Alienware Open Box -- Keep or no?

I picked up an Alienware 14 open box at my local Microcenter: Dell Alienware 14 14" Laptop Computer - Silver ALW14-4681SLV - Micro Center

The open box price was $1275. I have issues with the battery not wanting to fully charge. It gets to around 70ish percent, but won't go any further. Current run time is about 1hr 15min.

Assuming the problem is the battery, a new one plus the open box price is probably still under the new laptop price. But Dell doesn't even list the battery on their website.

The system is still under warranty until March 2015, but I don't know that batteries are covered under that.

I really like this laptop, especially the full HD IPS screen and the non-chicklet keyboard. I don't go unplugged all that often--mostly just haul my laptops to the office, set up on the desk, and plug in.

I've already invested some time in setting this one up before I noticed the battery issue. Would it be a bad idea to just keep it as is or am I asking for more trouble down the road?

BTW, I've tried that thing where I unplug the ac adapter/battery and hold in the power button. It didn't help. I've also done a BIOS update.

Any input is appreciated.

 

Battery is an easy fix. Go to: Program Files x86, Alienware On-screen Display: Desktop. This will open battery charge capacity options.



let us know if this helps

 

Thanks for the reply. Unfortunately I already played with Desktop mode. It was initially disabled, but I even tried a couple enabling/disabling cycles to see if it helped. No dice.

 

Thats odd. Usually if the battery is just not holding a charge, it will still charge to 100% but drain quickly. I'd try some different power supplies first before buying a new battery, if you can try a friends or go to the PC store and try them out. Also if you know anyone with the AW 14 try their battery out.

In any case, I think that batteries and power supplies are covered under the warranty. They are internal batteries, so they are not as easily swappable and can be considered part of the main system

 

how much extra is a brand new unit from alienware?

 

I'd return it, if you still can.

What do you mean by, "open box price?" The system wasn't factory sealed when you purchased it? Maybe the laptop you received was a floor model and had already been used for months on end, which would explain the issues with the battery.

 

I would try to return it.

 

Usually if its a floor model ...they do mention it as a display piece...but who knows..i think you should return it too.

 

If your happy with the system phone up Dell and get a new battery sent out - the battery is warrantied for 1 year from purchase