Dell Outlet replacement woes

Okay, I need your guys' help. I ordered a M17x r3 from the Dell outlet last time around when they had the 20% off deal. It was scratched up so I called and complained and they said they would send me a replacement. They have explained to me multiple times that the replacement will be similar or better because of the nature of Dell outlet products. I've already received one replacement that was laughable at best, majority of the specs were much worse than what I had originally bought. I'm now waiting on the second replacement, and I just received the specs for it.

The original M17x r3 specs:
- i7-2820QM 2.3GHz 8MB
- 1920x1080 120Hz 3D screen
- NVidia GTX 460M 1.5GB
- 8GB 1333MHz memory
- 320GB 5400RPM HDD
- Intel Wireless 6300
- Blu-Ray Reader

The incoming replacement M17x r3 specs:
- i7-2860QM 2.5GHz 8MB
- 1600x900 60Hz non-3D screen
- NVidia GTX 580M 2GB
- 8GB 1600MHz memory
- 750GB 7200RPM HDD
- Killer Wireless N
- DVDRW drive

I'm afraid they are going to just keep throwing random laptops at me until I give up. I just can not seem to get through to them that the original one had a 3D screen. The 3D wasn't that important to me, but it's what I ordered.

Now my question to you all is, should I keep the incoming replacement? If I don't, who knows what the next replacement will be, and that's what I'm worried about.

With the incoming replacement I get:
- a better processor
- a much better video card
- faster memory
- larger and faster hard drive
- a better wireless card
BUT
- a lower resolution screen
- lose 3D
- lose Blu-Ray

Do the pros out-weigh the cons? I think the video card is worth it, but is the lower res screen worth the exchange? I've spent over 4 hours on the phone with them trying to sort this out over the last 2 weeks, talking to multiple departments and managers. I don't know what else to do as far as the next exchange if I don't keep this one. When they say similar or better, I'm thinking they mean "some parts may be worse, but we'll make it up with others," so I may never really get exactly what I'm wanting.

What do you guys think?

 

This is a tough decision. The lower res monitor would probably kill it for me though. The 580m on a 900p would monitor will get awesome frame rate though, and the 2860 CPU is more than you will ever need.

The real question is how much did you pay with the 20% off coupon? Some units are over priced even with coupons. If yours was one of those, then this is your change to fix it or get out of the deal.

If it was me though, I would not accept a 900p monitor, unless I could line up a replacement 1080p scren immediately (and that will cost you and be hard to do unless you are expereinced with laptop disassembly).

 

Ya the only thing that concerns me is 900p screen, BUT you are getting a 580M which is a heck of an upgrade from a 460M.

 

It was $1,638.20 before shipping and tax, but that's including 2-year accidental warranty. So I guess the original laptop by itself cost me around $1350. I definitely wouldn't be down to replace the monitor myself, so its take it with the 900p or don't keep it. I play on a monitor about 50% of the time so I'm not sure if the 900p would bug me more or less. Also, I'm not planning on watching Blu-Rays on it, I have a PS3 for that, but could I put one in myself? Do you think I could maybe haggle to get them to come and put a Blu-Ray in it for me after I get it?

 

I'd say turn it down. At this rate you may end up with a 580M and all the bells and whistles along with the proper screen. You should get what you paid for, so I'd turn it down.

 

If I turn it down, what should I do going forward? Who else do I need to talk to? What do I need to say to get them to do it? I paid a ridiculously low price, so I don't want to cancel it, I'm just trying to get the best for what I paid.

 

The outlet has a policy of equal or better parts.

Get the replacement, and after you get it, tell them to swap the Blu Ray, screen, etc. that lag behind the original configuration.

They will. Trust me.

 

^ Good idea. Do what he said.

 

hey what number do i need to call i also have a outlet m17x r3 that im not happy with condition wise..the rubber around the mouse pad is wore down to the plastic and there are scratches on the trim all around the front speakers and the hinge has a nasty popping sound when i open it

 

How do I word this or bring it up? Last time I called when the replacement was wrong they immediately brought replacement up. Is there any good way to explain that I want this replacement, I just want them to come switch some parts out?

 

To start this roller coaster ride, I just called the standard Dell number and asked for Customer Care. Ever since then I've been passed back and forth between departments, but I think you need to start there.

 

ya it def was a roller coaster ride..but i have them sending me a box to send it back to replace everything i complained about...they said it should be back to me in 7-10 days which i guess aint too bad if the stuff is fixed

 

blink, as others have already said, you really need that 1080p screen, the rest of that laptop replacement looks fabulous.

 

Sorry to keep bugging you all, but the lady is supposed to call back tomorrow before it ships out. How should I word my request? Tell her that it's fine and I'll take it because I'm tired of waiting on replacements, but with the condition that someone come change the screen? Anyone have any experience with smooth talking them?

 

As far as I'm concerned, you don't need to sweet talk at all. Your previous system had a 3d 1080p screen,...they are replacing that with a non-3d 60hz 900p screen. You want them to replace the screen with at least a 1080p if not a 120hz 3d screen. As far as I can see, its an open and shut case. You can't buy a car with a V8 and then have them replace it with a V6 regardless of how nice the leather seats are in the V6

 

Believe me, I feel ya. I've just been run around, even by supervisors! I've pointed out to them every step of the way that the original had a 1080p screen, 3D even! I'm running out of things to try to get it through their heads. but now I've got the option to have this beast of a machine (the 580m is gonna destroy my 460m!), but I'm trying to figure out how to have my cake and eat it too. I'd like to keep the one they are sending me, but at least get a non-3D 1080p screen. Wonder if I could switch the screens myself? lol

 

No offense, but I find it a little ironic you're complaining about Dell giving you the runaround when it looks like you've been trying to rip them off all along... switching screens and/or hardware on refurbs?

If I were you, I'd box *everything* up exactly the way you got it and call Dell to arrange sending it back to them. Dell has records of everything, they're going to notice if you've stripped parts out of the laptop dude. It's a really bad idea.

 

It was a joke dude. I would never do something like that. I'm just trying to get what i paid for, and the first one they tried to send me was not that at all. The first replacement was a 2630QM 2.0 GHz, no blu-ray, no 3D screen, and that crappy Dell Wireless 1501. The reason I brought this up is I'm afraid they will try to pull that kind of crap on me again if I decide not to take this laptop, making me wait even longer. I'm grateful that they would send me the upgrades that are included in this, I'm just worried about the screen, hence my original question.

I'll wait for this one to come in, I'll check it out and see whats up, and contact them to see what we can do. If I really do hate the 900p screen and I have to go for another replacement, hopefully I can work out a better solution with them.

 

Just for future reference, if anyone has an issue like this, mine has finally been resolved. If you have any issues with an Alienware product, even from the Outlet, make sure you get to Alienware Tech Support. When I recieved the replacement with the 900p screen, I confirmed it was an incorrect replacement, and told my "resolution expert" when they called me. They finally got me over to Alienware Tech Support, and man, their service was awesome. These guys were the first ones that actually sounded like they knew about the system and what my issue was. They scheduled for a technician to put in the 1080p 3D screen, and the Blu-Ray drive. It was quite the saga, but in the end Dell really came through for me. The Alienware Tech told me, "If you ordered a 3D screen and Blu-Ray, you will get them. No if, ands, or buts." In the end the order was fulfilled correctly, and Dell gave me some upgrades to compensate for the issues. I'm glad I got 2 years Complete Care with them.

 

Grats man, looks like you've got a beast of a system now.

 

congrats. dell warranty is awesome. i've used alienware warranty and their tech support is excellent.