AW/DELL Ordering Advice - How to save $$$

Wow, that's a pretty good deal. Which rep did you talk to? (and for that matter, is there any way to get in touch with specific reps?)

 

Just pulled the trigger on an M15x.

i7 720QM, 4GB ram, GTX 260M, HD display.

Was able to haggle a little bit and get it down to $1550 before tax and shipping. The rep was alright, it took almost 2 hours to get everything done and he promised free shipping but in the end I had to pay for shipping. Going to call back in a few days and ask for NBD shipping.

 

Yeah, takes a long time. First time I was using my cell phone running up my minutes but I learned my lesson and used a land line the next time

 

this thread has helped me out immensely and really sold me on finally deciding on alienware. i want to get a M15x sometime in the near future, but i was trying to keep it under $2000. i dont want the highest specs, but i want something that will be a fast computer that can handle modern games for the next few years.

aside from the instant discounts that you linked me too, the advice to go over the phone really brought my mind to ease about what im going to be looking at spending. anywyas, i just wanted to say thanks for the awesome thread. +1 rep TC.

 

I keep calling and I can't get a rep that understands anything. Is there a way to guarantee a US rep? Or does anyone have a 7 digit extension I can use for someone they know is a good rep? If you don't want to publicly post it then PM me.

 

me too for a uk rep, I've tried 5 already (based in Deli) can't get someone who understands the Queen's English....

Will keep trying

 

the answer is "skype" its free for the dell nums

 

new 50 dollars off 799

expire after end of this month

7Z0X?FC$27W5LJ

 

I just ordered. It was way too much trouble trying to get a deal from calling. So I just took the $100 hit (the potential savings from calling) and just ordered. Its not worth my time to keep calling. These were the only upgrades I got:

4GB DDR3
Bluetooth Module
Extra Power Adapter

I'll put an order in to NewEgg for a hard drive and mouse. Total came to $945 with next day shipping and no tax (shipping to my cousins in new hampshire to save $86). I'll see if I get the 5% bing cashback, which after the HDD and mouse from NewEgg should put me right at $1000 for the whole setup.

 

I got quoted for M11x $1,071.31 after taxes and shipped next business day, upgrades are:
duo core 1.73
500gb
bluetooth
4gb Rams

is this considered good?

 

After many problems with my M15x, I was finally able to get Dell to give me a full refund! I'm giving another try on Dell but this time with M17x. I spoke to three different sale representatives and pretty much got similar quotes. I tried asking for a student discount (7% I believe) but they all told me that hasn't been available for over 2 months. I looked at this topic from 1st page. (Read everyone's posts.) and most of the students were able to get the 7% discount. Is there a trick to this?

 

Actually if you are in the US you get 10% student discount guaranteed. Point them to Dell.com/EPP. Haggle on top of that.

 

Oh great! Thanks for the fast reply! I will try that tomorrow. Hopefully I can get some nice deal =).

 

I'm not 100% sure on this, but I think EPP representatives do not work on weekends.

 

Meh I can wait couple days. I got some time until the refund arrives anyways. I just hope I can haggle extra 300 dollar off after the student discount. Really want the laptop for about 2500.

 

You didn't get a price break at all.

I got $1065 after taxes, shipping and whatever with those specs + antivirus, so you should try again.

To further save some money, keep in mind that NewEgg offers a 500GB HDD for $79.99. Also if you are really strapped for cash, you can downgrade the processor. You will only take a very small hit because of the cache size difference.

 

BTW did anyone notice that if you try ordering your computer through EPP program, the ETD increases? and when I ordered my M15x, I totally forgot to add EPP so I paid full price for it. ETD was a month later but I got it exactly in a week. Also today when I was talking with one of the sales representative (the one that told me student discount is no longer available.. BS), he told me he will put a note and will guarantee me to receive my laptop in 7-10 days. So I'm guessing if you pay full price, you can get it within a week while if you try haggling and use discounts you receive it in a month. I might be wrong.. just saying what I heard and experienced.

 

Yes, but in that case he will *very likely* [meaning with most reps] have to order through the Dell Home and Home Office web and *very likely* won't get EPP discount. In that case he will also *very likely* pay less in the end nevertheless. Also BTW, antivirus that comes with EPP spec is valued $85. They did offer some EPP spec for lower price for a day or so during their Deals week. You could get it without Antivirus and with a smaller HD in that case (it was still too expensive imo though).

I'm not sure whether they can affect the production process itself. I would assume that when it comes to m11x EPP configuration it's faster since they don't allow you to customize anything and I guess they have a lot of those already built.

 

Reordered my M15x today. God the reps were a pain. I actually got two american reps and both were hard asses. No discount whatsoever. They basically told me to "**** off" and seemed annoyed when I asked for discounts. I asked (nicely), "whats the point of me calling if I can get this same price online?" and the rep said "Well you're more than welcome to order online."

The other american rep told me that Alienwares are "Ferraris" of laptops and no discounts can be put on them.

Then the overseas rep I got promised me a "2% discount" in addition to EPP/coupon but in the end only gave me free shipping after keeping me on hold while she "switched" computers for half an hour. Whatever, I've waited so long to order I'm sick of dealing with annoying reps that tell me they're gonna ask their "manager" for something when they're really just sitting there twiddling their thumbs.

Advice for some of you guys with low patience, stick with EPP + coupons and *maybe* call in for a free shipping discount.

 

got a new quote. got it down to $1041 after taxes and next day shipping. so i bought it. i need the duo core for more intense games and applications. if i decide to sell it, it'll sell faster with the duo core. it comes with 15month subscription antivirus, but i'm gona uninstall it right away. that antivirus is crap. i called 6 times. all the guy reps didn't want to help me at all. i even hung up on one because he said he doesn't believe i'm going to make a purchase today. oh well. now its the waiting time.

 

Does anyone believe these reps or actually had a good experience with one that promised to "move you to the front of the production line"?

My rep promised me that, and that he couldn't lower my price anymore however he said his manager has to do it and there wouldn't be anything on my invoice that would state it.

I find it hard to believe, since after the sale theres really no way you can keep track of it PLUS if it doesn't happen, well you've already waited.

 

Hmm I did have something that said "special pricing". This was my initial order (that I cancelled):

Item Number Quantity Item Description
224-9556 1 Alienware M11x, Lunar Shadow
No Internal WWAN Antenna Installed
313-9590 1 Intel Pentium SU4100 1.3GHz (2MB Cache, 800MHz FSB) Overclockable to 1.73GHz
317-8954 1 4GB Dual Channel DDR3 at 1066MHz
421-1591 1 Alienhead 3D
320-9887 1 11.6-inch WideHD 1366x768 (720p) WLED
320-9857 1 1GB NVIDIA GeForce GT 335M
342-8743 1 250GB SATAII 7,200RPM
330-9552 1 Personalized Nameplate
330-6106 1 Personalized Nameplate Trigger
313-8792 1 AlienFX Color, Quasar Blue
421-8558 1 Alienware Command Center Software for Alienware M11x
421-1400 1 Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium, 64bit, English
420-9691 1 DataSafe Local BackUp 2.0 Basic
420-6436 1 PC-Restore, Dim/Insp
421-0092 1 DELL-DOWNLOAD-FLAG
421-1573 1 Alienhead 3D
313-9856 1 Integrated 10/100 Network Interface Card
410-1883 1 ADOBE READER 9.0 MULTI- LANGUAGE
313-9958 1 Integrated High-Definition Surround Sound Audio (5.1)
430-3796 1 M11x Wireless INFO MOD
330-6348 1 Automatic Updates: On
330-8995 1 1.3 Megapixel Webcam
950-3337 1 1 Year Limited Warranty
908-3647 1 Dell Hardware Warranty Plus On-Site Service, Initial Year
922-7060 1 Third Party At Home Service, 24x7 Technical Support, Initial Year
950-9797 1 No Warranty, Year 2 and 3
421-1721 1 Soft Contracts,Banktec Care,Alienware
994-3730 1 Warranty Support,Initial Year
430-3773 1 No Internal WWAN Antenna Installed
421-1360 1 Steam and Portal Factory Installed
330-5090 1 Thank You for Purchasing AlienWare
463-0742 1 Special Pricing Applied
* AW:UNREAL
Subtotal: $881.02
Shipping and Handling: $8.00
Sales Tax: $71.12
Total: $960.14

 

I got the best deal today! Can't believe this guy gave me such a deal. So the spec follows.
224-8108 1 Lunar Silver - Anodized Aluminum
317-3658 1 Intel Core i7 820QM 1.73GHz (3.06GHz Turbo Mode, 8MB Cache)
317-3663 1 4GB Dual Channel DDR3 at 1333MHz
330-7841 1 Alienware M17x 240W A/C Adapter
320-8856 1 17-inch WideUXGA 1920 x 1200 RGB LED (1200p)
320-8858 1 Dual 1GB ATI Radeon Mobility HD 4870 in CrossfireX
342-0667 1 320GB 7,200RPM SATA-II HDD
313-8797 1 AlienFX Color, Terra Green
421-2261 1 Alienware Command Center, M17x
421-1400 1 Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium, 64bit, English
420-9691 1 DataSafe Local BackUp 2.0 Basic
420-6436 1 PC-Restore, Dim/Insp
421-1585 1 Alien Schematic
421-1594 1 Alien Cyborg
410-1883 1 ADOBE READER 9.0 MULTI- LANGUAGE
313-8977 1 8X DVD+/-RW Dual Layer Drive,QuickSilver
421-1304 1 CyberLink PowerDVD 8.0 Software
421-1305 1 Nero 9 Media Burning Software
313-8944 1 5.1 Channel Audio
430-3688 1 Dell Wireless 1520 802.11n Half Mini Card
330-6348 1 Automatic Updates: On
960-9187 1 CompleteCare Accidental DamageProtection, Inspiron, 1 Year
908-2207 1 Dell Hardware Warranty Plus On-Site Service, Initial Year
922-3410 1 Third Party At Home Service, 24x7 Technical Support, Initial Year
950-9797 1 No Warranty, Year 2 and 3
421-1721 1 Soft Contracts,Banktec Care,Alienware
421-1719 1 Soft Contracts,Consumer Complete Care,Alienware
994-3730 1 Warranty Support,Initial Year
430-0628 1 Bluetooth 2.1 with EDR
421-1360 1 Steam and Portal Factory Installed
330-6175 1 Standard Nameplate
463-0742 1 Special Pricing Applied

This on the website without any discount is 2893.00 before tax I believe.
I got it for 2270.70 before tax. Over $600 discount that's over 20%!
I also got permission to share his information! (Great news for everyone right? Ha!)
His name is Raymond.
1-800-695-8133 x 1-800-283 9597 EX728-3530 (Sorry for confusion but the number and extension he provided is the number for the team he's in so you might not get him all the time.)
He told me both numbers should work with the same EXT number. I think he's a really high positioned guy because he never had to go ask a supervisor for any discounts or anything. He just sent the papers to the financial/market department and asked for special savings and Bam! He gave me freaking over 20% discount! Oh but he's an EPP specialist so please qualify for EPP beforehand! Otherwise I think he's the best one yet! Also I love you guys for posting informations here especially DR650SE! =)

 

dang doublee. that is an excellent price.

 

Yup I know. I couldn't believe it either. After 10 different sales representatives telling me they cannot do anymore discount other than EPP + 50 dollar coupon. This guy shows up and didn't even bother keeping the price high. He gave more than I expected. I was late to work so I couldn't ask for NBD shipping and the 17 inch backpack. I'll try again later, I don't to scare him off by asking so much at the same time.

 

Yeah, some reps rock the house doublee. I had a similar situation with the guy I delt with. Never placed me on hold and provided me with about 20% off.

 

^Seriously its SO hard to find the right representatives though. At least people like us getting deals give hopes to the new buyers!

 

Nice one Doublee, Always good to see it work out for people. Thats a great price too!. I think I'm going to have to order from him in the next month or when ever the 5870's debut.

 

Same here, then I can configure it the way I REALLY wanted.

 

Wow!

Nicely done.

Almost makes me wish I had the patience to stay on the phone for more than 15 minutes to get a good deal. In the end I just went with the standard EPP + $50 coupon.

 

Hm. I tried the numbers and the extension he gave me but it wouldn't connect me directly. It connects me to the operator first. I had to provide him my information and his information in order to directed to him. Just giving you guys heads up if you do try calling the number I provided.

 

Apparently the extension number doesn't get through to him directly, it's more like the extension number of the TEAM that he's in part of. Sucks. I wanted to get to him directly and ask for NBD shipping or free backpack but the person I spoke with told me I already got an insane deal as it is. So he said no pretty much in an angry tone. He also told me ground shipping (7 day delivery) is the same thing as 3-5 days shipping. Lies lies lies! But then again I can't really complain since the deal was ridiculous. Still happy about it!

 

You can call Customer Service for NBS. Just be nice and they will give it to you easily.

 

Okay will give it a try now. Thanks!

 

I got the free NRB shipping but couldn't get the free Orion backpack. But he did give me a $50 dollar coupon to buy the backpack for half price so I'm good!
He also took off the shipping fee so I saved another 19 dollar! Sucks I couldn't get the backpack but oh well. Cant ask for too much ya know? Haha.

 

WOW.

Haven't seen you around in like forever! How are ya? lol

 

I brought him back to life with my huge savings.

 

lol yeah I've been waiting for the day they finally combine an awesome screen with awesome performance so I sold my m6400 and am now waiting on the 5870 Xfire before I order. I'm hoping I can get 20% off like doublee.

 

What number should I call to request NBS?

 

I tried what doublee suggestd and I was able to get NBD shipping and the shipping fee waived. Pretty happy with my pricing now

 

We both failed trying to get the free Orion backpack . At least we both got NBD and shipping fee waived . Now we just play the waiting game. Two days and I'm already going crazy. (Refreshing my order status every hour or so even though I know it's not going to change )

 

Hey, I'm trying to order an M11x as a gift, and was looking for any coupon codes for it. I tried the Coupon links in this thread:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=456885

However, the code I received in my email is not eligible. I am just looking to get some money off the laptop. Any knowledge of coupon codes or other ways to get money off would be appreciated.

 

damn I hate this bs.. I call on 23rd, I tell her (rep) about the deal Raymond gave and she puts me on hold comes back and quotes me for $25xx before tax, $27xx after tax then I ask for the quote to be emailed, she puts me on hold, this time for 40 fcking minutes so I hung up never received the quote.

Called again trying to get a hold of her got a different rep who wasted me time by going through the configuration again with the nameplate A as in apple, n as in nancy etc then gave me no extra discount. The only reason to call is to get an extra discount otherwise order online right ?? So I said goodbye.

Called today and the rep says can you give me the extension of this raymond please, when the reps there tell me that (7283530) is the only extension for that dept. So I call again right now, tell the new rep my situation and he says raymond is with another customer and asks me if he can help with configuration then I tell him my story about the 40 minute hold and I think he put the phone down because afterward he hangs up. Dell is full of sh*t.

EDIT:

I'm on the phone NOW and the rep says "truthfully" that today is Raymond's day off so that other rep LIED lol.................... FCK

 

When the Dell thanksgiving 20% bing CB sale was going on, I called in to confirm it with a sales rep. and he claimed it was bogus. He then tried to convince me that Alienware was a premium product and they would never discount it and if I wanted a discounted product, I should go for a Studio XPS 16. I disagreed with his contention that the CB wasn't valid and he claimed he had a direct line with MS to prove it wasn't true, at that point I hung up. Few months later and what do you know, I had Bing CB in my paypal account. Point is, I'm not surprised at all that those reps put you on long holds and hung up because they probably saw they weren't going to make much commission. I really despise dealing with those guys.

 

224-9555
1 Alienware M11x, Cosmic Black
No Internal WWAN Antenna Installed $824.00 $824.00
313-9590
1 Intel Pentium SU4100 1.3GHz (2MB Cache, 800MHz FSB) Overclockable to 1.73GHz
317-8954
1 4GB Dual Channel DDR3 at 1066MHz
421-1597
1 Alien Red Glyphs
320-9963
1 11.6-inch WideHD 1366x768 (720p) WLED
320-9857
1 1GB NVIDIA GeForce GT 335M
342-8743
1 250GB SATAII 7,200RPM
330-9552
1 Personalized Nameplate
330-6106
1 Personalized Nameplate Trigger
313-8792
1 AlienFX Color, Quasar Blue
421-8558
1 Alienware Command Center Software for Alienware M11x
421-1400
1 Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium, 64bit, English
420-9691
1 DataSafe Local BackUp 2.0 Basic
420-6436
1 PC-Restore, Dim/Insp
421-0092
1 DELL-DOWNLOAD-FLAG
421-1586
1 Alienhead Chrome Red
313-9856
1 Integrated 10/100 Network Interface Card
410-1883
1 ADOBE READER 9.0 MULTI- LANGUAGE
313-9958
1 Integrated High-Definition Surround Sound Audio (5.1)
430-3796
1 M11x Wireless INFO MOD
330-6348
1 Automatic Updates: On
330-8995
1 1.3 Megapixel Webcam
950-3337
1 1 Year Limited Warranty
908-3647
1 Dell Hardware Warranty Plus On-Site Service, Initial Year
922-7060
1 Third Party At Home Service, 24x7 Technical Support, Initial Year
950-9797
1 No Warranty, Year 2 and 3
421-1721
1 Soft Contracts,Banktec Care,Alienware
994-3730
1 Warranty Support,Initial Year
430-3773 1 No Internal WWAN Antenna Installed
No Internal WWAN Antenna Installed
421-1360 1 Steam and Portal Factory Installed
421-1359 1 World of Warcraft Preinstall Edition
330-5090 1 Thank You for Purchasing AlienWare
461-2676 1 Special Offer - $75 off
* AW:SPALDING

Subtotal: $824.00
Shipping & Handling: $8.00
Tax: $76.94
Environmental Disposal Fee: $0.00
Total Price w/Discounts: $908.94



Did I do decent?

 

Nice! I got pretty much the same price with Bing 10% cashback, identical configuration. And yes, it works if you follow Bing's procedure, just takes few days for them to confirm it.

5150Joker, yeah I got lied so many times from those crappy reps, sometimes it seems getting a decent one is like finding a needle in a haystack. Studio XPS 16 - LOL... what a joker (pun intended ) should've told him "no thanks I already own paperweight". I had reps assuring me that su4100 was single core, there is only 1 DIMM (tho it says its dual channel on their website). I would not trust them with anything, besides the e-mail that confirms your order with the final price.

 

OK a big WTH?.. I just now get a call from dell with someone telling me that rep is doing something I don't know what and I should be receiving a call in 10min.. I don't believe that stuff but we'll see..

 

What I did was ask for the supervisor I kept getting put on hold so the kid could ask him, and simply said i will pay x amount take it or leave it, and got 75 off

LOL, I'd ask for the supervisor upon return Malignant

 

So I'm thinking I will not be receiving a call back and when I don't I should call again and ask for the supervisor and tell him how the first rep gave me a $25xx quote before tax and put me on hold for 40 min wasting my time and minutes so I had to hang up, the next rep gave me no discount other than online order, the next rep gives me a 2795 quote, the next rep hangs up on me, the next rep gives me a 2705 quote and I ask for $50 coupon to be applied and hangs up on me... so you think the supervisor will give me a good deal after I tell him all that?

 

Ok this is confusing and dell is probably lying again. Someone else calls back and tells me the $50 coupon is already applied the 2705 quote which is bs. So the first rep knocks it down from 2905 to 2705 then I try to get the $50 coupon applied and she hangs up. I get the call from someone else and tells me oh it was 2905 - the $50 so it was 2855 and so she actually knocks it down from 2855 to 2705. Total bs.