Latitude E6400 Owner's Lounge

I can almost guarantee you that it'll be easier for you to get a new machine than to get them to do a copper mod for you. Dell's customer service is pretty inflexible and I bet almost everyone on their support staff (techs included) don't know what the heck it is. On the other hand, there have been several cases of Dell replacing machines with chronic problems (if you remember, there was a guy who went through three of 'em before getting a good one), so there's a good chance you can get one if their fixes don't work.

 

OK then. My first email mentioned the copper mod but the last one didn't, I merely asked "what else can be done to fix this". I have been polite throughout and plan to continue so because they have always fulfilled their end of the bargain (next business day on site support).

I'll wait to see what they reply to this email (probably now only on Monday) and then I will politely ask whether they can send me a new machine that they test themselves first to see if it does not overheat.

 

I dont know right now if I should order an E6400 or an E6500. I would have one question. Is there an warranty issue when I will switch the hard drive with that what I am already using? I have a 320GB and the Laptops usually coming with 160 or even 80gig and I don't wanna pay for the upgrade since that is a lot money they are asking for. Sometimes the manufacturers put some seal on the HD cover.

 

Here is a money saving tip (and I mean A LOT OF MONEY).
- When you order your machine, customize it a little less then what you want, like for example: Wireless G, smallest HDD, DVD player, etc... Write them down so that you don't forget what you want and you put that needs to be upgraded to what you want.

- CALL Dell, yes call them! Yeas it's going to be an outsourced person, but this is where you save a LOT of money.
- Talk about the warranty and your interest in the laptop to the sale representative.
- Customize the system with him/her.
- Ask him/her to give you the price after shipping and everything.
- Sound very hesitant, and ask for a price.
- Try to push for: discount money, the upgrades you want for free, free shipping.
- Hear what is being offer and go "Ok......" and hold don't talk.. just hold. This will make the sale rep. believe that he losses the sell, and gives you more. If not, then ask if he/she can ask for the super visor for more (yes they can go some more, don't worry).
- At that point, you should get a pretty freaking deal for a new machine.

Somethings to note:
- The more services you ask, like Next Buisness Day On site service (which is TOTALLY worth every penny! And saves you A LOT of time, and always have your system in hand), can give you a better offer.

- ALWAYS be patient, calm, and sound reasonable. Doing so will get you the best deals and support. This applies for everything in life.

Happy shopping!
P.S: these tips applies about anywhere. You can really save a lot of money this way. That's being a smart consumer!


As your question
It will not void the warranty (because it's a buisness machine), but your newer HDD will not be covered by Dell warranty, as it's not form Dell.

 

If you're in the US, check out the inventory at outlet.dell.com. There is currently a 20% off coupon for outlet latitudes. You can get some very good deals, compared to buying the laptops new.

Actually, on the outlet, they have laptops that are purchased new and never used. So effectively they are new.

It's OK to swap hard drives. If you are concerned about warranty, just keep the Dell factory drive and put it in when you need warranty repairs.

 

Hi guys,

I just got a E6400 from the outlet. Can you guys tel me what and all I should check to make sure its in the best condition?
Looks like a new one from the outside!!


Thanks a lot!!

 

Very easy:
1- get a halogen light pointing at the laptop, and inspect for an scratches. This kind of light will reveal any defect of the laptop. Also even imperfections of the plastic/metal.

2- Inspect the screen frame to make sure it does direct contact to the screen (if its 1/2 mm off, that that is fine). Now close the lid, and point the laptop to a source of light and examine between the closed screen lid and palm rest is anything does contact other than the 2 pads.

3- Start testing anything you can. Try every USB port, eSATA, VGA, etc... try your best to test everything and make sure it works. The rest will be tested when it happens.

4- Open the panel at the bottom of the laptop and see if you can see any dust and clean it off if you do. (If it's a fairly new machine the fan will be dust free)

5- Open the device manager and make sure everything is installed correctly.
Use a program like Everest to see if everything in your system is detected correctly. And using the same program (or another) to stress test your component (it does everything except GPU). Watch the system temperature against any over heating issues. I posted my result for a user here, check them out, I think they are 2-3 pages in the back from this one.

6- Stress test your GPU and check for any overheating.

7- Ensure that the ambient light sensor is functional. When turn on, it should dimm off (decrease brightness) of the screen when you put your finger on it.

9- Ensure that the wireless switch works, speakers, Backlit keyboard (if you have one) and that the battery life is close to advertise. You can see with a program like Everest the battery ware level. If its a new machine it should be at 0%.

10- Using that halogen light point it at a screen while turned off, and see for any scratches.

11- Use a program like Everest, perform a monitor diagnostic to ensure that you have no dead pixel or bright pixel or pixels that appear incorrectly with a certain color. Don't pay too much attention with the color accuracy configuration as this screen is not only a TN panel, but also 6-bit instead of a 8-bit panel. You'll have a hard time trying to compensate on colors that the screen can't produce.

That should be it.

 

An M6400? Note that this is the E6400 Owner's Lounge... you're welcome to post here, but please clarify which laptop you got. There is another lounge for the M6400 and the folks there can help you better than us (but we're prettier!).

 

So my mom's E6400 arrived and something is wrong with the screen. It is noticeably dimmer than mine. She got hers from the outlet so I was wondering if her screen could be non-LED backlit? I specifically ordered an LED screen for her, but Dell might have pulled the old Bait and Switch. Any way I can tell? Her laptop has the 4500MHD while mine has the Quadro so I don't know how much of a difference that will make. If anyone can help, it would be much appreciated.

 

Sorry for the typo.. its E6400 ....

and these are the general specs

14inch WXGA+LED
Intel P8400
160GB(7200rpm free fall sensor)
4gb Ram
Back light keyboard
9cell battery
1510 Dell wireless card
Webcam and mike