A bit off-beam, this one, but a personal bug-bear. Unfortunately the principle is too expensive to persue, and we (as educational establishments) cannot afford many legal wrangles ... We had 13 systems from them claiming to contain pentium P100's (3 years ago and more). They actually contained AMD K5-100's. Tiny had ensured that the fact was hidden until a chip failure (and I always investigate!) forced a chip to be unglued from the heatsink - said thermal-bond epoxy aiding the rate of chip destruction! :( Our Tiny's (of this ilk) have given reasonably good (if rather short) service, and are slowly being revamped as the chips die. The Spear mainboards inside, however, have given stirling service and appear to be scheduled for a few years more under Linux - even with faulty chips! :) Frankly, I would suggest that you could do better than losing sleep, blood, time and hair with an outfit which seem to belong in a western, not the high street <wry grin, scratches bald patch>. We have chalked this one up to experience, and make a point of Dis-Commending Tiny as a supplier to anyone who asks. I like the idea that Intel are taking an interest, though .. ... ... regards, paul ----------

From: adrian.wells <adrian.wells@sidcot.org.uk> To: [Me] <adrian-wells@175-nbr.freeserve.co.uk>; Suse List <suse-linux-uk-schools@suse.com> Subject: [suse-linux-uk-schools] Pentium? Date: 06 March 2000 14:00

Hi,

Quiet, but not asleep!

The plea... Can you help please? I'm gathering information.

The Story... I am in dispute with Tiny Computers regarding the processor installed in some P75 machines. The machines are clearly marked on the boxes "Intel Inside Pentium Processor", however it has just come to light that these machines contain AMD processors.

Tiny tell me that we have had the machines for too long and have no claim, so go away.

Acknowledged, the machines are about 3 years old however...

We purchased Intel machines (these tend to carry a price premium) and to be fair to AMD they are NOT the same as Intel devices.

Tiny have sold the machines under false pretences, selling an (arguably) inferior machine as a (arguably) superior machine.

We had no way (or need until recently) to examine the processor type. The BIOS just tells us P75 (which I think is an Intel trademark).

The machines have apparently performed well although this is beside the point. This may be a mater for the trading standards.

If Tiny had acknowledged the fact and had been apologetic or offered some form of credit then all would be well, however, having told me in no uncertain terms to go away I am now left with a nasty taste in my mouth and intend to take maters further.

To the point... If you have the time and you have any Tiny Computers that claim to have Intel Processors, could you please check this and if found to be AMD (or any other manufacture), forward indicated and actual Chip data along with the machine serial number to me at the address below.

Intel have already shown an interest in this mater!

Many thanks in anticipation,

I'll keep you posted. Adrian

Kind Regards Adrian Wells _______________________________________ Systems Manager Sidcot School Oakridge Lane, Winscombe, Somerset BS25 1PD.

Please reply to adrian.wells@sidcot.org.uk admin@sidcot.org.uk for general enquiries