Alienware System Exchange Experiences

Hello, I am an owner of a (broken) Alienware M11X R2

I really don't know what is broken really, it cannot boot into the OS after many different combination solutions. I contacted Alienware for them to try and fix it for me but they cannot either. In the end, they arranged me for a full system exchange. They will be giving me (Or what they are saying) "The newest generation M14x because of this issue. I also had many hardware issues in the past with my M11x and I extended my warranty for 2 extra years because of the anticipation of such issues. They only asked me to extend my warranty by 1 extra year because they need it to cover my new system. The total cost was around $200CDN. I have already paid them and they have already processed it. Right now they are just contacting the managers about replacing my system and the possible specs.

Pretty much I am just here to ask about your experience with system exchanges with Alienware/Dell. From some places, I hear that they can possibly gyp you and give you something greatly inferior but at the same time I hear people saying they received a much more superior product. Was it wise for me to exchange my M11x for a M14x? Please tell me your input and experiences. Thank you.

 

Yes. M14x > m11x. Even a new bottom line m14x is going to be far superior to what you have now. Im assuming by the sound of your post that the m11x is 2-3 years old now....

 

With the release of the kepler GPUs, it gave all machines in the smaller size classes a big boost in graphics performance.

 

I know that the M14x is wayy better than the M11x (esp the one that I have right now) but I want to see people's experiences for an exchange like this.

 

As long as its new take what they give you man. If your gonna try and get anything extra ask for some warranty time on the new rig. But even if they dont be grateful about this nice upgrade they are giving you.

What are the specs of your current system?

 

the specs of my 11x is i5-520UM with GT335m. 250GB HDD and 3 gig of RAM when I bought it (I personally upgraded it to 4).

 

It really is somewhat irrelevant regarding other peoples experiences as they may vary widely as to why their machine was replaced. Some might have got a few upgraded components, others may have received a brand new machine or a refurb. I would say if you are getting a brand new M14x for your old machine, it's gotta be a good thing. Maybe if you post up the specification of the 14x you have been offered, that would help others compare and pass comment accordingly.

Either way, Dell are doing you a solid.

 

I know that it is pretty great that they are offering me this opportunity and I would like to thank them for it. I just have one last question though. When they do something like this, is the exchanged system similar in terms of purchased price or specs of your laptop?

Thank you again.

 

No matter what they off of I see a base m14x but like everyone says. Still a big upgrade.

 

It goes on spec. Dell will try and offer you the closest matching parts that are available to them now. Seeing as how the 11x is no longer available to buy new, they've bumped you to a 14x. Chances are, the base spec. of a 14x now is better than your 11x's older spec. in terms of performance. Eg. your old cpu has now been bumped up to i5 3210m at the very least. If they have offered you a better cpu than that, it would be great for you, but not within their obligation to do so as they have given you the closest thing (i5 3210m) available to what you had before.

 

You'll be pleased with the Exchange, there are normally no issues with them. You send the Old PC in once you get the new one and that's it. Pretty simple.

 

Thank you Porras for the assurance. The Alienware representative said that they will call me on Tuesday (Nov 20th, 2012) afternoon to confirm with me about the specs of my new computer. From looking at the dell website, I can already determine that the most basic specs is way better than what my m11x R2 is currently sitting at. I'll give an update when I receive the specs. Thank you again Dell/Alienware for doing this.

 

That's true, the basic specs are a lot better than the R2. Hopefully everything will be solved soon.

 

My experience was very positive, when my M17xR3 died, I spoke to tech support and they agreed to replace the system. Within 2 days I received an email with the spec of my replacement, which is an R4 and upgraded in almost every way.