The Horrors of Using a Shimadzu GC/MS
....force Shimadzu to show you their hand!
The following email message was received by us on 25 March 1998:
To: concerns@geocities.com
From: identity withheld
Subject: Shimadzu GC-MS
"We are looking at a Shimadzu GC/MS. Do you have any history [info] with this
product?"
First and foremost, there is an extensive product history available from Shimadzu
but they probably won't volunteer this information. A former Shimadzu GC/MS product
specialist created and maintained an exhaustive user's list of every account which
purchased/leased a Shimadzu GC/MS system (aka QP-5000). This database was very complete
and included specific comments (both positive and negative) about the respective GC/MS
system at each customer's site. Before buying anything, ask for a complete uncensured copy
of this detailed user's list.
Second, if Shimadzu states they have no such list.... call their bluff and tell them
they are LYING AGAIN! Don't let Shimadzu give you a selective list of the references
that they want you to check out either.... insist on a current unadulterated copy of the
complete list which contains the names, addresses, comments and contact information for
all users. If Shimadzu won't supply it.... just walk away and don't look back!
Third, the Class 5000 software which drives the Shimadzu QP-5000 is not very user
friendly nor is it intuitive. The learning curve associated with this software product
will not fit on a standard sheet of graph paper even when printed in the landscape
orientation! Don't bother requesting a demo copy of this software program either.... spend
your time contacting the competition instead!
Lastly, please consider the candid comments of several researchers who have voiced robust
opinions about the Shimadzu GC and GC/MS systems. Many of these astute observations have
been posted in various usenet groups on the internet which can be accessed via the www.deja.com/usenet domain (choose the Power
Search hyperlink, and search for "Shimadzu GC/MS," then click on "complete
archive".... this will pull up most but not all that has been posted in various
newsgroups since 1995 (see nota bene below)).
Some of the more notable comments include:
"I have heard a lot of second hand stories on the horrors of
using the Shimadzu [GC/MS]."
"....Shimadzu manufactures mass spectrometers of questionable value"
n.b. Shimadzu will entice you with a cheap price for a benchtop GC/MS system. But
remember that you will ultimately get what you pay for and nothing more! If you make the
wrong choice.... don't be surprised with the disappointment that's bound to accompany your
GC/MS purchase!
n.b. Integral to the operation of a Shimadzu QP-5000 is a GC-17A gas chromatograph.
Another user recommended the tossing of the Shimadzu GC-14A gas
chromatograph based on his experience. One should note that the Shimadzu GC-17A (which has
already appeared in three versions thus far) was the next commercial product introduction
by Shimadzu after the GC-14A. One has to wonder if it took three different versions before
Shimadzu finally got it right? Will there be a fourth.... only Shimadzu knows!
n.b. The ability to view some of the threads (i.e. related user comments) in the sci.chem
and sci.chem.analytical newsgroups at www.deja.com/usenet
regarding disparaging information about Shimadzu is subject to change it would seem! We
have to wonder who would benefit from the removal of derogatory information from the world
wide web. Is it possible that Shimadzu had anything whatsoever to do with this unsettling
revelation? The only organization that would probably benefit or profit from this amazing
action is Shimadzu.... think about it! Is this a company that can or should be trusted
with your business?
n.b. Shimadzu tried desperately to keep the information on our homepage from your prying
eyes.... read all about Shimadzu's censuring efforts! If Shimadzu
was unable to quash our 1st Amendment rights, is it possible that Shimadzu is out and
about censuring other unflattering stories which appear on the world wide web???
Expect Less Value and More Disappointment from Shimadzu
This page was last 
12/31/00