Latest XPS m1530 owner starting on the warranty exchange road...

I contacted Dell yesterday morning via chat because my laptop has started crashing when playing fallout 3/wow, again... This time I remained persistent that I did not want another defective new motherboard with a bad 8600m GPU in it, installed for me. I explained that it’s not a matter of IF the replacement will fail, but WHEN. I was persistent that I wanted a better solution than the motherboard swap. I asked to be transferred to the agent’s supervisor.

When transferred I was told that they "redesigned" the motherboard/GPU so this issue was no longer occurring. I explained to the supervisor how he must have his facts wrong because that is not true. I was eventually offered a warranty replacement. It only took an hour of being firm but polite. I was told it would take 1 week to get an order number from the supervisor and I could reference the chat log number if I had any questions.

After I got off the chat, I realized that I forgot to get the dispatch number. Today I went back into chat to get my dispatch number and asked again when I have an order number for my warranty exchange. Today I was told 2-3 weeks for the order number and 4-5+ weeks to actually get the new system. The agents explained that the "We (dell) are seeing a huge backlog in our warehouse and that is the reason we are not committing on a earlier date." I asked why I was told 1 week the day before but I was only apologized to for being miss-informed.

Currently I feel like i am trapped and dell doesn't care about me as a customer, and that is a shame. I am going to be updating this thread as I progress through this process for a couple of reasons. The main reason is I hope that this will help me keep my insanity in check when dealing with the frustrations of spending my money for my "cool" xps 1530 with 4 year complete care warranty that was almost broke more than it worked. It would often take dell 2-3 weeks to get a tech out with the correct part to fix my laptop when it had issues. The second reason it to just document in one central location this process. Finally maybe I can help pass some people’s time out there by letting reading about my story

In conclusion, I am grateful that I was approved for a warranty replacement, and hope that everyone else out there who has “dealt” with dell’s bs regarding the 1530/1330 will get the same result. It just sucks the wait it looking to be about 1.5 months, lol

 

The normal warranty replacement process for the 1530 to a 1640/1645 which is what you will most likely be getting is about 3-4 weeks...

It took me about 10 days before I saw any "movement" in "My Account" on dell.com

See this thread, it is helpful with information from other 1530 owners, including myself who went thru/are going thru the same situation that you are right now. My clock has started all over again, as I am getting another replacement, and the process will prolly' take at least 4 weeks.

Finally, my XPS 1530 being replaced due to GPU fails!!

You can also take your Service Tag number under you account go into > Service Call Status > Choose Criteria > Enter your Service Tag / or / Express Service Code (I always enter my Service Tag), > Hit "Submit", and it will bring Up the "latest" info.

And, you can also see the latest : History of Support Requests in that same section. > Enter Your Sevice Tag > and at the Bottom > Under: Note: Date range only applies to Customer Number searches. > Click: Submit (dont change the date ranges)

It's kind of neat to see the notations on your account.

Hope that helps!

Cin..

 

After reading through the following thread ( http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=458202&page=5) specifically this quote ....

... i have called dell and I was promised a follow-up call with status tomorrow at 7:45am EST. The Supervisor I spoke with requested that the processing team expedite my order, and I was told that within 24-48 hours I should have an order number. I am not going to hold my breath, but hey maybe I will get lucky... I am very nervous about the config of the replacement system (but then again I am sure everyone who goes through this is...)

 

Great!Great!
Best of luck to you! : )
And, yes..I was nervous waiting on my config..I think we all get that way...hoping it's as good as what we currently have....!

Cin...

 

You can also take your Service Tag number under you account go into > Service Call Status > Choose Criteria > Enter your Service Tag / or / Express Service Code (I always enter my Service Tag), > Hit "Submit", and it will bring Up the "latest" info.

And, you can also see the latest : History of Support Requests in that same section. > Enter Your Sevice Tag > and at the Bottom > Under: Note: Date range only applies to Customer Number searches. > Click: Submit (dont change the date ranges)

It's kind of neat to see the notations on your account.

Hope that helps!

Cin..[/QUOTE]

just tries that out very cool stuff!! Thanks for sharing!

 

The closest thing you're going to be able to get to holding your breath is an oxygen tank, otherwise you're going to die. My exchange from an M1530 to a 1640 started on 1/17, and that was after 3, maybe even 4 days of all but being literally shat on. Finally I got a rep who was willing to help, and their supervisor approved the exchange for me. (EDIT: I still don't have it, and I'm looking at AT LEAST another two weeks. It's been so long I'm questioning if I'm even going to GET a computer now! rofl)

I'm on my fourth order, (third with respects to Dell, the fourth was created after I basically demanded some upgrades due to my wait.)

It's going to be long, it's going to be a headache, and you're going to want to kill somebody along the way, but it will be worth it. I'm getting a brand new, well equipped SXPS-1640 with a retail of over $1,700 for a laptop that I bought used for $500.

...hopefully it goes smoothly from this point on, if not, I'll probably demand an M15x just because I don't feel like waiting 2 months for the 1640 to come back into stock. If you do end up having to wait, force Dell to make it up to you. I got an upgrade from the 3670 to the 4670 without having to drop a penny (as I asked,) and a supervisor offered me a new system instead of a refurbished. As long as Dell doesn't screw up again, they've totally made this worth it for me.

Good luck man, you might need it. =P

 

Maybe its just me being anal again but it past 8:30am EST. So much for that call this morning by 7:45am EST updating my status.... Dell GRRRRRR, never again, never again! This is the second call in two days in a row that never came. I was promised a update call yesterday from a supervisors, supervisor at 1pm EST. That never came as well. /rant off

 

Oh yeah, unless you spent $4000+ on a laptop, don't expect returned calls. Dell's support system only works if you shove a foot up it's... you know what.

Best thing to do is call in/chat again yourself. The only call I've gotten is a seemingly random one from some also random department when I was driving down the highways in heavy wind, so I couldn't even hear. Chat couldn't tell me what it was about when I talked to them later that day either... do figure.

 

BLit, honestly I never expected to get a call back... The company I work for spends 100s of millions of dollars a year with dell, and they treat me like crap when I try to get support on our corp. contract so my level of confidence was really low going into my 2000 laptop purchase.

FYI, still no call back. chat, here i come.

 

I initiated a chat session, what a waste of time.

The only update was that a call back was pending and that “my system exchange has been escalated to the highest level of the support." I did ask that it be noted because of the Southbridge on the 640s not having a heat sink and this causing the track pad to get over heated that only a 1645/1647 be provided.
I was asked by the rep to wait until tomorrow and then check back then if I don't get a phone call.

Does that sound reasonable, or if no phone call by this afternoon, should I call the phone support?

 

I'd wait until tomorrow. To be honest, I've got such a low end 1530 that I'm not going to try and get much more out of Dell. The only thing I'm going to push for if this takes any longer is an M15x with a 260M.

Anyways, I wouldn't say that's an unreasonable claim, however don't act like it's the end of the world... just take your new, upgraded (free) system.

 

M15x is definitely a no go for me. It’s too big. The whole reason I went with an XPS 1530 was that if was powerful enough for me to do video editing and 3d rendering on it, but small enough for me to carry on a daily basis in my book bag. Going up to an XPS 16 with a 16x9 monitor instead of the current 16x10 isn't that appealing. I am much more concerned about getting something that will be more reliable in the future

 

... another day and nothing seemly happened

this a direct copy and past of the update from the chat agent, "Please be sure that this ticket is been worked upon. Today is Friday I will try to get hold of some one to send us an update , since this ticket is been assigned to a supervisor , he will follow up with you on Monday if there is an update"

My comment back, which i don't feel is unreasonable. "Please understand that I appreciate your assistance and I am not frustrated with you. I am frustrated with the process and the fact that I have yet to get a status update phone call (as requested). Even if the update was there is no update, someone taking the time to let me know that would be appreciated. I do not like having to initiate chat because someone is not picking up the phone to call me."

I guess being a strong Type A personality and dealing with Dell do not go very good together.

 

...have you looked at the M11x? You're moving down to a smaller screen, but it should still be more powerful than your 1530, plus it's small and rugged enough that you can throw it in your bag and not worry about it.

 

the M11x looks like a nice laptop! If I don't like the build of my S XPS, or this continues to take forever... I just may push dell for one of these. Hopefully the wait time would be less

 

I dont think you'll have to push hard for a m15x or m11x. That was what they were giving me to replace my 1530, without even asking. But it was way too big and heavy. I travel alot with my laptop and the Studio XPS 16 was alot better for my situation. So I called and told them I wantd the SXPS 16, they cancelled the m15x and gave me a new order for a xps 16.

 

Any particular reason you did consider the M11x?

 

another day day. its been one week and still no order number. Status of Day 7 "your system exchange has be escalated to the higher level and they are taking care as of now we don't have any update on that but how ever I will once again escalate this issue to them so that they can contact you once we have an update on the process."

I think i am starting to sound like a broken record ;-) Hello world, its Monday!

 

Ok Dell just called me. I am a very unhappy person. The good news... my laptop will be here tomorrow by 3pm local time. Thats a very quick turn around, 10 days.

The bad news.... a 3670, LCD, not LED.... no bluetooth (As my laptop had) no included remote... oh and its a 1640, not a 1645/47 a requested.. here is a copy/paste of the order info.

1 T055N Base,Notebook,Core Penryn T9550,1640
1 35W0M Module,Software,Roxio,EZ CD,10.3,Dell Edition,Factory Install
1 8J1GH Module,Dvd+/-rw,Hitachi Lg Data Storage,Extreme Performance System,1640
1 CP1VF Module,Software,W7HP64 Consumer Desktop,English Dao/bcc
1 D113N Module,Hard Drive,500GB,Free Fall Sensor,7.2K,SGT-HOLL
1 D9KVP Module,Software,Quick Fix Engineering,W7HB32,Consumer Notebook
1 DK94J Module,Label,INTEL,Notebook CMT2,Rebranding
1 F112C Module,Card (circuit),Network 1X2,Inspiron,Mercer Oliver Wyman,M09
1 HW426 Module,Adapter,Alternating Current,Delta - Ac Adapt,90W 3P,World Wide
1 J019D Module,Software,DELL-DOCK Consumer
1 J206C Module,Software,Dell Connect 2.1,Dell Americas OrganizationEMEA,Brazil Customer Center
1 J688F Module,Dual In-line Memory Module,6GB,1066MHZ,DDR3
1 J6XND Module,Software,W7HP64,Digital Video Disk Drive,Multiple User Interface,NO-E
1 K9G29 Module,KIT,Software,Creative PANZER,1.2
1 M017R Module,Software,Powerdvd,8.3,Digital Video Disk Drive,True Theatre High Definition,Factory Install
1 M239M Module,Software,LTG DELL-DOWNLOAD-FLAG
1 M412C Module,Cord,Power,125V,1M,C5 E,United States
1 M97DR Module,Software,Creative PANZER,1.2,Factory Install
1 N533M Module,Software,Mcafee SAPPHIRE,30DAY,Multiple User Interface
1 P420X Module,Shipping Material System,PALTROW,Dell Americas Organization
1 P881M Module,Software,Compact Diskette,Sensible Vision Facial Recognition,2.3-00
1 R1G4Y Module,Information,Liquid Crystal Display,HDF+,15.6,1640
1 R989D Module,Assembly,Base,Discrete 1640
1 RDT72 Module,Information,Liquid Crystal Display,CRV,Low Cost 1640
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 U592C Service Install Module Software,Notebook,1640
1 U982D Module,Media,Digital Video Disk Drive,Resource Dvd,1640
1 VR08H Module,Software,Certificate Of Authenticity,W7HP32/64
1 W3HMK Module,Label,Microsoft,Notebook,Windows7
1 W871N Module,Software,WINDOWS-LIVE Consumer
1 WU658 Ship Group,Notebook,North 1640,England,Dell Americas Organization
1 X445C MODULE,BATTERY,PRIMARY,85WHR,9C,SAMSUNG POWER DIVISION
1 X922N Module,Card,Network,370,Latin Consumer Notebook,Dell Americas Organization
1 XM544 Module,Software,PC-RESTORE Transactional Line Of Business
1 Y2NMN Module,Liquid Crystal Display 15.6,HDF+,Low Cost,1640
1 Y720M Module,Software,DSPRT-CTR 64BIT,2.0

I was on the phone with dell for over an hours when i got the call. Basically i was told that since an 8600 had only 256 ram and the 3670 has 512 its an upgrade no matter what the 3dmark scores say.... I am so upset at dell right now, i can barely type.

Any idea on what i should to/how I should approach dell to get this resolved for me. I really think a 4750 isn't to much to ask...is it?

 

Did the laptop you bought already have a warranty or did they allow you to buy one? I have a used Dell 1330 here which has problems so i doubt they would entertain me but i'm wondering what my options are. Cheers.

 

arg... Then phew ;-)

I contact chat this morning was basically told tough cookies about the no 4760 graphics card, after spending 1.5 hr in the chat, I went outside and took a deep breath. talked with my brother and he recommended i try calling in a express my frustration in as pleasant a manner as possible and see what happens...

well I did just that, and i was given a service request/dispatch number to have my 1640 replaced with a 1645 that will have a 4760 GPU. I know about all the throttling issues and what not. I will cross those bridges when they come, but for now. I will take this small gpu victory and breath a long sigh of religh

Today is going to be a good day.

 

I followed up today on my exchange to a 1645/1647 and I was told that the process was never started last week. I was given a new dispatch number this morning and told by the rep that he would follow up with me every 7 days...

Here we go again, lol. On a positive note, I thought I wouldn't like the the larger 164X, due to the 16x9 screen and I absolutely love it! I feel like my 1530 was a toy compared to build quality on the 1640.

 

You are lucky to have received your replacement as soon as you did. I was granted a system replacement back on February 19th for my studio xps1640and still dont even have an order number.

 

Hah i hear ya there knlmwq, my status is Still PND, and i submitted last sunday lol. A warranty replacement shouldnt take 3-4 weeks, they should be a little bit faster on the processing part.

 

Mine started on January 17th and I just got the replacement on Friday... TOTALLY worth the wait. =D

However, I do have a question or two for you guys: Chat still won't work for me (after about 4 days) and the chumps at the My Tech Team department are just Dell's USA version a-holes (normally.)

My replacement laptop was supposed to carry my 1530's warranty, right?
Well, I think the geniuses at Dell gave me my original warranty, and not my extended warranty... so they basically shipped me a computer without a warranty. I wanted to get this sorted out before I ship the old one off, just to be safe. Do they credit it to the computer when they receive the old one back in-stock?

Also, Dell said they won't replace my 1530's second battery, as it wasn't shipped with the original... it was, however, a warranty-replacement under the original warranty. Apparently the original battery stopped working on it's previous owner, so Dell gave him another one free of charge. Should I try to push Dell to give me a new one that will fit my 1640, or just consider myself lucky I have the new computer to begin with?

 

When you receive your replacement lappy - everything is supposed to transfer over as if you had your 1530..."as is"

So, the warranty you had on your 1530 would transfer over likewise to your 1640, and would conclude when your warranty on your 1530 would have.

What extended warranty did you have? Did you purchase more coverage for your 1530? If you have the paperwork/payment to prove that you paid for it, then they should extend it over to the 1640. This may be something that you may have to take up with the Warranty Department to have it placed on your 1640, if so.

If you go to your account online, and register your Service Tag number into your "My Systems and Peripherals" > Change Default System, you can Add your 1640 into your database, and then it would also show any Applicable Warranty information you have availi'

As for getting that extra battery that is up to you whether or not you want to pursue that. It may be worth it try.

Try getting thru on Chat using IE. I have been having problems with FF for the past 4 or 5 days. My last Chat I used IE, and it worked. Though, it took me several attempts, I finally got thru. (Yes, *cringe* IE)...

When you get thru to a Chat Rep, just simply tell them you didn't receive the replacement battery with your shipment, and are getting in touch with your new 1640's Service Tag so they can send you the replacement Battery, and you can send back the 1530's battery (upon receipt of the replacement).

Good luck!

Cin...

 

That's genius... I really should think about playing dumb with my computers more. =P

I finally got through... on the third computer I tried. (But still: Firefox FTW!)
The rep I talked with said he'd move the warranty over as soon as they received the 1530. To be honest, I'm not all that worried about it... if they don't move it when they get it, it's just more leverage for my battery. =D

I also feel compelled to mention: The 1640 is epic. As is the 4670, and the P8800. CoD5 near-maxed @ 1920x1080 (no AA)? Cha!
Now just to try GTA IV. :3

 

thanks everyone for the information about dell xps 1530 to sxps 1640 replacement. i received mine in 7 days. i did not receive led screen or a 4670 gpu. but i called them and got a new motherboard with the 4670 gpu and a 9-cell battery on the way in 2 days. to bad i didn't get the i5 cpu but oh well this p8700 is good enough for a laptop.

 

What did you say to get them to replace the motherboard and videocard?

 

I too would be very curious to find out what you said to DELL. I have been told multiple times that the 4670 only comes with model 1645/1647. Even though i know that to not be true.

 

I would like to know what you said to get a turnaround time of only 7 days??? that was fast

 

Just got a call saying my replacement of a replacement system is due to be delivered today

Specs below.

1 TMJ06 BASE,NOTEBOOK,XPS,1645,CLARKSFIELD,CONFIGURE TO ORDER
1 14VXC MODULE,PROCESSOR,CLARKSFIELD,XXXXX,1.6,6MB,1645
1 2835C Module,Documentation,Airborne,2-DAY,DELL DRCT
1 4X9PC Module,Blu-ray Rewritable,4X,Panasonic,1640
1 5FJ8M Module,Label,Intel,Notebook,CI7
1 CP1VF Module,Software,W7HP64 Consumer Desktop,English Dao/bcc
1 D113N Module,Hard Drive,500GB,Free Fall Sensor,7.2K,SGT-HOLL
1 D8W1K MODULE,MEDIA,DIGITAL VIDEO DISK DRIVE,RESOURCE DVD,1645
1 D9KVP Module,Software,Quick Fix Engineering,W7HB32,Consumer Notebook
1 H2D7M SERVICE INSTALL MODULE,SOFTWARE,NOTEBOOK,1645
1 HW426 Module,Adapter,Alternating Current,Delta - Ac Adapt,90W 3P,World Wide
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 K005R Module,DIMM,6GB,1333MHZ, DDR3
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 M412C Module,Cord,Power,125V,1M,C5 E,United States
1 MJF4V Module,Card,Network,370,Foxconn,Dell Americas Organization
1 MX9C6 MODULE,LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY,15.6,FULL HIGH DEFINITION,LOW COST,1645/1647
1 P420X Module,Shipping Material System,PALTROW,Dell Americas Organization
1 P881M Module,Software,Compact Diskette,Sensible Vision Facial Recognition,2.3-00
1 PPY3H Module,Card,Network,5300,Inspiron
1 RDT72 Module,Information,Liquid Crystal Display,CRV,Low Cost 1640
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 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 Y515R MODULE,ASSEMBLY,BASE,NOTEBOOK,M96,1645
1 Y720M Module,Software,DSPRT-CTR 64BIT,2.0

I am very excited about the upgrade to a full HD WLED and the BluRay disk drive. I am not sure from the order status stuff above what type of processor/video card it has though :-(
Can anyone decipher that?

 

also, turn around for the replacement, replacement system was onlt 8 days. That is a reasonable number i think. I feel so bad for everyone who has been waiting for weeks....

 

Better change your sig...

 

You are getting a Intel Core i7-720QM Quad Core Processor of 1.6GHz along with the ATI 4670 graphics card. Congrats!

I'm on the same exchange road at the moment. I have lost the count of motherboard replacements, but I'm guessing I have been through 7 or 8 over the 2 years I have my M1530.

I have a similar config as your old M1530 and the new XPS 16 Dell is offering is real bad. Worse specs and they have downgraded serveral components. Basically Dell is saying that I'll be paying extra for any upgrades I want after the downgrade. I don't think that is fair to me. It is simply not an equal exchange. From LCD 1440x900 to 720p and a processor which doesn't support hardware virtualization technology. I'll be getting a ATI 3670 also.

I can see from your sig that you have been upgraded. Did you have to pay for the extra upgrade? I have declined their offer and today Dell is going to call me again. I wonder if you or anyone are willing to help me in any way? Do you think if it might help if I have your case number to show them they are not treating me as a customer? Thanks.

 

Done. Thanks for the Reminder

New problem started last night. I did a re-install last night of Windows 7 x64 ultimate and now my Bluetooth won't work. I tried re-installing the drivers from dells website, no go. I found some people recomented installing the 1647 dell 370 bluetooth drivers and they are newer, no go. I then thought that maybe the issue was I got a bad Bluetooth card, so I pulled the working card from the 1640 and installed it my new 1645, no go.

Anyone have any ideas? I am completely out. Next stop. Dell Chat.

 

Dell admitted to having an issue with windows 7 ultimate and the Dell 370 Bluetooth card. Everything was fixed by re-installing windows 7 home pro. They offered me the 16" RGBLED for my troubles. Dell tech should be out in 3-5 days to install it . Now all I need is a ssd and I have a top of the line studio xps .

 

omg i am going thru hell with the motherboard replacement. i have the ati 4670 gpu now but they keep sending me the wrong heatsink that goes with it. 3 times!!!! and they keep insisting that they have the wring heatsink but they keep sending me the dand hearsink for the ati 3760 gpu with different moutn point from the ati 4670.

 

i chatted with dell tech support and told them i am unhappy with my 3760 gpu and it's slower then hell when i try and play games and they replaced it. i had to try twice. but now i am goind thru hell trying to get the right heatsink for it. they even offered to replace my system exchange for another system exchange. lol!!!!!!

 

lol now they gonna send heatsink parts for both the 1640 and 1645 hopefully they are not both the dang heatsink for the ati 3760 gpu. lol dell sucks bunghole right now!

 

I was going to ask for a mobo switch myself. You know what part number the proper heat sink for the 4670 is? Thanks.

 

For 1640/45/47 with the ati 4670 GPU it is RVK8X. make sure to tell them not to ship the Y152D which is the dang ati 3760 heatsink. i am so glad it's almost over....hopefully. maybe they screw up a 4th times... =(

 

well my 16" RGBLED was installed this afternoon. The display is amazing!!! I am so glad i pushed dell for it for my troubles. It was totally worth it.

 

So the drama starts once again.

Today I was told I would be being sent a 3rd warranty system exchange as over the past week with 2 motherboard replacements and countless bluetooth/wifi card replacements, Dell cannot make my USB ports, Bluetooth card, nor Wifi card work properly. We have tried everything from reformatting back to system ship config, updating all the drivers from with the latest from vendor web pages, etc.

I expressed three major concerns with the latest warranty replacement, (1)That it include the 16''RBG wled, (2) that is be expedited since I am on replacement 3 in less than 2 months and (3) finally it be a new system. No more refurbs for me.

I would told by the chat supervisor that all 3 concerns will be noted in the Dispatch request and that they will be addressed. I will update as I get more info.

As a side bar, I want to love the S XPS 16s so much, but they have so many issues.... its really a shame :-(

 

I have contacted the unresolved issue dept and requested that my 1645 be replaced with a Alienware m15x. I am not really sure if I am happy with or not, but from what i have read the Alienware's seems to built better, cooled better, and the soon to replacement to the XPS line all together.

 

I know it’s been a while since I updated my post. Let sum up where Dell and I left off. More details can be found in this thread where I moved to posting...
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=472019

Dell authorized me for a brand new replacement with an Alienware m15x after using the unresolved issues link. After a couple of days of going back and forth on specs, I got close to my current 1645, but would be taking a step back with the display and the processor. The Alienware was going to have a i5 540m and 1600x900 LED. I would be getting an arguably better GPU, but not by much. Also the omission of HDMI with the Alienware is kind of sh**ty too.
Over Easter my brother came out (he is a senior windows sys admin for a global IT company) and he was convinced my issues were all driver conflict related and not hardware as dell said. He proceeded to re-image and apply my drivers 1 by 1 directly from the vendor’s websites ignoring what support.dell.com had. The end result was a 100% working 1645. The addition of replacing my thermal compound with as5, which dropped by temperatures on my GPU to 50C at idle and proc cores to 45-48 at idle (with more drops expected after curing), I am a 100% happy S XPS 16 customer.
After mulling over if I should take the Alienware or not, I decided since I am not college aged anymore, I would keep the more adult/professional looking X XPS with the gorgeous 16" RBGLED.
I called back the person at dell and canceled my Alienware replacement order. As an “I'm sorry” for all the time you have spent on these issues token from dell. They are upgrading me from 6gb(1x 4gb, 1x 2gb) of ram to 8gb(2x 4gb) of matched ram so I can take advantage of the dual channel performance of the motherboard.

Dell has really won be back as a customer. Something I swore would never happen a couple of months ago.

 

received and installed my 8gb of ram free upgrade from dell today. It feels so good to have a 100% working S XPS 16. I know some people feel i was "crazy" for turning down the alienware, but honestly I love the form factor of this machine. Now to find a good deal on a big ssd. NewEgg here i come