Re: SPAM?: [Fwd: Attention all School Staff, Personnel, and Students]

[Bob LaMontagne <rlamont@POSTOFFICE.PROVIDENCE.EDU>]

Bernard,

I'm not sure what you mean by victim, but your parenthetical remark
about tenth time strikes a chord. Since the beginning of the semester I
have received this same email about twice a week. Interestingly, the
only thing that changes is the deadline for responding - a red flag if
there ever was one!

In actuality, the deal that they are offering is not that spectacular.
Around here, and I assume it's the same where you live, there are many
local mom & pop computer shops that will construct computers for you.
They use generic parts and can basically build anything you want. The
prices come out to be about half of the full retail price of name brand
computers. Our college actually uses one of these shops. My computer at
home was purchased from the same shop. The computers are as reliable as
anything out there - either PC or MAC. Repairs are simple, just bring
the machine to the shop and pop in a new part - saves lots of money on
expensive service contracts.

My advice is to use the delete key (for some reason SPAM doesn't annoy
me - I just delete anything where the subject line remotely looks like
SPAM - only takes a second). If you're in the market for a cheap
computer, consider a local shop - it's easier to deal with repairs.

Bob at PC

Bernard Cleyet wrote:
> Am I the only victim of this?  (for the tenth time)
>
> bc
>
> -------- Original Message --------
> Subject:        Attention all School Staff, Personnel, and Students
> Date:   Tue, 11 Nov 2003 23:08:40 -0800
> From:   Admin <SchoolStaffPersonnelStudents@myschool.par32.com>
> To:     anngeorg@pacbell.net
>
> Attention All School Staff, Personnel, and Students:
>
> You Must Respond By 5 P.M. Thursday, November 13, 2003
>
> Avtech Direct is offering a limited allotment of BRAND NEW,
> top of-the-line, name-brand Desktop computers at 50% off MSRP
> to all Teachers, Students, Faculty and Staff.
>
> All Desktops are brand-new packed in their original boxes and come
> with a full manufacturer's warranty plus a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
>
> These professional grade Desktops are fully equipped with 2004
> next generation technology, making these the very best performing
> computers that money can buy.
>
> Avtech Direct is offering these feature rich, top performing
> Desktops with the latest technology at an amazing price
> to all Teachers, Students, Faculty and Staff who call:
>
> 1-800-884-9510 by 5 P.M. Thursday, November 13, 2003
>
> The fast and powerful AT-2400S Series- Desktop features:
>
>         * 2.0 Ghz Intel Processor for amazing speed and performance
>         * 128 MB SD RAM, Upgradeable to 1024 MB
>         * 20 GB Hard Drive upgradeable to 60 GB
>         * CD-Rom Drive upgradeable to  DVD/CDRW
>         * Premium Sound and Video
>         * Total Connectivity fax modem/USB 2.0 Ports
>         * Soft Touch Keyboard
>         * Internet Ready
>         * 1 Year warranty with Priority customer service and tech support
>
> MSRP $699 ..................................................Your Cost $347
>
> How to qualify:
>
>        1. You must be a Teacher or Student or School Staff Member.
>        2. All Desktop computers will be available on a first come first served basis.
>        3. You must call 1-800-884-9510 by 5 P.M. Thursday, November 13, 2003 and
>           we will hold the Desktops you request on will call.
>        4. You are not obligated in any way.
>        5. All computers are 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed.
>
> Call  Avtech Direct 1-800-884-9510 by 5 p.m. Thursday, November 13, 2003