$1857: i7, 4GB, 256 SSD, BT, 3-yr + Free Shipping + FL Tax (6.5%) + EPP

So, I got the above system configured at Dell yesterday and I'm somewhat reluctant to pulling the trigger. Especially after hearing about some negotiating people have done around here with Dell.

I spoke to an indian guy for almost 2 hours and there wasn't much he was able to help me with. All he did was get me free 3-5 days shipping ($19). I was really pushing him to give me free 3-year warranty as I told him I've had horrible experiences with my previous Dell laptop (m1330) and won't consider going without it. He kept ensuring me that Alienware has higher quality parts and therefore yields less problems. I told him that if that's the case, then they shouldn't have a problem extending my warranty for free as they wouldn't be spending any money on repairing the unit. He didn't understand.

I decided to go through with the order and threaten to cancel it before processing. I just called customer service to cancel my order if they didn't at least give me $100 discount and the guy told me he would put a note for the sales rep that helped me to look into it. If he's unable to assist me, then he said he would contact me to see what he could do in his end. I guess I have to wait until tomorrow to see what all my bickering will get me.

1. Well, all in all, what kind of deals did you guys get?
2. For those who succeed in getting a bit more out of them, what did you tell them?
3. What's the highest you would be willing to pay for my setup?

Thanks in advance guys...

 

i've heard on the forum that the representatives in america are on a much looser lease than those in other countries. you may want to try to get an american representative

 

The longer they've worked at dell, the more power they have. Usually India and America give the best deals.

If you call someone in the Philippines, hang up the phone...

Anyway, I'm surprised florida tax is so awesome! 6.5%? LOL.. texas is 8.25%.. sux..

 

CA tax is 9.5%

I got a rep from the Philippines and she was helpful. But hard to talk to haggle the price down. I got my old laptop through my uncle's EPP before and he got it tax-free and free shipping.

 

I got a much larger discount than EPP.

 

5.5 Wisconsin

 

I think the consensus on getting the deal off the phone with any Dell Rep is ~15-20% off the retail price (which is always constant) before tax. You should always try to at least get the NBD shipping as well added on. I know you said you got free shipping, but NBD shipping is worth $60-70. There is a thread in the main Alienware forum on how to order and many people have had success following the tips found there. Good luck.

 

NH tax: Nothing.

Muahahahaha.

 

If that's what they are calling higher quality parts...my mother has a Dell desktop. Been running fine for years. My father has a Dell laptop. Been flawless since he got it. I have an Alienware notebook. Getting a replacement one in because my hinge has a half inch gap in it when I close my lid at night.

 

19% germany

 

Dear god I hope you're joking..... I'm never coming to Germany, thanks for warning me.

 

Well, how can I guarantee I'll get an American person. I'm considering just cancelling this order altogether and starting off fresh. UGH!

 

$1857 for an M11x is extreme.

Buy an after market SSD. You can probably get a much better SSD. I believe your getting a Samsung, which is pretty mediocre.

 

Most ssd's (especially the one you're getting from alienware), and the Intel SSD's, performance SIGNIFICANTLY degrade in terms of read/write speed around 60% capacity. Who wants to use half of their ing capacity?.. lol.

Here's a great one that I'm getting and even at 98% capacity, it's speed is as amazing as it was on day 1. You give you a little on the storage, but compared to the 60% performance-degrading-mark of the other SSD's, you come out even.

The very reputable and self-proclaimed SSD-guy on this forum, named Les - led me to a link that helped me discover a better performing drive: OWC Mercury Extreme. Read that entire review of his experience and see for yourself the genius of it.

This is the website that directly sells the SSD: OWC Website for selling..

I'm starting to think you don't read very well .Poneh... lol. Still die hard on getting garbage ssd's

 

^^^ This. My i7, 4GB, 160GB 5400rpm, BT (albeit 1 year warranty) was $850 shipped. I dropped a 120GB Mushkin Callisto SSD in it for another $300. I perceive that as a far better value and I'm very happy with this thing (although I need to bump it to 8GB to keep swap off and have a lot of headroom in Windows 7 - but again that's all of $200-250 on the aftermarket.)

 

It's not a matter of not reading well, it's just that the prices for other SSDs are ridiculously more expensive. I haven't heard much complaints about Samsung's SSD and drive degradation has been resolved with TRIM in Windows 7 anyways.

I'll try to haggle them down a bit more today I guess. I just want this damn thing order already cause I know I still have to wait a couple of weeks to get it.

 

And still like 8 gazillion $$$$ in debt??? Explain that one.

Georgia, US. 7% and I thoguht that was bad. Packing my bags now for NH!!!!

 

Drive degradtion has not been solved with TRIM entirely........ you did not read anything I've sent you. lol. Much less do your research ..

ur paying more for a bad ssd from alienware, whereas paying cheaper for a better ssd away from them.. Logic? Have fun wasting ur money I am glad I helped a fellow forum member however, goodluck

 

What I suggest you doing is to cancel your order and search for another rep. Also instead of buying the sdd from Dell, buy an aftermarket one and replace it yourself. If you can't find a good rep to give you a deal, look for coupons and use those.

 

Definitely no reason to buy the 256GB SSD from Dell if you're interested in either performance or value.

 

Well, what SSD drives to you recommend that will over me similar size for around the same cost?!

 

Nothing. Samsung offers the most gb/$. They're your best bet. And every m11x made after Mid-march comes TRIM enabled.

However, I'd never buy that piece of crap. Drive degradation isn't solved alone with TRIM. There's more to it, do some research.