Here’s what the letter is saying, and a clean, readable version of it.
gist
- The writer is John Milns (from Ely) writing to Computer Systems plc.
- He recently bought one of their printers, model 333PCL.
- He is otherwise pleased, but the printer has a problem: it seems to affect output by replacing vowels with the letter “x” (the original text uses x to stand in for vowels, so the reader can infer that the printer is printing wrong characters).
- Because the printer is still under the warranty, he expects it to be replaced.
- He asks whether he should send the printer back to the company or return it to the shop where he bought it.
- He signs off with expectation of a reply.
decoded/transcribed version (best-guess, restoring the vowels)
Computer Systems plc.
1 Xton Street
Ely
17 December
Dear Sir,
We recently purchased one of your new models—the 333PCL. I am extremely pleased with it, but I have been having problems with the printer.
As you can see from this letter, every time you type a vowel, an x appears.
As the printer is well within the guarantee period, I am sure there will be no problem about replacing it. Should I send it back to you direct or return it to the shop where I bought it?
I look forward to your reply.
Yours sincerely
John Milns
Notes on the x substitutions:
- In the original, the author used x in place of vowels (a, e, i, o, u). The line “every time you type a vowel, an x appears” is a plausible reading of the intended meaning, i.e., the printer outputs x’s where vowels should be printed.
What to do with this letter (in exam/business context)
- The model and situation are clear: a consumer complaint about a printer under warranty, with a request for replacement and guidance on return procedure.
- Key details: Model 333PCL; issue affects output (vowels replaced with x); warranty; ask about RMA/return path.
A polished version you could present to the company (reformatted for clarity)
- To: Computer Systems plc
- From: John Milns
- Date: 17 December
- Subject: Faulty printer – model 333PCL
Dear Sir,
I recently purchased one of your new printers, model 333PCL, and overall I am pleased with it. however, I have encountered a fault with the printer: every time I type a vowel, an x appears in the printout.
The printer is still within the guarantee period, so I would expect a replacement or repair under warranty. Please advise whether I should send the unit back to you directly or return it to the shop where I bought it.
I look forward to your reply.
Yours sincerely,
John Milns
A sample reply the supplier could give (professional, helpful)
- Dear Mr. Milns,
- Thank you for your letter regarding the 333PCL. We’re sorry for the trouble you’re experiencing.
- The issue you describe sounds like a fault with the print engine or a faulty font/character mapping. Because the unit is under warranty, we can arrange a replacement printer or a repair, depending on stock and your preference.
- Please return the defective unit to us using the enclosed RMA form and pre-paid label, or, if you prefer, we can arrange collection from your address.
- If you choose to return it to the shop, please provide the shop’s name and address so we can coordinate with them.
- Once received, we will inspect and either send a replacement or complete the repair within the standard warranty timelines. If you have a preferred option, please let us know.
- We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience.
- Yours sincerely,
- [Customer Service Representative]
If you need, I can tailor a more concise or more formal version of the letter (or add a version suitable for email).
