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Hi, Len
Regarding Diamond, I settled for two Diamond Stealth PCI video boards because I just wanted whatever I could get to work. Regarding the Diamond Viper V330 board that I originally tried (and returned to CompUSA yesterday), when it said "Windows 98 Compatible" and "Plug and Play" all over the box, I felt I had a right to make certain assumptions about it. They didn't say "yeah, maybe compatible if you don't mind going on the internet, finding the right drivers, downloading and installing them yourself." I don't believe they were being completely honest about the compatibility issue.
Also, when I called Diamond for tech support, after a 30-minute wait (at my expense) I was accidentally hung up on once, called back and waited again to be told to get drivers for my "other" video board, then called again and was told "I don't know if it works or not," then called back and was told by a third person that "no, it won't work." Not true because I know several people here who have been able to make it work. None of Diamond's people really seemed to know or care what they told me. I felt like I was dealing with a bunch of apathetic government workers (sorry if I offended anyone).
From what I can tell so far, other than Windows 98 appearing to be faster and more stable, I believe the multiple monitor capability is probably the most useful feature for upgraders to consider. It looks, though, like the video card manufacturers were kinda caught off guard by this really new and handy feature. Even the local service techs I called for help didn't know about it. That's the price one must be willing to pay, though, to be on the leading edge with rapidly changing technology. The only thing that makes this all so much of a pain is that it appears to me that, as technology advances, the quality of available technical support deteriorates leaving many of us poor slobs to creep around the internet seeking help from technical guru's such as yourself.
I was displeased with Diamond's help (and Dell and STB, too), but I still use their boards. But I do believe they could have been a little less deceptive in their advertising and much better informed and a lot more helpful on the phone.
Bill |
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