This is a letter that I feel strongly impressed to write, to direct attention to the appalling business practices of IPC Computers located in Markham, Ontario. I first noticed the errors that Heather Fortune was experiencing shortly after she purchased the computer from IPC. After returning the computer to IPC, at her own expense, to have the problem resolved, Heather patiently waited over two weeks (after being quoted 3-5 business days) before being told that the computer had bad RAM and that the memory had been replaced. After receiving the computer back from IPC, Heather discovered that not only had they put the wrong back on the computer (so that the joystick and speakers could not be plugged into the sound card!), but also, and more importantly, the computer was returned to the customer WITH EXACTLY THE SAME ERRORS.

All attempts to contact IPC from this point on have been ignored. They have not returned phone calls, and have not returned emails. I would advise any prospective computer buyer to be very cautious and consider the following facts before choosing an IPC computer:

• IPC do not appear use quality components in the construction of their P.C's (memory errors and replacement memory errors)
• IPC do not appear to honour their warranty.
• IPC might very well ignore you until the warranty period is over. (and continue to ignore you afterwards too!)

I have not personally purchased an IPC product, but after hearing of this young lady's account of her experiences - there is absolutely no way I would purchase from IPC or recommend their products. IPC have been informed of this site in a registered letter that was posted to them over a week ago, as well as through emails... enough time to do the polite thing and respond. They have chosen not to.

With no response from IPC, I have advised Heather to go ahead and pursue new avenues as a next resort before any legal action is taken. I understand Heather is going to be lodging complaints with the Better Business Beureau (http://www.bbb.org/), The Ministry of Business and Consumer Services (http://www.cbs.gov.on.ca/mcbs/english/2452_3fe.htm) and other organizations that deal with Candian business practices and will write to Canadian computer papers (with reference to this site). Heather will also be cloning this website as many times as she feels necessary, and registering with the major search engines. IPC may prevent this by responding positively, if they choose to.

This site should be unnecessary. It is not Heather's intention to harm IPC in any way, but she is at a complete loss as to how to direct their attention to this matter. Heather Fortune needed a computer to work from home. She has not been able to use this computer for any work because of constant crashes, freezing and memory errors. It has cost Heather a few thousand dollars including the cost of the computer, lost work opportunites, and other expenses, for which she is left with a computer that has not worked from the time it was unpacked. Bookmark this site and call back often to see if IPC are going to respond, honour their warranty and restore confidence in their company.

Other useful information:

Heather is not a novice computer user. She has been using computers for many years. This was to be a replacement for a Pentium 1 system that had provided excellent service, but was no longer economical to upgrade. Heather was to provide support and write a technical manual for a software development project that I am currently involved in. (Hence my involvement and concern).

The computer was supplied without an operating system, but has since, been tested with Windows 95, 98 and 2000 professional, none of which will run reliably on this computer. The seal on the back of the computer was intact at the time of returning it.