Need some opinions on a return issue

I am trying to return my Alienware m17.R3 within the 21 day window (its only been about 7 days so far) but they are trying to hit me with a restocking fee. The issue I have is that the computer does not have Optimus or any kind of graphic switching meaning the battery ends up lasting about an hour or maybe an hour and a half if I basically do nothing. At the time I had no idea that the two couldn't co-exist (since like the Envy 17 can do both), nor was there anything throughout the purchase to indicate they couldn't work together.

They are trying to stick me with a 15% restocking fee (almost $500), but I don't feel its fair in this situation since nowhere during the purchase process online does it state that Optimus will be disabled when selecting the 3D screen package. It does list Optimus as a selling point for the 580GTX (2nd bullet point down). I have configured a 3D system and non-3D system all the way to entering my CC info and nowhere did it list that either system would be with or without Optimus in the summary.

Am I wrong in this situation? I've called several times and they can't seem to understand my point or budge on the restocking fee. Is there any type of resolution department or something similar I can contact since talking to "managers" doesn't seem to be doing anything except wasting both our time. I swear I'm tempted to buy the cheapest Inspiron laptop for like 499.99 since they are more than willing to wave the fee if I re-order that way when I return that one I will only pay like 75 bucks or so.

 

Quickest resolution would be just say it is not functioning as advertised and you want it returned. They can either return it with no fee or you can chargeback the amount and let the CC company/paypal battle it out since you received a product that doesn't work as advertised.

Next time do research, it has been stated MANY times that optimus can't work with the 120hz screen because it bypasses the IGP COMPLETELY due to the IGP not supporting 120hz screens.

 

If it isn't stated during checkout that isn't his problem. Why should he have to research all of Dell's claims?

That is - if it was stated somewhere during his checkout process, as he states.

 

Point taken, although I don't think I should need to scour a message board for simple yet important information like that. They could easily add a compatibility warning like they did before the 3D was available on the 580GTX or something. I owned an Envy 3D before this system and it was able to do both graphics switching + 3D which is why I didn't even think of that issue.

Thanks for your input though, I thought I did my research I missed that fact somehow on this board

 

Just browsing the M17x page I didn't even see a mention of Optimus. They are just spouting 3D everywhere.

 

Check the selection of the graphics cards...2nd bullet point down on the 580 GTX picture it lists Optimus

 

Well, technically it is correct, the card and board support optimus but the 3D LCD doesn't...They really should have a disclaimer, not disputing that. But it never actually says you can USE it

 

Wow, you're right. Also when you select the 3D panel it doesn't indicate anywhere this will invalidate Optimus.

This is Dell's issue in my mind. False advertising. It is Dell's job to inform the customer what they are buying, not the customer's job to double check Dell's work.

 

Thanks, I agree if I could just get them to see it that way too !

 

Remove a couple of screws here and there and call customer care, tell them screws are missing and you want your money back since this is not what you paid for.

 

I have to agree, false advertising in my opinion and misinforming the customer. In my opinion they using the Optimus as an extra sell point that isn't useable with certain set ups. OP is completely in his right to return it under false advertising.

 

lol

10char

 

Thanks for your opinions, I am so frustrated with Dell right now. I think I'm on hold on my 4th call so far being sent to a manager. I wish there was a US based operator I can speak with I feel there are some communication issues going on with the foreign support plus the fact that they are probably much less flexible on what they are able to do. I don't know how to escalate this any further or maybe speak to a different department.

I guess my options are to take them up on their offer to wave the restocking fee and I'd order the 465 14" Inspiron then return that for a lesser restocking fee or call my CC and stop payment. Maybe I can use the 580M GTX Throttling issue as a reason for the return as well but that might be too technical for them.

 

No way that is bull. I've read some posts where calling and asking for a US based representative works in some situations, but I believe that was for sales only.

You can't just walk them through the issue on their own freaking website? What about posting on the Dell forums? This would me off and I wouldn't just settle. Don't pay them a dime for THEIR mistake.

 

PM'd you mate, check your messages. All the best my friend.