

[doughboy]

But your name is "Doughboy"... now keep spendin' that dough that you won't be "kneeding".

<pokes him in the belly...>

Hee hee... :hihi:

"kneeding"...LOL. pretty witty....

[Marka]

I have a 38XX number and still no word. I'll post when something comes along.

[satish]

Our rep there at AI Computers just opened an ICQ account to help with our customer concerns. He's been working overtime to help me get all of our emails answered. Believe me, there's been a lot.

Anyhow, the ICQ# is 256399925.

mr. AI5447 (ICQ# 256399925) has been online on ICQ for the past approximately 2 hours and I have tried messaging him, but he does not acknowledge or respond... I guess if they do not answer their phones or emails, it does not surprise me that he is not responding on ICQ either! :neartears

[beo]

mr. AI5447 (ICQ# 256399925) has been online on ICQ for the past approximately 2 hours and I have tried messaging him, but he does not acknowledge or respond... I guess if they do not answer their phones or emails, it does not surprise me that he is not responding on ICQ either! :neartears

Much harder to keep IM conversations going than email! Can you imagine having a contact list with 300 people on it and 100 people talking all at once?

:throw:

I thought that part seemed like a bad idea from the get-go...

By the way, can anybody tell me how to use that $5 worth of AI Credits?

[Apex]

If you didn't get a reply, message him again, with your gotapex screen name, your email address, and order number. We also specifically choose ICQ instead of AIM or YM because you can leave a message when the person is offline.

[faither]

Much harder to keep IM conversations going than email! Can you imagine having a contact list with 300 people on it and 100 people talking all at once?

:throw:

I thought that part seemed like a bad idea from the get-go...

By the way, can anybody tell me how to use that $5 worth of AI Credits?

Just go back and buy something. After my first purchase from them, they tossed $5 in my account. Used it for the giant Zalman fan.

Damn, I haven't seen so many Plebe's since visiting West Point in the summertime.

[LPMiller]

should note that i also ordered a laptop (centrino) with no change to that orders status. The wait for those maybe longer.

Chances are, those are assembled overseas, sent to AI to brand them, then sent out. So I would expect laptops to take longer.

[DarkFury]

"kneeding"...LOL. pretty witty....
/me takes a deep bow...

:wavey: :D

[tourbound]

I talked to the rep at AI today on ICQ. All I did was pm him with my gotapex name, order # and email and he got right back to me. Very nice guy and talked to him for about 30 minutes, about the deal, orders and just general stuff at times.

Orders will not necessarily be filled in numerical order. If they don't have the parts for an order, then they have to wait on that one but can move on to someone else if those parts are in. But for the most part it should go close to numerical order.

I am in the high 37XX's and I got my stage 3 email today. We should get emails for stage 4, stage 5 and a shipping notice. He told me my order may ship next week or could be the following week. Obviously, I'm hoping for next week, but we will see.

[moetop]

Ya I got the $5 credit last time I ordered the memory, and it applied to this very system I ordered.

I think this whole post is a good demonstration on how a company can get a bad rating. It's a feeding frenzy on the internet, and it only takes 1 troll to get things started.

On that note this is not over yet, so I am eagerly awaiting my E-mail, but it is probably going to be a while #44xx .

Also I don’t know if anyone implied that I am a newb, just because I registered recently, but you only have the right to call me a newb if you ran a BBS on something older than a C64, surfed the internet with something older than Lynx or Gopher, or use IRC as your primary IM tool, (not warez, or p0rn). Ohh ya, anybody still use Veronica to do their searches? I'm sure somebody is going to flame me still, but that's the way it go's.

Moe Money Moe Money
Moetop

[satish]

If you didn't get a reply, message him again, with your gotapex screen name, your email address, and order number. We also specifically choose ICQ instead of AIM or YM because you can leave a message when the person is offline.

I messaged him again with my gotapex screen name, order numbers and email address. He was online the whole time that I tried. I did not get any response by email or ICQ.

[pcguy]

I messaged him again with my gotapex screen name, order numbers and email address. He was online the whole time that I tried. I did not get any response by email or ICQ.

Yeah, you can't expect him to be able to deal with every person who messages him just because he's on. How many people can you usually deal with at one time? Then figure the number of people looking to try to contact them and see he's online. The only worry I have about this is that we might be paying retail by the time we get these :-\

[Apex]

I messaged him again with my gotapex screen name, order numbers and email address. He was online the whole time that I tried. I did not get any response by email or ICQ.

He took his laptop with him this weekend, but I doubt he's doing much work on Sat and Sunday. Expect to hear back on a workday.

[ialsohaveadream]

Also I don’t know if anyone implied that I am a newb, just because I registered recently, but you only have the right to call me a newb if you ran a BBS on something older than a C64, surfed the internet with something older than Lynx or Gopher, or use IRC as your primary IM tool, (not warez, or p0rn). Ohh ya, anybody still use Veronica to do their searches? I'm sure somebody is going to flame me still, but that's the way it go's.



I'd flame you just for trying to sound all elitist and cool, but I really don't care enough.

[pcguy]

I'd flame you just for trying to sound all elitist and cool, but I really don't care enough.

yah basically......and anyway you can't prove competence or skills by having used programs/websites for long amounts of time. I think it's more dependent on how things are used. Not trying to imply anything about anyone here with that part, but just felt I should say it since people love flame wars over who's more competent/less competent. Soo silly and pointless.

[LPMiller]

Ya I got the $5 credit last time I ordered the memory, and it applied to this very system I ordered.

I think this whole post is a good demonstration on how a company can get a bad rating. It's a feeding frenzy on the internet, and it only takes 1 troll to get things started.

On that note this is not over yet, so I am eagerly awaiting my E-mail, but it is probably going to be a while #44xx .

Also I don’t know if anyone implied that I am a newb, just because I registered recently, but you only have the right to call me a newb if you ran a BBS on something older than a C64, surfed the internet with something older than Lynx or Gopher, or use IRC as your primary IM tool, (not warez, or p0rn). Ohh ya, anybody still use Veronica to do their searches? I'm sure somebody is going to flame me still, but that's the way it go's.

Moe Money Moe Money
Moetop

You are a newb to me, unless you played the first beta version of Oregon Trails on a teletype at 120 baud back in 1979. Or ever wrote a program using punch cards. Or went on a field trip in 1977 to the Xerox think tank and saw the first GUI.. Or played Pong one of the first pong machines when you were about 6 years old.

No?

n00b.

[Underclocked]

I sent them an email telling them to cancel my order and delete all my credit card information as well as my account from their website. I also contacted my credit card company and alerted them to the possibility of this being a major scam as well as asking them to put a higher level of scrutiny on my account activities. The credit card company responded within 24 hours both by telephone and by email. So far, no suspicious activities.

Say what you want, feel old and wise all you want, but this company is not operating in a manner to be trusted. Good communication is the prime rule of any trade/purchase arrangement. The folks at AI apparently have no idea about communication.

They must surely have responded to my cancellation email as I now cannot log into my account. If they took all actions as directed, good. If they do anything beyond that....... Of course, there was no communication from them at any point in time.

Endorsing these people and this deal took some nads. I hope those nads are there when the dust settles. I also hope those of you that placed orders get what you ordered and soon.

ps: having a large number of posts on a forum means you have a large number of posts on a forum - NOTHING else.

[DankNstickY]

ps: having a large number of posts on a forum means you have a large number of posts on a forum - NOTHING else.

not true... it means my e-penis is HUGE...

http://www.lemonizer.com/upload/uploadsMay/epenis.gif

[Arhant]

[QUOTE=Underclocked]I sent them an email telling them to cancel my order and delete all my credit card information as well as my account from their website. I also contacted my credit card company and alerted them to the possibility of this being a major scam as well as asking them to put a higher level of scrutiny on my account activities. The credit card company responded within 24 hours both by telephone and by email. So far, no suspicious activities.

I ordered one and cancelled. I received a prompt email from AI acknowledging my cancellation. Then I read APEX's personal guarantee and reordered. Unfortunately, I am 50XX now.
Does anyone have an idea of how many these guys can push out in a day?
If any........................

[PhansWorld]

Hmmm... I'm a newB to this forum but not to gotapex... I contacted the rep by ICQ and he responded right away... so not sure why the others weren't able to get him to respond. I asked him a few basic questions... like... Is anyone alive at the other end as I have been trying to contact your company by email and phone with no luck!

Response was they were highly overwhelmed at the moment but are processing the orders etc. He confirmed my order (even though it still says "new" ughhh)... but anyways it gave me some sort of relief that someone is actually on the other end!

I also asked... "when should I recieve my order or email of any sort relating to the pc that I placed!" He said.. normally 10-14 days after the order is placed that we would hear anything, but since they had a lot of orders, it will take another 4-6 days (business days that is)...

So I guess I will wait before overreacting at this point! BUT believe me... my limit is a month, if I dont see jack or hear back from them, I'll call my cc company and let them know...

:oP ~~~ honestly I can't wait to receive the PC!! eheh

~PT

[Underclocked]

Well, now I have e-penis envy. :gle: :lmfao:

[Jaxidian]

Well, now I have e-penis envy. :gle: :lmfao:

ditto

[satish]

He took his laptop with him this weekend, but I doubt he's doing much work on Sat and Sunday. Expect to hear back on a workday.

When I said I messaged him again, it was on Friday when he was online for several hours. I did not expect him to respond on Saturday or Sunday. I was very disappointed that he chose not to respond even though he was online and the opportunity to respond!

[moetop]

I knew I would get some flames... :) Out of that list of relic stuff I only did/ owned one... That was the original pong.

I guess I felt a little defensive, because people always question when they don’t see a lot of posts, by someone, and feel the need to point this out, because they don’t take the time to read all the posts, or go on a even bigger rage, when you point out facts and tell em to wait it out. This was more directed at people who already called me a noob, not somebody who felt the urge to call me an elitist. And if you posted anything, then you care... thanks for showing you care. :) I guess it's against the law to defend yourself anymore.

Back on topic...

Since some of the people have received their stage 3 E-mail that shows it is in the production cycle, have any of you received an estimated ship date?

Moetop

[bullethead]

Been visiting Apex for man years a few times a week now. New to the forum but not new to the site.
My order for 2 barebones machines are 51XX

I saw there was a shortage on the colored cases so I fired off a email saying change my order to the Enermax cases or any case they had in stock. Im dont care about the color what so ever.

There responce to this email was

"Thanks"

Well I sent another email saying what the hell kind of responce is thanks?
Since then I have sent 4 more emails asking for someone anyone I dont care if its the 3rd shift janitor, someone call or respond thats human to let me know, im not emailing mail box thats never going to be read.

Ive said in my emails that it would be nice to have a responce after reading 5 million posts out there saying how people got stiffed. I keep copy and pasting my original email to show this is not my first email but nothing ever comes back.

So whats the deal with having the biggest cheapest one day online sale of all time and not having phone lines or someone to answer emails weeks after selling?

Ive heard on this thread some crap about every big retailer having a bad wrap on resellers but guess what.
At least BestBuy and ComUSA's site says if its in stock. And what the time frame of delievery is if its not. And if you have a real problem most of us can drive 5 minutes up the road and get it handled.

Ive got over 500 things sold on Ebay and have nearly a 100% positive responce. I could have 3000 things sold but guess what I only sell what I can handle no more. I couldnt imagine selling anything on there with no way for the customer to contact me and sending automated responce to questions with one word "Thanks"

These are the reasons most everyone buys from NewEgg now. You order something its at your house in 2 days. Sure its great to get a deal like AI's but if you spend weeks or months worrying if your order is ever going to come kinda makes it not worth it. I know next time if Im shopping something I look at AI Ill have to figure in if its worth the possable 2 week/2 month wait or do I spend a few more dollars from a site that has a phone system and employees.

[pcguy]

Been visiting Apex for man years a few times a week now. New to the forum but not new to the site.
My order for 2 barebones machines are 51XX

I saw there was a shortage on the colored cases so I fired off a email saying change my order to the Enermax cases or any case they had in stock. Im dont care about the color what so ever.

There responce to this email was

"Thanks"

Well I sent another email saying what the hell kind of responce is thanks?
Since then I have sent 4 more emails asking for someone anyone I dont care if its the 3rd shift janitor, someone call or respond thats human to let me know, im not emailing mail box thats never going to be read.

Ive said in my emails that it would be nice to have a responce after reading 5 million posts out there saying how people got stiffed. I keep copy and pasting my original email to show this is not my first email but nothing ever comes back.

So whats the deal with having the biggest cheapest one day online sale of all time and not having phone lines or someone to answer emails weeks after selling?

Ive heard on this thread some crap about every big retailer having a bad wrap on resellers but guess what.
At least BestBuy and ComUSA's site says if its in stock. And what the time frame of delievery is if its not. And if you have a real problem most of us can drive 5 minutes up the road and get it handled.

Ive got over 500 things sold on Ebay and have nearly a 100% positive responce. I could have 3000 things sold but guess what I only sell what I can handle no more. I couldnt imagine selling anything on there with no way for the customer to contact me and sending automated responce to questions with one word "Thanks"

These are the reasons most everyone buys from NewEgg now. You order something its at your house in 2 days. Sure its great to get a deal like AI's but if you spend weeks or months worrying if your order is ever going to come kinda makes it not worth it. I know next time if Im shopping something I look at AI Ill have to figure in if its worth the possable 2 week/2 month wait or do I spend a few more dollars from a site that has a phone system and employees.

hmmm....well if they only accepted those they could handle you wouldn't even have an order........you think about that? you're at least 1500 orders in...if they stiff you then complain; otherwise stop whining about getting 50% off on a ridiculous system. I'll also point out that people sometimes have a lot of trouble contacting places like Dell etc... on their massive deals. And Dell is a much larger company. Be realistic, not asinine. If they send me what they promised before the prices go down too dramatically, then I'll be happy

[bullethead]

hmmm....well if they only accepted those they could handle you wouldn't even have an order........you think about that?
That has to be the most retarded thing i have ever heard in my entire life.
Are you a car salesman?

If you ordered a car or a house and someone said you wouldnt even have a order if he didnt over promiss under deliver. i think id be looking for the nearest unattached thing to the earth to start swinging.

OK thats kinda highend stuff lets take it down to lowend. Run through McDonalds and order a happymeal with 50% off. Now sit out side for 2 hours waiting for your happy meal and have McTimmy come out and say if we didnt have this deal you wouldnt even have a order in.

Some of us ordered computers because guess what we were shopping computers and want to buy a computer not an order.
Complain?
What else do you do if your bought something and they have no phone lines and emails throw a party and say how great it is you have your order in?

[ello13]

Well, at this point you can cancel your order and never worry about it? If you don't do that, then I'd assume you still want to keep your order. And if you want to keep your order, there'd have to be a reason. That reason is you're getting an insane deal on a computer! So yes, be lucky you even have an order placed in queue (assuming these computers ship out within a couple of weeks). There are plenty of other people who missed out who would juump to get in on this deal if it pans out. If you don't like it, then cancel and never visitthis thread again.

That said, AI computers should have some lines of communication open and it's really not that responsible to dish out these 1 word replies to concerned consumers. Thene again, if they're not out to rip us off, I'm still happy to have my order on queue and will cancel if they don't ship out soon.

[Jaxidian]

As everybody else here, I wish I could have my cake and eat it too. I'll be happy if I get my cake, though.

[pcguy]

That has to be the most retarded thing i have ever heard in my entire life.
Are you a car salesman?

If you ordered a car or a house and someone said you wouldnt even have a order if he didnt over promiss under deliver. i think id be looking for the nearest unattached thing to the earth to start swinging.

OK thats kinda highend stuff lets take it down to lowend. Run through McDonalds and order a happymeal with 50% off. Now sit out side for 2 hours waiting for your happy meal and have McTimmy come out and say if we didnt have this deal you wouldnt even have a order in.

Some of us ordered computers because guess what we were shopping computers and want to buy a computer not an order.
Complain?
What else do you do if your bought something and they have no phone lines and emails throw a party and say how great it is you have your order in?

When you place an order at an online website, UNLIKE mcdonalds or at car sales, you are not actually making a purchase. You are placing an order....it is their decision whether or not to accept your order.

And you are twisting my words. I never said you are purchasing an order. Your order is a proposition of purchase.

And if you're gonna talk about retarded, I'd do some intraspection before i start calling out names. Like stop to consider for a second

Biggest sale and not enough phones....do they look like Dell or other companies that half-the-time blow you off when they answer anyways? No, they are a small company. You want them to lose money so that they can pay for more staff that they don't actually need except that they've got too many orders? That wouldn't make any sense.

And also, it's the biggest deal.....would you stop to consider ever that you should be THANKFUL that they even offered the deal and aren't cancelling it instantly like a lot of other larger companies do when deals get out of hand.

Just because you placed an order doesn't mean they've got to accept it and if you can't comprehend how much processing they have to do and can only complain then why not just cancel your order.

I mean seriously, if you feel so strongly about it just cancel. No one is forcing you to order. If you order on a ridiculous deal like this from a small company, you've got to expect there to be a lot of delays in processing, response etc... IF they even decide to honor the deal, which usually isn't the case.

And the way you emailed them, I wouldn't even accept your order if I were in their shoes. Not the kind of customer I'D want for sure. And definitely not the right attitude for these forums.

[beo]

:stupid:
Yes, please, everybody with an order number less than 46XX please cancel your orders, so my number will come up sooner... thanks... :wavey2:

[dennpett]

Damn!!! I had to check the url, for a second I thought I was at FatWallet.

[bullethead]

I’m keeping my order because it didn’t cost me anything but I was looking for a computer for myself to use that was a good deal. Since I was not able to get it, I purchased else where but have kept the order so even if there is a 1/100% chance I can get it. When I buy something on line I prefer to buy something and not feel like I’m playing the odds of a lotto scratch off.
Think about what your are saying it sounds like
1) Your thinking its OK to list parts for sale you don’t have
2) Its OK to continue to sell parts not listing anywhere that it might take 1 week or 3 months or never
3) Its OK to sell those none stocked part with no note of back order and also have no email or phone system

Go on any retailers site and check even shady ones, 9 out of 10 will show whether they have item in stock or not. Now go on AIcomputers site and look at ordering a computer right now. It says no where that there is a back order of any kind on anything. Go to there news section, it just says how great they are and everyone loves them. Now do a search for "aicomputers" every other link is a complaint page about the company.

Now find one other company, just one that deals that way.
The deals not the complaint ya it’s a wonderful deal but people telling people to shut there pie whole because there was no information before, during, or after the order about a back order?

Now go on EBay and sell a X800 ATI card for $299 and have 10 buy one from you. Then don’t collect there money but don’t email them about when they will get there item. See how fast your account is shut down.
Do you know why? Because that’s not good business.
Again no complaint about the price, yayyyy the price is great
Listen to the complaint from me and many others it’s a complaint of poor business.
You wouldnt hear me or many others if our emails or phones where responded to.

And for them not to accept my order for asking 3 times politely and 1 time sarcastically saying "please just anyone respond"
So now I’m the bad guy huh?
Ha

{edit}
If I get a responce AI will get half of an apolagy by me. I just have never ordered from a place like this. The retard comment was out of line I am sorry about. It wasnt directed at you it was directed at a comment defending no contact from AI. Again sorry about that

[dizzytrain]

There is a bright side to having a slightly higher order number.
You will have the lower numbers as a test case. We will be the first to have our cards charged, this should give the later orders enough time to find out if the computers ship out. And if they arrive as promised, with what was promised. You will then have enough time to cancel your cards or orders, and avoid the head ache of a dispute. If your order number is really up there i doubt its worth the wait though, Any change in my orders status will be posted, and if i receive it i will be sure and inspect it completely. If their intentions are bad it should show early enough to save most on this ship.

[bullethead]

Oh ya and on the lighter side of things whats funny is I ordered a bare bones system. No vid card, CD-Rom and so on.
Im not sure how they are going to do the 200+ point check without a vid card or a operating system :)

[Jae]

One more point from a newB. Why would they have to order parts for a sale that they knew was coming and if I remember right they were blowing out their old inventory. That doesn't make much sense to me. Also by not picking up the phone and not responding to emails you burn all of your new customers that just found your site and want to purchase something at full price.

I will tell you the biggest nightmare will be if you actually get your computer and have a problem with your order. Good luck returning it or getting service and to top it off your credit card company will not help you if you received an item. Oh well we will see.

[cphreak]

I'm patiently waiting for my 47xx order to come alive...

The only reason I can imagine for AI to do this is that they are expecting a significant cost reduction in the coming weeks/months. Summer is a slow season for the computer industry afterall. Intel announced last week that they are shelving their P4 design and shifting focus to their dual core processors, which could bring significant changes (i.e., cost reduction to decrease inventory) to the hardware market.

Can't think of anything logical in what AI did... I don't see any good press for them from this 50% off deal, whether customers get their systems or not.

[pcguy]

I’m keeping my order because it didn’t cost me anything but I was looking for a computer for myself to use that was a good deal. Since I was not able to get it, I purchased else where but have kept the order so even if there is a 1/100% chance I can get it. When I buy something on line I prefer to buy something and not feel like I’m playing the odds of a lotto scratch off.
Think about what your are saying it sounds like
1) Your thinking its OK to list parts for sale you don’t have
2) Its OK to continue to sell parts not listing anywhere that it might take 1 week or 3 months or never
3) Its OK to sell those none stocked part with no note of back order and also have no email or phone system

Go on any retailers site and check even shady ones, 9 out of 10 will show whether they have item in stock or not. Now go on AIcomputers site and look at ordering a computer right now. It says no where that there is a back order of any kind on anything. Go to there news section, it just says how great they are and everyone loves them. Now do a search for "aicomputers" every other link is a complaint page about the company.

Now find one other company, just one that deals that way.
The deals not the complaint ya it’s a wonderful deal but people telling people to shut there pie whole because there was no information before, during, or after the order about a back order?

Now go on EBay and sell a X800 ATI card for $299 and have 10 buy one from you. Then don’t collect there money but don’t email them about when they will get there item. See how fast your account is shut down.
Do you know why? Because that’s not good business.
Again no complaint about the price, yayyyy the price is great
Listen to the complaint from me and many others it’s a complaint of poor business.
You wouldnt hear me or many others if our emails or phones where responded to.

And for them not to accept my order for asking 3 times politely and 1 time sarcastically saying "please just anyone respond"
So now I’m the bad guy huh?
Ha

{edit}
If I get a responce AI will get half of an apolagy by me. I just have never ordered from a place like this. The retard comment was out of line I am sorry about. It wasnt directed at you it was directed at a comment defending no contact from AI. Again sorry about that

For all three of those things, I agree it's not right to do those things intensionally, but I don't think they are. If there is some deceptive motive behind it that will come out and we're lucky we've got higher orders. The way I see it though is that they just weren't expecting it to get this big/ didn't realize about deal-sites perhaps. As such, I don't think there's anything intrinsically wrong with that.

I was wondering if anyone knows for sure if both of those companies are the same. It looked to me like they might have been different, but who knows. If they pull through this'll be awesoem.

I wasn't trying to offend you Bullethead, but cool it a bit and see what happens. Personally, if I actually needed a computer urgently, I probably wouldn't go with a deal that might or might not pull through. Just my .02, which of course you took. It just seemed to me like you were irritated at this deal due to the nature of this deal (great deals usually do get backordered a bit....just look at Dell) and weren't looking at the why so much. Personally, I trust gotapex for deals. Are we even sure the 2 companies are the same? Not trying to contradict anyone, just wondering. It seemed, as I said before, that they aren't necessarily the same companies. This is just my ignorance on that point though.

[beo]

Just in reference to the "selling parts they don't have in stock" comment, this is standard practice for Dell ever since the beginning. They save money by not stockpiling parts. Technology is a bad investment - it depreciates very fast, so don't stock up on it etc. etc. So I wouldn't be too surprised to see that a VAR company such as AI doesn't keep stock. As for "clearing out old inventory," that doesn't fly either. The system I ordered is an Athlon64 FX-53 - those are way too new to be considered "old stock." As far as business practices are concerned, the only thing I really have a problem with is the poor communication, and I don't think anyone would disagree that they suck at that. The other stuff is fairly understandable. However, if it was my company, you can bet your butt that I'd be hiring extra help and working extra hours to crank out these orders as fast as possible instead of taking a siesta... :bandit:

[pcguy]

Just in reference to the "selling parts they don't have in stock" comment, this is standard practice for Dell ever since the beginning. They save money by not stockpiling parts. Technology is a bad investment - it depreciates very fast, so don't stock up on it etc. etc. So I wouldn't be too surprised to see that a VAR company such as AI doesn't keep stock. As for "clearing out old inventory," that doesn't fly either. The system I ordered is an Athlon64 FX-53 - those are way too new to be considered "old stock." As far as business practices are concerned, the only thing I really have a problem with is the poor communication, and I don't think anyone would disagree that they suck at that. The other stuff is fairly understandable. However, if it was my company, you can bet your butt that I'd be hiring extra help and working extra hours to crank out these orders as fast as possible instead of taking a siesta... :bandit:

true enough. Hopefully they'll get back to my icq message at some point....but I'm not actually too worried, so long as they don't charge me for no product/the wrong product I don't care so much.....I'd rather give them their time then have them send me stuff that they threw together in a junkyard.

[bullethead]

K, blood presure has dropped to normal levels from my first post :)
I finally found a thread directly related to this offer. Not being having any contact from AI and no where to vent or be heard I went alittle over board on my first post. I understand nothing has been charged to me and even if this whole deal falls apart Ive lost nothing but time.
I feel sorry for the people that ordered and was hoping to have the lastest and greatest rig, the longer this takes the less chance of having the best and the deal we have becomes less attractive, in fact it already has begun.

The best fastest video card they offered was a ATI 9800XT at $580 I believe. Well 50% off that was $290. Currently that is all that card is worth. nVidia and ATI have released there new generation of cards and they are readily available in stock at Best Buy and CompUSA for $399 free delievery or $6 overnight. Ebay's prices on new 9800XT's have dropped and can be found retail right at or under $300. So already one piece of equipment in the AI computer is now not concidered the best piece to have if that was what someone was trying to build when they spec'd there dream machine. Someone with half the machine and this new ATI card will smoke the FX chip with the 9800xt card. If you recieve your machine in the next week the card can still be sold for not much of a loss and the new card can easily be upgraded to if you want your dream machine status back but the point is our orders are already becoming obsolete if we you were trying to have the #1 machine for a day.

Another thing worth mentioning is as I stated above my machine was ordered barebones. I got a chip, board, memory and hard drive thats it. No operating system, A drive, cd-roms nothing just those 4 pieces of equipment + the case which I stated I dont care what case they give me. My order is probably the easyest order to fill and should take no time to get together. Be nice if they could just throw everything in a box and ship it. There will be no 200 point check with the specs i ordered :)

[satish]

It is Monday, May 10, 2004, 8:00 AM EST. I tried their telephone numbers (631-755-8000 & 800-775-4010) at 7:00 AM and again at 8:00 AM and got a busy signal. This is absolutely ridiculous! No T1 upgrade takes two weeks. The contact number mentioned in their automated order acknowledgement email (Thank you for your order with www.aicomputers.com. Your Order Number is 42XX. Please contact us at 877.247.4500 or [email protected] for additional information.) is an invalid number!! Their business ethics are extremely suspect. They announced a major one-day sale and received an overwhelming response. I tried calling them that day and their phones were not being answered. Then they extended the sale by another day knowing fully well that they had more orders than they could handle? During the past two weeks they have not been available to their customers by telephone or email! This is neither normal or ethical. They should have better sense than to announce a sale in the middle of a T1 upgrade (if it is really that?) and to extend that sale by another day if they cannot communicate with their customers in a timely manner. During this entire period they have not even bothered to post anything on their website about their telephone problems. They could very easily have sent an automated email to everyone who ordered explaining their situation. There is absolutely no justification for this behavior.

[bullethead]

The way it sits with my order and the only 4 parts im getting is

ASUS K8V can be bought for $105
Western Digital Raptor can be bought for $105
Athlon 64 3000+ can be bought for $160
The picture shows Corsair XMS memory in the details if this is truely what we get thats $220

Thats a total of $590 + shipping
My order from AI was $520 free shipping and I get a free case (whoppy).

Im holding out alittle while longer but as you can see this awsome deal is slowly going down. When I ordered it I priced all this stuff out and it was a $200 savings now its not even $100.

[beo]

Apex,
Have you been privy to any new information? Also, are you feeling better than last week?

Thanks,
- Beo

[ThinkBling]

Have any 38xx orders gotten any updates?

[tourbound]

As I posted before, I talked with the rep on Friday via ICQ. I also got my Stage 3 email on Friday. The rep told me that they would pre-charge my card to make sure the numbers were correct, I had enough credit on the card, etc.

However, they actually charged my card on Friday (I just saw it last night online). Now, I'm not to worried at this point, except for one thing. Eventhough I made Stage 3 on Friday, the rep said my system may ship out this week, but probably not until next week. I must admit that this has me a bit more worried.

I know they have to check the card before they get to far along in the building process, but to charge it potentially a week and a half or two weeks before my system even ships? I am not so sure about that.

[beo]

Have any 38xx orders gotten any updates?I see Stage-3 as high as the 383X's...

BUT... there are a lot of "NEW" statuses in between. :disa:

[bullethead]

I think you have like 30 days against fraud charges against your credit card.
Sorry you have to be one of the first lab rats for our hopes of this deal going thru

beo
were do you see all the orders to know whos it what stage?
are these just your machines your having built or is there a page with all the machines numbers and stages for everyones machines being built.

[tourbound]

I see Stage-3 as high as the 383X's...

BUT... there are a lot of "NEW" statuses in between. :disa:

The reason for lots of "NEW" statuses in between orders that are in the middle of processing is because some orders have to be skipped over until parts come in. The rep told me this when I talked to him on Friday.

And I know how you are seeing orders, and thats not cool.

[blivius]

Just thought I might throw in my 2 cents....

This is a terrific deal, buts its a gamble. If your order ships you stand to make out like a bandit, if not, you will proly not have any negative repercussions other then not having a sweet new system. (even in the worst case there ways to cover your ass that will cost you time and sanity and perhaps a little money). As with all gambles the dice can roll any way, odds look better here then in vegas though (my opinion). The one singular truth here, though, is if you don't play, you don't win. Its not a difficult concept people. If you want a "fer sure" thing order from Dell or from somewhere else. Rest assured you will pay hansomely for your sanctity of mind. If you feel like living risky stick yer head out and take a chance at AI Computers. The greater the payoff the greater the risk, if you can't handle this cancel your order! I know I want mine to ship sooner!

For all those who can't take the heat I quote Eric Cartman...
"Quit yer Bitchin!!!"

The only bitchen that needs posting at this point are those who have actually been screwed on this deal, all the speculation in the world has prolly been posted by now. So lets just see the facts man.

[Bidhere23]

If anyone speaks with the rep can they ask for the height/weight dimensions of the AI 375 Centrino laptop?

[Marka]

I have been reading the posts on this thread from the beginning, and I too have my 2 cents. 1) Everyone is getting pretty aggravated, and that's not good since good deals are supposed to make people happy instead of adding worries. 2) I, like everyone else have ordered from AI, like some I have decided to weather this out and see if I'll ever get a comp.

The thing about it was that I was in a rush and needed a second computer at home ASAP (and was willing to pay for it). I wasted a week and a half waiting for something from AI, and nothing, not even a fart. So I bought the parts to build my own, and now have a fairly decent system. If I ever get the one from AI I'll see how it works and will either sell one or keep both. My gripe though is like everyone else's: this is NOT THE WAY TO DO BUSINESS!!!

[Marka]

For anyone who's interested, the system I put together is as follows:

Pentium 4, 800FSB (INTEL) $183
2GB PC3200 400 RAM (KINGSTON) $200 (by mistake I was sent an extra 1GB)
120GB S-ATA HDD (MAXTOR) $85
128MB RADEON 9600SE (ATI) $105
4x DVD+-RW (TDK) $70
P4P8XSE MB (ASUS) $90
CASE $40
TOTAL = $773 + 2-day SHIPPING ($50) = $823

Interestingly enough the system I order from AI was without a video card, and no optical drives and came out to be $535 + $40 tax, so if I add the price that I paid for those components the total is $750, $73 cheaper than the system I have. Am I compairing apples to oranges (64bit AMD to a P$)? Hells yeah since all weekend I was eating apples, and I don't even know where the orange tree is.

[aggieSlaughter]

Just thought I might throw in my 2 cents....

This is a terrific deal, buts its a gamble. If your order ships you stand to make out like a bandit, if not, you will proly not have any negative repercussions other then not having a sweet new system. (even in the worst case there ways to cover your ass that will cost you time and sanity and perhaps a little money). As with all gambles the dice can roll any way, odds look better here then in vegas though (my opinion). The one singular truth here, though, is if you don't play, you don't win. Its not a difficult concept people. If you want a "fer sure" thing order from Dell or from somewhere else. Rest assured you will pay hansomely for your sanctity of mind. If you feel like living risky stick yer head out and take a chance at AI Computers. The greater the payoff the greater the risk, if you can't handle this cancel your order! I know I want mine to ship sooner!

For all those who can't take the heat I quote Eric Cartman...
"Quit yer Bitchin!!!"

The only bitchen that needs posting at this point are those who have actually been screwed on this deal, all the speculation in the world has prolly been posted by now. So lets just see the facts man.
:stupid:

[b3n]

If anyone speaks with the rep can they ask for the height/weight dimensions of the AI 375 Centrino laptop?


I think the AI 375 is the same as the Clevo M375C.

http://www.clevo.com.tw/products/M375C.asp (includes a .zip with images).

Also search google for "M375C" and you might find more brands (like Sager) that look identical.

[ThinkBling]

The reason for lots of "NEW" statuses in between orders that are in the middle of processing is because some orders have to be skipped over until parts come in. The rep told me this when I talked to him on Friday.

And I know how you are seeing orders, and thats not cool.
This is a very rookie mistake on their part.

[beo]

And I know how you are seeing orders, and thats not cool.
What's "not cool" about it, tourbound? I'm not breaking into anything, and I'm not the one running an e-commerce server with an insecure order tracking system. I'm simply looking at information that is available to the world. And since you know what I'm talking about, it means that you've been doing it too, so I'd advise you to turn the feigned self-righteousness down a notch. :nuts:

[tourbound]

What's "not cool" about it, tourbound? I'm not breaking into anything, and I'm not the one running an e-commerce server with an insecure order tracking system. I'm simply looking at information that is available to the world. And since you know what I'm talking about, it means that you've been doing it too, so I'd advise you to turn the feigned self-righteousness down a notch. :nuts:

Actually Beo, I haven't looked at anyone else's order. You don't have to have looked at other orders to know how to do it. A little security and programming knowledge is all it takes to see the flaw.

I trust that you haven't broken into anything, but I just don't think you should go around telling a forum board that it can be done.

And it might be available to everyone in the world, but that doesn't mean that everyone knows how to do it.

And just because there is a flaw, and you aren't doing anything with the info, still doesn't mean you aren't doing anything illegal.

[Dave_7]

...I'm not the one running an e-commerce server with an insecure order tracking system...

Is that the kind of order tracking system that lacks self-confidence? :P


Dave.

[blivius]

Can I get a show of hands of all those who have actually had something ship yet?

[cphreak]

Emailed and asked them to cancel my order plus delete all my info from their system. Updated my account so that my information is no longer available to the entire WORLD!

I advise all of you to do the same.

[Burnsip]

I emailed Apex about the security flaw, and he emailed AI computers about it.

AI computers sent me a reply, so they are at least aware of the problem.

[satish]

He took his laptop with him this weekend, but I doubt he's doing much work on Sat and Sunday. Expect to hear back on a workday.

It is almost 4 PM on Monday. He has been online on ICQ but I have had absolutely no response from him or any email or change of status of any of my orders.

[cphreak]

I emailed Apex about the security flaw, and he emailed AI computers about it.

AI computers sent me a reply, so they are at least aware of the problem.


I did the same. But decided not to wait and leave my info exposed to the world.

[bullethead]

Well someone please hack into my personal info and bump me to the number 1 spot :)

[tourbound]

I talked with the AI rep today on ICQ and told him about the flaw. He said they are aware of it and working on it.

My computer went into stage 3 on Friday but the rep estimated that my computer probably won't ship until next week. Maybe this week, but probably next week. Then its 3 to 5 days of shipping. So I could potentially be looking at 2 weeks before I see this thing arrive on my doorstep. With this and the fact that they already charged my card and the security flaw, I am seriously considering cancelling my order and just doing a gradual upgrade of my current gaming rig.

[groebuck]

but.. do we really believe this 275 check point thing, 5 stage build to ship process. I ordered on the 28th and have yet to hear anything..from the looks of the emails some people get..once your order hits stage three there is still a two week period, then 3-9 days shipping (ground?)

from the sound of it I'm not getting my computer for another month!! If at all.

[satish]

I talked with the AI rep today on ICQ and told him about the flaw. He said they are aware of it and working on it.

My computer went into stage 3 on Friday but the rep estimated that my computer probably won't ship until next week. Maybe this week, but probably next week. Then its 3 to 5 days of shipping. So I could potentially be looking at 2 weeks before I see this thing arrive on my doorstep. With this and the fact that they already charged my card and the security flaw, I am seriously considering cancelling my order and just doing a gradual upgrade of my current gaming rig.

You seem to be the only one on this forum who has actually "talked" to this AI rep on ICQ. I am wondering what his problem is!

[tourbound]

I don't know what to tell you. When I im'd him on Friday, it took him about 2 minutes to respond and we chatted for about 30 or 40 minutes. When I im'd him today, it took about 10 or so minutes for him to respond.

He is offline right now. I am considering sending an email to AI and cancelling my order and deleting all my info from my account on the AI page. Then when I see him online again I will tell him I sent the email so he can double check that my order is cancelled.

Don't know what to do.

[tourbound]

Well all those with orders after me will move up one spot. I just sent an email to AI to cancel and removed all information that I could from my account on the AI website.

It will be interesting to see how long it takes them to credit my CC back.

[Reaper]

I recieved an email stating my order was in stage 3, my order number is 38XX. Just thought those of you interested might want to know. I will post as soon as I have any updates. :)

[Jaxidian]

I recieved an email stating my order was in stage 3, my order number is 38XX. Just thought those of you interested might want to know. I will post as soon as I have any updates. :)

You in the high or low 38xx's? Also, from what you guys have seen, once you get to Phase 3, do they charge your CC?

[tourbound]

You in the high or low 38xx's? Also, from what you guys have seen, once you get to Phase 3, do they charge your CC?

Yes, my CC got charged the same day I got to Stage 3 and the AI rep confirmed to me that this is what they do. You get charged eventhough you are atleast a week from getting a shipping notice.

[cphreak]

I was really unhappy and quite nervous to know that my personal info, particularly my billing info (except my cc #) was public. A $200 saving is not worth the agitation.

Take a step back and consider this: Would you accept $200 and allow someone to post your info online?

[elpierco]

Well I am yet another waiting for a reply from an email...Is Apex going to also be held responsible if we all get screwed...I am sceptical...I usually always buy computer stuff from Newegg and am used to getting my stuff in about three days not three weeks...

from page 2 of this very thread: http://www.gotapex.com/forums/showthread.php?p=671255#post671255

[doughboy]

for those who feel uneasy about this deal, i suggest you cancel your order. there's no point in speculating or whining on this board as it does little to alleviate your anxiety.

the simple truth is that you entered into this deal...since it's not what you expected or want, the best solution is to void the transaction by cancellation.

i can certainly understand the reluctance and fear on this deal, but after 348 posts and 2 weeks, the only thing we can do is wait. if you're not comfortable with that, you should bail.

db

[k28la]

Okay, well now my account info is totally gone, and I cannot log into it with the email addy and pw I had set it up under... And of course I sent them another email (4th or 5th) but what good will this do....?

I'm betting this isn't gonna happen

[pcguy]

Ok, I talked to the guy too about my order and he was very nice about everything. My order is 53xx, and he said I should have it in 3 weeks time. Hopefully this will give perspective for anyone who got in under the time period. I also had a black case in my order, which probably is delaying it a little too.

[sdawg]

has anyone had success changing their order?

i spoke to him on ICQ and asked him to remove the additional 2 yr warranty from my order (seems like it would be useless with this kind of service)...he said he can't do it...

anyways, just curious...my order # is 40xx...no updates yet.

[ApltnHkyMutt]

has anyone had success changing their order?

i spoke to him on ICQ and asked him to remove the additional 2 yr warranty from my order (seems like it would be useless with this kind of service)...he said he can't do it...

anyways, just curious...my order # is 40xx...no updates yet.

I emailed about changing my order and didnt get a responce, im going to try again since the last email i sent them was 5 days ago.

[potbellypigger]

my order number is below 38## and still no word, thinking it's time to cancel

[PhansWorld]

my order number is mid 38xx and I got my stage 3 email (time stamped 5/10/2004 2:41:53 PM Eastern Daylight Time)! YahoOoOOooooo!!!

Getting anxious eventhough it's really crappy service, I can't wait to get my PC!

[blivius]

Anyone who has doubbts about this scheme really ought to drop out now. Personally I realise the power of bunch of pissed off G|A users. If a screwing occurs, I know there will be hell to pay from the members of this board. We are not a bunch of newb's ready to get marked by AI Computers. Still, there is risk involved. There is always risk involved where the potential savings is as extreme as this. Still, I have faith in Apex and our fellow boarders to rise up and smite the infidels if they try to pull a fast one.


Ultimately though, If you can't stand the heat, get outta the kiitchen (or whatever silly cliche you care to use) the rest of us would appreciate getting our orders sooner!

[Bidhere23]

Replying to an earlier post.... The Clevo 375 and AI 375 are definitely the same laptop. The laptop is 4.85 lbs wo/ battery...

[gremlin190]

Man, I don't want to wait another 3 weeks, oh well, if that's what it takes then I guess I'll have to.

[dcbly]

I was able to get my order changed via email.

I ordered a basic 100 laptop, and then wanted to add XP Pro and 40gig HD (it was only $50 more). I couldn't delete the first order so I reordered and had two orders out there.

I emailed AI and CC'ed Apex, I received no response but the first order was removed.

Anyone know how big the 100 laptop is?

Darren in Bakersfield



BTW: When I ordered I chose “wire transfer” as my payment option. My thinking was:

1. If this is a scam or if it takes forever they don’t have my CC number.

2. If / When they call to transfer the money the laptop should be ready to ship and I’ll change to a CC for safety.

I don’t know if it will help but I have alot more peace of mind while waiting.

[tourbound]

Anyone who has doubbts about this scheme really ought to drop out now. Personally I realise the power of bunch of pissed off G|A users. If a screwing occurs, I know there will be hell to pay from the members of this board. We are not a bunch of newb's ready to get marked by AI Computers. Still, there is risk involved. There is always risk involved where the potential savings is as extreme as this. Still, I have faith in Apex and our fellow boarders to rise up and smite the infidels if they try to pull a fast one.


Ultimately though, If you can't stand the heat, get outta the kiitchen (or whatever silly cliche you care to use) the rest of us would appreciate getting our orders sooner!

I wouldn't say its always about not being to stand the heat. I have every confidence in my bank to protect me if something were to happen.

But I did help you move up though. I sent my cancellation email to AI yesterday, cleared all my personal info from their site, and will probably call my bank today and have them remove the charge to my CC. I kinda have a feeling that it will take AI much longer to credit me back than it did to charge me.

My reason for cancelling: its taking to long, and I figured out I could just rebuild my current gaming rig for about the same money.

My system that I was going to get from AI was:
Matrix Case
Asus K8V Deluxe
Athlon 64 3200+
1GB Micron pc-3200
Nvidia 5950 Ultra
120GB Seagate SATA
52x cd-rw
Win XP Pro

Cost: about $900

My rebuilt gaming rig will be:
Antec case with 400w power supply (have)
Asus K8V SE Deluxe (ordered)
Athlon 64 3000+ (ordered)
768mb Corsair XMS Extreme pc-3200 (its not 1GB, but much better than Micron) (have 512mb)
Nvidia 5900SE (or ATI x800pro for $170 more) (buy either one from Compusa)
80GB WD 7200 rpm (have)
Lite-on DVD+/- RW (ordered)
Win XP pro

Out of pocket cost for upgrade: $780 (or $950 with ATI card)

So I can either save $120 and have almost as good of a gaming rig, or I could spend $50 more than I would have with AI and have a better gaming rig.

Granted, it helps that I had some of these things in my current gaming rig. And all along the wife was wondering why we needed a 3rd desktop in the house :) But she never said anything until I told her I was going to cancel.

And I forgot to mention that my new gaming rig will be rebuilt by this weekend after Fedex drops off my parts from Newegg on either Thursday or Friday.

[beo]

The guy on ICQ actually responded to me last night about 2200 CDT. He said he was chatting with over 30 people (I believe it). I gave him my order number (in the 4600's) and asked him how long I was going to have to wait for it. He said,

"ok, you'll be moving to the build que tomorrow (5/11/04) I beieve, so should be shipping out within 3 weeks or so"

Huh. That'a pretty long build queue, such that it would take three weeks to complete the build from the day they (supposedly) start. I know I could assemble it myself start to finish in one evening. I said,

"I guess you guys must be really swamped to be that long on the builds, huh?"

and he replied,

"Why , that isn't really a long time, normal time is about 10 business days or so, which is tomorrow i think from the got apex promo"

Hmm. I think this guy's confused. That's "10 business days or so" from the time I placed the order until it is finally even begun. I said:

"I thought normal was to be shipped within 10 business days..."

... and never got a response to that.

So then I asked,

"What's the deal with the 1-800 number? When's that finally going to be resolved?"

"Hopefully soon."

Sorry, that's not a good answer. But anyway, just thought I'd share with you guys what I heard.

[blivius]

I guees I am just starting to get Jaded from all the bitchen going on about this deal. Obviously, the solution is not to bitch in the opposite direction so you all will have to excuse my little rant. I agree with tourbound completely. For me, I don't need the 'puter I ordered NOW so the wait is really no big deal to me. I have also seen the members of this board go after a seller and we can be quite forceful when needed.

The comment about not being able to stand the heat does not aply to everyone. There are those among us who trust their financial institutions and realise that even if the deal falls through we will proly only be out time and patience.

I still standby my call to anyone too nervous about this deal to cancel their orders. But its not spiteful, its simply a suggestion to save your peace of mind. Personally I have full confidence in Apex, and if he says its good I WILL BELIEVE him. Likewise, I recognize the strain a company like AI must be under to meet all these orders, I sure don't envy their employees. I hope I get my order, but its not the end-all Be-all of my existance. I encourage everyone else to stand by there guns and stick it out.

[blueboy]

For the last twenty years or so I have been involved with purchasing at small companies to Fortune 500 entities. We all have different criteria for purchases for business vs. those we will accept for ourselves.

However, I must tell you: this was my first stop at gotapex and I don't think much of him or his web-site. Why? Because, before I would place a deal on my site, I would make sure the vendor has a phone line that works and responds to e-mails from their customers, bare minimum.

Apex dropped the ball big time on this deal and he knows it I am sure. There is not a chance he will ever list another AI computer "deal". It is not worth his time or the grief involved. He wants happy, repeat visitors...

Yes, I like a good deal too. But, over the years I have found that the old saying about if it seems to good to be true... then, it probably is too good to be true probably applies.

AI computer is certainly not looking to grow or even perpetuate their business like this. The lie about the T1 upgrade was that, a lie. I have been involved with hundreds of T1 conversions and they only happen like this if you are not paying your bills. AI computer's only possible motive (as we all know) is to eventually charge our cards early in the "assembly stages", refrain from shipping the product as long as possible, and avoid charge backs.

What is even a bigger joke is the two year warranty. AI may not be in business two minutes from now. I think Apex should insist that AI computer contact each person who placed an order during this special and make it clear what the timetable will be for shipping out their system. Only then will ANY legitimacy return to this escapade and a bit of his honor restored.

BTW, those of you who are keeping count on "the bitchin", I am just stating the facts as I see them...

[dizzytrain]

Yup if AI was looking for apathetic consumers to scam this was certainly the wrong place to find them. Was one of the first to go into stage three, but have not had my card charged. Hmmm, maybe my system didn't pass stage three's rigurous test, and they are are working hard to fix the problem (hey i guy can hope, right)

Heres an idea, why dont they skip this whole stagey stage system, and send out all the remaining orders unassembled in their retail boxes for those of us who request it. We can put them together ourselves,
in stages of course.

[blueboy]

I agree. At this point, throw the parts in the box and ship it to me. As might be expected, I haven't seen a post indicating even ONE order has shipped in these past two weeks. I am a 37XX order and still sitting on "new".

How many PC's could you build by yourself in two weeks?

[doughboy]

I think the issue is how many parts they have in their inventory to build these computers.

Anyhow, I'm not too worried. The billing information I gave them is now invalid, so they would need to call me to get the current info. That's assuming my system gets built soon, if at all.

[ThinkBling]

How many others out there would be interested in accepting just the parts and assembling them his or herself? This might also mean forfeiting AI's warrant and relying on the manufacturer's warranty. That doesn't have to be considered a bad thing.

[tourbound]

I agree. At this point, throw the parts in the box and ship it to me. As might be expected, I haven't seen a post indicating even ONE order has shipped in these past two weeks. I am a 37XX order and still sitting on "new".

How many PC's could you build by yourself in two weeks?

Kinda funny you ask this because I asked the AI rep yesterday how many pc's they can put together in one day and he said "a couple hundred...easily". I would guess that is provided they had plenty of parts in stock to put together that many. I don't think a couple hundred people have even gotten Stage 3 emails in the past 2 weeks since the deal.

But I think people are coming up with a good idea by just requesting the parts. But I highly doubt AI would go for it, but hey, you never know.

I'm still waiting on an email from them telling me they got my cancellation notice.

And my bank is on notice that I may need to dispute this charge.

[Burzhui]

spoke to the rep yesterday, he said my system should be shipping out in the next couple of weeks... my order number is in the 42** range

[blivius]

I totally agree with the "Just the parts angle"! If I could get the parts I would would be happy to void my warranty and deal wit the assembly my self. I ordered my system with no optical drives and no OS so the majority of the system check points don't apply to me.

If this is actually something that could be done I would totally be on board.


PS: In prior posts I had no intention to flame anyone and still don't. I have seen what Apex and the other members of this board are capable of when given enough provocation. All I was trying to say was that if you are uncertain about the decision you made cancel the order (ok i was trying to interject a little levity into the situation as well:-). Although there might be quite a bit suspect at this point I will stand by Apex. I may not have been around these boards as long as some, but I'm not new either. For those you are only first coming here due this deal, WELCOME! Please Stay, you will not regret it! I know that I have spent entirely too much money over the last 1.5 years due to deals found on these pages!

Anyway I really hope this deal comes through, I know it is probably too good to be true but hey- nothing ventured nothing gained!

:wavey2:

[Jaxidian]

How many others out there would be interested in accepting just the parts and assembling them his or herself? This might also mean forfeiting AI's warrant and relying on the manufacturer's warranty.

I would be happy if they give me a 30-day warranty on the parts backed up by the manufacturer's full warranty on the parts if that warranty begins the day I get my parts (or close enough to that).

[Marka]

Burzhui you're in the 42 hundreds and should be shipping in the next couple of weeks, while others like me are in the 38 hundreds and there's not a fart in our direction. Sounds fishier and fishier. Those of you that speak to the rep get a response that in a couple of weeks they'll ship, while the rest of us hear nothing. If I needed to I could build 3 systems a day, with the 2 weeks AI has had they at least could have built 36 computers, and considering the ammount of posts I would imagine that there would be at least one, ONE person who would post that he's had a shipping notice, or heaven forbid he actually got a computer.

Excuse the math it's actually 42, if one person worked for two weeks without weekends

[blivius]

Burzhui you're in the 42 hundreds and should be shipping in the next couple of weeks, while others like me are in the 38 hundreds and there's not a fart in our direction. Sounds fishier and fishier. Those of you that speak to the rep get a response that in a couple of weeks they'll ship, while the rest of us hear nothing. If I needed to I could build 3 systems a day, with the 2 weeks AI has had they at least could have built 36 computers, and considering the ammount of posts I would imagine that there would be at least one, ONE person who would post that he's had a shipping notice, or heaven forbid he actually got a computer.

Excuse the math it's actually 42, if one person worked for two weeks without weekends


42 huh? Isn't that the answer to a much bigger question? Perhaps AI is using Deep Thought to the calculations on putting our systems together!

:abduct:

[doughboy]

nope, the math doesn't add up. you would think that two weeks into the deal that at least one computer would have shipped. what's more is that even if they don't have all the necessary parts, i'm sure there's at least one person who ordered the parts that they have on hand.

if you want to cancel, you would have to email them or get a hold of the rep...goodluck on that. on top of that, you'd have to ask them remove your info from their system. :throw:

[Lyraic]

how are people talking to them in ICQ ? I cant even get them to answer the phone. /sigh, I was willing to give them a glowing rating but my order hasnt changed status in 2 weeks and I am looking for some word. Just email everyone with a status and I am sure the bitchin will stop. My order was in the 37xx range and I still havent heard what stage my PC was in.

[Marka]

I'm stubborn, and want the system out of spite. But I will let my credit card know what's up.

[ilselu1]

I notified my cc about the issue, and they said, "If it turns out that they are scamming you, it won't be a problem."

I for one am not canceling. On the chance they are as big of a flake as they are seeming, those of us that are sticking it out should have a big enough case to sufficently own them. I tried all day on 5-10-04 to contact Mr. AI on ICQ, with no success. :-/ And he has yet to sign on today. I also sent the 3rd email expressing my... dissatisfaction thus far in my experience.

Only time will tell, I guess.

[Lodz]

I happen to enjoy the bitching. It gives me something to do while I wait for my system. I'd be willing to pay an extra $200 for service that didn't suck (such as AIComputers), but they saved me more than that (if it gets here before July).

I'm betting that they're not answering phones because they don't want to take their time away from putting the systems together.

And I'll bet they're out of parts because they're waiting for the next great deal on gotapex to buy them.

--------- 40xx and still 'NEW' -----------

[gremlin190]

I would be more than happy to assemble my own system. Funny thing is that I planned on doing it as soon as I recieved the computer. I was going to swap out alot of items. I'm not worried about warranty as most parts can be bought for under a hundred dollars. by the way I am order number 46xx and haven't heard a word. I'm hoping to hear something by Thurs. morning, if not I am going to icq the mess outts that dude until I get a reply. Hell, I'm kinda curious now, I might just install icq and talk to him.

[ThinkBling]

If anybody can get AIComputers ear, please see what they think about just sending the parts. It could potetially save them much time, effort and wages as well as appeasing a disgruntled crowd.

[stech4u]

haha ... thats a good idea--but there goes the free shipping prolly

[Arhant]

spoke to the rep yesterday, he said my system should be shipping out in the next couple of weeks... my order number is in the 42** range

This is not sounding good for me, 50XX. People in the 38XX range still in the NEW. I don't believe they can produce 200 a day. How can they order parts without a phone? I'm about to pull the pin and wait for another 400SC Dell deal.

[Burzhui]

42 huh? Isn't that the answer to a much bigger question? Perhaps AI is using Deep Thought to the calculations on putting our systems together!

:abduct:


LOL Sir douglas adams why have you forsaken us :(

[Marka]

Feels good to vent here, also it's good to know that there are enough people out there that can get together to form a decent sized mob with torches and pitchforks. My opinion of this company is about the same as my opinion of the movie, they both s*** m***** b****. There is no excuse for this though, this is a "company" that promised service for a fee, and so far hasn't delivered.

[k28la]

Okay, got into my account, guess I had changed email addys and forgot about it, DOH!

Still no change though, order is NEW, 3 weeks later :rolleyes:
Hmm, ya think they'll ship via horse & buggy??? :P

[Ravendas]

How did you order three weeks ago? It's not even been 2 weeks since the deal was posted. Even if this deal doesn't come through for another month, I'll still be up a couple of hundred over ordering the exact same parts seperately. I'll wait.

-Rav

[tourbound]

How did you order three weeks ago? It's not even been 2 weeks since the deal was posted. Even if this deal doesn't come through for another month, I'll still be up a couple of hundred over ordering the exact same parts seperately. I'll wait.

-Rav

Actually, today is 2 weeks to the day since the deal was first posted. :)

And with the new video cards being released very soon (the x800pro is available already), the high end video cards (5950 Ultra and 9800XT) that AI has available will barely be worth the half price. So depending on your configuration, you may or may not save several hundred dollars a month from now.

I ordered and cancelled, but I do hope they actually come thru with this for everyone that sticks with it.

[beo]

Systems should start shipping out this coming Monday to Wed (8-10 business days after order).
Apex,
Have you heard from them lately as to whether or not they are meeting that timeline? If they've shipped yesterday or today, we've yet to hear from anyone who received notification.


Come on AI, GWTP...
:poke:

[dRu168]

Dood. I sent two emails like when I first ordered and still have yet to hear a peep from them... >:T

[Ravendas]

Actually, today is 2 weeks to the day since the deal was first posted. :)

And with the new video cards being released very soon (the x800pro is available already), the high end video cards (5950 Ultra and 9800XT) that AI has available will barely be worth the half price. So depending on your configuration, you may or may not save several hundred dollars a month from now.

I ordered and cancelled, but I do hope they actually come thru with this for everyone that sticks with it.
Nope. Deal was first posted Wednesday. The deal may have been in effect the previous day, but it wasn't posted here until Wednesday. One day either way doesn't really matter anyway.

The price for the 5950 will not drop at all. The 9800 XT will drop, but no one knows how much quite yet. The launch of the x800Pro is precisely why I didn't go with a top-of-the-line vid card in my build, so I'm still saving money. If you ordered mid-range or low-end parts, every day they don't ship will hurt your "value", if there is such a thing. Moral of the story: order smart and save big!

-Rav

[doughboy]

Dood. I sent two emails like when I first ordered and still have yet to hear a peep from them... >:T

same here...i've given up on trying to contact them. instead, i'll let them contact me when they find out that my CC info is invalid.

BTW, dRu168...you drive an impreza? visit i-club/nasioc much?

[tourbound]

Nope. Deal was first posted Wednesday. The deal may have been in effect the previous day, but it wasn't posted here until Wednesday. One day either way doesn't really matter anyway.

The price for the 5950 will not drop at all. The 9800 XT will drop, but no one knows how much quite yet. The launch of the x800Pro is precisely why I didn't go with a top-of-the-line vid card in my build, so I'm still saving money. If you ordered mid-range or low-end parts, every day they don't ship will hurt your "value", if there is such a thing. Moral of the story: order smart and save big!

-Rav

Well, it might be ticky tack, but how do you think I have an order date of April 27th (Tuesday) if the deal wasn't posted here on that day? This was a Gotapex deal and wasn't posted anywhere else. The deal was posted on the 27th and extended till the 28th.

[billr]

Just wanted to chime in. I've got two orders with them: 46xx and 53xx. They were made about 12 hours apart, on the 28th. That should give you some idea of the number of orders they received that day. Both orders are "NEW", my card remains uncharged.

I gave them their ten days. I don't need my laptops immediately or anything, so I can be somewhat patient. Since yesterday, I've emailed them twice and tried calling over and over (busy signal or invalid number, like everyone else). I've not heard from them. That's pretty darn sad.

My last email was pretty important, and I hope they reply. My wife and I are upgrading our house, and got an equity loan for that purpose. It came with a credit card, like usual. We're almost done with the upgrades/repairs, and we thought it'd be nice to have a PC upgrade as well, so we used our equity card to buy two laptops. The problem is that we're going to refi as soon as the work is finished, and when we do, the CC# I gave AI Comp will no longer be valid.

So I emailed them and let them know of the situation. See, I didn't think when I ordered that it would be more than a month (at this point I hope it's only a month) before I'd get charged and receive my shipments. After reading through this thread, I'm not convinced that AI Comp will get to my orders before we have to refi. I'm completely unwilling to hold off on the refi, as that means a higher interest rate on the new mortgage. The whole point of the refi is to get our upgrades/repairs done and still come out with a lower monthly payment. Holding off jeopardizes that. And no computer is worth paying more for your house for the life of the loan.

Unless they get back to me, I'm going to have to cancel both orders. I'm unwilling to just email them a new CC# and hope that someone gets it.

Frankly, I'm a little disappointed with AI Comp. All this waiting could *easily* be overlooked if they'd just answer their fsckin' phone. Or respond to email. (No, I don't have ICQ. No, I don't believe that an IM chat constitutes an acceptable business conversation.) I've also seen a lot of T1s upgrade/installed. It *never* takes two weeks. I can't help but think that they are lying about that. So there's another confidence booster. And to think that all they'd have to do is simply allay people's fears by communicating. Instead, we're all left sitting here wondering about them, thinking the worst.

Even if I do get what I ordered, I'll probably not do business with AI again. It just isn't worth it. About a dozen friends also ordered through them. My feelings toward AI are on the milder side of the spectrum. You know you're dealing with a winner when you see people having to console themselves with "Well at least I can call the bank and dispute the charges".

It's mostly pathetic.

[gwells]

i know it shows up in the archive as being on the 28th of april, but i went back to see the postings i made other places (using the gotapex referral link) and i posted a link to the gotapex.com page at 10:00am on Tuesday, april 27 (which happened to be my birthday, so i remember it well as i was thinking "WOOT! BIRTHDAY PRESENT FOR ME!"). so it was on gotapex.com by 10am tuesday.

[bfenenga]

Actually for that price we should EXPECT to build them and I would gladly.

39XX and no word.

[lurch70]

Well, I sent them an email and canceled my order. Not because I am afraid they will take the money an run, just because of the poor communication and customer service.

It is very clear this company really could care less about their customers. i am not sure what their agenda is, but a "cool website" does not make a great company. it is amazing to me places like this even survive so long in todays business world.

Also a company that does not even have a mailing address listed on their website is a red flag. And to not answer phones for 2 weeks. What more BS can they dish out.

And I am supposed to trust these guys to build ME a PC????

I am out ... good luck to all of you that are waiting.

[Arhant]

I cancelled my order just now. 50XX. It would be less of a deal by the time it appears that I would receive it. I don't know what AI is up to. Best of luck to you all choosing to hang on. I'll be watching with interest!

[beo]

I checked my account just now (Tuesday night) and saw that I am now in Stage-3, though I've not yet received an email. :king: I'm in the 46XX region, which seems like they've skipped over people to get to me. It may have to do with availability of parts, or it may have to do with the fact that I actually got ahold of the ICQ guy (Squeaky Wheel Theory? Appeasement? Who knows. I'm just feeling fortunate to see some movement.)

Has anybody who's been in Stage-3 for a few days heard anything since moving into Stage-3? Mine seemed to go straight from "NEW" to "STAGE-3" without ever showing PENDING or anthing else (which sounds normal from what I've heard on this forum.) So I wonder if they skip 4 and 5 and go straight to shipping as well. Any Stage-4's or 5's or shipping notices for anyone yet? Since I ordered no OS, it seems as though 4 and 5 should just fly by, but I've seen too much here to be that optimistic.

Strange as it seems, it has been nine days since I ordered - seems like a month. If it takes two more weeks before I get it, that will still be a week faster than the last Dell I ordered. Don't get me wrong, I still think AI's communications suck wookie, and unless they fix that, they won't be long for this world. My thought is that the delay would be far less worrisome with better communication.

Anywho, now I guess I begin the Stage-3 vigil, waiting to see what happens next. Ah, the drama...
:banghead:

[dizzytrain]

Is it just me, or do you also now want this P.C more than they day you bought it? (or thought you bought it)

I believe this is now an issue of pride,
someone, anyone better get a P.C out of this mess. I can stand being out on this deal, but some of us had better have gained something.
Apex, this is a matter of honor,
this company should not have been allowed to have sullied your good name and disgraced your site with their presence (or lack there of). I believe it is time you demand satisfaction.
A.I. better cross the threshold soon
And ship something,
atleast ONE P.C,
come on guys i'm sure you can do it, if you try really really hard

Ive been in stage three now too long to care

[tourbound]

When I talked to the rep on ICQ, he told me that stage 4 and 5 email updates will be sent. But since you didn't get a stage 3 one, who knows if you will get those or not.


Is it just me, or do you also now want this P.C more than they day you bought it? (or thought you bought it)

I believe this is now a issue of pride,
someone, anyone better get a P.C out of this mess. I can stand being out on this deal, but some of us had better have gained something.
Apex, this is a matter of honor,
this company should not have been allowed to have sullied your good name and disgraced your site with their presence (or lack there of). I believe it is time you demmand satisfaction.
A.I. better cross the threshold soon
And ship something,
atleast ONE P.C,
come on guys i'm sure you can do it, if you try really really hard

Ive been in stage three too long to care

I completely agree. Eventhough I have requested that my order be cancelled (sent two emails so far, one yesterday afternoon, another today, no response, and no Mr. AI on ICQ today) and my CC be credited, I hope atleast someone gets a shipping notice and gets a pc.

I will be getting my new pc on Thursday when all my new parts from Newegg arrive at my door :)

[beo]

When I talked to the rep on ICQ, he told me that stage 4 and 5 email updates will be sent. But since you didn't get a stage 3 one, who knows if you will get those or not.
The email may be coming, and I just happened to time it right to see the system update first. I haven't logged in to AI's site to look at it since the weekend, and was surprised to see the Stage-3 thing. Though it feels nice to not be "NEW" anymore, I'll feel a lot more optimistic once somebody - ANYBODY - gets a stage4/5/shipping notice. And I have no doubt that once somebody does, we'll hear the shouting here with little delay.
:wavey:

[intendedacceleration]

Just adding my stats to the mix.

Order #38XX

Still shows as new for a status. No emails back or anything.

HOWEVER this is FAR too good of a deal to pass up, so patiently I wait! :)


AWESOME website btw apex! Been surfing here for a long time.

[bradpitt]

so they charged my credit card yesterday (i got my stage-3 email on thursday). i hope thats a good sign that they will ship it soon! i remember seeing someone saying that they build "a couple hundred a day, easily" so i was one of the very first ones to order (i looked at other peoples orders, i'm a bad boy) so that would mean that they would have built my computer at least in the first week .. there were 13 orders before mine that were computers... and the rest were fans ... so wheres my computer !? :'( maybe they are waiting to ship a bunch of computers out at one time? i talked to the ai rep guy on ICQ well i just asked him how long it would take to get from stage-3 to stage-4 /5 / shipped and he said that it'll be shipped mid next week (didn't i read that someone emailed him and they said it would be shipped in 8-10 days? :( oh well )

i'm not as excited now that i got this good/decent computer. personally i could've built a equiv/better one for close to that same price. oh well


edit: by credit card i mean i used my bank card!! yeah i know i'm an idiot. but any suggestions or ideas on what i should do just incase this deal goes sour?

[Marka]

I don't know but I think that a deal is a deal when you get something. So far there has been no great deal, no cheap computer, no nothing. We all have an order with some bogus company. Although I feel better since I called my credit card today and they told me that if I don't get what I paid for they'll go after them so I don't care.
On a different subject, I have used this site in the past and just want to say that the deals posted here have always been good, and Apex does a good job. I just think that he got the shaft the same as all of us, and at this point I think that he should be going after these guys with a passion.

[Marka]

Pitt, you can probably have your bank go after these guys just like a cc would, or you could probably call your bank and tell them not to pay, then e-mail AI with a cc to use instead of the bank account. That way when they'll try to charge you they'll run into a problem and will have to contact you.

If these guys are legit then you won't have a problem, if they're not then you haven't lost anything by telling your bank not to pay. I just had a problem with TigerDirect not being able to verify a card and they called me up. Talk about service, I talked to them and everything was fine, not to mention that I got my stuff in two days (I paid for second-day shipping), at least they sent it out ASAP.

[dizzytrain]

If you used your bank card youve got to move fast and try and switch it to credit, your not covered for fraud in many cases. If this falls through you may have to go after them yourself. By Bank card i assume you mean you used the Debit feature on your bank card and gave them your Pin number. Scary stuff indeed, if this falls through we have a hill before us, but you may have a mountain
Good Luck
hope you wont need it

[satish]

It is very clear now that this is a big scam. "Our AI Rep" did not get on ICQ all day yesterday (May 11, 2004). Apex has not been able to explain why he recommended a company without a working phone or email. There is also no explanation for the fact that when, after more than two weeks, they are unable to even get from "New" to "Stage 3" (Whatever that means!) for orders received by 10:00 AM on the first day of the Sale (Tuesday, April 27, 2004), why they extended the sale for another day. Why has AI not posted an explanation on their website about their communication and order-fulfillment problems? It is becoming more and more obvious that is a big scam to defraud hundreds of gotapex.com's readers of their hard-earned money under the guise of a deal. By not offering a palatable explanation, apex has made himself a suspect co-conspirator in this scam. I do not plan to cancel my orders. I plan to let them charge my credit cards and then go after AI and Apex with all the resources at my disposal.

[zippyjuan]

I did not place any order, so I perhaps cannot comment, but just a few thoughts. Perhaps the parts all had to be ordered after they recieved the orders (or at least more parts). Some may arrive more quickly so some computer configurations are moving along faster than others- hence some high numbers seeming to progress faster than some lower numbers. There does seem to be movement on processing many of them. If you do not have any confidence, then you perhaps should cancel your order, if not then be patient. As soon as anyone gets their computer, please let everyone know. And if you are happy, post feedback on them (or if not pleased too). True, their communication has not been great, but perhaps the product will be. I do not know. Good luck to all!

[RoniMan]

:disa: where's that list someone posted about how a deal dies....

ppl are funny...

[dizzytrain]

well i hope when we see the first post of someone receiving their P.C, it is someone who has already posted,

that way we can be sure its not just a plant by A.I. to keep us waiting,
Did anyone else use their debit cards? If so dont sit this one out, its not worth it. Those of us who used credit cards should be fine, dont see the motive for the scamming on credit cards, unless they plan to keep us waiting long enough to use the short term cash flow for whatever emergency payments they have defaulted on, like paying their phone bill. Or for paying back those poor people that got scammed in N.Y, to keep their butts out of jail. Hmmm Scamming us to pay back those who got scammed, wonder who they will try to scam next when it comes time to pay us back. What name will they use then? well they better get started on that new website, godaddy has got a great deal on new domain name registrations
how about getting rid of the I in AI, and just being honest WWW.artificialcomputers.com

[ApltnHkyMutt]

They seem to just be really back logged. they havent even emailed me about an order just for a computer fan. I placed the order 3 days ago and still hevent heard from them yet. so if they cant ship out just a computer fan than they sertainly cant ship out a complex computer order. i still have faith, i just think it will take a long time

[dRu168]

same here...i've given up on trying to contact them. instead, i'll let them contact me when they find out that my CC info is invalid.

BTW, dRu168...you drive an impreza? visit i-club/nasioc much?


Yeah I do, been since the old pre-wrx days. ;*(
I visit i-club/nasioc all the time ;)


As far as this deal is concerned, I give it till the end of May before I cancel. >:T

[ApltnHkyMutt]

im thinking the same. gonna give them untill the end of may, if i dont get a tracking number or stage 4 - 5 email im going to cancel.

[Jeffbx]

It is very clear now that this is a big scam. <...> By not offering a palatable explanation, apex has made himself a suspect co-conspirator in this scam. I do not plan to cancel my orders. I plan to let them charge my credit cards and then go after AI and Apex with all the resources at my disposal.

Look out, Apex! You don't know how many resources this guy has at his disposal!

Lighten up, people. Cancel your order if you can't stand the wait.

[tourbound]

so they charged my credit card yesterday (i got my stage-3 email on thursday). i hope thats a good sign that they will ship it soon! i remember seeing someone saying that they build "a couple hundred a day, easily" so i was one of the very first ones to order (i looked at other peoples orders, i'm a bad boy) so that would mean that they would have built my computer at least in the first week .. there were 13 orders before mine that were computers... and the rest were fans ... so wheres my computer !? :'( maybe they are waiting to ship a bunch of computers out at one time? i talked to the ai rep guy on ICQ well i just asked him how long it would take to get from stage-3 to stage-4 /5 / shipped and he said that it'll be shipped mid next week (didn't i read that someone emailed him and they said it would be shipped in 8-10 days? :( oh well )

i'm not as excited now that i got this good/decent computer. personally i could've built a equiv/better one for close to that same price. oh well


edit: by credit card i mean i used my bank card!! yeah i know i'm an idiot. but any suggestions or ideas on what i should do just incase this deal goes sour?

Yes, the AI rep told me that they could put together several hundred a day. But, that would mean they had the parts to put together this many and it is apparently obvious that they didn't have any parts.

I mean heck, this deal is now 2 weeks old and not one person has made it past stage 3. I figure if I worked everyday, including weekends, and had the parts, I could have put together and shipped out atleast an average of 3-4 computers/day. I would just install the OS and make sure things boot, I might skip the 275 point inspection. I have built a couple computers and I don't think I have ever found 275 points to inspect. And this company has about 100 employees (according to Mr. AI), and they do have people that work weekends monitoring the testing and doing assembly, yet we still have no one with a computer.

I'm not going to bash Apex. I think he runs a great site and has been hosed like everyone else here. The last time he posted he said computers would start shipping this Mon-Wed (meaning 2 days ago through today), but it is painfully obvious that isn't happening.

The AI rep also told me that they charge CC's as soon as the computer gets to stage 3. Well, that happened with me. The same day my CC got charged, I got the stage 3 email. But Bradpitt was different. He got a Stage 3 email last Thursday but didn't get charged until yesterday. They aren't even following the same business practices on every order.

I'm glad that I have attempted to cancel atleast. If Mr. AI doesn't come online again today so that I can have him check to make sure they got my 2 cancellation emails, I'm going to call my bank (CC issued through my bank) and dispute the charge.

Do the right thing AI...give me my money back in a timely manner because I don't think you want a Fortune 500 company breathing down your neck.

[bullethead]

ya i brought the point up about the vid card earlier in this thread. There price was $580 with 50% off makes it $290. Thats about all this cards worth and can be had on Ebay at that price. Prices are falling fast.

Another thing I brought up was I only ordered 4 parts, the system ordered from them is as barebones as you can be. I even had the vid card deleted so there is know way to do a 200 point what ever check. BTW what 200 points are there on a computer? There only about 20 screws hahaa.

And whats this about 200 computers a day they can build. If everyone is either a 3000 the 5000 then they sold about 2000 computers. So they can have them all built in 10 days? Some people are resourceful like us and know to do some searching to find a forum like this but Im sure 90% of the orders are people that are just waiting and sending daily emails and calling the phone with no responce. Of those 2000 orders I bet 80% of them get canceled or called into credit card companys as fraud.

Im not sure what there doing, this thread is going to be a hot google search when people look up AIcomputers and they are total killing there business. If you go on Ebay and see someone that has a few bad feedbacks you see there items sell for much less because know one wants to buy from them. AI is mailing there own coffin shut and burying themselfs in cement at the same time.

[Marka]

A company doesn't get so backlogged as to not communicate with anyone. After two weeks at least one system should have been put together and sent to someone somewhere. This deal was posted only on GotApex (I looked around and didn't see any mention anywhere else), and most people who come to GA have been doing so for some time. So everyone can see the forums link at the top, so I think that who you see is who you get. I think everyone who ordered from AI comes to this forum, and so far none of them have posted about receiving didly squat.

Not to scare anyone anymore than necessary, but did you guys consider one simple thing about cancelling your orders? They can always claim that their e-mail was down and that they never received any cancellation. Sounds underhanded? Well so far it seems like business as usual. An error, a glitch, some problem and then it's dispute time.

[Jax67]

Is it too much to ask this A.I. rep to post a message here (I don't ICQ)? How about an update that everybody can read.

[beo]

The AI rep also told me that they charge CC's as soon as the computer gets to stage 3. Well, that happened with me. The same day my CC got charged, I got the stage 3 email. But Bradpitt was different. He got a Stage 3 email last Thursday but didn't get charged until yesterday. They aren't even following the same business practices on every order.Some credit cards take as long as three days to post transactions on your account online. My MBNA card posts very fast; my CapitalOne card takes several days. Like I said earlier, my account shows my system in Stage-3, but still no e-mail. Since I paid on the C1 card, I won't know if they've charged my card yet for a couple more days... :bash:

[tourbound]

Some credit cards take as long as three days to post transactions on your account online. My MBNA card posts very fast; my CapitalOne card takes several days. Like I said earlier, my account shows my system in Stage-3, but still no e-mail. Since I paid on the C1 card, I won't know if they've charged my card yet for a couple more days... :bash:

Yes, I know all CC companies are different in how long it takes them to post a transaction.

But I guess since I always do it, I shouldn't assume that everyone talks in transaction dates instead of posting dates. The transaction date is what is important to figure out if AI is actually charging the cards at the same time for everyone.

[tourbound]

A company doesn't get so backlogged as to not communicate with anyone. After two weeks at least one system should have been put together and sent to someone somewhere. This deal was posted only on GotApex (I looked around and didn't see any mention anywhere else), and most people who come to GA have been doing so for some time. So everyone can see the forums link at the top, so I think that who you see is who you get. I think everyone who ordered from AI comes to this forum, and so far none of them have posted about receiving didly squat.

Not to scare anyone anymore than necessary, but did you guys consider one simple thing about cancelling your orders? They can always claim that their e-mail was down and that they never received any cancellation. Sounds underhanded? Well so far it seems like business as usual. An error, a glitch, some problem and then it's dispute time.

Sure, they can claim anything they want to. But the simple fact remains that I have a charge on my CC and no product to show for it. Not even a shipping notice. I have nothing for my $900. That has dispute written all over it. I have fraud protection, so just let them try. Because in the end, they won't be trying to scam me, they will be scamming my bank. And banks don't usually let that kind of thing just happen.

So come on AI...show us some sign of life. You don't respond to emails. Your so called T1 upgrade is taking weeks (pay your bill already). Our rep hasn't been online in about 36 hours. Do something before we unleash the dogs.

[Marka]

What I meant was that it may come to a dispute and they might claim that what you ordered is what you got, and they never received a cancellation from you.

[tourbound]

Sure, I guess they could try that. But if they don't have a tracking number and a shipping bill to prove they sent anything, it isn't going to carry much weight. They can say they didn't get a cancellation email, but the simple fact is they have my money and I don't have a product, and if that persists, I have a case for fraud.

I'm not going to even let them have a chance. If Mr. AI doesn't come online today so that I can have him check to make sure they got my email, I am calling the bank today and filing a dispute. I would kind of guess the bank will find a way to get ahold of someone at AI :)

[blueboy]

I think it is no big surprise that we have not heard a peep from Apex since last Friday when he told us the AI company line of computers shipping 8-10 days after the order was place. Since today is business day 11 (calendar day 15), I would like to hear from Apex what the latest lie AI might be telling him. I suspect that they have been saying little to him at this point, trying to drag out for a few more days that they might actually be shipping out systems soon.

Lets face it folks. If AI planned to try to even make an attempt at completing these orders, some of the units would have been shipping after about day three. A company like this should have enough spare parts around to get at least a couple hundred out the door. Had AI done this, most of this forum would now be mute because we would assume that other orders would be shipped as new parts inventory was received.

However, since I haven’t seen one post indicating a shipment, I think we have to assume that this company has other intentions. I think it is time for Apex to begin tightening the noose around AI’s neck.

1. AI should contact him daily and give him the number of units they have shipped out in regard to this promotion.

2. Because of the long delay, AI should contact each purchaser prior to assembling their order to make sure they still want it. At NO TIME, should any charge appear on a credit card before AI provides a tracking number that confirms shipment from the carrier. AI has forfeited the right to make credit card charges prior to shipment with no working phone lines or responses to e-mail.

3. Apex should get a firm deadline from AI for shipping all orders. That way he can relay this information to us and we will know the maximum amount of time to expect.

Anything less than this makes you wonder the exact relationship between Apex and AI. Come on Apex, if you are the guy everyone claims you are, step up and give us the facts. (or the latest lies to appease us)

:banghead:

[beo]

Hey guys, let's get off Apex's case a little bit.
I'd like to hear from him too so we can get an update on his communiqués with AI, but enough with the lynch mob going after Apex, okay?

So, Apex, if you do have any news, you know we'd love to hear it, good or bad. The phrase "no news is good news" simply doesn't apply. At this point "any news is good news."

[blueboy]

Hey Beo, I would love to get off Apex's case a little bit. Let him tell us the latest lies from AI. I would love to hear them. However, he started this entire charade by listing a deal from a company with no working phones or answers to e-mails. How smart is that?

This company has a horrible history. You don't have to go far to find that out. I think he deserves to see what happens when you drop the ball and recommend the company anyway. I bet this will inspire him to do the due diligence on future recommendations. I know I would. This is how positive change occurs...

[Grubbie]

blah blah blah blah blah

Maybe you don't visit the forums enough, but people who work on this site have lives OUTSIDE of this site. Apex is extremely busy and gets over 500 emails a day on things. Give him a break and let him do what he is doing, if he has something to say he will come say it.

ps. Love the join date of may 2004 bitching and moaning and calling Apex out. You took a risk, you should have no problems with this deal, even if it doesn't go through.

[blueboy]

I assure you I have bought millions of dollars worth of IT equipment more than you my friend. Any vendor who recommended another that had AI's history would get nothing else from me. Yes, I took a risk and frankly don't care one way or another.

And, maybe if Apex ran a tighter ship, he would have a few less e-mails. Maybe he would just have happy customers.

[Marka]

Stop, stop, stop. Hold on!!!! Why are you guys bickering? AI is the one that royally f****d up so stop going at each other's throats.

[beo]

I assure you I have bought millions of dollars worth of IT equipment more than you my friend. Any vendor who recommended another that had AI's history would get nothing else from me. Yes, I took a risk and frankly don't care one way or another.

And, maybe if Apex ran a tighter ship, he would have a few less e-mails. Maybe he would just have happy customers.
Okay, look. Apex gave you a coupon code to use at a vendor's site. Period. Your dealings with AI are independent of your dealings with Apex. Apex, out of his desire to make his visitors happy (NOT out of obligation), is going above and beyond to bridge the communication gap for us. I think we should cut him a bit of slack. Sure, I'd like to hear from him too, but these insane conspiracy theories about Apex being in colusion with AI are ridiculous and insulting.

[intendedacceleration]

I assure you I have bought millions of dollars worth of IT equipment more than you my friend. Any vendor who recommended another that had AI's history would get nothing else from me. Yes, I took a risk and frankly don't care one way or another.

And, maybe if Apex ran a tighter ship, he would have a few less e-mails. Maybe he would just have happy customers.


Are you kidding? Apex doesn't have ANY customers. He's not selling anything! He runs a site that lists deals from various places, and does the entire internet community a HUGE service by doing so. I personally wish to thank him for running this site, as it has helped me several times in the past. All you people are SO ungrateful sometimes.

So far NOBODY has been scammed by this deal. Just because they suck at communicating doesn't mean they are out to scam you. Just wait it out OR cancel your order. Don't sit here and whine about how you didn't get your computer in a week when this was a FAR better deal than anywhere else on the web. Even if it takes a month you are still getting a GREAT deal.

:throw:

[Marka]

Just by the way, a May 2004 join date doesn't mean anything, I've used Got Apex before, I just never had anything to say one way or another. A lot of people are like that. No one thinks Apex is running a scam, and up to now his deals have been good, but somehow he was in touch with someone at AI and they convinced him that this was a good deal, etc, etc, etc. Now he's caught in the middle, it happens. It's the silence that's driving everyone nuts.

By the way, Apex does make money from this, go back in the posts and you'll se his own post about it. How do you think he can keep going? Also you'll see his post about covering anyone's loss if someone does get swindled.

[Marka]

Don't sit here and whine about how you didn't get your computer in a week when this was a FAR better deal than anywhere else on the web. Even if it takes a month you are still getting a GREAT deal.



What deal? We've all placed an order, no one has gotten a deal yet. A deal is: I got something from this place for cheaper than from another place. So far not one person has gotten anything. Forget everything else you've heard and think about one thing, isn't two weeks enough time for ONE computer system to be built, tested and shipped? I'm not even talking about being received, just shipped with some kind of tracking number attached?


I do spend loads of time researching the companies and deals we post, because I owe it to my viewers. I believe that is my responsibility. Plain and simple.

If this deal falls through, and you made an honest effort to dispute the charge with your credit card, but your credit card will not credit you against the fraud, I will personally pay for your charge, as long as you ordered through our links on gotapex.

My word is good.

That's one reference that I've used.

[intendedacceleration]

What deal? We've all placed an order, no one has gotten a deal yet. A deal is: I got something from this place for cheaper than from another place. So far not one person has gotten anything. Forget everything else you've heard and think about one thing, isn't two weeks enough time for ONE computer system to be built, tested and shipped? I'm not even talking about being received, just shipped with some kind of tracking number attached?


I work for a very large company. We have contracts through various computer vendors, such as Dell, Gateway, Ibm, and even alienware. Two weeks is nothing as far as a time frame goes. Very rarely do we see computers get to our door in less than a month. Communication channels also suck with those companies, although admittedly not as bad as this company. Have you ever tried calling dell? Most of the time you are better off just getting a busy signal.

[beo]

Just by the way, a May 2004 join date doesn't mean anything, I've used Got Apex before, I just never had anything to say one way or another.
:stupid: Just because I joined the forum after this deal (and for the purpose of discussing this deal) doesn't mean I haven't been on this site for years.

[Ravendas]

Re: original deal date
If you got yours on the 27th, cool. I didn't see it until the next day, and a search of the archives only shows it on the 28th. Moot anyway, because no one has received their computer regardless. :(

I'm giving this deal until Friday before I start worrying too much.

I'm starting to worry about Apex's deals. There's one on the home page for a Onkyo HT from Vanns for $200, which is $100 more than the normal price at a bunch of different places. How is that a deal?

-Rav

[Marka]

then why are you harping about people with new join dates bit***n about stuff?

[bullethead]

K if I had a friend or a friend of a friend recommend someone and I got out right screwed. I tell you what that person is going to hear about it.

500 emails a day ya Im sure hes busy but are those emails complaint or even if they are, are they complaints of 2000 people ordering computers based on his word this was a good company?

If AI is so good and we have nothing to worry about per Apex then were is a contact that can give any info? Look, I dont need something every second of the day just show me one person that got there machine or has a tracking number and I'll shut my pie eater.

And Im about tired of people saying shut up this is a good deal you'll get it when you get it. Sure ya thats the only reason now im even thinking of keeping the deal for resale value but thats it. We bought a computer to use first and get a good deal second.
If good deal was the first reason then let me hook you up with a guy that sells diapers in bulk and you can resell them for a profit.
No, you dont want to do that? Why not its a good deal.

Everyone is hot because theres no contact and no info.

[dizzytrain]

Ive been using this site for a couple of years now, and have bought many things through it, that means apex did make money off my frequenting his site (he is not operating a charity). He provides a service similiar to advertising and is paid for the traffic he directs. I am new to the board, but the boards are not what keep him in business.
I'm not mad at Apex for this messy deal, but just want to know whats going on. Are they paying him as promised or did he get swindled too? Does he feel it is a mistake to stick around and wait at this point? Are they ignoring him too?
Just excpect him to keep us informed,
whether we like it or not they used this website to gain the sort of legitimacy that would bring them this kind of traffic. Now its time For Apex to insure his site continues to hold that sort of capital on the net.

[Marka]

ps. Love the join date of may 2004 bitching and moaning and calling Apex out. You took a risk, you should have no problems with this deal, even if it doesn't go through.

It was Grubbie that I was talking about harping

[satish]

I have just filed an official complaint with the Internet Fraud Complaint Center (http://www.ifccfbi.gov/index.asp) which is a program run by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the National White Collar Crime Center.

[dizzytrain]

whooo, no need to get the feds involved, im not gonna go statist over some pesky internet swindler.

[Lodz]

Wow. Things are really getting fun around here. I'm not one to blame Apex either. But I would like to hear from him on whether he still thinks this deal is legit.

[doughboy]

Not to scare anyone anymore than necessary, but did you guys consider one simple thing about cancelling your orders? They can always claim that their e-mail was down and that they never received any cancellation. Sounds underhanded? Well so far it seems like business as usual. An error, a glitch, some problem and then it's dispute time.

I totally agree...there is no way we can really get a hold of them. Is anyone here from NY? Someone mentioned the fact that there is no physical address associated with this business. Here's some information I found...

Aipcs Systems Technologies,
DBA: Artificial Intelligence
155b Marine St
Farmingdale, NY 11735
NASSAU County
(631)755-8000

Lambros Ballas Chief Executive Officer
Yr. of Birth: 1975
2001 to present active here.
2000 to 2001 Forrest Hills Financial Group, Forest Hill, NY.
2001 to 1998 Continental Dealers, New York, NY.
1998 to 1993 Baywood Corp, Bayside, NY.

Note that the phone # is for AI is the same as AIPCS's. I looked up this information before I ordered, but I trusted Apex enough to go in on this deal.

db

[tourbound]

I have just filed an official complaint with the Internet Fraud Complaint Center (http://www.ifccfbi.gov/index.asp) which is a program run by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the National White Collar Crime Center.

I will be following your lead if I don't hear something back from them today.

[dizzytrain]

Hmmm, on second thought perhaps it is OK to run to the feds on this,
Nothing wrong with using criminals to deal with criminals
Or is there?

[tourbound]

Hmmm, on second thought perhaps it is OK to run to the feds on this,
Nothing wrong with using criminals to deal with criminals
Or is there?

I see no reason to bash the federal government.

[ray]

I can't believe there is 15 pages of posts regarding the deal that was posted.

1) Unless you didn't read any of the posts prior to ordering, the information regarding AIPCS' history was clearly posted and discussed. By placing your order, you should have known what you were getting into.

2) What Fraud has actually occured since everybody ordered? Out of the 1500+ orders and 15 pages of posts, not a single person has stated that they were charged but the goods were not delivered. If lack of communication is considered Fraud, then I would like to file an official complaint on the President of the United States for not telling me what really happened at Roswell.

3) All of us agree that this type of deal is once in a blue moon. Several people have suggested that perhaps the orders are taking so long since they are being manufactured and shipped from overseas. This is how and why ANY company would be able to offer such outstanding prices. Any of you who got in on the speaker order from Asia waited AT LEAST 1 month before the speakers even made it to the ports in the United States. Then there's the logistics of the principal purchaser of getting those speakers and sending it directly to the people who ordered. Someone correct me if I am wrong about that process, but I am 95% sure that was the timeline of events for the speaker orders.

4) As forementioned, if you don't feel comfortable and you really truly feel that this company is going to charge your credit card and not ship a damn thing, then email/icq them to cancel your order. It may take a few days or more than a week for them to confirm cancellation, but as long as you have a copy of your email with time and date, that would serve as legal protection in the event AIPCS didn't cancel your order and still charged you (anybody with a Legal background, ie: Whitak, please correct me here if I am wrong).

5) Everybody should just remain patient. Flooding the representative with phone calls, emails and icq messages is only taking away from his productivity to get our orders out promptly.

6) Thanks to Apex and the gang for their personal reassurance. If the deal falls through, then it does. You all did your best in trying to get us such a great deal and those efforts are deserving of a handshake (or kiss if it's from Nija).

[groebuck]

that can go take a visit?? - I would be willing to bet it's some mom and pop computer store in a strip mall

[lurch70]

Aipcs Systems Technologies,
DBA: Artificial Intelligence
155b Marine St
Farmingdale, NY 11735
NASSAU County
(631)755-8000


I live about a 30 minute drive from there .. I should pay them a visit

[blivius]

relax!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Everyone needs to chillout!!!

I know that a new join date is not a solid indicator of howlong you have been using the site, but is an indicator of how much you have contributed. You ask anyone whos has been around for while AND been an active part ofthe community here and they will swear by Apex. Lobbing accusations at him is pointless. Give it a little time and see what happens before reporting AI to the feds or the BBB or whatever. It will be quite a bit more effective IF it winds up really being a scam and we all act together. Until then chillout or get out! No one round here is twisting your arm to buy anything from actual vendors posted on the deals page. If a deal is not your cup of tea DON'T BITE!! Its really somple isn't it? Its just like tv, If you don't like it - don't watch it. This turning into an absurd debate with way too many variables we can only speculate on. Until we have something concrete keep the threats to a minimum. Besides IF we do wind up having to do something about this later why give them the gameplan outright?
:angry:
:throw:

[Arhant]

I live about a 30 minute drive from there .. I should pay them a visit

Why don't you pick up a few systems while you are there?

[groebuck]

Come on man! _ I'll send you gas money!! take a digital camera if you have one - :)

[tourbound]

I can't believe there is 15 pages of posts regarding the deal that was posted.

1) Unless you didn't read any of the posts prior to ordering, the information regarding AIPCS' history was clearly posted and discussed. By placing your order, you should have known what you were getting into.

2) What Fraud has actually occured since everybody ordered? Out of the 1500+ orders and 15 pages of posts, not a single person has stated that they were charged but the goods were not delivered. If lack of communication is considered Fraud, then I would like to file an official complaint on the President of the United States for not telling me what really happened at Roswell.

3) All of us agree that this type of deal is once in a blue moon. Several people have suggested that perhaps the orders are taking so long since they are being manufactured and shipped from overseas. This is how and why ANY company would be able to offer such outstanding prices. Any of you who got in on the speaker order from Asia waited AT LEAST 1 month before the speakers even made it to the ports in the United States. Then there's the logistics of the principal purchaser of getting those speakers and sending it directly to the people who ordered. Someone correct me if I am wrong about that process, but I am 95% sure that was the timeline of events for the speaker orders.

4) As forementioned, if you don't feel comfortable and you really truly feel that this company is going to charge your credit card and not ship a damn thing, then email/icq them to cancel your order. It may take a few days or more than a week for them to confirm cancellation, but as long as you have a copy of your email with time and date, that would serve as legal protection in the event AIPCS didn't cancel your order and still charged you (anybody with a Legal background, ie: Whitak, please correct me here if I am wrong).

5) Everybody should just remain patient. Flooding the representative with phone calls, emails and icq messages is only taking away from his productivity to get our orders out promptly.

6) Thanks to Apex and the gang for their personal reassurance. If the deal falls through, then it does. You all did your best in trying to get us such a great deal and those efforts are deserving of a handshake (or kiss if it's from Nija).

1) Yes, they had a bad history, but Apex guaranteed things were different and that they got such a bad rap all because of a credit company that they no longer deal with.

2) I have been charged (Friday, May 7th) at Stage 3. This is the point where the assembly takes place. The AI rep said it is usually a week from Stage 3 to ship. Since there is no chance my computer would ship this Friday, that means it will be atleast 10 days from the time they have my money till my computer even has a chance to ship. That is not right.

3) If the computers are being built and manufactured overseas, then the rep flat out lied to me. He told me via IM that they do the assembly and testing in an American plant.

4) I have emailed twice to try and cancel with no reply. The AI rep has not been online in about 36 hours.

5) It is impossible to flood them with phone calls when they don't have one single working phone number. We don't even know if they look at our emails. And you can't IM someone if they aren't online.

6) I thank Apex for his site and hope he can solve this problem. He runs a wonderful site and this is very unfortunate.

[lurch70]

Come on man! _ I'll send you gas money!! take a digital camera if you have one -

i am seriously thinking about it. I f i have some time later this afternoon, will fire up a cigar and take a drive (pics will be taken) ... I am curious about this shady place.

[faither]

As has been said before If you don't want to wait, cancel your damn order.
Otherwise, just SHUT UP.


Who here is out any cash? If your CC has been charged and you don't care to wait take it up with your CC company.

Regardless of any assurances he may have given, Apex did not MAKE you place your order.

Again, If you're not comfortable with things, cancel your order, call your CC company. Don't threaten your host. This is Apex's house and we are all his guests.


GAM, lock the thread and ban all the dissenters. :hehehmm:

[blivius]

You go Lurch!!!

[Lodz]

Faither, I think you're going overboard a bit. Most people here are not taking direct issue with Apex. They're venting on the poor business practices of AIPCS. I think most of the people here are reasonable and don't hold Apex responsible. But if people want to vent, let them vent. I happen to enjoy the AIPCS bashing. This company seems to be worthy of it.

[beo]

What Fraud has actually occured since everybody ordered? Out of the 1500+ orders and 15 pages of posts, not a single person has stated that they were charged but the goods were not delivered.
Absolutely. Don't wig out and bring in the FBI to this - not yet. I mean, come on. Step back and get some perspective. They need to arrest terrorists, not find out why you still don't have a computer after two weeks.

:johnwoo2:

[blivius]

If you ban all the dissenters they'll just yell louder elsewhere. We gots to maintian free speech and a reasonably open forum even if it is abused by a few dullards.

[ThinkBling]

This is an open forum and that let's anybody say what they will. However most people just want to read about statuses. Has anybody had any change in his/her status today?

Pictures of aicomputers are definitely welcome.

[beo]

GAM, lock the thread and ban all the dissenters. :hehehmm:
Ya know, the point of a forum is for people to share information.
:duh:

If you're sick of reading what's posted here... stop. But trying to shut out everyone else? That's enough of your fascist ways! :)

[slaus]

I think faither was being sarcastic

[satish]

Absolutely. Don't wig out and bring in the FBI to this - not yet. I mean, come on. Step back and get some perspective. They need to arrest terrorists, not find out why you still don't have a computer after two weeks.

:johnwoo2:

The Internet Fraud Complaint Center is exactly what its name implies: a center to make complaints about fraud on the internet - nothing more, nothing less. It does not deal with terrorists. I think we have provided AI a perfect forum to gives the real picture and they have chosen not to. For two weeks I have called and emailed them without a response. Apex has made them aware of what is going on this forum and they have deliberately chosen to ignore us.

[tourbound]

The Internet Fraud Complaint Center is exactly what its name implies: a center to make complaints about fraud on the internet - nothing more, nothing less. It does not deal with terrorists. I think we have provided AI a perfect forum to gives the real picture and they have chosen not to. For two weeks I have called and emailed them without a response. Apex has made them aware of what is going on this forum and they have deliberately chosen to ignore us.

Exactly. Just because it is the FBI, it doesn't mean that everyone in the FBI is trained to go undercover and infiltrate a terrorist ring and bring it down. Not everyone in the FBI does that.

[beo]

Exactly. Just because it is the FBI, it doesn't mean that everyone in the FBI is trained to go undercover and infiltrate a terrorist ring and bring it down. Not everyone in the FBI does that.:duh:
I think the point is, as was stated before - slowness and/or poor communication does not constitute grounds for fraud (a term with a very well defined legal definition.) If you can't figure that out, the FBI will help you understand, I'm sure. I think some people on this forum need to take a valium and go have a nap.

[tourbound]

:duh:
I think some people on this forum need to take a valium and go have a nap.

Let us know when you wake up.

[lurch70]

and while I love the deals Apex has given me over the years, he has been awfully quiet about this as well.

for those of you naysayers, Apex gets a % from every sale that goes through a link he posted, so YES he is involved in this as well. I am SURE however he is not at fault for this miscommunication ... BUT ... he could chime in here to give an update.

[SteelheadBob]

Like I posted before.Common sense should have been used. If something sounds to good to be true it probably is. If if, and, and buts were candy and nuts it would be Christmas all year long. If there were any doubts why did you do it? Don't get off before the ride stops and keep your hands inside the car. If you ordered ride it till the end.

[beo]

Like I posted before.Common sense should have been used. If something sounds to good to be true it probably is. If if, and, and buts were candy and nuts it would be Christmas all year long. If there were any doubts why did you do it? Don't get off before the ride stops and keep your hands inside the car. If you ordered ride it till the end.
... and don't go whining to law enforcement until there's a justification for it. And NO, there is NOT YET such a justification. There's a wide line between gross incompetence and criminal intent.

[tourbound]

... and don't go whining to law enforcement until there's a justification for it. And NO, there is NOT YET such a justification. There's a wide line between gross incompetence and criminal intent.

I do have justification. They have had my money for 5 days now and I don't have a product or much less, even an acknowledgement that a product is being shipped. You can't call them. They don't respond to email. Mr. AI is all of the sudden conveniently gone from ICQ. There is no way for me to contact them. So yes, in my book right now, this is fraud and if something doesn't happen by the end of today, I will fill out the FBI complaint form and file a dispute with my bank. Someone from the bank or the FBI will be able to contact them I assure you.

I sent them my 3rd cancellation email in the past 48 hours a little while ago. I copied Apex on it as well. I told them I will be disputing the CC charges if they don't reply to me by the end of the day.

Just an idea of how customer service should be. When I ordered my parts from Newegg on Monday, I didn't see that they were giving away a free 5 pack of DVD-r's when you buy a DVD burner. I emailed them about 6 or 8 hours later and asked if those could be added to the order. They emailed back and said that the order was already at the warehouse and couldn't be changed, but that they would just make a new order with just the DVD-r's in it and send it out to me right away.

[Lodz]

I have to back up tourbound on this. They took his money and didn't give him the product. How long is someone supposed to wait without any feedback. All it would take is a simple update on their website.

[faither]

To my newly-minted brothers and sisters, the request to lock the thread and banish the dissenters was indeed meant in jest; sarcasm if you will. I thought the weasel-like smiley at end would have given it away.

I was serious about everything else, though. :angry:

[tourbound]

To my newly-minted brothers and sisters, the request to lock the thread and banish the dissenters was indeed meant in jest; sarcasm if you will. I thought the weasel-like smiley at end would have given it away.

I was serious about everything else, though. :angry:

You are right on one point...this is Apex's house. I haven't bashed him, so I will just assume that wasn't aimed at me. But being the fact that it is Apex's house, if he wants people to shut up, he will lock the thread or tell everyone to shut up. Guests shouldn't be telling other guests to shut up.

[beo]

:)
To my newly-minted brothers and sisters, the request to lock the thread and banish the dissenters was indeed meant in jest; sarcasm if you will. I thought the weasel-like smiley at end would have given it away.

I was serious about everything else, though. :angry:
Then I'm all with ya. Guess I'm just not used to sarcasm appearing in such large text. :)

[Lodz]

Damn.... I don't get sarcasm.

[blivius]

As for me I'm sticking it out!
If anyone wants to besmudge Apex over this deal, get a life.

Its funny how the way you word things changes the way they are meant...
Statements eluding to Apex being suspicially absent from the board is nothing more then a subjective opinion. Likewise, opinions about AI which lack concrete proof are simply that- Opinions! Right now none of know exactly what the situation there is. And although this is a terrific example of HOW NOT TO RUN A BUSINESS, with out sufficient proof of malfeasance it too, is simply that. It is fair to be concerned, worried, upset or whatever, especially if you have been billed, because of the lack of communication from AI. Granted this lack of info makes it easy speculate about what is going on we still only have a limited persepective on the matter (mostly due to that pesky lack of info). Emotions are running high, and if you feel angry cancel the payment with CC company, tell them you have been billed without the product shipping and you want it not paid. Otherwise sit tight, Apex has a life outside this board and with all the complaining going on about him specifically I wouldn't blame him from taking a break and spending some time away from the computer. There is, afterall, nothing he can do make AI get to it faster. The likely reality is that they are waiting on there own suppliers and assemblers to deal with such a large amount of orders. Even if not, even if they are trying to scam us, do you think Apex and the other members of this board will stand idly by? Retribution for such an act would prolly take on a scortched earth type outcome for AI. As for me though, Im sticking it out

[beo]

blivius,
I agree with everything you just said. :bow:

[blivius]

:wavey2: Thanks beo, I appreciate it, though i out to be careful I might start living beyond what my name implies

:hihi:

[Marka]

Has anyone tried calling the 800 number? Instead of the busy signal you now have an automated operator telling you that the number is not in service and no further info is available.

[blivius]

ugggh great!

[Marka]

This is just my subjective opinion, but something smells very very rotten. By the way, I called my CC yesterday and it was interesting, because the girl on the phone told me that there wasn't anything to stop since I did authorize payment. What she did tell me though was that if I get charged and don't get what is mine then they'll go after them. Sick'em boys.

No no I take that back, I miss-dialed and actually there's still the busy tone

[beo]

Has anyone tried calling the 800 number? Instead of the busy signal you now have an automated operator telling you that the number is not in service and no further info is available.Sure you dialed right? I called it just now (18007754010) and still got a busy signal.

EDIT - Okay, just saw that.

[satish]

I just drove out to 155 Marine Street, Farmingdale, NY and there is no business by the name of AI or Artificial Intelligence or anything similar at that address. As a matter of fact there was just one person at 155 Marine Street and he looked like a telemarketer (had a headset) and he said they have been out of business. There is no buliding (or section of building) that is marked as 155B, only 155. I took some digital photographs but cant find the cable to transfer the pictures to my PC right now. I will transfer the pictures and post a link as soon as I can find my cable.

[Thesifer]

Seems to be mostly Ensigns posting about this.. Does that mean that the people that have been around here for a while.. mostly stayed away from a deal that was TOO good to be true? .. humm.. thats a thought.

[Marka]

Thanks for going the extra mile (or more) and going out there. This is taking on a very interesting slant. I guess I'm amused since I feel that my money is secure.


Seems to be mostly Ensigns posting about this.. Does that mean that the people that have been around here for a while.. mostly stayed away from a deal that was TOO good to be true? .. humm.. thats a thought.

Or it could mean that other deals weren't as f****d up as this one, and there was no need to post about them

[beo]

I just drove out to 155 Marine Street, Farmingdale, NY and there is no business by the name of AI or Artificial Intelligence or anything similar at that address. As a matter of fact there was just one person at 155 Marine Street and he looked like a telemarketer (had a headset) and he said they have been out of business. There is no buliding (or section of building) that is marked as 155B, only 155. I took some digital photographs but cant find the cable to transfer the pictures to my PC right now. I will transfer the pictures and post a link as soon as I can find my cable.Thanks for the effort, and that's pretty funny. I think people got that address from the NS registrar off WHOIS, am I right? That doesn't necessarily have to be the address of the company - it is just the address that the person registering the domain uses with the registrar. Although it seems like Apex posted that earlier as the correct address...


Seems to be mostly Ensigns posting about this.. Does that mean that the people that have been around here for a while.. mostly stayed away from a deal that was TOO good to be true? .. humm.. thats a thought.Yes, it means that you, a mighty lieutenant, are a genius, and we lowly ensigns are a pack of frickin' idiots. It's all logical! :rolleyes:

[doughboy]

Thanks for the effort, and that's pretty funny. I think people got that address from the NS registrar off WHOIS, am I right? That doesn't necessarily have to be the address of the company - it is just the address that the person registering the domain uses with the registrar. Although it seems like Apex posted that earlier as the correct address...

close enough...it's from d&b. i use it to trace company names for purposes of research and fraud detection. if there's an address associated with the business, that should be it. are we sure there isn't a 155-B?

i also have lambros' residential address as well as his phone number, but i won't go there.

now we wait...

db

[RoniMan]

Seems to be mostly Ensigns posting about this.. Does that mean that the people that have been around here for a while.. mostly stayed away from a deal that was TOO good to be true? .. humm.. thats a thought.
actually, i know a few "high ranking officials" that went in on this. you just don't see them bitchin about it b/c we trust apex. that's why i keep trying to find that post about how a deal gets killed...

anyhoot, as much as i enjoy reading all of this, this will prob be my last entry. after waiting for a week, i REALLY need my own computer. so i've decided to just buy the dell 2400. and i've cancelled my order. and i thank apex for his hard work. and i thank everyone for nominating me (oh wait, wrong speech)

[faither]

You are right on one point...this is Apex's house. I haven't bashed him, so I will just assume that wasn't aimed at me. But being the fact that it is Apex's house, if he wants people to shut up, he will lock the thread or tell everyone to shut up. Guests shouldn't be telling other guests to shut up.

If you're CC has been charged and you haven't gotten the merchandise and/or there's been no communication from the merchant, call your CC company. How does continuing to cry about the same crap over and over help your situation?

You haven't offered a solution, or remarked that you've taken the suggestions of others, or shed any additional light on the problem.

On the other hand, if you find the posting to be therapeudic during this turmoil, "You go, girl!" :cool:

[tourbound]

I managed to chat to Mr. AI when he came online today. He is going to try and take care of my refund and get it done as soon as possible. I should have it in about 7 to 10 days. This is not his department, so I am appreciative of his effort.

Some other info.

Desktops are assembled here in the states. Laptops are preassembled overseas and shipped in.

The reason CC's get billed at Stage 3 is because, and I quote : "That is policy, there is nothing that I can do about that...the company can't literally fund so many orders all at once ..."


So, to me, that is why it is taking so long for this many orders. AI does not have the cash reserves to order enough parts to build several hundred a day. How many they have money for...I don't know.


If you're CC has been charged and you haven't gotten the merchandise and/or there's been no communication from the merchant, call your CC company. How does continuing to cry about the same crap over and over help your situation?

You haven't offered a solution, or remarked that you've taken the suggestions of others, or shed any additional light on the problem.

On the other hand, if you find the posting to be therapeudic during this turmoil, "You go, girl!" :cool:

Lets see, I believe that I said atleast once that I would be calling my CC company tonight if Mr. AI didn't come online today or I didn't get an email response from the 3 cancellation emails I have sent.

That was going to be my solution. Its kind of tough to shed light when communication is a one way street. I'm not getting info from them.

I have some other choice words for the last part of your post, but I choose not to stoop to your level, Captain.

[slaus]

The laptop thing goes without saying. They are buying the laptops from Clevo already assembled because most small companies dont have the resources to get into building laptops fulltime or sell enough of them to warrant it.

[satish]

Thanks for the effort, and that's pretty funny. I think people got that address from the NS registrar off WHOIS, am I right? That doesn't necessarily have to be the address of the company - it is just the address that the person registering the domain uses with the registrar. Although it seems like Apex posted that earlier as the correct address...

Yes, it means that you, a mighty lieutenant, are a genius, and we lowly ensigns are a pack of frickin' idiots. It's all logical! :rolleyes:

I did a reverse lookup of the phone number listed on their website at http://www.anywho.com/ and got the listing as "System Developers, 155 Marine Street, Farmingdale, NY 11735. That is the most recent address that that phone was listed at. This is confirmed by ATT's http://www.anywho.com and Verizon's http://www.superpages.com websites.

[satish]

Just received the following email:

Sir,

Due to delays in manufacturing, and delays on backordered parts, we cannot fulfill your order at this time.

During the next 2 months, you will be contacted by email, if you would like to receive these exact items at these prices, will will be more than happy to fulfill your orders.

Sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused to you.

Thank you,

The a.i Team
www.aicomputers.com
*******************
1.800.775.4010

*******************
Please keep in mind our phone systems are being upgraded to a T1 connection phone and will be down for a few days. The phone server system is is on backorder a few days. Very sorry for any inconvenience. This is being done to better serve the customer.
***************************

[tourbound]

Satish,

What order number (or range) were you?

[Lodz]

Thank you Satish! I think that in two months, this deal will be 'just okay', depending on what you ordered. They'll wait until they can get the parts at a price that they'll actually make a good profit. What a shame, but I guess I didn't really NEED a computer anyway.

[quantumburnz]

Interesting, we'll see how many of us get that email... I suppose it may be time to start looking for new parts for an upgrade... Oh well, not all hope is lost yet.

[Apex]

OK, update for everyone:

I have personally been facilitating the emails between our customers and AI. 421 so far as of today. Most have been order status questions.

At this point, I'm not exactly sure what everyone wants me to do. Perhaps if we can put together some suggestions?


It is very clear now that this is a big scam. "Our AI Rep" did not get on ICQ all day yesterday (May 11, 2004). Apex has not been able to explain why he recommended a company without a working phone or email. There is also no explanation for the fact that when, after more than two weeks, they are unable to even get from "New" to "Stage 3" (Whatever that means!) for orders received by 10:00 AM on the first day of the Sale (Tuesday, April 27, 2004), why they extended the sale for another day. Why has AI not posted an explanation on their website about their communication and order-fulfillment problems? It is becoming more and more obvious that is a big scam to defraud hundreds of gotapex.com's readers of their hard-earned money under the guise of a deal. By not offering a palatable explanation, apex has made himself a suspect co-conspirator in this scam. I do not plan to cancel my orders. I plan to let them charge my credit cards and then go after AI and Apex with all the resources at my disposal.


Satish:

You already received an email back. I know because I was CC'd on it.


-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Monday, May 10, 2004 7:26 PM
To: satish@____________.com
Cc: [email protected]
Subject: Your a.i orders.

Mr. Satish,

First let us apologize to you for overlooking your emails.

After speaking with Gabe from Gotapex.com, who personally looked after to make sure your emails were attended to, I took the time to look over your accounts. I am going to see what I can do to prioritize your account, and try to get your computers shipped out early next week for you.

You may try to catch me online during the day in ICQ, i'm a little new to it, and sometimes I mess messages, i'm very sorry.

I can assure you that when you receive your orders, you will be 100% satisfied.

In addition, the phone system is what is down, not the T1 connection, and therefore that is the problem.

Thank you again very much for your order, and over time, we hope that your complete satisfaction with aicomputers will allow you to overlook these last 2 weeks.


Thank you,

The a.i Team
www.aicomputers.com
*******************
1.800.775.4010

*******************
Please keep in mind our phone systems are being upgraded to a T1 connection phone and will be down for a few days. The phone server system is is on backorder a few days. Very sorry for any inconvenience. This is being done to better serve the customer.
***************************

[Marka]

Holy cow, that's hilarious. After all this, that's the crap they're getting back to "the masses" with? Talk about assinine. No no, I think we should cut them some slack, with no comps shipped, they've already managed to run out of parts. Curiouser and curiouser

So the guy who threatens AI is the guy who gets his order expedited? How does THAT work?

[sdawg]

Hmm - all that said I have two questions:

1. Are a lot of orders going to be cancelled like this? (awww shucks)
2. Has anyone that has ordered one of the laptops entered the heavenly Stage 3 (as they're coming from overseas)?

I'm keeping my fingers crossed...