Optek vs Gerber Coburn

**godin33** · 07-11-2007, 11:08 AM

In regards to surfacing equipment, customer service, maintenance, durability.
Any pros and cons for both products, insights would be greatly appreciated.

**braheem24** · 07-11-2007, 11:36 AM

I dont know anything about optek computerized equipment, I do however know optek cyl machines and old generators are my preference over coburn.

Vista 2 over SGX

Santinelli over Kappa or gamma.

I Like the step one though :D

Gerber/Coburn asking 10K for software that is a 100 modules instead if 1 full program is a little reduculous and then you find out it's another module and a few more thousand to have a print-out of lens usage for the day/week for re-stocking

**godin33** · 07-11-2007, 12:14 PM

I know that Optek has their new Unity Max which is like the whole step one.
But overall you were happy with Optek as a company?
I also thought their computer set up was rediculas.
Thanks for your comment.

**shanbaum** · 07-11-2007, 12:29 PM

... full program is a little reduculous ...

I also thought their computer set up was rediculas.

Guys, please, it's reddikkulus.

**OPTIDONN** · 07-11-2007, 12:35 PM

Optek! Hands down!! Maybe if your lucky you can get some one from Gerber Coburn to actually help you out when you need it. The customer service is very bad! With as these bugs I can say that we are beginning to wish that we looked around a little more. I'm not saying that Gerber Coburn stuff is bad, in fact you may end up quite happy with it, it's just not the best. However something seriously needs to be done about getting some one on the horn when you have a problem. I really hate waiting three days with idle equipment.

**shanbaum** · 07-11-2007, 12:51 PM

You know, about two years ago, when (I hope) our service was worse than it is today, I posted this in a similar thread:

Anyone who is having any kind of problem with GC parts or service, please feel free to a) click on my name and send me an e-mail, so I can forward it to the appropriate person and hopefully get the problem resolved, and b) post it here if it makes you feel better. The e-mail will simply make it easier for me to pass the message along.

I never received a single message.

Well, I'll repeat the offer.

**HarryChiling** · 07-11-2007, 12:55 PM

Originally Posted by shanbaum

I never received a single message.

Well, I'll repeat the offer.

So I guess I don't count. I have gotten in touch with you twice so far and have to admit you have always been very helpfull, but calling seems to be the least favorable option with GC.

**shanbaum** · 07-11-2007, 12:56 PM

Originally Posted by HarryChiling

So I guess I don't count. I have gotten in touch with you twice so far and have to admit you have always been very helpfull, but calling seems to be the least favorable option with GC.

Oops, yes, you did - but that was pretty recently, and I didn't think it was a result of my post. Was it?

**OPTIDONN** · 07-11-2007, 01:17 PM

I PM'd you too when I was having problems with Innovations and you were very helpful.

**HarryChiling** · 07-11-2007, 01:18 PM

Originally Posted by shanbaum

Oops, yes, you did - but that was pretty recently, and I didn't think it was a result of my post. Was it?

Not directly, but most people on here get responses, "contact shanbaum" when they have GC related questions, so I did. I don't actually remember you posting something like that or it may have been before my time here, but it's nice to have access to you, even though your company makes it tough to get access to anyone.

**shanbaum** · 07-11-2007, 01:24 PM

Originally Posted by HarryChiling

Not directly, but most people on here get responses, "contact shanbaum" when they have GC related questions, so I did. I don't actually remember you posting something like that or it may have been before my time here, but it's nice to have access to you, even though your company makes it tough to get access to anyone.

It was here:

http://www.optiboard.com/forums/show...7&postcount=35

In any case, I will refer this thread to the appropriate people, if I can reach them.

**Jubilee** · 07-11-2007, 05:17 PM

I remember back in my lab days, the frustration and aggravation of having down equipment and the someimtes guessing game on to what was wrong.. The number of back order parts when they were consolidating was outrageous... "I can't be down for 2 months while waiting on that board!"

However, In my lab manager days, shanbaum was always willing to answer my questions, field calls, get prints for me, and did well beyond the call of duty to help me get many of these issues resolved..

I agree though, that it is sad he had to do this.

I was hoping they had their issues worked out by now...

Cassandra

**OPTIDONN** · 07-11-2007, 06:32 PM

Sure his poltical ideas are wacked out (can't pass a chance to bust chops:)) but the fact that he doubles as technical support, well thats just nuts! This man deserves a raise for doing his job and others!!:cheers: