PRS-950 Best Buy Sold Demo Units

Mr. Goodbar · 11-05-2010, 10:41 AM

This has been posted elsewhere within other threads, but I just confirmed with Sony that the PRS-950's sold by Best Buy where demo units. Following advice from user rk67668 I contacted Sony this morning. Using a combination of the serial number and version number they determined it was a demo unit. I need to email them a copy of my receipt and they indicated they would arrange to replace the device. I have an open case and they said I would be contacted within 48 hours for replacement details.

My unit is working fine, but I was curious based on the other posts and also didn't want to run into any warranty issues if I needed to make a claim. If you haven't already done so, you may want to contact them as well.

encapuchado · 11-05-2010, 12:07 PM

Typical of BB crowdedness.

Abisha · 11-05-2010, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Goodbar

This has been posted elsewhere within other threads, but I just confirmed with Sony that the PRS-950's sold by Best Buy where demo units. Following advice from user rk67668 I contacted Sony this morning. Using a combination of the serial number and version number they determined it was a demo unit. I need to email them a copy of my receipt and they indicated they would arrange to replace the device. I have an open case and they said I would be contacted within 48 hours for replacement details.

My unit is working fine, but I was curious based on the other posts and also didn't want to run into any warranty issues if I needed to make a claim. If you haven't already done so, you may want to contact them as well.

What route did you take in contacting Sony? What information did you have to furnish for them? I only ask because it seems I was most likely sold a Demo unit as well.

Thanks, Abisha

Mr. Goodbar · 11-05-2010, 12:17 PM

I contacted them at 800-222-7669. I explained the situation to them and they asked for the serial number and then the version number from the "about" screen under settings. From that they logged a case and asked me to email or fax a copy of my receipt and they told me I would hear back on the process for exchange within 48 hours. I'll post an update or two as the process moves along.

stodge · 11-05-2010, 12:51 PM

Wow that's sneaky! Good on Sony for addressing this for you. Hopefully someone at BB will get a rollicking.

elemenoP · 11-05-2010, 01:28 PM

and conversely, that could explain why Best Buy didn't/doesn't have the latest models on display!!

Mr. Goodbar · 11-05-2010, 01:32 PM

I'm guessing this was a mistake on how they loaded it into their system since many of us purchased these units from multiple stores in multiple states. What is odd is that it came with normal retail packaging and there is no demo software on the device.

jswinden · 11-05-2010, 02:51 PM

When the first guy reported he had bought a 950 at Best Buy some time ago, I same as called him a liar. I could not believe Best Buy was selling 950s before Sony was. I said then I bet they screwed up and sold him a demo. I guess I was correct. BB is one of the worst stores as far as staff goes. Those folks just cannot seem to get their act together, especially with ebook readers.

Also, if the 950s bought at BB were complete and just had beta software on them, why didn't Sony simply show you guys how to flash them with an update? Sounds like there is more to the story than Sony is telling you!

Mr. Goodbar · 11-05-2010, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jswinden

When the first guy reported he had bought a 950 at Best Buy some time ago, I same as called him a liar. I could not believe Best Buy was selling 950s before Sony was. I said then I bet they screwed up and sold him a demo. I guess I was correct. BB is one of the worst stores as far as staff goes. Those folks just cannot seem to get their act together, especially with ebook readers.

Also, if the 950s bought at BB were complete and just had beta software on them, why didn't Sony simply show you guys how to flash them with an update? Sounds like there is more to the story than Sony is telling you!

Good questions. From everything I can see it is a standard unit. It had full retail packaging with warranty cards and documentation as well. I guess we'll find something out when we get the replacement units. Maybe they'll be black which I would prefer!

SeaBookGuy · 11-05-2010, 04:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elemenoP

and conversely, that could explain why Best Buy didn't/doesn't have the latest models on display!!

At my local BB last week, they had models in all the wrong places (a 300 - not 350 - on the 650-labeled stand, etc.), with a dummy prototype 950 only; there were, however, two (apparently) factory-sealed 950's available for purchase. I asked the guy who asked "May I help you?" about the mess; he winced, with a "We're in the process of major display re-shuffling ...."

Galan-Ithaca · 11-05-2010, 04:20 PM

I'm not sure why it's a bad thing to have a demo unit. They hadn't even been put on display! Maybe they were INTENDED to be the demo units ONCE the unit was released by Sony to sell, but you were fortunate enough to get one early. I bought one at BB on the 27th, and it's perfect.

No way am I going to send it back to Sony! I like it too much to part with it.

Bob

doctj · 11-05-2010, 05:40 PM

Mine was on the display shelf. I broke the seal on mine and as previous posters mentioned it had everything in the box. I'll call Sony up, if it is a demo unit I'll just return it to Best Buy and buy another unit.

Bookworm_Girl · 11-05-2010, 09:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Goodbar

I contacted them at 800-222-7669. I explained the situation to them and they asked for the serial number and then the version number from the "about" screen under settings. From that they logged a case and asked me to email or fax a copy of my receipt and they told me I would hear back on the process for exchange within 48 hours. I'll post an update or two as the process moves along.

Mr. Goodbar, is it possible to post the software version from your about screen so that people can compare their model information? It might be helpful to know what version the Sony tech identified as "beta" to you. Thanks!

JSWolf · 11-05-2010, 09:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Galan-Ithaca

I'm not sure why it's a bad thing to have a demo unit. They hadn't even been put on display! Maybe they were INTENDED to be the demo units ONCE the unit was released by Sony to sell, but you were fortunate enough to get one early. I bought one at BB on the 27th, and it's perfect.

No way am I going to send it back to Sony! I like it too much to part with it.

Bob

If it is a demo unit, Sony would send you a new unit and then you send the demo back. So you don't have to be without and Sony pays the shipping both ways.

Mr. Goodbar · 11-06-2010, 09:41 AM

The version info on mine is: 1.0.00.09300

In regards to other comments. These "demo" units where in regular retail packaging with all paperwork and accessories. They don't appear to be different in any way, but according to the rep they do not have the final software version. We'll have to wait until one of us get the replacement to see the difference in version number. My unit has worked just fine, but I don't want to end up with warranty issues should I ever need to make a claim.

11-05-2010, 10:41 AM	#1
Mr. Goodbar Wizard Posts: 1,005 Karma: 98078 Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Atlanta, GA Device: iPad Mini 4	Best Buy Sold Demo Units This has been posted elsewhere within other threads, but I just confirmed with Sony that the PRS-950's sold by Best Buy where demo units. Following advice from user rk67668 I contacted Sony this morning. Using a combination of the serial number and version number they determined it was a demo unit. I need to email them a copy of my receipt and they indicated they would arrange to replace the device. I have an open case and they said I would be contacted within 48 hours for replacement details. My unit is working fine, but I was curious based on the other posts and also didn't want to run into any warranty issues if I needed to make a claim. If you haven't already done so, you may want to contact them as well.

11-05-2010, 02:51 PM	#8
jswinden Nameless Being	When the first guy reported he had bought a 950 at Best Buy some time ago, I same as called him a liar. I could not believe Best Buy was selling 950s before Sony was. I said then I bet they screwed up and sold him a demo. I guess I was correct. BB is one of the worst stores as far as staff goes. Those folks just cannot seem to get their act together, especially with ebook readers. Also, if the 950s bought at BB were complete and just had beta software on them, why didn't Sony simply show you guys how to flash them with an update? Sounds like there is more to the story than Sony is telling you! Last edited by jswinden; 11-05-2010 at 02:55 PM.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Local Best Buy has a K3 demo unit	jswinden	Amazon Kindle	0	09-17-2010 05:07 PM
Engadget: Demo Kindle Units Arriving at Best Buy	carld	Amazon Kindle	2	09-16-2010 07:13 PM
Cool-er: A million units sold!?	Patricia	Interead COOL-ER	29	09-28-2009 08:03 AM
PRS-600 demo units at Borders	WillAdams	Sony Reader	0	09-23-2009 07:10 AM
BeBook claims 30k sold e-reader units, adds Mobipocket	Alexander Turcic	News	18	09-21-2008 09:24 AM

11-05-2010, 12:07 PM	#2
encapuchado Banned Posts: 130 Karma: 7587966 Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Mexico Device: Black Sony Touch (650)	Typical of BB crowdedness.

11-05-2010, 12:17 PM	#4
Mr. Goodbar Wizard Posts: 1,005 Karma: 98078 Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Atlanta, GA Device: iPad Mini 4	I contacted them at 800-222-7669. I explained the situation to them and they asked for the serial number and then the version number from the "about" screen under settings. From that they logged a case and asked me to email or fax a copy of my receipt and they told me I would hear back on the process for exchange within 48 hours. I'll post an update or two as the process moves along.

11-05-2010, 12:51 PM	#5
stodge Groupie Posts: 155 Karma: 1008328 Join Date: Oct 2010 Device: Sony PRS-650SC	Wow that's sneaky! Good on Sony for addressing this for you. Hopefully someone at BB will get a rollicking.

11-05-2010, 01:28 PM	#6
elemenoP Wizard Posts: 1,717 Karma: 3790058 Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: NYC Device: Kindle Paperwhite, Sony 650	and conversely, that could explain why Best Buy didn't/doesn't have the latest models on display!!

11-05-2010, 01:32 PM	#7
Mr. Goodbar Wizard Posts: 1,005 Karma: 98078 Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Atlanta, GA Device: iPad Mini 4	I'm guessing this was a mistake on how they loaded it into their system since many of us purchased these units from multiple stores in multiple states. What is odd is that it came with normal retail packaging and there is no demo software on the device.

11-05-2010, 04:20 PM	#11
Galan-Ithaca Member Posts: 12 Karma: 10 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Sarasota, FL Device: Aztak EZ Reader; Sony PRS900; Sony PRS950	I'm not sure why it's a bad thing to have a demo unit. They hadn't even been put on display! Maybe they were INTENDED to be the demo units ONCE the unit was released by Sony to sell, but you were fortunate enough to get one early. I bought one at BB on the 27th, and it's perfect. No way am I going to send it back to Sony! I like it too much to part with it. Bob

11-05-2010, 05:40 PM	#12
doctj Enthusiast Posts: 28 Karma: 10 Join Date: Oct 2010 Device: sony prs-950, HP Touchpad	Mine was on the display shelf. I broke the seal on mine and as previous posters mentioned it had everything in the box. I'll call Sony up, if it is a demo unit I'll just return it to Best Buy and buy another unit.

11-06-2010, 09:41 AM	#15
Mr. Goodbar Wizard Posts: 1,005 Karma: 98078 Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Atlanta, GA Device: iPad Mini 4	The version info on mine is: 1.0.00.09300 In regards to other comments. These "demo" units where in regular retail packaging with all paperwork and accessories. They don't appear to be different in any way, but according to the rep they do not have the final software version. We'll have to wait until one of us get the replacement to see the difference in version number. My unit has worked just fine, but I don't want to end up with warranty issues should I ever need to make a claim.

Advert

Advert