After having read about tablet PC's in several computer mags, I jumped at the chance to purchase an Averatec 3500. I had to return two to Costco until the third one became the charm, so to speak. I really like this computer and the tablet pc form factor. Since I am a neophyte to this format, I am in the formative stages. But, I must say that it is very cool, so far! :drool: :drool: :drool:

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I wonder if Costco is putting the returns back on the shelf?

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Sorry that probably seemed out of the blue to you :)

Costco restocks returns on other items, including computers. I don't know what Costco and Averatec's agreement is about how to handle returns. But here's my suggestion for anyone buying any computer at Costco:

When you take your tag up to the locker to get the notebook, ask the employee if you can open the box and read the manual.

If the box is opened or looks like it has been retaped, just ask for another box.

While you're looking through the package for the manual make sure the Tablet PC looks as it should. Ask if you can turn it on. (If the employee says he has to go do something else, just ask politely if another employee can wait with you or ask for the manager to assist. Politely! If it's Saturday at noon, you should understand they're going to be busy and might not be pleased with your request, so best to do it on an off-peak time.)

With other brands, it's my understanding that Costco may offer end-of-life or refurbished product. I'm not sure if they mark the package differently in those cases. At least with the Averatec C3500 we know that the model is new and the configuration is specificially for Costco. But I am curious about after people return the units if they're just being boxed up and put back on the shelves.

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I'm glad you got a good C3500 from Costco. I'm sad that I do not have one yet. Why did you return the previous two?

I have a lengthly post at the Averatec Forum. I went back to Costco yesterday. I returned my 5th one and got another. I now always inspect before leaving the store. Costco people are pretty great in my book. It had about 7 additional tech programs on and asked if I wanted to write to CD. I called Averatec support and he said it seemed obvious "it had been tampered with" and he would return it or send it in for repair. The two employees that observed this with me were very surprised. They gave me another. This one had even more programs on it - about three columns. I did not call support on this one. So we packed that one up. They called another Costco that had 8 in the computer and sent me off. When I got there, the guy in electronics said the computers are in lock-up and not to be sold as none of them have pens. They are waiting for them to arrive.

So - that makes 7 computers I have been through.

I think it was just my luck as they had about 40 they thought for the Denver area and someone said six were returned.
Now 8 are still in lock-up and all the stores are out except perhaps for the demos. I think the majority of the tablets are in happy homes. I do not feel Costco is reselling the returned ones. Each of my problems were unique and they did not return them to inventory and it seems they have a catagory for retuned items. But, they must inspect them first or how would they know the pens were missing - unless the first one for demo was short so they just continued to open. I spoke with one other Costco here that said their shipment was lacking pens as well but they called and had them two days leter. Costco also is not eating the returns but returning them to some one/place. So ther would be no incentive to fudge it.

I placed a call to the company today. I think they are good people but someone in final QC needs a stronger job description.

I'll post this in the Averatec forum as well.

Miska,
I returned the first 3500 to Costco because it would not load the operating system correctly. The second one was returned because the screen developed a crack in the upper right hand corner. I wasn't careless so I am not sure as to why the crack. The third one is working great. I have found that I have to return some models of computers several times before I get the right one. That's one reason why Costco is high on my list of stores in which to buy big ticket items. Their return policies are great and I find their employees to be enthusiastic and competent!