Dell to replace my m1330 with ?????????

Haha, yeah I see that. In December when the GPU failed I started getting demanding wanting a replacement Studio XPS 13 but the guy promised me that the motherboard parts had been revised and I wouldn't have any problems ever again after they replaced it once more. Well, here I am six months later. I will be relentless until I get what I want. Which is a Studio XPS 16. Which I really don't even want because it's going to be massive.

 

I also compared the price between the 2 models. They were about same ball park, so I just went w/ the M11x R2. Can't wait!!

BTW spec is pretty much lowest of options, except the CPU (higher one I7).

 

Dell is so inconsistent about everything. When my M1530 was getting replaced, I really wanted a Precision M4400. They said it had to be the SXPS 16 since, the model I wanted was a different line. But I see that some people are getting M15xs as replacements, which I would have been okay with.

 

I did ask M15x since the price I paid for the M1330 was comparable, but the rep did not budge lol. Just settled for M11x which is about half the price of what the M1330 back then. The price thing used to be a valid argument in the past....

 

So my m1330 broke again today. This time, like the last two times, it just randomly turned off and refuses to turn back on. All that happens is the blue LED behind the power button lights up for a few seconds then turns back off and the computer does not turn on or anything. Seeing as how this would be the 7th motherboard replacement, Dell agreed to replace it with a studio xps 16, either a 1640 or 1645 according to the rep. Unfortunately it'll take about a month....so that kinda sucks, but if it means I can plan on not having a computer for a month rather not not knowing, at least I know it won't cause a problem for my classwork.

Now however, the computer is being a bit sporadic. Sometimes, it will turn on when i remove and then reinsert the battery. It turns on for a few seconds and sometimes gets to the login screen. The fan goes to full speed and then turns off and repeats several times. Then the screen either goes white or goes black and and the vertical red bars start to slowly appear. One time it said something about the computer getting too hot, but I don't see how that could be possible it was completely cold and was only on for about 10 seconds. Other times, the computer just won't turn and the little blue power LED on the front next to the headset jacks turns on for a second when i press the power button.

Any idea why it would be doing this and do ya think Dell will be mad that the issue has changed?

Thanks

 

I'd just take the new computer and say goodbye to Dell for a while. I'm frankly amazed at how badly Dell has screwed up.

 

business section laptops are usually built like a tank, but the M1330 is by far the worst laptop that just can't handle it's own heat issues.

 

Don't blame Dell for a problem Nvidia created.

 

Umm are u sure? I just checked the notebookcheck.com and apparently the ATI 5730 and 4670 both beat the 335m, but not by much. I think the Core i7 720qm(Quad Core) trumps the Core i7 ULV (Dual Core)...and the ram speed and FSB is greater. I don't know like I said before, it depends what you are willing to sacrifice. I think overall performance wise, the Studio XPS trumps the M11x. For extreme gaming and multitasking, I would go for the Studio XPS.

 

I was comparing the studio xps 1340, can't really compare a 11.6 inch laptop to the studio xps 16....

I'd imagine people who went with the studio xps 13 or xps m1330 value some sort of portability and battery life.

 

> business section laptops are usually built like a tank, but the M1330 is by
> far the worst laptop that just can't handle it's own heat issues.

The M1330 is fine if you go with Intel Integrated graphics.

> Don't blame Dell for a problem Nvidia created.

The problem is due to nVidia's chips but Dell has been just awful at dealing with the aftermath. Apple just said that they'd extend the warranty to three years. I've had three motherboard replacements on two systems. Just brought it into the local store and they had it back to three to five days.

Dell appears to be playing some kind of system lottery with their notebooks now.

 

After endless mobo replacements my M1330 finally bricked. When I start the computer the screen gradually becomes white - starting from the left side then creeping over to the right. Random vertical colors would follow after the white discoloration. I talked with techs forever on the phone and they finally gave in to replace my system for a 1640.

Here are the specs:
1 224-1944 XPS 1640, Intel Core 2 Duo T9600 (2.8GHz/1066Mhz FSB/6M L2 Cache)
1 310-0173 Airborne Documentation, System Exchanges,Factory Install
1 311-9486 3GB, DDR3, 1067 MHz 2 Dimm forXPS 1640
1 312-0811 56 WHr 6-cell Lithium Ion P Primary Battery, for XPS 1640
1 313-4783 Integrated High Definition Audio 2.2
1 313-8874 8X DVD+/-RW Slot Load Drive
1 320-7337 ATI Mobility RADEON HD 3670 - 512MB
1 320-8178 Obsidian Black High Gloss Finish XPS 1640
1 320-8188 15.6 FHD WLED Display Obsidian Black, 2.0 MP Webcam
1 330-1917 DELL RESOURCE DVD,BACK-UP XPS 1640
1 330-6222 Windows 7 Label
1 341-7911 250GB 7200 RPM SATA Hard Drive
1 410-1883 ADOBE READER 9.0 MULTI- LANGUAGE
1 410-2090 McAfee Sapphire MUI, 15-Month
1 412-0148 No ISP requested
1 412-0360 Soft Contracts - Banctec
1 412-1397 No Productivity Software requested
1 420-6436 PC-Restore, Dim/Insp
1 420-6576 DELL WELCOME,Software Dimension/Inspiron
1 420-7938 Dell Connect 2.1
1 420-8655 LoJack Theft Recovery Softwarefor Laptops, 1 Year
1 420-9100 Dell Dock Consumer
1 420-9352 Dell, Software, Wild Tangent Inc Games
1 420-9518 DATASAFE ONLINE 1.1 2GB
1 420-9691 DataSafe Local BackUp 2.0 Basic
1 421-0092 DELL-DOWNLOAD-FLAG
1 421-0187 Dell Support Center Software 64 Bit 2.0
1 421-0188 Facial Recognition
1 421-0323 Windows Live Search,Multiple User Interface
1 421-1010 Dell Webcam Central v1.4
1 421-1193 Download Store Links
1 421-1361 MOD,SW,RXO,EZCD,10.3,DE,FI
1 421-1582 Cyberlink Power DVD 8.3 Playback
1 421-1737 Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium, 64bit, English
1 421-2086 eBay Webslice
1 430-2600 Integrated 10/100 Network Card
1 430-3497 Dell Wireless 370 Bluetooth Module (2.1)
1 430-3580 Intel WiFi Link 5300 802.11AGNHalf Mini Card w/ My WiFi
1 464-7384 Exchange
1 467-7771 Thanks for choosing Dell!

Here are my old specs:
1 P219D Processor, T9300, 2.5, 6MB, Core Penryn, C0
0 01323 INFORMATION..., NO ITEM
1 J2551 Cord, Power, 110 Volt, 3F, ALTERNATING CURRENT..., 3W P65, UNITED STATES...
1 TY497 KIT..., ACCESSORY..., BOX, BINDER..., ENGLAND/ENGLISH..., M1330, DELL AMERICAS ORGANIZATION...
1 RW506 PLACEMAT..., GETTING STARTED..., EXTREME PERFORMANCE SYSTEM..., M1330, DAO/EMEA
1 YK181 Guide, Product, Information Client, DAO/BCC
1 XK850 Assembly, Adapter, Alternating Current, 65W, 3P, Delta - Ac Adapt, M1330
1 MU194 Keyboard, 86, United States English, Single Pointing Barents, Light
1 2080U DOCUMENTATION..., AIRBORNE..., PFN34607528, RETURN...
1 65658 TECHNICAL SHEET..., REPL SYS, RETURN TO DELL...
1 RK533 Hard Drive, 160GB, Free Fall Sensor, 9.5, 7.2K, Seagate Galileo
1 Y9530 Dual In-line Memory Module 1GB, 667, 128X64, 8K, 200
1 Y9540 Dual In Line Memory Module 2GB, 667, 256X64, 8K, 200
1 M495F Kit, Software, Trend Micro, 16.6 English
1 RW194 Assembly, Dvd+/-Rw, 8X, Panasonic9.5, Slot
1 K257H KIT..., Software, VHP32SP1A, DigitalVideo Disk Drive, Multiple, 5
2 GX074 Bracket, Support, Metal, 13.3 Liquid Crystal Display, M1330
1 GX081 Assembly, Cable, Coaxial, Liquid Crystal Display, Light EmittingDiode, M1330
1 RP774 Liquid Crystal Display, 13.3 WXGA, Video Elec. Stds. Assoc. TLF, TRANSFORMER METROPLEX DESKTOP...
6 2864D Screw, M3X3, K SCREW HEAD..., MICROSOFT..., BLACK OXIDE...
1 U8042 ASSEMBLY..., BASE (ASSEMBLY OR GROUP)..., DISCRETE..., 128M, M1330
1 FW331 Kit, Remote Control, Notebook Mobile 2008, Philips
1 CW725 Card, Wireless, Internal Bluetooth, 355, Windows Vista Os
1 F988H Kit, Software, Dell Media Direct, 3.5, Digital Video Disk Drive, W1, EXTREME PERFORMANCE SYSTEM...
1 FW302 Battery, Primary, 56WHR, 6C Lithium, Sanyo
1 HX105 Assembly, Palmrest Magnesium-Alloy, W/Fingerprint Reader, M1330
1 N6704 Assembly, Camera, 0.3M Integrated, Manufactured In China, M1330
1 RW485 Bezel, Liquid Crystal Display Plastic, 0.3M, Camera, M1330
1 P005H Kit, Software, Roxio, 10.2-0, DellEdition
1 MK933 Card, Wireless, Minicard, 4965 Most Of World 1
1 MM911 Assembly, Heatsink, Notebook, MEROM, Discrete Video, M1330
1 RW683 Assembly, Cover, Hinge, Plastic W/Flexible Printed Circuit M1330
1 GX172 Assembly, Cover, Liquid Crystal Display, Black, Magnesium-alloy M1330

For some reason I do not feel content with the replacement. I spent ~$1200 for my M1330 for pretty much the top of the line. BTW they replaced the battery with a 9 cell. For those that received their 1640, are they usually refurbished or brand new? I think mine is going to be refurbished due to the specs...

 

I would definately ask for better GPU.

 

Well. I wrote a letter to corporate, and got the attention of corporate customer service pretty quickly... I've been playing phone tag with the guy for a few days now. He keeps calling at like 5:30pm and I completely don't want to deal with him at that time. So I finally was available to talk to him today and he started going off on how he's going to set up a service call for them to replace my mobo again. And you know what? I just gave in. I love my M1330. I want to keep it. I don't want a giant Studio XPS 16 or a cheap 14. I have 420 days of warranty left, which is plenty of time for it to fail again, and maybe by then Dell will have a thin and light 13" laptop that I will actually want to fight for. See you in six months!

 

haha, I did the exact same thing when mine broke a month ago. I was told that I could have it replaced...but I didn't want to be without my lovely m1330 for a month and then have a monstrous sxps 16 so i just had the motherboard replaced. But it broke again 2 days ago so I'm getting the sxps 16 now...or at least in a month hopefully.

 

Slightly not on topic with this thread, but the guy came yesterday to replace the motherboard for the third time. Record time! He was out of here in 30 min. and was a real nice guy. The last guy took just short of TWO HOURS and was kind of a sketch-ball. And missed a few screws apparently...

Anyway, it's still idling around 80*F but I was able to watch the same Hulu video as the other night and it only reached 201* whereas it had reached 220* and I think shut off the GPU a few nights ago. We'll see how long this one lasts, and hopefully in the mean time Dell comes out with a nice thin and light 13".

 

Wow...how is it that everyone is getting a replacement laptop but yo got shafted with a motherboard replacement? My screen started flickering the other day...early sign of failure. I seriously hope to not get a motherboard replacement again. I still have a yea r and half left on the warranty.

 

Why not just switch to integrated just before the warranty ends?

 

I could use some advice. I’ve got the m1330. I have not had the NVidia failure, but Dell replaced the motherboard once about 14 months ago while trying to resolve another issue.

About a month ago the laptop started getting noticeably hotter than normal with the fan running full blast, usually when the virus scan kicked on. The hottest it got seems to be 80 degrees C as measured by SpeedFan. Dell sent out a new motherboard and heat sink. The tech put the heat sink on and this dropped the peak temperature to about 73 degrees C under same conditions (idles at about 62 degrees C).

He did not replace the motherboard as he said Dell sends out refurbished motherboards (presumably removed from an old computer and tested) of unknown (to me) history. His logic was that my motherboard has been working without problems and the “new” one is an unknown. Dell claims all refurbished motherboards are new from factory and labeled refurbished because Dell has tested them. Assuming this is true and they have provided a “new” motherboard, I am not certain I should use it.

- Are measured temperature levels of GPU around 80 degrees C likely to degrade the GPU in my current motherboard ? Since my motherboard has not had issues I am disinclined to change it, but this assumes that there are such things as good XPS 1330 motherboards. “New” motherboard is same revision and same GPU series as old motherboard. Should I keep the 14 month old motherboard or change out for “new” motherboard? From reading these forums it sounds like some replacement motherboards don’t last long at all.
-Given my concern over heat and future GPU failure, Dell is offering to exchange my 1330 for a refurbished Studio 16 of unknown specifications (but I am assured they will meet or exceed my 1330 specs). The immediate downside is that this is a bigger, heavier laptop and they are offering only the extent of my remaining warranty of 6 months. So I get a used computer that I wouldn’t have chosen to purchase in the first place having only a 6 month warranty . Is the GPU failure of my m1330 inevitable?Thanks for any input and advice.

 

Hawaii-mike

it seems to be that these 8400 chips are doomed. I say that with sorrow as I have an m1330 with one of these too. It appears the damage is done in the heating and cooling cycle, eventually causing small cracks in the solder.

There is some suggestion that the problem only arises in the heating-cooling cycle above 60 degrees, and some suggestion that if you keep it under this, you will be all right, but it is not confirmed. There is also some suggestion that, the cooler you keep the chip, the longer it will last, but 80 is hot.

The best thing you can do to keep the temperature down is the copper mod mentioned here
http://forum.notebookreview.com/del...m1330-nvidia-geforce-8400m-gs-copper-mod.html

(though some people recommend replacing the copper with a new form of thermal compound). It looks scary to me at first, but it's quite easy, and my temps dropped to a reasonable 55 on light load...which is where I try to keep it! So far - a year or so - and all is good. If you are not willing to do this, though, then I would go for a replacement.

There is a thread in this forum about vertical lines problem on m1330 - many many many pages, which contains more information on this issue if you are interested.

 

so how long has it taken for most of people's replacements to get to them? It's been a week since mine was initiated (the 14th) and its status has been "Parts Ordered" since thursday (the 17th). A month is an awefully long time to be without my laptop so I'm hoping it doesn't take that long. I'm assuming that Parts Ordered just means that they're trying to get those parts....this is what is says so far...

Part Number Description Quantity

224-5207 XPS 1640, P8700 (2.53GHZ) CORE 2 DUO 00001
310-0173 AIRBORNE DOCUMENTATION, SYSTEM BOARD..., FACT 00001

 

wow i'm new to this forum and i must say, i really empathize reading the conversations going on about the M1330. Now, i can't help but throw in all my thoughts and experience in about it too!

hey stephen,

replacements usually take about a little bit over a month as I used to go through the same cycle of "experience" with my m1330. I guess it's because they might be trying to come up with something worth compensating the odd customer experience u got with it.. they always say it's the paperwork and the logistics that make it slow, but the guy who dealt with me last time came through well! the trick is, you gotta have a single contact person whom you can deal with when u make chase-up calls. Usually the tech support escalations manager or some guy.
I know, it's quite disappointing sometimes when u just can't live without a computer but then again, it's just electronics.. I hope you get your problems whooshed-away with your new replacement, as did mine!

I bought my m1330 during christmas '07. Loved it until about 7 months later when the screen started showing green lines. So the events that followed, (no need to mention as i think everyone here knows how Dell Tech Support works) got the service guy to replace the motherboard in 2 days. That was the FASTEST break-fix I've ever experienced in my history with computers.. KUDOS to Dell for this! anyways...
what actually happend for the next 4 months was the motherboard got replaced again 2 more times.
I was practically pissed and started making formal escalations to tech support.. it took like about 3 calls to them and finally got the attention of their manager. This all links back to the advise i gave stephen.

Since then, my new m1330 seems to behave itself. Probably because i learnt to use a cooling pad with it and prefer to use it in places with good ventilation (last time they don't have new models to give-away .. darn! ).

One thing i noticed about Dell after-sales is that they really hear you. When you have issues with your computer they come rushing to you or give you niceties to replace the lost time or whatever. And they really admit they're at fault on their products and service. I've never had this kind of treatment as a customer elsewhere. Dell has been my 4th and latest choice since then.

The other day I was at starbucks doing my stuff with my XPS and suddenly a stranger came up to me and started being friendly. I thought he was gay at first haha! but i'm polite Then he started asking a few questions about my good ol' xps m1330, so i completely gave him my praises and complaints about it. Guess what, he nodded and said "thanks for being honest about the product", took out a card and handed over, "if you ever needed help or not happy with the service u're getting, contact us, we're all part of the team." .. I'm completely bought!
This guys was just the Online system administrator of the company. Whatever they've got going on in Dell, it's definitely a good thing going.

I just hope they get rid of the issues they have with their suppliers.. in this case.. nVidia!

 

oops.. let me rephrase. my replacement system came in a lil' less than a month. about 3 wks.. don't mean to scare you there

 

I'm buying notebooks from Apple these days. Hard to beat the service at the Apple Store.

 

After three mobo replacements, four cooling replacements and one broken keyboard i got a replacement.

Best config of Vostro 3300 delivered last week with i5 and 310M.

 

it's generally hard to compare a Dell, HP, Acer or any pro-microsoft brands to apple. the competition is more between Windows OS and mac OS rather than computer hardware. MAC OS is stable, but loses out quite alot when it comes to applications.

People i know who are using iMac do complain occasionally about the computer and they still need to approach their tech support. They also use similar parts from the pool of hardware vendors like intel, nvidia, etc. Plus, apple products still cost a bomb..

 

So has anyone else here had there m1330 replaced with a 1640 only to begin having throttling problems with the 1640? If so, how did you handle them? There were games (Rome: Total War, The Sims 3 and Civ. 4) that I could play just fine on the m1330 that are unplayable after 15 minutes or so due to throttling on the 1640. I've tried calling Dell XPS support already but they are apparently very busy and after waiting 25 minutes on hold without even speaking to an actual person I hung up since I can't waste that many cell phone minutes . So I'm just trying to get an idea of what to expect when I begin to tell them my problems. See my sig for the specs

Thanks!

 

After 3 months, I think I am finally satisfied with my M1330 replacement. It sure was a battle and a lot of work but well worth it. So far, I really really like the XPS 1645 even though it is a much larger and less portable system. Great build quality, screen, speakers, and speed. We'll see if the throttling issue comes up...

Replacement: XPS 1645
1 224-6716 Studio XPS 16 Notebook
1 312-0950 9-cell Battery
1 313-8874 8X DVD+/-RW Slot Load Drive
1 317-2361 Intel Core i7 720QM 1.6GHz (2.8 GHz Turbo Mode, 6MB Cache)
1 317-2364 4GB, DDR3, 1333MHz 2 Dimm
1 320-1307 ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5730 - 1GB
1 320-8331 15.6 inch Wide Screen 16:9 900p HD+ WLED LCD, W/2.0 MP, XPS 1645
1 320-8351 Obsidian Black High Gloss Finish
1 330-6222 Windows 7 Label
1 330-7785 RESOURCE DVD,BACK-UP,MADISON,XPS 1645
1 341-9802 320GB 7200 RPM SATA Hard Drive
1 421-0188 Facial Recognition
1 421-1366 Genuine Windows 7 Professional, 64bit, English
1 421-2000 Soundblaster X-Fi Hi Def Audio Software Enabled
1 430-0700 Dell Wireless 370 Bluetooth Module (2.1+EDR)
1 430-0737 Intel WiFi Link 5300 802.11AGN Half Mini Card
1 430-3605 Integrated 10/100 Network Card


Original M1330
Core 2 Duo 2.1ghz
2gb ram
120gig hd
Nvidia video card
etc

 

@justinmw - thats definitely not a bad final product considering what you came from. Time to cross your fingers and hope it doesn't throttle. As I posted my 1640 is having throttling issues which I've now noticed happens even if I'm just watching a HD video

hopefully your laptop won't have any problems and hopefully Dell with either find a way to fix my issue and or send me another laptop without any issues...

I'm still kinda wishing that they had given me one of the nicer casings (at least one of the ones with leather) since I paid for the Blue Lid originally on the m1330. I guess they figure since they don't have blue on the 1640 they can just give me the cheapest lid...I may try to follow up on that and have a new one sent if its possible.

 

If I were you, I would try to get a new system with a newer processor and the new video card as you absolutely shouldn't have to deal with this stupid issue.

I haven't used my system for anything that will make it work much yet and the processor's are averaging ~50*C and the GPU 47* for normal browsing and email. Is there a program to put the processors to the test to see if it will throttle?

 

I used 3 programs:
Throttlestop
Furmark
Prime95

I'd refer you to this thread:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/dell-xps-studio-xps/458668-1640-throttling-post-here.html

Thats where I have been posting, unclewebb has been very helpful there and seems to know pretty much everything there is to know about throttling and especially Throttlestop. My 1640 starts throttling around 85 or 86 C, but my problem apparently has more to do with a power shortage.

 

I'm glad I found this thread because I am/was in the same m1330 boat. I would not have pushed if it hadn't been for some of you - thanks! That said, everyone I spoke to refused to give me a refund and finally promised to give me a XPS 16 series (refurb, since my 1330 was). They sent me an e-mail in a day with the new system and it turned out to be another m1330 (with worse specs). I called them right away and insisted that it had to be at least as good - I had a couple things in my favor:
M1330 (mine)
2.5GHz C2D (it had the 6mb cache)
320 GB (7200RPM)
4gb RAM
8400 vid
and Vista Business (I really don't care about it that much, but that was what saved me - insisting I wouldn't settle for Premium or anything less than Business. There are few systems in the outlet with Business).
After I complain, they called me and said they are building me a new 1645!
Studio XPS 16 Notebook
9-cell Battery $45.00
8X DVD+/-RW Slot Load Drive $0.00
Intel Core i7 820QM 1.73GHz (3.06GHz Turbo Mode, 8MB Cache) $1170.99
4GB, DDR3, 1333MHz 2 Dimm $0.00
ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5730 - 1GB $0.00
15.6 inch Wide Screen 16:9 1080p Full HD WLED LCD, W/2.0 MP, XPS 1645 $75.00
Obsidian Black High Gloss Finish with Leather XPS 1645 $40.00
500GB 7200RPM Free Fall SensorSeagate Hard Drive $75.00
Genuine Windows 7 Ultimate, 64 bit, English $150.00
Intel 6250 Wireless-N w/WiMAX (2x2)
I think it was a pretty good trade! (BTW, I already have one of these, anyone want this brand new system

 

Push for AW M11x if you are after size like when you bought M1330.

I recieved my replacement today and it's pretty sweet laptop. It's heavier than I excpeted though.

 

I am trying to get a M11x as replacement for my failing m1330, but the Dell representatives keep saying they never offer M11x as replacement for m1330 as they never do replacement cross the product line. But they sent me a dirty XPS 1640 without my approval and also wanted me to accept a Studio 14 if I want a portable laptop. Replacing a XPS m1330 with a Studio 14 is crossing the product line, right?

I emailed michael and michael_dell and have no luck yet. I just filed complaint with BBB and hope I can get some luck.

As this New York Times article stated, Dell as a company is failing.

Sean

 

Yeah. If they give you alot of problems, just get the 1640, sell it, then buy M11x. That should work out.

Your rep is an a s s by making comments about the product line. Just remember M1330 was not a buget laptop when it came out. Mine was well over 2k configuration, and I told my rep who offered the 1640 initially that M11x is about the same price or cheaper than the 1640 you are trying to push, so atleast make the customer happy by letting me have what I want in that price range, and he listened. I did tell him I'm not going to want the 14 series since they are cheap looking, bulky, and not even XPS line, then the rep offered 1640, and I said I have 2 17 inch laptops already so there is no need for it, and I wanted m11x instead. I couldn't push for higher specs though.

 

I was offered SXPS 1640 (T9600, ATI 3670, 3GB, 15.6 FHD WLED) at first. Then I spoke to a manager and got a SXPS 1645 instead. The specs is actually pretty good: i7 720QM and ATI 5730, although the screen is HD+ WLED this time and is not as good as the 15.6 FHD WLED. Is there a huge difference between 900p and 1080p on a 15.6 size?

 

I've had my 1645 replacement for about a week now and I'm really liking the HD+ resolution. I've heard that the FHD res can be a little straining on the eyes, but obviously it would be good for gaming and movies; both which I don't really care about.

Let me know if you have any other questions about the 1645

 

Thanks, Justinmw!

Just received a call from Dell saying my replacement laptop will ship in 5 - 7 business days (pretty fast). My current warranty expires soon so I extend it for two more years as well (around $260).

 

I have the M1330 and the mboard was replaced 3 or 4 times. Yesterday the touchpad buttons stopped working (again) so I have to use an external mouse. Also, when pressing hard on the tuochpad buttons, there seems to be an electrical short which shuts the entire system off.

I wanted an exchange and Dell said I could get the XPS 16 inch (too big) and the Studio 14 (crap).

I told Dell I wanted a Latitude 4310 or 6410 (even though unlike the m1330 they don't have HDMI). They refused. I told them to refund the Alienware m11x I just bought. They refused.

Since my warranty expires in October, I decided to have the mboard and touchpad replaced again. This should last right until my warranty expires, and hopefully by then they will have a better XPS option for an exchange.

It's kinda pathetic that they had a thin light 13 inch computer with HDMI three years ago, but today they have nothing comparable.

 

Why didn't you just take the XPS 16 and sell it? It beats what you ended up with. No offense, but asking for refund on M11x you just bought was just a sad attempt.

 

I'm not gonna waste my time correcting Dell's mistake.

If they paid for my m11x, it would have cost them around $1200

Instead, they are going to pay parts and labor to replace my mboard and touchpad, and then in a few months I am going to get their latest laptop for free.

 

Contradict yourself much?

LOL

 

Why is it too hard for you to understand this?

You were dealing with a resolution specialist who tried to help you with your M1330, not a brand new system you just bought. Totally irrelevant on his end.

Put yourself in his shoes and think about the situation.

Most reps do infact listen to reasonable trade offs, and yours weren't.

Enjoy the fixed M1330.

 

Contradict yourself much?

LOL

I will, thanks, for another few months. And when it breaks again right before the warranty expires, I will enjoy a brand new laptop from Dell.

 

Great minds think alike

 

Keep repeating that to yourself. I'll just enjoy my M11x R2 while your at it . I can see why your arguement failed you with Dell.

 

Well, I guess Dell people are just genius. Dell replaced my failing XPS m1330 with a defective XPS 1640 which is throttling and its top part of the screen is darker than the bottom part.

I called Dell and they did not even ask me to do any test first and agreed to send me another replacement a 1645 or 1647. I guess Dell will just pick another customer return from the 1645/1647 bin and send it to me without even cleaning it first. They still refused to send me a M11x. The representative mentioned M11x costs more. The funny thing is that Dell put a $1650 price tag on my current defective X1640 and for $1650 I can buy a very good configured M11xR2.

Dell, the company or the person, has no grace/dignity any more.

Sean

 

Dude, I know just how you feel. I had my m1330 replaced by a 1640 (see sig) about a week ago and had the motherboard/gpu and heatsink replaced and was upgraded to a 130W from 90W adapter because I complained about throttling issues (which the tech somehow interpreted as a loose fan assembly and that I was complaining about fan noise....but thats another matter). Anyways...now the adapter is making funny noises and the computer still throttles...we shall see what happens when I call in next week. If only Dell had a computer that would actually work for me and all of use m1330 owners for that matter

not to mention 16 inches is way too big

 

I'll enjoy my faster M11x R2 http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware-m11x/489888-m11xr2-discussion-thread-11.html#post6336966

And my fixed M1330

And in a few months, Dell's upcoming 13" free exchange, because I didn't settle for a cheap Studio 14 or an oversized XPS 16

 

My order status now says "shipped" :-o. Tracking number is not yet available, but that is so fast considering it was ordered on June 29th.