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

Hopefully they built you a new one and didn't ship a refurb which could explain why it shipped so fast.

 

I was told by phone that it will be a new one. Also "Factory install" is listed on the order status page:

1 310-0173 Airborne Documentation, System Exchanges,Factory Install

So it look like the system is new.

 

I posted this in the 1640 throttling post here thread but I assume those of you with M1330s probably don't check that thread and I thought this might help you so I will post here as well:




Finally closure! If anyone was interested in knowing how my case was playing out here is an update for ya, maybe this will help those still in the process.

I purchased a Dell XPS M1330 back in December of 2007 (see sig for specs) for about $2000 to be used for college. For the first year it worked great and I had ZERO problems. After almost a year the video card fried and I got the vertical bars and had the GPU replaced. After that, every 2 months something would stop working on my laptop resulting in the following components being replaced: 7 motherboards/GPUs, 2 LCDs, 2 bluetooth chips, 7 fans/heatsinks and 3 RAM replacements (approximately).

After that I got fed up with Dell and requested a replacement system about 2 weeks ago on June 23. I was informed that I would get either a Studio XPS 1640 or 1645 with similar or better specs. I received a SXPS 1640 (see sig for specs). From the beginning I had problems with throttling and HD videos and some games would freeze up after about 20 or 25 minutes (and these aren't intensive games, I'm talking about The Sims 3, Rome: Total War and Civ4). Dell then replaced the motherboard, heatsink/fan and AC adapter. The computer still throttled. Today Dell replaced the RAM, AC adapter and heatsink/fan and of course....the computer still throttles.

I called Dell back up this morning and explained everything to Ed who was very VERY kind and helpful. I told him about everything that I had been through and how I had researched the problem and talked with the very helpful people on this forum (thats you unclewebb!) and how I had learned about throttling's cause and problems. He first offered to send a tech to me to replace all of the components in my computer (Motherboard, Hard Drive, CPU, GPU, RAM and who knows what else). I told him that I didn't think that would fix the problem since I had only had the laptop for two weeks and it had the issue from the get go. He offered to replace my system and I told him that I didn't think that would work because the throttling problem seemed to be rather endemic to the entire SXPS 16 line.

He then asked me what it was I wanted to do. I asked him if it was possible to get a refund. He told me that it was and that he personally couldn't help me but he could fill out a case report and include everything that I had told him and he could refer me to the customer service department. I then called customer service and was transferred around to multiple departments for about 30 minutes until I eventually made my way back to XPS Tech Support. I then began speaking with a very nice lady named Karleen who seemed to have more power than all of the people I had spoken with previously. I explained everything to her and gave her the case number and she told me that she would process the FULL SYSTEM REFUND! Meaning that they would email me a shipping return label and I could send the SXPS 16 back to Dell and they would then refund my credit card!

This is where I am currently at. They are not able to tell me how much the refund will be exactly except that it will be a full system refund and I will know the amount after they have received the returned computer. I don't know which system will be refunded the original M1330 for which I paid over $2000 or the SXPS 16 which comes out to about $1600 when I configure it on the Dell website with a 2 full system warranty (I have about 2 years of warranty left but I'm not really sure how that works).

Hopefully they will refund the M1330 but I don't really know so if anyone does know I would appreciate it if you could enlighten me. Overall, for those still in the process, in order to get the best help make sure to be very nice to all of the Dell reps, always speak in a very nice voice and thank them for everything they do. Often I will strike up a conversation about something rather unrelated. For instance, right now the World Cup is a good place to start. Just be honest with them and tell them exactly what has been going on and explain to them your thoughts and feelings on the problems. If you make a connection with them they are much more likely to help you (this of course applies to other things as well).

Sorry this turned in to such a long post, but I hope it helps someone out there. I will update you in about a week when I receive my refund.

Edit: Now I'm trying to figure out what computer I want to buy. I've been eyeing the 13" Apple Macbook Pro @2.4 ghz with a 128 GB SSD since its a bit more like the m1330 that I originally paid for and loved so much which comes to around $1600 plus a free ipod touch. I'm kinda dissapointed it doesn't have a core i3 or i5 but there isn't much I can do about that. I don't really game that much and all the games that I play I could play on that anyways. It also depends on how much of a refund I end up getting. If anyone has any laptop recommendations I would appreciate it as well.

Thanks!

 

M11x R1 or R2. Both relatively cheap and comparable with M1330 except no disk drive. I couldn't ask for the refund since I bought my M1330 w/ a IT contractor at my office! I think you could've asked the rep who is granting the refund to configure the system you want at the price that's relative, or even better price though.

It all boils down to who you talk to, and how you approach it. GJ btw.

 

Haha yeah I tried to switch to another model but he wouldn't let me for some reason. He just said I could have my money back and purchase the other model that I wanted. I never said the other model would be a Dell though.

 

stephen6119

Just in case you missed the conclusion of my ordeal within this thread
http://forum.notebookreview.com/6259286-post201.html

You will likely receive 100% FULL refund of your original purchase from years ago

 

That is a BEAUTIFUL picture

 

Was it because of your CPU they gave that? I have a T7300

Also just to let everyone know, if you have an M1330 the warranty is automatically extended 12 months for any problems related to the nvidia GPU.

So I *may* have another year to hold onto mine before getting a replacement / refund.

 

I would like to know as well. I have a T7500 (not even sure what that means, haha). If I can get a full refund, I'd rather do that than be stuck with a refurbished studio xps that may have as many problems as my current system.

 

So I just came across the site after dealing with the constant issues on my M1330. I still have a little over a year left of my 3 Year Next Day Onsite Warranty. Dell screwed up and told me it was going to take 3+days to repair my laptop so I told them either they were going to give me a refund or a new laptop. I got offered 1640 or Studio 14. I also told them I would prefer an M11x due to the size but got stopped at the door. So I told them the Studio 14 due to the size. Just got a call today back with this as a replacement. Its kinda meh. How did you all get better specs? Manager is calling me back later to discuss the order. I need the laptop for work so I might take this and sell it for a better one later. What you all think?

Replacements Specs are:
1 224-3925 XPS 1640, Intel Core 2 Duo P7450 (2.13GHz/1066Mhz FSB/3M 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
1 313-8874 8X DVD+/-RW Slot Load Drive
1 320-0991 15.6 FHD WLED Display Obsidian Black, 2.0 MP Webcam
1 320-7337 ATI Mobility RADEON HD 3670 - 512MB
1 320-8178 Obsidian Black High Gloss Finish XPS 1640
1 320-8181 15.6 inch Wide Screen 16:9 1080p FHD WLED LCD W/2.0MP, XPS 1640
1 330-1917 DELL RESOURCE DVD,BACK-UP XPS 1640
1 330-6222 Windows 7 Label
1 341-7912 320GB 7200 RPM SATA Hard Drive
1 410-1883 ADOBE READER 9.0 MULTI- LANGUAGE
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
1 420-8158 Roxio Creator 10 Premiere Standard Definition, Factory Installed
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
1 421-1366 Genuine Windows 7 Professional, 64bit, English
1 421-1582 Cyberlink Power DVD 8.3 Playback
1 421-2000 Soundblaster X-Fi Hi Def Audio Software Enabled
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
1 461-8389 No Virus Protection Requested
1 464-7384 Exchange
1 467-7771 Thanks for choosing Dell!

My M1330 is:
1 MU697 Processor, T7250, 2.0, 2MB Core Merom , M0
0 01323 INFORMATION..., NO ITEM
1 J2551 Cord, Power, 110 Volt, 3F, ALTERNATING CURRENT..., 3W P65, UNITED STATES...
1 RW506 PLACEMAT..., GETTING STARTED..., EXTREME PERFORMANCE SYSTEM..., M1330, DAO/EMEA
1 NX061 Assembly, Adapter, Alternating Current, 65W, 3P, Latin, M1330
1 MU194 Keyboard, 86, United States English, Single Pointing Barents, Light
1 FK454 Kit, Earphone, BUDS, Notebook XPS-M1210
1 NX696 Kit, Software, Overpack, VB32, A01Digital Video Disk Drive England
1 Y9535 Dual In-Line Memory Module, 1G 667, 128X64, 8, 200, 1GBIT
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
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 R020C Kit, Software, Works, 9, English
1 NC293 Card, Network, Minicard, 3945ULD Dell Americas Organization
1 GN866 Kit, Software, Dell Media Direct3.5, Digital Video Disk Drive Extreme Performance System
1 FW302 Battery, Primary, 56WHR, 6C Lithium, Sanyo
1 WU082 Hard Drive, 320GB, S2, 5.4K, 9.5 WD-ML160
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 F084D Kit, Software, Roxio, 10-0, Dell Edition
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

 

There is no point to keep calling tech support. It's just a waste of time. You shoud file complaint to BBB and also email michael and michael_dell. You need to tell them politely that XPS16 or Studio 14 is not the equivalent of m1330 in terms of size and feature. Ask them for a M11xR2 or a refund. I went this route and Dell chose to send me a M11xR2 which is still in production.

Sean

 

I spoke to the manager a few mins ago and told her that I did not want the Studio XPS 16. I expressed dissatisfaction about the Studio 14 and said the only suitable replacement was the M11x and got "lets see what I can do but no promises" comment. So she is suppose to call me tomorrow at 1pm est to let me know but I took Sean's advice and sent a email over to Micheal Dell to maybe help along the process. I mostly use my laptop for work and travel but I do like to game on it as well. Lets see what happens.

 

They usually say no initially, but you will get want you want at the end as long as it's reasonable.

 

In English?

 

Better question is who is that even directed towards? I'm pretty sure no one is complaining about CPU running at 100%. I know for me it has been the Nvidia 8400 issue.

 

Wow all i have to say is Corporate HQ gets things done. Just spoke to a very nice woman from Corporate in response to my email I sent last night. At first she didn't want to budge from the XPS 16 but after I told her it would not meet my needs she went ahead and processed the M11x. At first it was going to be a Core 2 Duo. I asked if I could pay the difference but she said that wouldn't be possible with a system exchange. I politely told her that if I could get the I7 CPU it would make me a very happy and satisfied customer.
after that this is what I got approved for.

1 224-8848 Alienware M11x, Lunar Shadow
1 310-0173 Airborne Documentation, System Exchanges,Factory Install
1 313-8791 AlienFX Color, Mars Red
1 313-9774 Overclockable Intel Core i7 640UM (4M Cache, 2.266 GHz Max Turbo Frequency)
1 313-9856 Integrated 10/100 Network Interface Card
1 313-9958 Integrated High-Definition Surround Sound Audio (5.1)
1 317-4708 3GB DDR3 at 800MHz
1 320-1468 11.6-inch WideHD 1366x768 (720p) WLED, no WWAN Antenna
1 320-9857 1GB NVIDIA GeForce GT 335M
1 330-5090 Thank You for Purchasing AlienWare
1 330-6106 Personalized Nameplate Trigger
1 330-6348 Automatic Updates: On
1 330-8995 1.3 Megapixel Webcam
1 330-9552 Personalized Nameplate
1 330-9945 Alienware M11x 90W A/C Adapter
1 342-1324 320GB SATAII 7,200RPM
1 410-1883 ADOBE READER 9.0 MULTI- LANGUAGE
1 420-6436 PC-Restore, Dim/Insp
1 420-9691 DataSafe Local BackUp
1 421-0092 DELL-DOWNLOAD-FLAG
1 421-1360 Steam and Portal Factory Installed
1 421-1399 Genuine Windows 7 Professional, 64bit, English
1 421-1573 Alienhead 3D
1 421-1591 Alienhead 3D
1 421-3095 Alienware Command Center Software, M11x
1 430-3773 No Internal WWAN Antenna Installed
1 430-3796 Alienware M11x a/b/g/n 2x2 MIMO Wireless
1 430-8555 Optional Bluetooth Module, 2.1+ Enhanced Data Rate

All in all, yes it was a pain and time consuming but today I am very happy. Now the waiting game for it to get built and shipped.

 

Good Job x) Better spec than mine!!. Now extend your warranty lol. I extended mine thru 6/2015

 

lol, yah when I get it in hands I will be extending the warranty.

 

I came across this forum and only then I realized that there is a possibility of a system exchange. Thanks to the forum. I have had a number of issues with my M1330 and I have almost replaced the entire components of the system 3 times. But throttling, over heating and frequent freezing of the laptop occurs no matter what.

After reading this forum I had a chat online with one of the Dell representative and he offered me a XPS 16 series replacement. But he also said that if there is a XPS M1330 with the same or higher configuration in the dell warehouse they would ship that. I checked the Dell Outlet website and found a number of refurbished XPS M1330 with the same configuration or better. I am afraid they are going to ship that. I dont want to have the same problem.

What do you guys think ? Also I told them that when I bought the XPS M1330 I got it for over $2k and dont want a cheap system. It seems that I have to wait for another 2 weeks to see what they have decided to send me.

Any thing that I have missed or should have done ???

 

You can ask them to process a refund if you are not happy with any choices they offer. 2k is surely more than enough for any laptop now.

 

Wow did I just get carrot on the stick from Dell. I got a call from a tech today about the repair of my M1330. I was shocked and confused since I was already approved for a replacement. He asked if 2pm on Monday was a good time I said sure since I really didn't care. A little bit ago I checked the status of my M11x and low and behold it was canceled. And of course Dell is closed right now for me to see why it was canceled. I just sent an email back to the person that helped me from Corporate. I will be beyond pissed if that just used the "exchange" laptop to keep me at bay till they got parts in for my M1330. Just for the record my laptop has been out of commission since the 14th. This might make me done with Dell all together if that's how things are going to be. We shall see on Monday.

 

Gotta love how Dell give you something for the troubles, and take it right back, and give you more troubles.

 

Ok! here is the situation. They canceled my order because of the nameplate was back ordered or something. I'm like w t f?! So I told her I didn't care about the nameplate so they just reordered the m11x just waiting on a shipping estimate. I tell you we should be in a circus with all these clowns. lol

 

So I got an automated system call from Dell and it informed me that my replacement laptop had already been shipped. Dell processed my system exchange in just 2days that is the best part and now for the worst thing. They sent me another XPS M1330 exactly with the same configuration :-(

I guess I was unlucky they have a whole lot of XPS M1330 in Dell outlet with different configuration. Though I am happy that I have a 13" laptop rather than a 16" monster I am worried that I will have the same problem as I had faced with my earlier XPS M1330.

I called dell and told them about my concern and they informed me that everything is going to be fine with the new laptop but I am skeptical about it.

Any suggestions guy.

 

So I got an automated system call from Dell and it informed me that my replacement laptop had already been shipped. Dell processed my system exchange in just 2days that is the best part and now for the worst thing. They sent me another XPS M1330 exactly with the same configuration :-(

I guess I was unlucky they have a whole lot of XPS M1330 in Dell outlet with different configuration. Though I am happy that I have a 13" laptop rather than a 16" monster I am worried that I will have the same problem as I had faced with my earlier XPS M1330.

I called dell and told them about my concern and they informed me that everything is going to be fine with the new laptop but I am skeptical about it.

Any suggestions guy.

 

blah...............

 

This is bull. They could easily have gave you a 1640/5/7. You need to call them back and tell them you will have the exact same issue. The 8400 is plagued faulty part and is a ticking time bomb. They even extended the warranty for the card for the exact issue. Push and ask to speak to a manager don't let them off with it, also look around the forums for the michael dell email so someone from corporate will help you

 

Wait until you get the laptop, then go with "unresolved issues", and they will contact you in a day or 2. Tell them the new system also has over heating issues (I'm pretty sure it will be the case soon or later).

 

After quite a few phonecalls, dell replaced my m1330 with an xps 1340.

Question though:
I recently purchased a 1340 for the family.
8700, 2.53, 3MB, Core Penryn, 25W, R0
w/ 4GB ram.

I figured I would just sell whatever laptop dell sent me to cover my cost of that purchase. Well.... dell sent me a:
p9600 @ 2.66GHz with 8GB ram but it's a refurb.

Do I keep the refurb, push for a warranty from dell and sell the one I just bought?

Or do I sell the refurb? Other than a bit of future-proofing... what will the p9600 and 8GB give me?

Thanks all-

 

I would've asked for different laptop if you already had a 1340.

 

1340's seem to be selling well on ebay though. Given my plan was to sell one and keep one, I was ok with it.

I don't think I would have gotten a new laptop or an 11x given the specs of my 1330.

Maybe I'm wrong though.

 

dang how recent was this? i did a swap last Wednesday and they gave me a Studio XPS 1640! This thing is a tank! It's fully upgraded though.

 

I've been sent two within the past 7 days. The first arrived defected. The second seems to be fine.

 

Thanks for this thread. It has been helpful reading about others' experiences.

My M1330 is dying again (it's happened enough for me to be able to recognize the signs early, thankfully). I've been through 3 motherboard replacements already (GPU problems), a replaced battery (the replacement has gone from 4 hours of life to 20 minutes of life in less than a year -- no doubt because of the heat of the system), a replaced power adapter, and now the GPU is on its way out again and the DVD drive (always finnicky) has finally more or less failed (I don't consider a DVD drive that will deign to read a DVD once every few dozen attempts functioning).

I submitted an email to Dell requesting a refund or replacement. Initially, the CSR suggested that a refund might be a possibility, but then later retracted that (probably since I showed willingness to consider a replacement, stupid me). He then offered an XPS 1640 of indeterminate configuration as a replacement. I responded that it was much too large for my needs, and that my primary concerns were portability, battery life, and GPU power (a difficult combination, I know, but that's what I thought I was getting with the M1330). A different CSR then said that he couldn't promise anything but would speak to his supervisor; I then reiterated that if they couldn't find a system that met my needs, I would prefer a refund.

That's where it stands now. I'm doing my best to be polite but firm. Any suggestions on how to proceed? For those who have received the 1640 as a replacement, how do you feel about it, keeping in mind my criteria?

update: immediately after posting, I received another email stating that the XPS 16 was the only replacement they were willing to offer; the CSR stated that it "not only exceed [sic] the specification of your old computer but it's also newer and more expensive". Correct me if I'm wrong, but the 1640 is like an $1100 computer, right? My M1330 was $1600 (and that was after $700 off). I think I'm going to wait a few hours before I respond and see if I can get the other CSR (who seemed a little more flexible).

 

Ask for m11x and tell the rep that's the only identical system that will suit ur need, or push for the refund.

 

All you can really do is keep pushing and not taking no for a answer. Ive been fighting with them for god has to be over a month now but I got corporate involved and I am scheduled to get my m11x tomorrow. W00t

Just a fyi I was first offered a Studio 14 or XPS16 as a replacement. What I would do is find a suitable replacement on Dells site and push for that or a refund. Good Luck!

 

Honestly, I'm not sure the m11x is really what I want either. The 13" screen on the M1330 is kinda the ideal compromise between portability and legibility...I think my eyes would kill me on an 11 inch screen.

 

It is small, but the system is pretty powerful for it's size.

I'm used to the screen already btw, then again, I don't use it as much as my desktop w/ 3007 wft x).

 

my m1330 is showing problems once again:'(
The tech offered to send it to the depot for repair. My warranty ends next week, but I called today about the problem. I was wondering if Dell will continue to fix my laptop even if i find problems again when I get my laptop back? (it would be outside the warranty period) The tech quoted yes, but I want to make sure he was not telling me what I wanted to hear,lol

and for people getting refund...when did you order your m1330? I ordered it when it first came out; is it possible to argue for a refund now?

 

I would extend the warranty.

 

Still going through the email mill; I may have to call soon, but I'm dreading it. The refund still is allegedly out of the question. I got about 5 emails where I was told that the XPS 1640 was my only option, but the most recent says that the Studio 14 would also be an option -- I guess I should consider that progress. The Studio 14 is, honestly, closer to my desired form factor and feature set, but it's so cheap and plasticky looking! And I'd just hate to replace a $1600 laptop with a $600 one regardless.

I'm considering just giving in to the 1640 if they can give me a loaded one...it'd be a pain lugging it around, but I guess if I got one with the 5730 at least it'd be fun for playing games on. This is all kinda counter to my nature...I dislike being pushy and pressing again and again for different options, but none of the things they've offered to replace my system with really fulfill my needs. I'm to the point where I almost just want to have them fix the damn m1330 again and hope for the best, but I'm sick of having a tech out here every 6 months.

update: I agreed to the SXPS 16 if and only if they would give me the i5-540m and the 5730, which I believe basically guarantees getting one of the newer ones (plus this configuration is closest to what I want and to the original price of the M1330, although a few hundred cheaper). It's gonna be huge, but I guess a big working laptop is better than a small broken one.

 

Does anyone have recommendations for extending warranties? My original 1330 warranty is up in a month and I want to extend it for my new 1645. I've heard that the 1330 warranty should have been automatically extended for a year due to the GPU issue; if is true, would it extend to my 1645?

 

No I don't think so.

 

Just got the new system specs sent to me: a new SXPS 16, i5-540M, and ATI HD 5730 1GB. I may decide after a month or two of using it that it's too big, but at least it's new and shouldn't be a performance slouch. Thanks again for the help here.

 

I got my m1330 when they launched, and had the T9500 too. Had to have the motherboard replaced twice now. Well, while moving in to my new apartment, dropped the m1330. I have Complete Care coverage so it's getting replaced, but with what...

I made my specifications "small and lightweight, powerful. without the video issues my m1330 had"

According to the Your Tech Team rep I talked to today, I'll likely be getting a Studio XPS 16, but it hasn't even began production yet.

I spent $2500 on this back in the day, right when the penryn's launched. I personally don't think a SXPS 16 is "small and lightweight" nor is it the complete value of what I received back in 2008 but I'll wait it out and see what actually gets updated on my dispatch number and then complain...

EDIT: If they do indeed replace it with a SXPS, I'm going to have more issues as I have an extra 9 cell battery and my laptop case which I purchased at the time of the sale that fits a 14in laptop...

 

Hello, I'm new here and this is my first post, but I've been lurking and following along for a while as I'm going through the M1330 replacement process (have been for 3 months now).

I've had all the usual problems three motherboard replacement, 4 optical drives, two LCD screens, and finally got a replacement. After telling them that I would not accept a 1330 as a replacement, they sent me a 1330. I sent it back and started the exchange process again. I was assured by the tech that this time I would be receiving an XPS 16, and not the same old POS M1330, I agreed that an XPS 16 would be fine and he agreed to have the exchange expedited. A week later another M1330 showed up on my doorstep. I called them again and explained the situation, returned the second replacement and was promised that I would not be receiving another M1330 and that they were not sure what had happened but they would do everything possible to restore my faith in dell. This last conversation took place the Friday before last, on Wednesday I received an email from someone at dell explaining that they were working on my replacement system, and that I could check the specs on the website at the link they provided. I clicked the link and put in my info, only to find that another freaking M1330 had been shipped that day!!!! At this point I was extremely Pi%#ed. I sent an email to "unresolved issues", and called tech support back, on the warpath. I was transferred twice and finally ended up talking to a manager. He informed me that he would personally make sure that I did not receive another M1330, and that he would make a few calls, and get the ball rolling to get my replacement. He called me back a half hour later and informed me that I would be receiving an XPS 16 and that the specs should be available for me to view within the next few days. Saturday I checked and low and behold, a 1645 is finally in the pipeline.

Specs as follow:

1 TMJ06 BASE,NOTEBOOK,XPS,1645,CLARKSFIELD,CONFIGURE TO ORDER
1 0MX95 Module,Information,Liquid Crystal Display,CRV,WHITE,1640
1 4X9PC Module,Blu-ray Rewritable,4X,Panasonic,1640
1 5FJ8M Module,Label,Intel,Notebook,CI7
1 6439J MODULE,LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY,15.6,FULL HIGH DEFINITION,WHITE,1645/1647
1 CP1VF Module,Software,W7HP64 Consumer Desktop,English Dao/bcc
1 D113N Module,Hard Drive,500GB,Free Fall Sensor,7.2K,SGT-HOLL
1 D282K Module,Software,Data Safe Basic,2.0
1 D9KVP Module,Software,Quick Fix Engineering,W7HB32,Consumer Notebook
1 H2D7M SERVICE INSTALL MODULE,SOFTWARE,NOTEBOOK,1645
1 H3KFH Module,Card,Network,DW1501,Consumer Notebook,Rest of World
1 HV5FP Module,Media,Digital Video Disk Drive,Resource DVD,Madison,1645
1 J019D Module,Software,DELL-DOCK Consumer
1 J206C Module,Software,Dell Connect 2.1,Dell Americas OrganizationEMEA,Brazil Customer Center
1 J6XND Module,Software,W7HP64,Digital Video Disk Drive,Multiple User Interface,NO-E
1 K9G29 Module,KIT,Software,Creative PANZER,1.2
1 M018R Module,Software,Powerdvd,8.3,Blu-Ray Disk Playback,True Theatre High Definition,Factory Install
1 M239M Module,Software,LTG DELL-DOWNLOAD-FLAG
1 M97DR Module,Software,Creative PANZER,1.2,Factory Install
1 MJF4V Module,Card,Network,370,Foxconn,Dell Americas Organization
1 MX962 Module,Information,NO MEDIA
1 N533M Module,Software,Mcafee SAPPHIRE,30DAY,Multiple User Interface
1 NC53Y MODULE,PROCESSOR,CLARKSFIELD,XXXX,1.73,8MB,1645
1 P420X Module,Shipping Material System,PALTROW,Dell Americas Organization
1 P881M Module,Software,Compact Diskette,Sensible Vision Facial Recognition,2.3-00
1 R609C MOD,CORD,PWR,125V,1M,C5,US
1 RK893 Module,Adapter,Alternating Current,Delta - Ac Adapt,130W 3P,World Wide
1 RN3VC Module,Assembly,Base,Notebook,Madison,1645
1 T013C Module,Software,Works,9 English
1 T22TT Module,Software,Creative Camera,Consumer,1.4,Factory Install
1 T703D Module,Keyboard,86,US-ENG,DellAmericas Organization,1640
1 VR08H Module,Software,Certificate Of Authenticity,W7HP32/64
1 W3HMK Module,Label,Microsoft,Notebook,Windows7
1 W795M Module,Dual In-line Memory Module,8GB,1333MHZ,DDR3,2X4G
1 W871N Module,Software,WINDOWS-LIVE Consumer
1 W906C Module,Software,Roxio,10 Premium,Blu-ray Disk Playback Factory Install
1 WU658 Ship Group,Notebook,North 1640,England,Dell Americas Organization
1 X445C MODULE,BATTERY,PRIMARY,85WHR,9C,SAMSUNG POWER DIVISION
1 XM544 Module,Software,PC-RESTORE Transactional Line Of Business
1 Y720M Module,Software,DSPRT-CTR 64BIT,2.0

 

As suggested by the ppl at this forum I sent an email to the Corporate office and got a call the next day regarding the issue. She was still sounded that there was no compromise to be made but to replace a dell m1330 with a dell m1330. She kept pushing me to agree to the replacement. Yesterday I got an email from her saying that my replacement is going to be a brand new XPS 16 with the below configuration

Qty Part # Description
--- -------- ---------------------------------------------
1 224-7380 Studio XPS 16 Notebook
1 310-0173 Airborne Documentation, System Exchanges,Factory Install
1 312-0950 9-cell Battery
1 313-7054 8X DVD+/-RW Slot Load Drive for XPS1640
1 313-8545 High Definition Audio 2.0 with SRS Premium Sound
1 317-2363 3GB,DDR3, 1333MHZ,2 DIMM
1 317-2825 Intel CoreTM i5 540M processor (2C/4T, 2.53-3.06 GHz, 3M L3)
1 320-1308 ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5730 - 1GB
1 320-8334 15.6 inch Wide Screen 16:9 900p HD+ WLED LCD, W/2.0 MP, XPS 1645
1 320-8352 Obsidian Black High Gloss Finish with Leather XPS 1645
1 330-0171 S and P Drop-in-Box Marcom forDHS Notebooks
1 330-6222 Windows 7 Label
1 330-7786 DELL RESOURCE DVD,BACK-UP,MADISON,XPS 1647
1 341-9802 320GB 7200 RPM SATA Hard Drive
1 410-0487 Microsoft Office Starter 2010
1 410-1883 Adobe Acrobat Reader 9.0 Multi-Language
1 410-2466 MCAFEE PEARL MUI,15MTH,Without Media
1 412-0148 No ISP 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
1 420-8878 Software, Soft Contracts Dell In-Home
1 420-9100 Dell Dock Consumer
1 420-9326 DATASAFE ONLINE 1.1 10GB
1 420-9691 DataSafe Local BackUp
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
1 421-0757 Skype VOIP Application
1 421-1010 Dell Webcam Central v1.4
1 421-1361 Roxio EZCD Creator 10.3 DE, Factory Install
1 421-1695 Power DVD 8.3, Factory Install, CNB
1 421-1737 Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium, 64bit, English
1 421-2086 eBay Webslice
1 430-0700 Dell Wireless 370 Bluetooth Module (2.1+EDR)
1 430-0762 Intel 6200 Wireless-N (2x2) HM,CNB
1 430-3605 Integrated 10/100 Network Card
1 464-7384 Exchange
1 467-7771 Thanks for choosing Dell!


I am not sure if it is a XPS 1645 or a 1640. I will be receiving it this Friday.

 

Since it has the i5 540m, it's the Studio XPS 1647. Congrats

I got a new 1640 instead

sigh...

 

Lovely Dell support...

I check my status today and it says closed. I check the dispatch and it says cancelled.

I call back today and raise hell as I was already a week into this period which can take "up to 28 days". Apparently, the reason why the case was closed was because I never okay'd a Studio XPS 16. Never mind the fact that I okay'd it at the start. Or the fact that I got a voicemail yesterday stating that they would be replacing it with that.

I even called back last night trying to followup on the phonecall, which there was a record the agent initiated phone contact but no record of the voicemail and that the agent I spoke to at the time noted I wanted a phonecall back...

Regardless, today she assured me it would be the last time I would have to followup on this (HA!), that I would indeed be getting a Studio XPS 16, completely specced out, a replacement battery. I was much more stringent on what my must haves were this time. The only thing they aren't going to do is replace my laptop bags, which were purchased at the time of the sale and only fit a 13" laptop (which kinda pisses me off and I may fight a little more as I spent about $220 on the laptop bags I got.)

Deep down inside, a part of me thinks that the first order went through and they just can't find it, as the voicemail stated that it was sent to dispatch and they'd start the building process... And the second order is going to go through too.

 

Has anyone had any luck getting a warranty on the replacements?
Dell tried to send me two XPS 13's and both arrived DOA.
I'm now being send a new XPS 16, but I can't get them to offer a warranty... even for a year.