Vostro 3550 i5 -known issues I should be aware of?

Hi. I'm about to bid on a hardly used almost brand new Vostro 3550
Spec consists of i5-2410M (2.30GHz) – Sandybridge version/AMD Radeon HD 6630M 1GB/500GB HDD. Are there any known issues I should be wary of, or is the 3550 basically a solid purchase? Saw some posts on google about touchpad and wireless issues. Are these common or am I fine to go ahead? Here's the description from the seller:

"I bought this laptop for myself but it hardly gets used and so it’s pretty much brand new! Bought earlier in the year in June this year it has seen approximately 6 hours of use. As you can see it comes fully boxed will ALL of the recovery CDs, original packaging and charger. I’ve restored the machine back to factory settings so the machine will come to you in its original state - it’s even got Dell warranty up until June 2012 (which is transferable to the potential new owner)

Antivirus : Trend Worry-Free Business Services Multi 15 Month Vostro

Warranty
1 Year Collect and Return
1Yr ProSupport and Next Business Day On-Site Service "

 

I've messaged him saying this:

"Ok, just before I make the offer, just wanted to ask you if there's any known issues or issues you've come across if you don't mind, just to put my mind at rest.

From what I can tell by googling 'vostro 3550 problems' it seems to be essentially fine. One person said the screen hinges don't do an exceptional job of keeping the lid closed on his when not horizontal. But that might be just his. Someone said he had a problem with the switchable graphics cards, applications not being able to recognise the 6630 gfx card. But I know others who never had that issue. Some others had some sort of issue with WPA2 Connection. Some had touchpad problem where the mouse moves all over the place. Did you come across any of these issues or any others worth noting? I'm sure you probably didn't as I know you haven't used it much. I hope you don't mind me asking though. I doubt there's a single laptop out there where people haven't reported some issues anyway. Thanks "

Anyone on the forum think any of these are common issues?

Oh, he just replied:

"Hi,

Like you say I really did not use this laptop often enough to encounter any serious issues at all. Just to pick up on the below:

1. the lid - no issues with this at all
2. gfx - I bought myself Crysis for the PC and found this was absolutely amazing. I had one slight niggle with youtube videos but this was sorted out by the switchable graphics from what i remember.
3. never had any wireless issues
4. ive never been a fan of touchpads and so I used to use a wireless mouse but I read the same things that you mentioned below.

The laptop I would say is as good as coming from Dell and I've restored it back to the way it would've come to you had it come direct from Dell. If you have any furher questions, dont hesitate to ask as I appreciate its a large sum of money we're dealing with here.

Many Thanks"

Sounds ok doesn't it?

 

IdeaStorm | Update Vostro 3550 AMD 6630/Intel HD 3000 Switchable Drivers
Some infos about the switchableGPU issue. It's not a random issue on some of the vostros, it depends on the application your running (everything OpenGL and some obviously older Direct3D). Dell is working on a complete fix, so the user can switch the GPU manually. But in your place I would wait for the fix to be released (about 1-2 weeks) and the first opinions of the customers.

 

Thanks BlueI. Well, I'm not too worried, I'm sure I won't struggle too much with it and if they're bringing out a fix, it'l probably be ok.


Ok, couple of questions.

1) There's two of these 3550 i5's around the same price I can buy, with same spec. But one has 500HB HDD @7200rpm and 4GB ram, and the other has 320GB Western Digital Scorpio Blue which I think is 5400rpm, but twice the ram, 8GB, as well as a black intel laptop sleeve/case. That one is very slightly more money but I could probably get it for the same price as the other. Which is the better to go for would you say? I don't mind less hard drive capacity as 320GB is plenty, but what about the rpm, will I notice a big difference?

edit: I just found this on some forum: "I would jump for Western Digital's Scorpio Blue. While it's a 5400rpm drive, it performs as fast as most 7200rpm drives but no heat, battery or vibration issues", so it sounds ok?


2) The one selling the 500GB asked me if I wanted to buy outside of ebay to save himself fees with a £10 discount or that he's happy if I want to do it through ebay. I will only do deals through ebay. I wondered if any of you would still go ahead if you got this reply? I mean, it puts a bad taste in my mouth and makes me wonder if he's genuine at all. But then, maybe he does have a genuine 3550 laptop he'll actually send me as per his listing and spec, and presumably once I do it through ebay, I'm covered for a refund?
This is his reply after I asked him why he needed my email or phone number:

"Hi,

What I was going to ask was whether you would be happy to complete a purchase outside of eBay to save me having to lose money via eBay final valuation fees and Paypal fees?

I would knock off some money say if we went through a bank transaction of £430 inc P&P. What do you think? Alternatively you are well within your rights to keep this official and bid via eBay."

 

I'm now the owner of a Dell Vostro 3550 i5