Customization through GenTech and XoticPC, concern.

In the past, I am one of these guys that only purchase laptops from the big chain stores and now looking through this forum I am going to purchase my U43JC either from GenTech or XoticPC. I have a concern about this whole customization from an aftermarket source, please read:

The stock wifi card in the Bamboo line is the Intel Centrino 1000 which is a single band 2.4Ghz card while the Intel Centrino 6200 is a dual band 2.4Ghz/5Ghz card. The upgrade is only $35. But, how difficult is it to swap out the card? I am concerned as this is my first time going through one of these shops. I usually like to be the first person to open my product. I am a little concerned of a company after the fact opening up my brand new $1,000 + laptop. As I am concerned they might not do it properly or scratch up the laptop or bang it around in the mean time.

What are your thoughts with my concern?

 

i'd say you have nothing to worry about, those are a couple of reputable, if not the most reputable, computer companies to deal with in the US. If anything, i consider the "Big Chain" stores far behind when it comes to service and product knowledgibilty.
AFAIK any issues that a customer may have with a purchase, Gentech, and XoticPC have gone above and beyond to ensure customer satisfaction.

While i personally have not dealt with them, this is what i've gotten from reading their numerous raves & reviews, forums/threads they are involved with, and through my emails with their respective sales department.

 

Changing the WLAN card is very easy.
The companies you mentioned are professional dealers who are certified to customize ASUS notebooks. They know how to handle with the machines.

 

I would worry more if I had to RMA the machine myself. I have read some horror stories that mention exactly the concerns you express after RMA's to certain faciities for dissimilar issues. I went with powernotebooks.com and I know they had to disassemble my machine to repaste the GPU and upgrade the CPU. The machine looks great and more importantly runs excellently. All these botique etailers will also test the machine B4 shipping if you request.
Good luck with your purchase

 

Those resellers you mentioned are authorized Asus resellers. Any customizations made will still be under warranty and like others have mentioned, they specialize in Asus notebooks. I'd definitely put more faith and trust in their skilled hands over Best Buy's Geek Squad any day.