I placed a samples order last week with National Semiconductor for some
relatively cheap parts (LM331 and LM2917). I filled out all the forms, wa=
s
honest with what I wanted and didn=92t go overboard on what I requested.

The application for these has already sold many units in advance but I
needed to check it would all work ok with a couple of prototypes - I didn=
=92t
want to go out and place the minimum orders for components with my
distributors until I'd got a couple of working units.

A few days later I got an email back for each of the three parts I'd
requested :

		Dear Dominic Stratten,
=09
		Thank you for the sample request from National
Semiconductor.

		We regret that we are unable to fulfill the sample request
as follows:

			 Part Number : LM331N for 5 pieces.
			 Company Name: Picbits.
			 Application : Automotive.

		Please contact your local distributor to obtain samples:
		http://www.national.com/contacts/

		Regards,=20

		Regional Administrator


Undeterred I soldiered on and found an alternative from a company in the
States called Exar. The IC was pin compatible and although a couple of
tweaks may be needed could quite easily be integrated into my project. As=
 an
added bonus it was a third of the price as well :-)

I sent Exar a request for more details and enquired if any samples were
available.=20

Less than 24 hours later I had a rep from a UK distributor (DT Electronic=
s)
on the phone - he'd pop round for a cup of coffee and a chat and would po=
st
out 5 free samples.=20

Now - if I'd have got the samples from National Semiconductor I'd have
probably designed the whole project around their offerings and purchased
only NSC components - I'm now going to go elsewhere for my alternatives a=
nd
save a few pennies. I'm going to make it my mission now on this project t=
o
avoid any other items by NSC - a disgruntled customer here.

On the other hand - Maxim and Microchip seem to be two of the best
manufacturers I've found for sending out samples - the service is so good=
 I
even feel guilty about requesting samples (for legitimate projects) - I m=
ake
a point not to abuse their service.

Anyway - rant over - time to go and cook the dinner

--=20
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Checked by AVG Anti-Virus.
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=20


--=20
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