Acer offers to settle Vista class-action suit with flash drive apology

Lawsuits are nothing new the technology world, if you follow tech at all, you'll know that fact. It's even rather common for class-action lawsuits to crop up against technology companies for one reason or another. Consumers often turn to class-action when there's a widespread issue with a particular product that the manufacturer doesn't want to address.

It seems that was the case with a lawsuit filed against computer maker Acer. It's unclear exactly how long ago this lawsuit was filed, but considering the core of the suit has to do with Acer notebooks running Windows Vista, this case has to have been in the courts for a long time. Microsoft already has two versions of Windows that were available after the launch of Vista, including Windows 7 and Windows 8.

The crux of the class-action suit against Acer had to do with allegations that Acer advertised and sold notebook computers that didn't have enough RAM to support pre-installed versions of Windows Vista. Naturally, Acer denies the claims but has agreed to a settlement to avoid the costs and risks associated with a trial. Any US resident who purchased a new Acer notebook that came with Windows Vista Home Premium, Business, or Ultimate and 1 GB or less of RAM are eligible for the proposed settlement.

Acer is specific that the machine had to have come with 1 GB of RAM or less that was shared with both the system and graphics. The computer also had to be purchased from an authorized retailer and can't have been returned for refund. The proposed settlement will give people who purchased these machines a 16 GB flash drive with ReadyBoost technology.

Instead of that free flash drive, buyers could opt for a $10 check or a check for up to $100 for reimbursement of any repair costs incurred before April 25, 2013 that have to do with resolving performance issues related to insufficient RAM. Class members who still own the computer can also alternatively get a 1 GB or 2 GB RAM stick to allow the notebook to operate with up to 2 GB of RAM. The court presiding over the case plans to hold another hearing on October 4, 2013 to consider whether or not to approve the settlement.

[via Acerlawsuit.com]