Dell Business Support: Basic -> Pro

Just curious from people with experience with ProSupport, is it worth the $160 to go from 5 year basic to 5 year pro?

I'm using my laptop for mostly modeling and rendering. I would expect that most people know what they are doing with their laptops, especially software wise and I can't foresee myself having too many issues that I can't fix myself.

I've heard good things about it, but I can't really imagine why. I mean, can I call up Dell and have them guide me on modeling an interior in Rhino?

 

Basic NBD onsite is my preference. The presumption here is that you can manage your own computer and only need to call Dell for key information they own or to get them going on authorizing a repair, typically after you have exhausted the obvious troubleshooting. Pro support could imply you are not so competent and need more hand-holding... so you are just paying for more hand-holding of marginal benefit? The basic support I've received has been completely sufficient.

I prefer onsite vs. mail-in for quicker turnaround, to avoid sending my computer off into the unknown, and for that undocumented option of just having Dell send out a replacement part for self-install.

1 year on desktops can be good enough if you buy desktops that are not highly integrated and therefore easier to service with after market parts. 3 years on notebooks seems prudent... perhaps with complete care for unforeseen accidents.

GK

 

ProSupport is hassle-free and you get faster service (no waiting on the phone for next available rep), and their reps are usually better-informed as well.

The only thing is that I'm not sure about is if basic NBD service can do parts-only dispatches. I have ProSupport for IT, so it's default for me.

 

One should also consider the extra cost vs. the one or two times you may use Dell support. And I don't think it is accurate to dismiss Basic support as being less competent... I've always got satisfactory resolution, even if having to escalate or call back to another rep after some troubleshooting.

I called late on a Saturday a few weeks ago for HDD screws. Talked to a competent rep in Central America. Free screws arrived Monday morning.

GK

 

Thanks for the help. Gonna see if I can get it upgraded for free, otherwise I think I can live with basic

 

Kind of on-topic, does opening up the laptop, more specifically, removing the top shell to paint it, void support or warranty/accidental coverage?

 

Disassembling it, no. Painting it, yes.

 

Thats too bad. Thanks for the info.

 

+1 for prosupport for IT, it came standard with my M4400. much better local callcentres and waiting time, you actually speak to professionals with MCSE and that sort of qualifications, not someone just reading from a script. they're really good, its like having an IT department to call.

160 extra is a big chunk of change though, make sure you bargain it down

 

Actually, I don't think ProSupport for IT exists anymore, they've merged it with ProSupport for End Users to be, well, just ProSupport. Not sure if that will make any differences for either side though...