Q: I bought a Windows RT tablet computer from Asus in January. But now I've read that Asus is pulling its support for Windows RT (a downsized version of Windows 8 that ran on tablet computers that used special processor chips.)
If this is an inadequate product, what, if anything, can the consumer do to get recompense?
Jesica Conrad, Bemidji, Minn.
A: You're in a tough spot. While we all like to have the latest technology, buying it carries some risks because there's no way to know which gadgets will succeed and which will fail.
Unfortunately, you purchased a computer that failed in the marketplace. Most consumers didn't like Windows RT tablets because they had limited functionality compared with Windows 8.
Based on disappointing sales, Asus and most other manufacturers of the Windows RT tablet have dropped the product. Even Microsoft, which continues to offer Windows RT devices, couldn't sell as many as it expected. As a result, Microsoft took a $900 million write-off on its own unsold Windows RT tablets earlier this year.
That said, your device will continue to operate as it always did. But there probably will be no software updates, and repair service might be difficult to find.
I know of no way to get your money back in a situation like this.