URGENT XPS M1530 to L502X replacement questions!

Hey everyone!

Haven't posted here in a while since my M1530 treated me well.
I'm back though with rather urgent questions as I am currently in touch with Dell and they are offering me a replacement system which would be a L502X (new XPS 15).

Now they still don't have the full specifications of the replacement machine but I've compiled a list of things that they would have to match in order for it to be, as they call it, "equivalent or better".

The video card:
I currently have the 8600m GT (512mb).
Is it fair to assume that even the 525m (1gb) would be an upgrade?

The processor:
My current T9300 (6M 2.5ghz), I am told, could be "replaced" in the new machine by an i3 2310m or better.
Now I'm not expert but it seems that I could expect the equivalent processor to be a low-end i5, right?
What would you say is equivalent for the l502x?

Is there anything else you think I should know about getting a refurbished l502x for my 3 year old M1530?

Thanks you guys!

 

Deny replacement until they give you i7 2630/1080p and backlit keyboard.

 

I was going to argue for the 1080p screen till i die. No way I'd go from 1440 LED to 1366 LED! 1920 LED seems about right to me too!

I didn't even know about the backlit keyboard!!! I definitely should have that!

So you think any i5 wouldn't be equivalent enough? I'd have to legitimately go for the i7?

PS: is it funny that i made a typo in the title and that our posts still show it!

 

Everyone and their mother is getting an i7 replacement. You should too. Go tell the rep about your m1530 has XYZ, and XPS 15 doesn't. Ask for Alienware or something, then settle for for lower. Besides i7/1080p is not much to ask for.

 

i7+1080p+lit kboard.

should i fight for the 540m too?

 

Sure, but is pretty much useless and cost quite a bit when configuring. 12% faster than 525m

 

+1... agreeing with Bob.

If it's an easy fight, sure... if not, don't worry about it. The 525 oc's easily to 540 spec (and the vram is bs).

 

Ok, I'll be chill about the video card.

When you say:

What exactly do you mean? What does the XPS 15 not have that the m1530 had?

 

I think he means the replacement that they offer you. If anything looks to be a downgrade from what you have then don't be shy about turning it down and requesting/demanding one with equal or better parts across the board.

 

Sorry, I'm not being clear.

What exactly would you say that my M1530 had that the replacement L502x won't. Frankly there's not mind that's coming to mind, but I'm not very familiar with the new system.

I just don't wanna go silent when asked exactly what the new laptop won't have that the old one had.

 

Check if the XPS 15 is heavier or thicker. Does your m1530 have a fingerprint reader? etc

 

It dell replacment Unit all is 'refurbished' ? thanks.

If Refurbished unit, you much deny. demand alienware, 14x, 17x with I7-2820 Cpu.

 

Also, look at what you can get now versus then. An extreme edition processor from 4 years ago means you ought to get the same NOW. Nice for such a case in that an extreme now is a quad, versus dual back then. You get the idea? The system should be of similar VALUE. If you paid $2000 for the original system, don't accept a $1000 replacement.

 

That is EXACTLY what I'm talking about!
So aside from change in size and weight, and lack of fingerprint reader, what other differences should i emphasize to get the best replacement possible?
What other things are the XPS 15 lacking (in comparison to my old m1530)?

You would deny a refurbished replacement? I think it would be hard for me to force them to give me a brand new computer... Do most people get brand new replacements?

Very important post! I asked a little on the phone and it seems they are not replacing through VALUE but rather for PERFORMANCE. Which makes sense to me, why should i get the best video card (for instance) that his laptop has, if the cheapest one already outperforms the one in my previous laptop.
Do most of you pull it off though?

 

I assume you are currently on the phone with some tech grunting following a replacement script because your m1530 has failed many times. If he keeps denying you upgrade or a new system, just keep on saying no. You need to keep on going up the Dell hierarchy until someone is willing to help you (if they aren't, even better you get to contact the unresolved issue department, they are a bunch of yes-men)

Most people who fight with Dell gets a new system. Hell, Dell phone support didn't even offer me a replacement, and I still got a new XPS 15. Differences are for you to figure out. I don't have a m1530, but rather a m1330. I kept on stressing the weight, dimensions, lack of fingerprint reader and battery life. Upon receiving my XPS 15, I could have complained about the lack of metal. The old m1330/m1530 are really well built and highly durable despite their crappy nVidia interior. Oh I kept on asking for Latitude line computer, unresolved issue eventually offered me any laptop within the Inspiron, XPS and Alienware line. I thought the Alienware m14x and m17x are too big and bulky at the time.

Dell does indeed replace performance (on the tech support level), you need to talk value to their supervisor or someone from the unresolved issue department.

 

Thank you Bob!
You've really helped me draw up a better picture of what I'm gonna have to go through.
I'm at the stage where they accepted to offer me a replacement, but I'm still waiting on a number/specs for the new computer.

I think I could settle for a l502x, no need for alienware especially since I plan on it being a laptop I can move around with.
So far I'm gonna about:
- metal build on m1530
- batter life
- fingerprint reader
- size/weight of unit

What would you say was the reason for you wanting a latitude series laptop instead of a XPS originally?

 

3 years ago, XPS was Dell's premium consumer line. Now it is the same plastic garbage as Inspiron. The build qaulity of m1330/m1530 is just on a different level compared to the later 16XX and now the XPS 15/17

 

That's a very good point.

So Latitude, then Alienware are the better lines now.
Jeez, been so happy with my m1530 that I never bothered to keep in touch with the news...

 

But I ask the manager, her say the replacement order(build from china too) is a new notebook, not a refurbished unit. that mean manager cheat for me ?

I also want to known, all from dell refurbished unit(send from dell), on the backside has a 'label refurbished' ?
Many thanks.

 

A lot of people that had old m1730's with SLI cards are getting replacements with Alienware m18x since that is the only SLI system Dell has. If they had higher-end cards, say 8800s or 9800s, they are often able to talk Dell up to 6990s, which are of course one of the best mobile cards on the market atm! I haven't had to deal with a replacement as my last Dell was a 2005 Inspiron that actually still runs OK as an internet box (aside from a wireless card that is starting to crap out). However, I've seen a lot of stories on here with systems from your generation (3-4 year old XPS's with countless hardware issues, mainly mobo and GPU). They all get essentially a system that comes close in relative performance today as their old one did. Basically, a beast system from then nets a beast system today. But not without having to get to Dell higher-ups, they will try to give you a refurbished system that is nowhere near the value you paid for the system to begin with otherwise. Keep denying, work your way up to the people that actually make decisions, you will eventually get what you are due.

You ought to be eligible for an Alienware, though of course you could take an XPS 15 if you want.

 

Madmattd is 100% correct and bob also,I was told I couldn't get a new replacement blah blah blah.I was jerked around for a few months It's all "who you get on the phone!"!Your wasting your time with bottem end support you need a resolution higher up.After 20 dell idiots telling me I couldnt get anything new or better than a xps 14 I ended up with a custom fully loaded M14X with every option they could give,I specd my unit and sent an email, it came out to 2200 us with nbd ship. I am now rockin a brand new Alienware!DO NOT GIVE UP!

 

So it looks like i have to be really intense with them and not give up if I want a new replacement and not a refurbished unit.

 

Well yea, they will try to offer you something they have sitting in the outlet (which are all refurbs) as that will be the quickest and cheapest for them. Just fight your way up the tree!

 

That makes sense. Unfortunately, since I'm also only in the country till October, I can't be pushing it too much...

I see you're also from MA, I just graduated from Boston College!

 

Very true, but it only takes them a couple weeks at most to build the systems. Both mine (I returned and reordered thanks to Dell fail salespeople...) were shipped out of New Jersey, which means the laptop showed up the next day after I got the shipping notice (which came in the evening!). Allowing them 3 weeks to build and ship, you have several weeks to deal with them, and you should get what you deserve anyway.

Taking the system out of the country permanently (I'm reading between the lines here), I'm not sure how Dell handles any warranty work. But I'm sure you are aware of the potential trickiness there.

Yea, I'm in MA, not too far from BC. But I'm a recent transplant Didn't grow up/go to school here. Work forced a move.

 

Offered 15z now!

EDIT: turns out I will most likely end up getting an XPS 15...

 

They offered me a REFURB XPS 15 with an i7 2630qm processor and a 1080p screen.

That leads me to a few questions:
What should I be watching out for in a REFURB?
This system will have "only" 6gb. How much will it cost me to upgrade to 8gb myself?
Anything else?

Can't wait!!!

 

SNB quad core and the awesome 1080p... sounds like a great deal.

Certified refurbished is not a bad thing in the least. Just look it over as you would any custom built new one. Odds are you shouldn't have any problems, but just like ordering new you can get a lemon every now and then... but that's what the warranty is for.

RAM is cheap and probably the easiest upgrade to do... but 6GB is more than enough for the vast majority of applications, so unless you really need it I wouldn't worry about it.

Enjoy!

 

A second 4GB stick (6GB means you'll get a 4GB and a 2GB) to "max" it out would run you around $25-35 depending on brand and such. Not much at all, far less than if you were going to let Dell do it (on a system you were paying for mind you).

Sounds like a solid system, they still should have offered Alienware, but hey, I think those things are just too loud visually. XPS 15 is still quite an upgrade from what you have. Which graphics are they giving you? The 2630QM and the 1080p are both very good.

 

I have both XPS15x2 and an M14X and They are very nice machines,I have them right in front of me,so for what it's worth I think you got a good offer but then again it's all relative.The xps has a great 1080p screen even a bit over saturated but great.For me personaly I love Alienware,the build quality,design etc.My M14X feels like a tank compared to the xps,in a good way.Having used both for a few months now I without a doubt give the nod to the Alien.That being said for your replacement,like matt and grim,bob etc,you cant go wrong with an xps 15 with an I7,also the backlit keyboard and b+rg 1080p screen are a must!Either way do a full clean reinstall win7 and a repaste and you'll be good to go.Good luck I hope you get a nice unit either way and have fun with it.That's the main thing.

 

I am 100% going to do a format the day the computer gets here and reinstall without all the garbageware!

I totally feel you guys when you say "loud visually" about the Alienware... I'd feel awkward bringing it everywhere...

They are offering me the 525m video card, which I could hardly argue with coming from a 8600m GT.

Finally, I am considering selling the 2gb stick and upgrading to the full 8gb. Could you recommend me a replacement 4gb stick please? I know little to nothing about what to get here.

 

This is an update to what's been happening to me.

Something I have not mentioned is that they shipped me the 15z I refused back on the 19th anyway, and i got it the next day.
Today I learned that they finally shipped me the new replacement, and I see that it's another 15z with ty specs!
I went bat insane on the phone, had an indian guy nearly tell me to shut up, and ended up getting another computer ready for me.
i7 2720qm
8gb
1080p
525m
750gb
9cell battery.
backlit keyboard.

hopefully they will actually ship me this one... i do have a service tag now!

 

I got it! It looks amazing!

I even got them to agree to get the technician to install the backlit keyboard AND include me a Windows 7 Ultimate disc (so I'll format when i get it).

 

Nice, enjoy!

 

congrats!

i just got a refurb xps15 as a replacement. it got here yesterday, and they're calling me tomorrow with my replacement options. this one was very dirty (black grease, sticky stuff on screen, and hair around the keys [BLEH!!]) and kept shutting itself off when it went to sleep. at least i had no trouble getting them to offer a replacement. the service rep asked me to humor him and see if he could fix the shutting down problem by "guiding" me through a system restore. then he called someone and got them to authorize a replacement or "equal or greater specs". took about 15-20 minutes of my time.

even if i get another refurb, i'll be ok since i started with a refurb. as long as this one isn't DIRTY lol..

 

mine's not dirty at all, top notch really!

 

good to hear gives me confidence that i'll receive a much cleaner laptop soon.

I'd gotten refurb laptops before, and none were as messed up as the one i got yesterday. cracks, huge scratches, the two pieces of the lid were splitting, the touch sensitive bar was raised in the middle, and chrome trim around the palmrest/key board is broken.. no bueno.

can anyone tell me what that little rectangle at the top of the touchpad is? looks like it might light up or something, but idk

 

You are right. It is a light that turns orange when the touchpad is disabled using Fn+F3.

 

thanks madmattd

well, the rep was supposed to have called me between 1pm and 3pm.. he said he gets off work at 3pm my time. It's 3:08.. he had no extension or email address to give me.. suppose i'll wait till 3:30 and see if i can talk to someone else? i really need them to get me a laptop sent out so i can use it in class.....

edit: he called me a bit ago. said that they've been unable to find a refurbished laptop that "meets or exceeds" my current model. no dur mine was pretty loaded (2820, 1080p, backlit, 6230 wireless, 640gb hd, 8gb RAM, 540 w/ tuner, etc). and the only reason i got it like that was because they had a 20% off coupon at the time lol. he asked to give him until friday to find me a replacement. so I'm gonna give him until then cuz he's a pretty nice person (which has been unusual with dell lately). If they can't find one by friday, is it fair to request a new laptop?

 

Well are you replacing a new system? If so, you ought to be getting new regardless. If it is replacing a refurb or other replacement (sorry, I just am really too lazy tonight to find out where you mention this all ), then less so.

 

it's replacing a refurb lol. i wouldn't have let them send me a refurb for a new system!

I've seen one xps laptop go through their online outlet that exceed my laptop's specs since yesterday afternoon. i can't imagine they'll find one for me though. the only reason i bought a refurb was because i wanted it for the start of school. now, it seems i'll be waiting anyways lol.. we'll see what happens Friday though.

 

Yea then a refurb is fine, but if it starts taking forever for them to get you one, get on their case and hope they play along with you.

 

I got everything done!
Now all I have to do is format this baby with Windows 7 Ultimate!
First I gotta figure out whats the deal with the partitions...

 

Kiss them all goodbye. Start fresh. You probably have 3, one is Dell Recovery partition (useless if you are doing fresh format, as all it does is restore to factory condition, crapware and all), one is your Windows install, and one is a 100MB partition that Windows 7 likes to make to keep some random information. It'll recreate it when you install, but no matter.

 

done and done.

stupid free fall sensor i had to download myself took a bit though!

 

Yea that free fall senser leaves a nice "unknown device" in the device manager until you install it...fooled me the first time too.