What's the better deal Latitude or Vostro?

I'm not expecting new, it's just that I feel they haven't even tried to find an equivalent system. From the email correspondence they want me to believe that during the last 3 weeks there has not been one similar spec machine that has appeared on the outlet.

 

I disagree with this. Alot of "returned" machines or "defective" units that are refunded during the return policy are inspected and resold as refurbished. That's why all manufacturers try to get you to RMA it before refunding/exchange because they lose money refurbishing it and selling it for a loss.

Apart from my E6410 (which had minor issues) from Outlet, it has been nothing but good experiences.

The reason why it is hard getting you an equivalent unit is because Dell tries to get you something comparable (new to new, refurbished to refurbished).

 

I decided to go for a refund as I wasn't hearing from them and then went for a XPS L502x.

When I contacted them to request a return I mentioned that I purchased a Dell XPS instead and that it only came with a 1 year warranty, unlike the 3 years with the Latitude. I asked if they could extend the warranty of the XPS as a sort of compensation for all this trouble and they agreed to that.

So I got a better spec laptop for £75 cheaper and a bonus one year warranty, so I'm quite pleased with how it got resolved in the end

 

Errr, I'm not seeing what you're disagreeing with.

I don't work for Dell, but from a systems stand point:

That Outlet is a liquidator and aren't as concerned as new sales to keep the customer happy? Well, the outlet part wouldn't be able to do much except offer a refund, credit or another unit. New sales and used sales are usually separate in most companies. New sales are more profitable whereas used sales are to recover funds.

Not to expect new from the get-go? Well, they aren't. Someone used it and it's a lottery -- it could be completely pristine if it got sent back right away, or it could have a nice tobacco smell if the original owner was on the tail end of their 30 days to return it. At that point, they're trying to recuperate funds from their refund policy (which is good, but has an inherent cost).

Not to expect new on exchange? Well, it was bought used.

That they should offer a superior unit? Well, they should. Or offer a credit for the difference. If it was a new sale, a free upgrade would've likely been thrown in if there was a problem (since the markup is obscene for some of those accessories/upgrades anyway). Used? Well, not so much.

The OP managed to get a credit towards an XPS L502x, which is good. Incidentally, I know someone who bought one not too long before I got my E6420 and when you compare the two, the XPS is a much better choice for a home user.

XPS
+ glossy screen
+ Bluray ODD option
+ option for better graphics card (up to GT540M)
+ nicer speakers (I think they were JBL)
+ USB 3.0
+ programmable touchbar button
- feels very plasticy and huge (very rounded corners)
- no Expresscard slot
- no VGA?? (you need a mini-DP adapter)

Latitude E6520
+ port replicator/dock option
+ modular bay options (ODD, battery, HDD, USB 3.0)
+ several battery options (6 cell, 9 cell, modular bay, battery slice)
+ metal, solid build
+ Expresscard 54mm
+ not a chiclet/isolation keyboard
+ variable keyboard backlight levels (off, 25%, 50%, 75%, 100%)
+ Firewire
+ keyboard numpad
+/- 4200NVS (don't expect gaming, it's roughly an entry-level GT520M)
- "sub-optimal" trackpad placement (WAY too far left on E6520)
- no separate mic input (only 1x 3.5mm jack)
- USB 3.0 only via modular bay or Expresscard
- rubber border around keyboard (might dry up after several years?)