XPS 1645 replacement or refund??

Im a relativey new member here, and have been researching problems with my Dell 1645. I currently have a 1645 (6GLFYK1) with i7-720, 256Gb SSD, and 16" 1080P RGBLED. I have had numerous problems with my system since I bought it. I have updated BIOS, new power adapter, new motheboard, and new install of Windows.

I continue to get extremely slow performance when copying large video files, if it doesn't crash with a blue screen first, random lockups, and LCD issues, and it will never awake from sleep mode. I am sick of waiting on the phone with tech support, and have arranged to return the system return for refund.

Tech support offered to replace my motherboard for a second time, replace my RAM, and replace my hard drive. But, Im not compentent that that is a satisfactory solution. Tech support finally agreed to replace my system, but told me it may take 3-4 weeks.

Now, Im really stuck... Do I return my system for a refund, or wait for Dell to replace my system??? I have noticed that I can no longer configure the 1645 with i7-720 and the 16" RGBLCD anymore.

I told tech support I would settle for a system exchange, but what if I cannot get the same system specs?

I have just about had it with Dell. This is the absolute worst system I have owned since my Insiprion 5150, which had 4 motheroards replaced.

Help.... Ive really had it with Dell and their shoddy quality. I would love to have the HP, but they dont offer a 1080P unless its the bohemith 18"

 

Take the money and run. No sense in prolonging the agony. The way I see it, you either get a good one or a bad one. You my friend, bought a lemon.

I'd seriously take a look at Sony or Apple.

Just my two cents worth.

 

Odd, out of all the problems to encounter, with all the swaps and changes, it is copying files that is the major problem?

SSDs and write speeds (which is the achilles heel of many a system) could be the problem and your system is actually fine.

What model SSD do you have?

 

If you are willing to wait I would say get a replacement. The laptop is a pretty sweet machine, I guess you just got unlucky and got a lemon as danp said. You should at least ask for some upgrade though. Try getting the 820 or a blu ray burner. My first M17X r2 had issues so they sent me another one and I got a free upgrade to blu ray burner.

Edit: I would also stay away from the SSD's that dell offers. They aren't bad but I hear they degrade pretty quickly even with trim enabled. You could try going with intel's x-25, however their largest SSD is only 160gb.

 

Take the money and run. Especially if there's no restocking fee.

Check into the Sager NP8690--a 15.6" laptop with similar specs and similar price point as the 1645. Except you can opt for a Radeon 5870 with GDDR5.

I was on the Asus G73 waiting band wagon after returning my 1645 in February, but just canned that order when I saw the upgrades availabe with the Sager. I should see mine next week, so if you want any input from a former 1645 user, do let me know

 

I would return as I know first hand, Dell is not longer offering the RGBLED with the i7 processors, and even if you want a replacement, they will downgrade you to the WLED.

 

I can say my current xps1647 replacement does contain the RGBLED so im not sure what you have said has gone into effect yet at least. Of course I dont actually have the system yet but I can see the specs in my account and it is in production.

 

Well they only replaced the motherboard so far. They offered to replace everything else. As for the hard drive, it the 256Gb Solid State model.

 

How long did it take to process your exchange, and do you think it was worth it?

 

Do you have the i7-620M?

Because what I said was i7 laptops are no longer able to have the rgbled?

 

Well I was approved for a replacement on Feb. 19th. It wasnt til the 16th of march when my replacement showed up on my account for me to view the specs. Honestly It showed up one day after I contacted dell on why it was taking so long. The fact that it was one day after I contacted them makes me believe it could have been done much faster but they were just taking there time. Also, I called to check my estimated delivery date, which is 3/23/10, and they told me this was a brand new system and not a refurbished system when i asked. Im not sure how true that is. I will verify with technical support later today.

So far I would say it was worth it. Only because for me personally, even if I was offered a refund, I would spend the money on another xps16xx. As far as looks, components, etc. its my laptop of choice. Though an updated graphics card and usb 3.0 would be nice additions.

 

I missed that... My configuration is for the i5 540m, not the i7 620M

question.. do you believe the i7-620m is worth it if you have to give up the RGBLED screen?

Also, is there a 16inch WLED screen or are they all 15.6 inches?

 

The step up from the 540 is very little so I would just keep the screen. I told them they were ridiculous at least 3 times because they offer the i7-620M with the RGBLED on the EPP website I can order with through my university.. I just find it funny that they don't know their own system enough to know the i7-620M is not the same as the 720qm and 820qm... it's the same as the i5's just higher clock speed.

But I just want to be done with it all. I'm waiting for my email to tell me what to do to return this system.

 

I am sorry its off topic but i just wanted to inform that dont provide your personal details here like servicetag and emaills. Read forum rules.

If you so frustrated ask for refund and watch elsewhere like Asus. I have the WLED and I personally love it.

 

Thanks. I asked for and have received an authorization for a full refund. However Tech Support also authorized me a replacement system in lieu of the refund.

I'm just wondering if it will be worth it in the long haul to get a replacement or just go with something else.

Im sure some problems aren't exclusive to Dell, but I have had serious problems with 2/4 of my last computers, all Dell laptops. Would I still be taking a 50/50 chance with another manufacturer??

 

Very true. I have had 2 Dell laptops and both didnt have any hardware issues Thanx to god . One old Inspiron still works great. Its all about the luck I guess

 

not true at all while the intel is a faster SSD longevity of the samsung drrive is insane look at pic i posted and this link..... Everyone dogs the samsung SSD's but mines is still runnin phenomenal still way way faster than any of my friends platter based and this is after 9 months of Having the laptop



http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2009/03...ung_mmd0e56g5/

 

Like mentioned earlier.... TAKE THE MONEY and get out while you still have the chance After reading countless pages of issues with the 1645, I canceled my order for one. I have spent 7 long days researching the Studio XPS in all its configures and it is sad. I feel like I just stepped back off the Titanic before its last voyage. Its pretty bad when I go to order a laptop from Dell with money no object and cant get a reliable top of the line system. I am ordering a Dell, just not a studio or XPS.

 

i love the analogy

 

You can still order i7 and RGBLED on the .co.uk site.

 

Thanks for the responses, I still have a few days before my return label expires, so I chatted with tech support yesterday who told me that it takes 3-4 weeks for Dell to gather and assemble the components to build a new computer, becasue there is a

Im just so frustrated, and dissapointed with Dell and the whole support process. I feel like I have wasted so much time and energy dealing with this. And now if I want a new computer (which is why I bought one in the first place) that I have to wait 4 more weeks..

 

Just curious, how long did it take to get your return label and information?

 

they email u a pre-paid ups label almost immediately after they authorize ur return... and i think the label is usable for 9 days after authorization

 

I had two emails from Dell within an hour or two. One explained the return process, and the other one was the pre-paid return label.

 

Hi Guys,

I got the xps 1645 i7 on Jan 10 this year and ever since have been facing throttling issues. Changed to the new adapter, currently on the latest BIOS and yet yesterday my system shut off while playing Dirt 2 bcoz of overheating. Will I be able to get a exchange for this problem ridden system?

Cheers!

 

Well It has already been two weeks, and I finally got a call from Dell last night. I wasnt able to answer my phone, so they left a voice mail asking me to call back.

All they said was that my computer is ready, and they dont have the16" RGBLCD monitor anymore, so they substuited the 15.6" and upgraded my processor, and they needed me to accept this computer. I returned the call, but havent gotten a reply back yet.

 

strange erick_e I ordered my Dell XPS 1645 1 day ago with i7 720QM and RGBLED screen and as far as I know thats what I am getting?

 

WOW... Did you get the 16" RGBLED or the 15.6" RGBLED?

I really want the RGBLED monitor..

 

I got the 16" RGBLED

 

Thanks, I guess I will have to wait until they call me back so I can inquire abut the RGBLED screen.

 

No worries good luck!

 

i have been told that you can't get 1645 with RGBLED anymore as they don't have that product available anymore.

Please check again to see if they are sending you the 15.6 WLED?

 

My Studio XPS 1645 also has issues and I've only had it since Dec 09, fan and 2 keyboards replaced already, backlighting not constant. I have decided to get a full refund and look for another laptop but with spec/price comparison, Dell always seem to come out on top. I maybe back for more punishment

 

Well Dell finally called back and told me that the 16" RGBLED was going out of production, and that if I wanted a replacement I would have to settle for the 15.6" monitor.

 

ARRRR,

I hate Dell.... They have the ABSOLUTE WORST customer service on the planet.

After spending countless hours on the phone and trying to contact Dell about my system replacement or the status of it. I get a phone call asking me howI like my new system. I was like . I havent gotten it yet, and they say it should have been delivered today. So I explain that I work out of town and am not available to sign for the package. If I would have known about the system being delivered (If sent me the promised email or called like promised) I would have made arrangements for it to be picked up. But no, now I have to take a day off from work, drive two hours, and sign for the system.

I am so upset, frustrated, and P!$$ED at Dell for their complete incompetence, lack of care for the customers needs, and the countless hours lost on the phone with tech support.

Anyways, I told Dell that I didnt want the new system because of the lack of customer care, customer support and over all attitude towards the customer, and I was told by them that " I cannot return the system for refund"

Dell has horrible customer service, customer support, and I will never recommend another Dell system to anyone...

Well, I guess I better get busy contacting my local Attorney General or the BBB.

Anyways, Thanks to everyone here for all the assistance you have provided me with the replacement process.