What's up guys? New to this forum, however I have been in the EggXpert review program since its inception, which was back in June of 2012. I was one of the first members actually. Though the program has had it's issues, overall it has been a success and that's the reason it's still around today. While I understand the issues some of the experienced hardware reviewers have with the program, I believe there are some misconceptions about it. The products we review are not meant to be dissected meticulously (e.g. capacitor quality, solder joint quality, ripple, etc..). Instead, the reviews we post are just meant to augment the standard reviews that end-users have been posting on Newegg's website for years. Newegg wants their customers to have detailed accounts of how the products function in a typical environment. The common end-user doesn't have the equipment or knowhow to test ripple on a PSU, nor do they understand the process that goes into it. They just want to know certain things, like if the PSU will be compatible with all their chosen hardware, or they may want to make sure it's rated to sufficiently power their system, or how loud it is while gaming, etc... Newegg also wants the reviews written in a way that the common end-user can understand and relate to. While some experts may view this as a "disservice" to the customer, I disagree. In fact, overloading their brains with a lot of information that they don't understand can be a disservice to some. Not everyone has the will or the mind to learn all the inner workings of a PSU or MOBO, but that doesn't mean they can't use one. Seeing as they have a lot of hardware to choose from, a detailed review that's written in a way they can relate to can actually be very helpful to them. Power users already know to look elsewhere for the information they crave (that's where the pros come in).
I have received a plethora of products in my time in the program. Most of which have been networking gear. This is because networking hardware has been submitted into the program more frequently than any other type of product.
Somewhere along the lines I was sent the new agreement that stated some of the products may have to be returned after I review them, however I have never actually had to return a product. After I signed the agreement, Newegg would specify whether or not I could keep the product BEFORE I accepted it. However, they have stopped doing this, which makes me question whether or not the agreement still applies. All I know is they haven't asked me to send anything back to them. Newegg also used to send me a shipping notice, however the last 5-10 products I have received came with no shipping notice. Now all I get is the initial email with the assignment. If I accept it, the product shows up at my door without so much as a peep from Newegg.
A few days ago I received an HP Officejet Pro 8610 Printer, which retails for $199 on their website right now. This is very similar to the printer that Joe88 just received, however it's a couple steps down in the series. On paper this is a very nice printer and I was looking forward to testing it. Unfortunately, it arrived completely DOA. I was blown away by this, because there is no visible damage to the product whatsoever. It's simply dead and I have no idea how it could have left the factory that way. I notified Newegg but haven't heard back yet. I really hope they can send me out a new one, because I can't RMA through HP seeing as this is a review sample and I don't have a proof of purchase.
A few of the products I have received were actually fairly expensive. So far, this is the most expensive product I have been offered:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...17&Tpk=My Book Thunderbolt Duo 4TB Dual-Drive
Sadly I had to decline it as I don't have any hardware with Thunderbolt connections. Anyway, I look forward to testing more hardware. Congrats to those of you that were invited to the program. Happy testing!
It might be worth contacting HP. After all, if you sent out a product for review, would you want the reviewers reporting any DOAs?
