OT - Dell can kiss my hairy northern nards, Huh? Options

[soloracer]

I went to a family gathering in Montana for a relative of mine who is being shipped to serve in Iraq for two years. He mentioned that they had internet access over there via a wireless network and that he was thinking of getting a laptop. I thought it would be nice for the family to all chip in and buy him one. We could load it with pictures and our e-mail addresses and give it to him before he ships out.

So I called Dell and went through the ordering process. Right at the end I told them that it was going to someone who was being shipped to Iraq for two years. Their response? They cancelled the order!!! They told me that they can't sell to anyone who is taking it to Iraq because Iraq is on a banned list and that if the computer got in the wrong hands they could be held liable. I explained that it was going to a man who was in the military and they basically said that they could care less. WTF?? What do service men use over there for internet access? Two cans and a ball of string?

[Rusty]

Hello all,
Since Lawrence isn't going to respond (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif), I will. Lawrence and I have spent the last year in Iraq. I bought a Dell Inspirion 1100 (from the outlet store) while in Iraq in Feb of this year; and had it shipped to my wife who turned around and shipped the SAME box to me in Iraq from the Post Office on post in Kansas. Not only did it get to me, so did 6...count them SIX...other Dell laptops for my soldiers!!!! Two soldiers had them sent DIRECTLY to them in Iraq at the unit address (APO). In addition, we had Dell laptops bought by the units and shipped to Iraq. The government laptops of course came through military shipping sources and not the USPS.
Just reorder the thing...get immediate shipping and then he can take it with him (no one will question him) or mail it to him once he has an address in Iraq in the same box and packing it came in.
Yes, there are security concerns with computers in Iraq. His Information Assurance Officer (my position) will brief him and be the one inspecting his computer for any unauthorized material upon his return. We had wireless internet access in our tents; but unfortunately this was not offered to everyone and was kind of set up on the sly using government equipment and satellite time. If he has a smart CSSAMO they will set up a similar system for the soldiers to use their OWN computers. I really just depends on the unit.
Again, Dell is being an ass! I like Dell products (I guess since I'm from Texas (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)); but IMOA they are slipping in customer service!

WoMBaT

P.S. COMING HOME!!!!!! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smilie_pokal.gif)

Hey Jackass... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

You were 8 feet from me. You could have mentioned this thread, while I was trying to download files for you. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/finger.gif)

Anyways, the young warrant officer is correct. Dell ships laptops into country by the palletful, under government contract. (Can you imagine what sand DOES to a notebook computer?)

Lots of soldiers have their own computers here, most hand-carried on the plane with them. Connecting to a network is a different thing, but the service is available in certain areas. I know that connecting a personal computer to a government network in Baghdad is a good way to get your hand slapped. But there are options available. Also, there's always getting a pin-drive and just working offline, and carrying your files to a system that IS connected. I've done that, too.

You do what ya gotta do to get by over here. A laptop (internet enabled or not) is a good thing.

Hope this helps,
Rusty (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smoke.gif)