DSA suppliers - anyone had problems?

Taiko

New student time was a few months ago now. You're a bit behind.

At the end of the day, it's not really up to the student. SFE will sometimes allow it, but they have the authority to dictate as well.

phazedout

Ah, well I will bow to your greater knowledge but my assessment and report took ages so my kit didn't come until I had started my degree, my bad. Also my current DSA is through NHS which covers obviously the NHS and also Social Work bursaries - when studying for my degree I was asked which quote I wanted to take so there was (and maybe still is) variation.

Taiko

NHS may operate differently to SFE on this. It's helpful to clarify if it's not a standard application.

saving_pennies

I've had equipment from microlink. The first time was over 10 years ago and I had nothing but trouble with it. I used them again about 4-5 years ago and then a third time 2 years ago and these last two times I used them I had fantastic service and had no problems with the equipment.

I had no choice the first and second time as DSA used Mircolink but the third assessment I had, the assessor put three quotes and DSA chose the cheapest which was an organisation up north, quite a distance from me. As the microlink quote was only about £50 more expensive I asked if I could have equipment from them as they are closer to me and they knew of my specific needs and had given good service the second time I used them.

Maybe I was lucky the second and third time I used microlink, or maybe I was unlucky the first time, or maybe they have genuinely improved. The laptop I got the second time (long story but was the local authority made a mistake as the course I was on meant I wasn't entitled to DSA help however as it was their mistake they let me keep the equipment, although not with extended warranty/insurance) - it is now over 4 years old and works well, albeit a little slow at times, and I use it to watch TV from my bedroom.

I certainly wouldn't be telling people to avoid microlink. As with any organisation there will be errors and mistakes, hence the need for complaints procedure. I am sorry you have so many problems that were not sufficiently resolved.

I think SFE DSA provide a fantastic service and students who are eligible get 'free' equipment and support, and they wouldn't continue to use Mircolink if the problems you experienced where frequently occuring for their students.

Taiko

Just checked my complaints file, we had one complaint regarding Microlink in 6 years, and this then transpired to be due to the student not responding to them to confirm delivery times.

phazedout

@Saving_Pennies, sort of cup half empty or full I grant you but I definitely feel mine is half empty

@Taiko, so do you work for moneysavingexpert collating complaints or another organisation? If the former then it's likely you will only hear from those that arrive here and if another organisation would be grateful to know the details.

My stance is and always will be that if you are forewarned you are forearmed - I know several disabled students who have had other providers (such as Barry Bennett) and honestly the service they have received appears, I would admit, to have been so much better than my experiences. At the end of the day we can all say this is subjective but that surely doesn't invalidate it?

Taiko

For 5 yeras I had responsibility for ordering DSA equipment with a local authority. Microlink were where the majority of our orders went, due to quotes and specifications. There were several hundred, and no issues that Microlink were at fault for.

I know of the other suppliers, such as Barry Bennett, iANSYST and Remtek, as well as a few locals, provided a good service as well.

furry001

I received a laptop and a host of other equipment from Microlink in November last year. I receive DSA through the Open University.

The problem I have had with Microlink has resulted from an enquiry I made with them regarding the upgrade of the memory within the laptop. I am proficient in computer repairs and upgrades and I wanted to know whether I could pop in extra memory. Microlink told me that if I did so, it would invalidate the warranty and the insurance.

I have consequently checked with the manufacturer (in this case, Toshiba) who said that upgrading the memory does not invalidate the warranty. Microlink insisted that it would invalidate the warranty and proceeded to quote me a price 7 times more than I can fit it for.

The laptop required some repairs so I asked Toshiba to carry them out, and I have ordered the extra memory for when it comes back (it's due back on Thursday).

I will be contacting Microlink and telling them what they can do with their warranty!!!

Rant over.

Taiko

What it may have invalidated was the warranty with Microlink, not with the manufacturer.

nabs

Humphrey10 wrote: »

Yes the LEA had said I could use a different supplier before I bought the laptop. It was the assessment people at the university that recommended I be allowed to upgrade the laptop though, I don't know if the LEA would have allowed it otherwise.

I just wonder who you contacted do give you funding to get your laptop from a different supplier?