Thank goodness.  I just received a package from FedEx containing my Toshiba Satellite 1000-S157 laptop computer.  Seven weeks ago, I took the unit to be repaired under warranty at a Toshiba laptop repair center in Parsippany, NJ.  The computer had stopped working on AC power and the battery quit charging after only three months of light use.

I was told that the unit would be fixed within three days.  After six days with no word, I called the shop and they informed me that the part was backordered for over two weeks.  I was already greatly disappointed, but decided to wait it out.

The computer was ready to be sent to me after 18 days.  The repairman said he would send it by 2-day service.  It arrived 6 days later after I had already left town.  Finally, two weeks after the repair was finished, my poor laptop finally caught up with me.

I turned it on and used it for about 45 minutes before the same problem came up and everything shut down.

I called Toshiba and talked my way up to customer relations.  The woman was very nice and apologetic and arranged for me to send it to their "premier" service center.  I sent it by FedEx the next day.  After a few days, I learned that the part was backordered another 11 days.

My Toshiba case worker promised me a new extra battery for my laptop, which I thought was a nice "consolation prize".  I received it in the mail soon after and it doesn't even remotely come close to being the battery that works with my computer.  I have called her back three times and left a message to arrange an exchange for the correct battery, but after 6 days I have not heard from her.

I took my laptop in on August 13th, and received it today, October 2nd.  All I have to show for the trouble and inconvenience of their incompetence is a battery to somebody else's computer.  If you buy a Toshiba product and go through the same situation, you can't say I didn't warn you!

David Ashley, jazztrombone@aol.com