Studio 1558 vs. Latitude E6510

Hi Latitude owners,

I received a Studio 1558 with spec in my signature last Tuesday. Its screen just went crazy (changing colors, vertical screen, all sorts of things) on Friday and Dell offered me a new system replacement. I bought the system with Dell Preferred Account and also purchased extended warranty on Wednesday (right after I received the laptop) using my debit card.

I said go ahead and the rep in Philippines told me that she would process the new system dispatch on Monday, which is tomorrow. Now I'm thinking I would not want Studio 15 for durability issue, especially because of the screen failure in 3 days of opening the box. I loved virtually everything of the laptop initially but I feel like I should get a Latitude.

Question 1
So, I'll talk to Customer Services first thing tomorrow in the morning and return my Studio. Since I used DPA, I haven't paid anything for the system itself - this probably won't be a problem for refund. But how about warranty? Am I going to get that refunded to my debit card account as soon as I return the laptop?

I configured Latitude E6510 as follows:
Core i5 520, 4GB @ 1333, 250GB @ 7200rpm, FHD 1920x1080, NVS 3100M, backlit keyboard, advanced-N 6200, no bluetooth, no webcam, no DVD burner, 3yr basic mail-in service warranty.
I also decided to just get Windows Vista Basic 32 bit. They are charging US$109 more for Win7 Pro x64, but I'll be able to download it for free using my school's MSDN Academic Alliance program.

Question 2
Will I be able to just boot from x64 Win7 ultimate USB and do a clean install? I've researched a lot on this, and people are saying Vista x86 -> Win7 x64 is a nono. I really don't want to pay over $100, while I can get the image for free, and legally.

Question 3
I'll probably upgrade my warranty and get complete care after I receive the laptop. So, without warranty upgrade and stated specs above, is $976 a good deal? Including CA tax, I'll have to pay $1,057.14.

I paid $1039 for my Studio 1558 including taxes and also bought 3yr warranty and CC for $262. That's about $1300 for total.

For Latitude E6510, if I purchase warranty upgrade to NBD on-site service+CC, it should be close to that amount, I believe. Is this reasonable? Am I going to get more discount if I purchase via phone?

Any input would be greatly appreciated, and I'm so excited to have my first latitude! (I have Inspiron E1505, my brother has XPS m1530, and my mom has some vostro 15in.)

Thanks again!!

 

Question 1: Well, I find you are in quite a pickle. The reason is that Dell may no longer allow you to return your machine because you agreed to have an exchange instead. If the already initiated the exchange request, I do not think you can return it. But if you are able to, go for it.

Question 2: You should be able to do a clean install for Windows 7 x64 Ultimate.

Question 3: If you call by phone, you may be able to get slightly better deal, but no promises. Personally, I have the Studio 1558 myself and find it a joy to have. Luckily I have no problems, knock on wood, and the durability of it is decent, much better than the previous systems Dell put out.

 

I just placed the order with ProSupport and Complete Care. Total came out to be 1306.91. Before warranty upgrades, it was 1081. Because I used 30% coupon, all of 3 reps I talked to told me that they wouldn't be able to do any more discount nor NBD shipping. They said they were making $2 margin on this sale, which I don't really trust.

BTW, price went up by ~$25 since last night. Frustrating...

 

Thanks for the reply! Luckily they have not initiated the exchange process, so I could have return authorization numbers to be processed...