Intel, world’s largest microchip maker, has been sued by the New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo for using coercion and bribery over other companies. In order to remain dominant in the world’s market and at the same time, squeeze the existence of its rival Advanced Micro Devices, ADM. This lawsuit has also been followed by a record fine for anti-competitive behavior by the European Commission.

After twenty months of thorough investigation it was finally proved how Brands such as Dell, Hewlett-Packard and IBM agreed to choose Intel microprocessors over any other company simply because it offered rebates.

“In Intel’s market, there were no laws of supply and demand,” said Cuomo. “Instead, it was the law of ‘my way or the highway’.”

ADM had presented its complaints in front of the Attorney General, Intel had also been paying Incentives so that manufacturers preferred its Chips rather than using any other company’s, thus awarding Intel 70% of the worlds market. If customers marketed any other products using chips from ADM then Intel instantly withdrew its product.  ADM had been accusing Intel from quite some time now thus accusing Intel of its illegal practices with the motive of squeezing it out of the market.

“Rather than compete fairly, Intel used bribery and coercion to maintain a stranglehold on the market,” said New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo, in a statement. “Intel’s actions not only unfairly restricted potential competitors, but also hurt average consumers who were robbed of better products and lower prices. These illegal tactics must stop and competition must be restored to this vital marketplace.”

On the other hand, Intel refused to comment on the New York state lawsuit, but at the same time has vigorously defended its practices claiming the fact that offering rebates has been beneficial for the consumers as it lowered the original prices.  Intel is also appealing the European Union antitrust ruling.

DELL needs no introduction. But it needs to give us a lot of explanations. American computer manufacturer Dell will be paying $4m (£2.4m) in order to settle accusations. DELL has been accused of misleading its customers and tricking them into paying large some of money. Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that Dell and its subsidiary, Dell Financial Services (DFS), have agreed to pay the Attorney General’s Office $4 million in “restitution, penalties and costs to resolve charges of fraudulent and deceptive business practices that scammed consumers across New York State.”

Earlier in 2007 the company was said to be advertising cheap financing and warranties.
“According to state officials, the Texan PC maker often advertised zero interest credit deals for new computers before denying the customer’s application and then encouraging them to buy at a far higher rate – often more than 20% interest.” Dell had completely failed to provide the support services for what the customer’s had paid for and thus was declared as a “bait and switch” by attorney general Andrew Cuomo. So far DELL has denied any wrongdoing, but has agreed to pay the penalty.

“Today’s announcement is the final step in ensuring New Yorkers harmed by Dell’s deceptive and illegal business practices are fully compensated,” said Attorney General Cuomo. “Going forward, this deal means that Dell will have to clearly and fully disclose the terms and conditions of their products and services, to avoid this kind of fraud at the consumer’s expense. My office is committed to ensuring a fair and honest marketplace across New York by rooting out these unlawful practices, and we encourage anyone who was ripped off by Dell to come forward and file a claim to get their money back.”

Along with the $4 million in restitution, penalties and fees, the settlement also requires DELL to make considerable changes to its advertising, sales and financing practices. DELL will also be expected to advise its customers before they purchase anything. Cuomo said was a victory for consumers, and attacked Dell’s “deceptive and illegal business practices”.
“Going forward, this deal means that Dell will have to clearly and fully disclose the terms and conditions of their products and services to avoid this kind of fraud at the consumer’s expense,” he said in a statement.

DELL is coming to Lahore.
To celebrate this EID and make it an exciting one for all your DELL fans out there. DELL Pakistan is arranging a DELL Gala at Hyperstar (Carrefoure) in Lahore on the 12th & 13th of September, 2009.

To add to the excitement, DELL will be giving out a Notebook and an LCD, to two lucky winners. But that’s not all, there will be a surprise gift every hour through lucky draws. Expect interesting stuff like Eid Baskets (a little off-beat kind), free scratch cards and a lot more.

WANT MORE…
Alright….here’s another deal coming your way.
Not only do you get to have DELL products at Ever Lowest prices, but with every purchase, you get to win a FREE MOBILE.

Do confirm your attendance, so DELL knows how many gifts we ought to bring with us !
See Ya !