In October I purchased a lap top computer from The Docking Station in Mobile, AL with an extended warranty and a car charger adapter (that to date I have not received nor have I been reimbursed). A couple of weeks later I began having trouble with the battery. I took the computer to The Docking Station and was informed that it was not the computer but user error. They made some changes to the way the computer stayed powered and I had no more trouble with the battery.
It was about a week after picking my computer up that the keys began to stick. I brought it back to them and without explanation I was told that the problem had been resolved. No sooner had I got it back to my house I was having the same problem. I called and they said that the problem, once again, must be user error and for me to bring it back.
By the time I got it back to them the computer would not power up. The fan would begin running but nothing else. I left it with them for close to a week when Derek, the one I purchased the lap top from, told me that Mirco-Pro, the manufacturer of the lap-top, was out of business and that my warranty was no longer valid. I expressed my concern and told him that I thought they should either replace it or repair it.
The following day Derek called me again and informed me that John, the technician, had found evidence that liquid had been spilt into the computer causing the problem. I told him that there was no liquid near my computer, much less, spilt on the computer and that it had not been out of my sight aside from the times it was there for repair. He assured me that it was liquid that had been spilt and then informed me that they would not be responsible for it.
After hearing this, I contacted an attorney who suggested I file suit but because of the monetary value I should do it on my own. My attorney also suggested that I go pick up the computer immediately, which I did.
When I arrived at The Docking Station, I told Derek that I was there to pick up my lap top and he refused to let me have it, saying that he was letting another technician look at it. I told him that per my attorney I was to pick it up immediately. Once again he refused to let me have my computer back that I had already purchased.
At that time, I dialed 911 from my cell phone and asked for police assistance at that location. The police arrived and after speaking to me and to Derek determined that it was a civil matter. I explained that I owned the computer and they are refusing to give me back my property which makes it a criminal matter and offered to let the officer speak to my attorney who was listening to the entire conversation over my cell phone. The officer declined the invitation and went back inside to talk to Derek. Moments later the officer returned saying that they would give me back my computer only after I signed a statement that removed any and all responsibility from them. My attorney advised me not to sign the agreement and to request the Mobile Police Departments on-duty supervisor to be dispatched. When I relayed this message they went back inside and returned with my computer.
Since that time, I have had Tech Advance look at my computer and they said that there was no sign of liquid but the problem with the lap top was beyond their expertise. I recently sent the computer to the service center for Best Buy and they informed me that the motherboard was bad and that there was no liquid damage done to the computer. They also informed me that the only way to repair this computer was to get a mother board from Micro Pro, who, as I mentioned before, is out of business. So now, thanks to the deceptive practices of The Docking Station I am stuck with a $2,200 paper weight.
To add insult to injury, I filed a complaint with the Better Business Bureau and have not heard anything back from them. Today, I filed a complaint with the Better Business Bureau on the Better Business Bureau.
Bill
Mobile, Alabama
U.S.A.
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