How Is Dell Refurbished?

How Is Dell Refurbished? I'm looking to buy an Alienware from Dell refurbished, has anyone bought their Alienware from them?

 

i bought my m17x r3 from the outlet. as long as you buy a certified refurbished you should be fine. if you find anything wrong with your machine make sure to contact dell to send it back within 21 days or they won't let you do it.

 

What's the difference between Certified Refurbished and Dell Outlet New? Aren't both used?

 

Dell Outlet New are the systems that didn't reach the client, like in the case of cancelled orders. So basically unused.

 

Dell outlet has refurb, never reached client, and scratch and dent. I bought my M15x scratch and dent from them back in August or so, it's been a great machine aside a couple over heating issues (i7 740 + 5850 + blanket = dumb). The scratches are just shy of unnoticeable too since they're small and on the bottom of the chassis.

 

its very good. just a little scratch hard to notice. excellent quality refurb.
safe you some dollars! i got mine imported from us dell outlet and it rocks all over this forum

 

I would say that Dell/AW has the best refurbished systems out there in the laptop world because they don't give you that typical 90 day limited warranty offered by the majority of other manufacturers ...you get 1 full year of next-day on site technician warranty.

I've purchased two items from the outlet before and both are exceptional. Didn't even look used at all and smelt new with no sign of wear.

 

And don't forget that their warranty can be extended just like you would do with newly ordered systems

 

Of my 7 Alienware laptops I currently own, and of 2 others I've sold, I bought 2 from DELL Outlet and have never experienced any issues, my m14x and m17x.

They arrived in the typical DELL computer shipping box and not the black Alienware exclusive packaging and extras. Only a small sleeve with the printed material and dvd and ac adapter came along, but none of the wrapping and cloth covers.

My 2 were listed as "Certified Refurbished" which means they could have been taken off the shelves to be configured to an order, sold, even possibly shipped to the customer and then later returned. DELL gives you the same warranty coverage so, I did not expect any issues.

The "DELL New" probably would get you the laptop with all its original Alienware packaging since they refer to that level as ordered but never configured or shipped.

My advantage was that since I have the Alienware Titanium now DELL Preferred credit card, you can buy even from the Outlet and pay off monthly without interest as long as its paid off within 12 months, so you get to save some money off the units when you are chosing and configuring it new on their site.

 

I got my M17x R3 via outlet as well, after frustrations on delay's with a 'regular' custom purchase.

As Stargazer said you don't get the full Alienware unboxing experiance, and the extra's but I didn't mind one bit. The computer looked perfect, no scratches, dents, or gaps in the seems.

My only issue was the video card in the system was NOT what was told me in my order. But after some wrangling with support, they sent out someone 2 days later and put in the one I ordered and I got 150 bucks back for the trouble.

So after that I got almost the exact system I had originally customized for like $400 less off the top.

 

Is it possible to order internationally from the Dell Outlet? Let's say Canada?

 

Yes it is, but there's a trick to it.

You need a US address so you have two options:

1. Use a mail forwarding service such as myus.com (there's many forwarding sites that do this)

Or

2. If you live near the border (like me), you can use mail holding facilities. Here in Ontario, there's CBIUSA in Niagara Falls, NY., which is 2 minutes past the bridge. They charge 7.50$ to hold your item for up to 2 weeks and are very professional.

Every border crossing has these facilities in-case you live elsewhere.

I've done this without any issues.

--

You could also get a friend to forward it to you, but it would have to be someone you trust since we're talking about a big chunk of cash here.

 

Wanted to add that I do not think DELL offers any discounts, coupons, or special savings percentage off when ordering thru the outlet center, I guess they consider the lowered price to be the best you'll get.

 

Actually there are frequently coupons available for the outlet systems that make those deals sweeter.

 

Of course they do.

About every month, there's an outlet coupon that's listed on their twitter feed. Coupons are random and generally run between 15-25% or a flat cash discount such as -100$.

Source:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/notebook-tech-bargains/636641-dell-2012-outlet-coupons-13.html

Right now there's an excellent coupon out for the M17X (exp tmrw):
Save 20% on all Dell Outlet Alienware M17x laptops
9HSSMHK606K20N

A poster grabbed:
M17X-r3
2820
580M
256GBSSD
1080 screen / 120HZ
Killer Wireless
1 year warranty

@ 1648$ (before tax; including 20% discount coupon) which is a good deal.

 

I have had universally great experiences ordering through Dell Outlet. I have ordered 7 computers through Dell Outlet, and every one has been as good as new, aside from some tiny, unnoticeable scratches.

I used a coupon every time.

 

I too have had perfect success with DELL Outlet, thanks for posting that coupons do exist for them, but I don't twitter, are there other sites where coupons can be found? I never thought to look up coupons for dell outlet products since I assumed they would be priced as low as possible and not offer any more discounts.

 

I get emails from time to time, and when it's time to shop for a computer, I just google Dell Outlet Coupons.

Last month, I found the machine I wanted the day after the 15% coupon expired, so I called up the Outlet on the phone and they still gave me the coupon. It turned an $850 computer into a $766 computer, tax included.

 

you know what even if the guy got Banned this is a good question

if you are considering a Dell outlet machine be ready to deal with scratches, dents, bad paste jobs,missing components , no alienware respawn or dell datasafe,no operating system media,dead pixels",different support from the new machines don't ask me why

if you are ready to deal with couple of those issues and you have the time to call and get multiple service calls to replace parts and make everything worst get a machine from the outlet!

it won't matter if is certified refurb those guys don't test the machines they just boot them and make sure they made it to windows again don't ask me why I know all this but is true

 

I have had several perfect no flaws and no problems from the Outlet. And I have had a couple with problems, every time Dell has repaired or replaced each one. If service can not fix the problem with in 3 tries I just escalate the issue to the Resolution dept and they always get it fixed or replaced. I must say Dell has the best warranty out there. I have sold over 20 systems from the Outlet on Ebay so I know what I'am saying. Also Outlet New is never been delivered to a customer and come shipped in the brown dell box. They have not been reformatted which means it comes with Alienrespawn that you never get on a refurb. If you buy one good luck and enjoy!

 

Even if you experience issues out of the box, to help give you some peace of mind, I had an M11X-R1 from the outlet. It ended up having issues so I called Dell/AW and BAM 48hrs later I meet up with a tech, he fixes my laptop and it's good as new.

Can't get any better than that for service.

 

This is something that is new to me. I haven't seen any manufacturer's tech support doing this. Normally they will ask you to send them your unit or bring it to stores supporting their brands. I am assuming they will try to help you first through the phone right? And if issue cant be solved, they will send someone to fix it?

 

Where are the refurbished units coming from? Are those the units that was returned after a a month from purchase? Or from buy-back options?

 

Yep.

When you call with an issue and your laptop is functioning, they will do a remote diagnostic first and then deploy a technician.

But ...if its a physical component that's damaged such as a cracked hinge or a broken keyboard for example, they will ship the part out (1-2 days) and deploy a technician when it's convenient for you (and yes they work beyond 5pm; at least in my area)

You can also ask to replace certain parts on your own such as ram, HD and keyboards if you don't feel comfortable having a technician do it.

 

Hey guys. I decided to get one from the outlet.

M17xR3:
-- Intel Core i7-2720QM Processor (2.20 GHz with Turbo Boost 2.0 up to 3.30 GHz)
-- 750 GB SATA Hard Drive (7200RPM)
-- 16 GB Dual Channel DDR3 at 1600MHz (4X4GB)
-- 8X DVD +/- RW Drive
-- 2GB GDDR5 NVIDIA GeForce GTX 580M
-- 17.3 inch Wide FHD (1920 x 1080 60Hz) WLED Display
-- Killer Wireless-N 1103 a/g/n 3x3 MIMO
-- Dell Wireless 375 Bluetooth Module
-- 210W/240W switchable Slim 3P A/C Adapter 125V Power Cord
-- Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64-Bit Operating System DVD
-- Alien M17x R3: 1 Yr Ltd Warranty, In-Home Service after Remote Diagnosis (Included In Price)

Its posted as $1,809+tax but I got it down for $1477.16 including tax and shipping. The sales person put in a discount coupon himself

 

Sweet little system for the price of a average one you got a solid gaming machine.. Gratz and enjoy the new toy!

 

Thanks bro! I'm really exciting already!

 

Does my 1 Year Limited Warranty have this? Or is it just the Advanced Accidental warranty?

 

Your 1 year standard warranty that already comes with the laptop will give you the type of coverage I mentioned above

Side Note:

If you plan on purchasing an AW laptop and then selling it to upgrade down the road, it's recommended to get an extended warranty in order to keep its value as high as possible.

Alienware and Macs both have incredible resell value - especially since it's very expensive outside US/Canada to acquire one. Dell over-charges overseas; almost doubles the price in some regions, so it's very easy to get a good return on an AW in good cosmetic condition with active warranty. Plus, warranty is easily transferable by simply filling out an online transfer form (takes 2 minutes).

You get the best warranty rates when purchasing the laptop at the same time as the warranty, otherwise the price goes up by 80% on average just FYI to anyone who wondered (unless you can find a kind rep - I tried 5 reps and that's the "average" I got).

 

Me too I have had precisions,M18X,M17X,M14X all almost perfect and if they had a little issue dell fix it quick but they been loosing their ability to inspect the systems before they ship

here is the story of my last order I don't want to scare people but they need to be prepared

past Monday I order a M17X-r3 with 3D the guy was cool because he give me free overnight the laptop didn't ship Tuesday it ships Wednesday and I receive it yesterday when open the box I noticed scratches on the bottom and top of the machine also the rubber coat was peeling off from the corners of the machine

thought o well I can call and make them replace the parts but when I open the lid to turn of the machine noticed scratches on the palmrest and crackers between the keyboard keys also something that looks like vomit

o well to make my story short the screen looks new and it has a hard clear plastic like a screen protector I can only think they replaced the screen so I peel off the plastic and the screen looks new but when I turn on the machine it looks all dull and colorless I say this can't be right

went to nvidia control panel and noticed the max resolution is 1600X900 so this was clearly not a 120HZ 1920x1080 monitor
they replaced it and never adjust the service tag

I was exploding when call dell the lady still offer me $100 bucks to keep the machine and deal with support looks like they prefer to fix the machines after you receive them than have someone checking them before they ship

 

I hope mine gets to me in "Ok" condition. I am expecting mine this Monday.
Is your experience (getting laptop with vomit and scratches) doesn't happen often with Dell Refurbished?

 

this don't happen to often is the first time that happens to me some machines are basically new so is like a gamble you may get a perfect machine but in the worst case be prepared to return it and move on

good luck

 

Lol! I hope my first AW experience will not be a nightmare

 

i ordered this mouth 3 m17xr3

first m17x have HD+ screen instead of FHD
second m17x have GTX560M instead of GTX580M
only one was correct with configuration

 

something is seriously wrong for the way this machines are coming with wrong specs there is got to be a reason maybe DELL don't care about the refurbished machines or is a lot of buyers swaping parts to make a profit and sending back the machines

I am not buying from the outlet again is so frustrating

 

AFAIK, Dell doesn't handle the refurbishment directly so that might play a big part in this.

 

Although it is annoying when they send you one with wrong specs or it's slightly damaged, I welcome it

When Dell screwed up my Outlet order, they made right by me and ended up building me a brand new one. They do have to inspection and quality control issues, but if they screw up, they do everything they can to try and resolve the issue. I'm gonna be hooked on Alienware for awhile

 

yeah I know but is some kind of DELL subdivision or contractor any way they should be checking the returned laptops for wrong or missing parts and charging the customers that way this may stop

well yeah that just happen to my friend he got a brand new M18X with 6990's for a $1500 outlet machine but at some point DELL is losing so much money sending the wrong machines with the wrong parts and all trashed that all this may end up bad we don't want to loose DELL warranty like we know now so lets not abuse the system

 

I agree with this, somebody is not doing his job :/

 

So this is commonly happening. I got my M17xR3 from outlet yesterday. Though it is so great being practically brand new, I was given the wrong CPU and GPU. I called Dell and they are ordering the parts and should be able to get it installed within this week.

I can live with that kind of trouble if I am paying half the price of a brand new one

 

My experiences have been all great, three new returned systems.. but there are some that ended up with the short end unfortunately :|

 

I wonder what goes on at the Outlet factory. I mean, all it takes is booting in to BIOS to see what hardware is in it. Just slap a sticky note or something on it and move it on down the line. I'm not sure how they are getting so many wrong. Either way, if they are cool with spending their own money to rectify the situation down the line, I guess that's their business. Just seems like a waste of money for them.

 

On the bright side, the warranty is great... The only original piece on my m11x r1 is the name plate ^_^.

 

that's not bad last time I got the wrong screen scratches on the bottom top and palmrest + vomit on the keyboard

 

That's the reason I was so worried about getting one from the outlet. But thankfully, everything went fine

 

Ive received a m17x refurbished , was like new , still using it as of now.

 

Have had my M11x R3 a week now, has a three scuffs marks however the biggest niggle is the damaged middle audio port l am sure dell will get it sorted as l really like this ikkle monster.

Apart from that is is great runs Skyrim/Deus Ex rev/MW3 without a hitch Which are the games l mainly play when away form my main rig.

Just a shame it is getting discontinued

 

No matter what, they'll replace damaged components even with "scratch and dents", so a quick call should sort it out no problem. Grats on your new system btw

I'm also very disappointed in the discontinuation of the M11X series - very depressing news.

 

For my situation, I would say no... I spent tons of time calling Dell tech and had my screen replaced twice along with my cpu fans and vents. But still, the "new" screen that I got still having issues and the temp of my cpu still stay around 90℃ under load. Now I'm in return term. So if you don't want any of these, I would suggest you to buy a new one. I'm planning to buy a m17x r4

 

The majority of buyers who bought refurbished are extremely satisfied with their product.

I'm sorry to hear about your situation, but it's an isolated incident and these happen with every laptop manufacturer.