I bought a Gateway 500GR from Best Buy on 9/6. On 9/7 I had a small software issue so I called Gateway tech support. I was told "Sorry sir but that is not a Gateway S/N" I explained the same S/n was on the Gateway box, the back of the tower and the front of the tower but I was told, "Sorry sir but that is not a Gateway S/N" "Best Buy must have entered some information wrong".
I called Best Buy, who called Gateway and the problem was supposedly fixed but the Gateway data base updates over night. I called Gateway the following day and was told "Sorry sir but that is not a Gateway S/N"
I took the PC to Best Buy who called Gateway and talked for over 50 minutes. I finally asked for my money back and ordered a similar, but not as good, Compaq. These are great computers buy unless Gateway can figure out the S/N issue and provide the promised support what good are they? Gateway lost a returning customer over this stupid incident.

Chowhound
Comic Vine
GameFAQs
GameSpot
Giant Bomb
TechRepublic