Surface Pro faces warranty criticism in China


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Microsoft is facing criticisms of its warranty practices in China that are similar to Apple's recent issues in the region. Bloomberg reports that China National Radio has highlighted warranty issues with Microsoft's Surface Pro tablet, noting that it should have a one-year repair warranty for the whole device and a two-year warranty for the parts. Microsoft currently offers a one-year warranty that covers the device and its parts, falling foul of a national law that requires a two-year parts warranty on notebooks.

Apple faced similar criticisms from the Chinese media after state broadcaster CCTV originally claimed Chinese consumers weren't getting the same level of service as Americans. The situation quickly escalated after Apple disputed the claims over its warranty replacement service for iPhone 4 and 4S models, leading Chinese state-run newspaper The People's Daily to call Apple "empty and self-praising." Apple CEO Tim Cook had to apologise for "any concerns or misunderstandings," while promising a clearer warranty policy for Apple's iPhone 4 and 4S smartphones.

Bloomberg notes that this similar situation could be the start of widespread media criticism of Microsoft in China. The software giant recently launched its Surface Pro tablet in China earlier this month, partnering with popular Chinese seller Tmall to launch an additional online store in the region. We have reached out to Microsoft for comment on the claims and we'll update you accordingly.

http://www.theverge.com/2013/4/9/4204092/surface-pro-china-warranty-criticism

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Companies have to respect the laws of the territories they operate in. There really isn't any excuse, especially for a company like Microsoft with a dedicated legal department.

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China just seem to be targeting non-chinese companies with bad media coverage (first Apple, now Microsoft). Maybe they're trying to paint a bad picture of non-chinese companies so people are more likely to buy from within China?

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China just seem to be targeting non-chinese companies with bad media coverage (first Apple, now Microsoft). Maybe they're trying to paint a bad picture of non-chinese companies so people are more likely to buy from within China?

Or maybe they are challenging these companies to respect their laws and/or customs...

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China just seem to be targeting non-chinese companies with bad media coverage (first Apple, now Microsoft). Maybe they're trying to paint a bad picture of non-chinese companies so people are more likely to buy from within China?

Didn't read past the headline?

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Didn't read past the headline?

No, I've read it. And I've also read similar stories about other companies. Take Apple, for example - the difference in their warranty in China to the US is that in China you kept the old back cover of your phone when it was replaced. Yet this sparked national bad mouthing of Apple in China through almost every state-owned media outlet.

My comment was relating to "Bloomberg notes that this similar situation could be the start of widespread media criticism of Microsoft in China."

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China just seem to be targeting non-chinese companies with bad media coverage (first Apple, now Microsoft). Maybe they're trying to paint a bad picture of non-chinese companies so people are more likely to buy from within China?

But still. Most western companies disrespect laws and consumers in emerging markets. It's quite common.

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Or maybe they are challenging these companies to respect their laws and/or customs...

Exactly. These American companies are using to dumping crap on us US citizens. I'm glad other countries are calling their hand.

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These corporations need to realise that if they want to do business in other countries, they have to follow the laws of those countries. This includes warranty regulations. Most countries outside the US don't just lay down and let their citizens get butt-reamed by their corporate overlords.

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