To All RITTI Participants Who Received Toshiba Laptops:
I want to give you an update on how we will proceed with claims for the
Toshiba class-action settlement. This procedure is based on our best
understanding of the situation. Since the Foundation technically owns
these machines, we are the obligated party to pursue the settlement.
Similarly, we also are the obligated party to make sure that your machines
get the "patch" to solve this problem and that it's properly installed.
Here's the way we're going to deal with things.
For '98 and '99 participants:
On these machines, Toshiba will be providing a cash distribution of "up to
$433.10", a coupon for Toshiba products of "up to $225", and the solution
to the condition in the machines that led to this settlement.
We will send each of you a letter, via snail mail, with a pre-stamped
return envelope. In that envelope, you will need to put a clear and
readable xerox copy of THE BOTTOM OF YOUR LAPTOP. Once we have the full
set of these copies and have matched them with our model #s and serial #'s,
date of puchase, and original invoice, we will submit them to Toshiba.
When Toshiba sends us the money, coupons, and "patch," the Foundation will:
- send each participant the coupon for Toshiba products
- work with URI, trainers and RITTI volunteers, to create many sites
around the state where you can take your computer to have the "patch"
installed.
- put the cash settlement (which could be substantial) back into our
education grants budget, most probably for RITTI-2. (I can't be more
specific since at this time we don't know yet what RITTI-2 will look like.)
For '97 Participants:
On these laptops, Toshiba is providing only the coupon (up to $225) and the
solution to the condition.
We will send each of you a letter, via snail mail, with a pre-stamped
return envelope. In that envelope, you will need to put a clear and
readable xerox copy of THE BOTTOM OF YOUR LAPTOP. Once we have the full
set of these copies and have matched them with our model #s and serial #'s,
date of puchase, and original invoice, we will submit them to Toshiba.
When Toshiba sends us the coupons and "patch," the Foundation will:
- send each participant the coupon for Toshiba products
- work with URI, trainers and RITTI volunteers, to create many sites
around the state where you can take your computer to have the "patch"
installed.
I am sorry that you all will have to go to the trouble of "xeroxing the
bottom of the laptop," and taking your machine in for the "patch," but
your 100% support will be greatly appreciated, protect your machines, and,
probably, make a major contribution to the future of RITTI. I think we
will use this mailing also to get an update on your email addresses,
current school, and home address.
The odd thing about this whole settlement, according to Ted Kellogg, is
that our Toshibas have not evidenced, at least overtly, the problem that
gave rise to this case and settlement.
So, look for a letter from the Foundation sometime in the next couple
weeks, and get it back to us as soon as you possibly can. Thank you!
Ron Thorpe
