My not-so-fun m1330 refurb experience

I got my Dell refurb m1330 last Friday with a bad screen. It would only go up to about 1/2 the normal brightness and in about half of the screen positions it had vertical black areas at the bottom of the screen. When I called in, the rep admitted to me (said he wanted to be honest, which I appreciate) that it had not been repaired when the last person sent it back.

Even though I called at 3pm Friday, they had to change the computer to my name before they could do anything so they called me back at 6pm. Due to that later callback, they said it was beyond business hours Friday so they couldn't come out til Tuesday (for next business day service). So on Tuesday, they replace my Toshiba screen with a CMO (after telling me they only replace like-for-like and I told them I had a Toshiba even though service tag showed CMO). It was bad too. The whole left side was vertical colored lines. They came back out and replaced that one on Wed with another CMO. This one has some bright white spots and is super grainy but is otherwise not defective. Just ugly. I'm an artist and picky about screens...which if you look at my posting history here, is pretty obvious.

So, since the CMO pretty much sucks, I considered asking for a Samsung screen in lieu of returning the laptop.[I had done some research here and was able to tell that the only screen people really like is the Samsung in the LEDs] I did a live chat last night to ask them about it, and they said they could do it, but that they'd need to call me back today since my recent service tickets weren't in the computer yet.

10:47:03 PM M_172069
Okay I will assign a Call back to you as right now the records are not updated. I am sorry about the inconvenience.
10:47:28 PM tk
ok...how long does that generally take...don't want to miss my return window
10:50:33 PM M_172069
Will be tomorrow.

Took her a whole three minutes to answer that question, so I figured the time was accurate. So, no one calls me at either number all day - both have answering machines/voice mail.

Guess I'll return. I'm just not that impressed with the screen and don't feel like messing with them about it any more.

 

That sucks. My experiences with the Outlet have been great.

Maybe you should send it back, get a refund, and try and order another one?

 

Dell outlet usually isn't that bad.. I hope it all works out for you

 

Yeah, that's exactly what I'm thinking. Actually, even though the Inspiron 1420 is huge in comparison, I saw it in the store yesterday and it was gorgeous (the screen). I called the outlet last night and the rep said that the experienced people there will look at service tags for you if you call to order and you can specify the brand of screen you want. That sounds like it's the way to go. Either that or buy one in person where I can see the screen.

Refurbs are a good choice for me for two reasons. One, I don't at all care about scratches, dents and "newness". And two, this computer is just a back up/travel alternative for my 15.4" Asus, so I have plenty of time for them to get it right if I get a bad one.

I acknowledge my extreme pickiness, but I'm not a snob about brands or models. The best screens in the Best Buys yesterday were on Inspirons, Asus G1 (I already have one) and the Sony CR series (much better than the more expensive SZ series LEDs). I'd take the Sony CR but I need the dedicated pg up and pg dn keys plus I like Dell's in-home support.

 

you live in Austin, don't Texans get free Dells?

 

Oops..make that Plano. Moved. More swimming pools.

No free computers...all I get is a discount from my husband's company, but I don't think it applies to refurbs. Suppose I should check.

 

good about pools, bad about free computers and you should. i'm still pretty amazed at all the generous discounts in combo w/ all kinds of programs to save money on a computer. not by just Dell but a lot of major manufacturers.

 

I've had a samsung and a toshiba screen and while the samsung is slightly brighter is makes an annoying noise when it's not at max brightness and viewing angles weren't as good horizontally.

 

Thanks, Kreeeee

Looks like there aren't any particularly good screens for this model. Shoulda done a bit more homework. Will definitely send the m1330 back.