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    Upraised Media bar scratching the screen

    Discussion in 'Alienware 17 and M17x' started by bigtonyman, Oct 14, 2011.

  1. bigtonyman

    bigtonyman Desktop Powa!!!

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    So i got my M17x in apirl and its been working pretty well with some minor graphics issues etc. I was planning on sell this rig and buying a newer laptop with the 6990 and 1080p, but I just found some scratches on the screen because of the loose media bar (i never got around to fixing it). Is this somthing worth talking to dell about with just a standard warrenty? Id like to get a decent amount for the laptop, and i don't wanna short change sombody. Any input would be very helpfull :)
     
  2. Brabostaan

    Brabostaan Notebook Deity

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    Yes call Dell and demand a new screen and media bar. You have NBD, do not send it to depot!!!
     
  3. bigtonyman

    bigtonyman Desktop Powa!!!

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    well i talked to alienware. They said that they will call me back on Monday with more info on a new screen/graphics card :) Hope they do me right
     
  4. Mikeobwan

    Mikeobwan Notebook Enthusiast

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    So what did they end up saying. I have the exact same issue on mine that I recently noticed. Also some marks from the keyboard that seem permanent.

    Thanks
    Mike
     
  5. bigtonyman

    bigtonyman Desktop Powa!!!

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    Alien-ware support said they would call me back and they haven't yet -_- . guess ill end up calling them later
     
  6. ECKS

    ECKS Notebook Prophet

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    Ahh.

    Subscribed for interest, and because I have the same situation. Received mine in March/April as well. Keep us updated, bruh.
     
  7. bigtonyman

    bigtonyman Desktop Powa!!!

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    dell said they won't replace the screen because it is "cosmetic damage". they also quoted the 6990 at $640 and a 1080p screen for another $640 :eek: how are other people getting better prices? :mad:
     
  8. Le0-

    Le0- Notebook Evangelist

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    you should totally complain about it, my friend. argue that because of the crappy build your screen got scratched and it annoys the hell out of you, say its not cosmetic but actually its out there looking at you each time you look at the laptop and, again, it happened because of the improper quality of the build (which is still surprising for such a damn expensive machine). also try talking to supervisor, explain to him the whole insanity of the situation, which is you cannot afford to treat customers who spend all their money on dell products like that. I do believe you should get screen replacement, in fact, if your manager is up for trouble he might even consider giving you a 1080p panel for free for your troubles and keeping your loyalty :)
     
  9. xSix

    xSix Notebook Geek

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    complain! man tell them yo want speak to a manager... or tell them you spoke with executive services... then they will give you what ever you want.
     
  10. chez

    chez Notebook Consultant

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    Point out that it's not cosmetic as it affects your ability to see fine detail in photo editing/CAD/design or whatever affects your career most...
     
  11. bigtonyman

    bigtonyman Desktop Powa!!!

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    the actual screen isn't scratched. the scratches start near the alienware glowing letters and continue twords the edge if the screen.

    my biggest question is how people are getting the 6990 for more than $200 off the price I was quoted??
     
  12. Brabostaan

    Brabostaan Notebook Deity

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    Like Leo said its poor design.
     
  13. BatBoy

    BatBoy Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    There is no reason at all to bring up cosmetic damage - that is not the issue.

    For those of you who have this issue, simply explain to the rep that the "Center Control Cover"- the mettalic piece has begun seperating - it is held in place by a sticky adhesive and it is popping up.

    Support should have no issue with dispatching this part out for replacement.

    Reference (2nd image):
    Documentation

    The control cover can easily 'bend' if too much pressure is used when removing. This 'bending' can cause the adhesive to seperate. The ends of the control cover are the likely trouble spots.
     
  14. Mikeobwan

    Mikeobwan Notebook Enthusiast

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    It's not the Center Control Cover that is scratched. It's the cover that is causing scratches on the actual screen. At least that is what is happening with mine.
     
  15. bigtonyman

    bigtonyman Desktop Powa!!!

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    the "cosmetic damage" was the scratches on the screen from the media bar, not the media bar itself. They said they would have no problems the metal piece though.
     
  16. BatBoy

    BatBoy Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    understood - i should have been a bit more clear - anyone with this issue (meaning, the control cover is popping up a bit on the left or right side) - do not delay. Contact support asap and have it swapped out.

    As for the damage caused, If the damage was a direct result of the control cover, it definitely should fall under warranty. You may have a tough time arguing your case but it certainly is worth pursuing if you feel its justified. Ask for assistance, ask for a supervisor - if still hitting a brick wall, escalate it via Unresolved Issues.
     
  17. bigtonyman

    bigtonyman Desktop Powa!!!

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    well i've finally got this mess resolved (I Hope). Went up dells chain of command and was told repeatedly that the screen scratching was cosmetic. They told me to buy the accidental damage warranty for $160 and then they would fix it. I bought it last night and they will be hopefully sending the new screen and media bar up here to the AK tomorrow. Hope the tech doesn't jack up my system to much :p
     
  18. juliant

    juliant Notebook Deity

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    There was a problem with your system and unfortunately the screen got scratches. Though was not your fault, in the end they found a solution to get some 'expenses' out of their hands by making you pay for the accidental damage?! Accidental damage from what? The media bar touching the screen by itself and damaging it?!

    You should not have agreed to pay even 1 penny. You should have followed everyone advice clearly here, including BatBoy (he knows best). Now, after you get your parts replaced, write an email to the head office and explain the entire episode... You must demand compensation. Do not keep quiet about it...
     
  19. bigtonyman

    bigtonyman Desktop Powa!!!

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    im just sick of fighting dell over this petty issue. The warranty wasn't that expensive and i should have bought it in the first place. If the tech screws up my system, it will be easier to get it replaced :)

    Edit: coincidentally, my laptop backpack with my beloved rig in it was knocked off the table this morning (damn dog). at first the laptop looked fine, but i just found a piece that chipped off on the bottom right corner near the fan exhaust port :eek:
     
  20. bigtonyman

    bigtonyman Desktop Powa!!!

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    looks like it also cracked on the other side of the exhaust port near the hinge. Do i need to ask to a replacement because i could see this causing issues with the hinge down the road :(
     
  21. bigtonyman

    bigtonyman Desktop Powa!!!

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    my bag did a pretty good job, but it hit a hard floor so it could only do so much.

    problem is to replace the cracked area the entire laptop would have to be disassembled and then reassembled in a new chassis :eek: I don't know what dells policy is for this, but its gonna take a tech a bit of time to take it all apart and put it back together. Who even knows if the tech will do it right :rolleyes:
     
  22. legrunt

    legrunt Notebook Enthusiast

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    [​IMG][/URL][/IMG]
    Here's what I did to my machine. Got some carbon fiber looking stickers with a very thin foam backing and stuck it around the palm rest area. The soft parts now touch the screen when closed, kinda protecting the screen from getting scratched from the other stuff... and another benefit is the fingerprint magnet palmrest is no longer an issue...
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Feb 6, 2015
  23. paul5015

    paul5015 Notebook Guru

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    Nice job :)
     
  24. picardsm

    picardsm Notebook Consultant

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    Ok. Where did you get the "carbon fiber looking stickers"? :)
     
  25. bigtonyman

    bigtonyman Desktop Powa!!!

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    yea I would like to know as well, I got the new screen and media bar sitting at my house now, just gotta find time for the tech to come and replace everything :D would be nice if I could obtain some of those pads so This doesn't happen again
     
  26. legrunt

    legrunt Notebook Enthusiast

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    Errr, To be honest... an automotive "pimp-my-ride" type of workshop... I got a whole roll of it, thought of doing my roof or hood, but at the end, thought better of it, and left it in my store room. Been a few years...

    I suppose I could cut some patches and post it in an envelop. Depends if not too many people want it...
     
  27. legrunt

    legrunt Notebook Enthusiast

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    PM me your address and I will send some out. Might take a few days to arrive, as I will be posting out of Malaysia.

    I'll do a rough cut of a size larger than the palm rest area, but final trimming will have to be a DIY job. The thing may appear creased, but once stuck on, the creases disappear.
     
  28. bigtonyman

    bigtonyman Desktop Powa!!!

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    I'm definitely interested :D
     
  29. legrunt

    legrunt Notebook Enthusiast

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    PM me then, those of you who want these sticker/pad thingys...