"It is not the practice of replacing notebook computer CPUs with desktop computer CPUs that is to blame. The manufacturers' fault is that they do not tell consumers about it,'' said Wang Qianhu, director of the association's Legal Affairs and Complaints Department.

The practice has been widely adopted by many renowned PC manufacturers including Founder and Changcheng (Great Wall) over many years.

Compaq, a US-based computer producer, has also admitted that desktop CPUs are used in some types of Compaq laptops.

So far the consumer watchdog has not received any complaints against these manufacturers, but it would be willing to step in if it did receive them.

Only a few brands, such as IBM, Toshiba and Legend, have not followed this practice.

The reason behind this is money as a desktop computer CPU is much cheaper than a notebook CPU.

Since many manufacturers have lowered the prices of their laptop products, Wang said it was acceptable if consumers chose to buy them voluntarily.

But manufacturers must inform consumers about the real conditions of the products they sell.

This is enshrined in China's consumer rights law clearly, Wang stated.

The practice of duping consumers over CPUs was unknown until early July when Beijing shopper Zhou Keng discovered it accidentally. Almost no laptops that use desktop computer CPUs carry such claims.

In May, Zhou bought a notebook computer made by Beijing-based Tsinghua Unisplendour Group, with which he encountered many problems later.

Zhou, who is a master of computer science, tested the computer and found that the Unisplendour was equipped with desktop computers.

Feeling that he had been cheated, Zhou soon publicized his surprise finding.

Manufacturers argued that it makes no big difference for consumers which kind of chip they use.

According to Cao Gang, vice-president of the Unisplendour group, previously heat had dissipated at a slower speed in notebook computers equipped with desktop CPUs. But the latest technology has solved the problem and there remain no obstacles for laptops to use desktop CPUs.

(China Daily 07/24/2001)