XPS 17 (L702x) replaced with Inspiron 17r se.... Is this a fair warranty replacement??

I recently had a XPS17 replaced with an Inspiron 17r se. Do you think this is a fair warranty replacement?

XPS 17 had:
-9 cell battery
-i5 560 processor
-4gb ram
-tv tuner
-bluray
-Nvidea 555 graphics card
- all aluminum body
-500gb 7200rpm

Inspirion 17r has:
-6 cell battery (downgrade)
-i7 3630 processor (upgrade)
-8gb ram (upgrade)
-no tv tuner (downgrade)
-bluray
-Nvidea 650m (upgrade)
-Only aluminum frame, plastic everything else (downgrade)
-1Tb 5400prm harddrive + 32gb msata

Basically I am missing 9 cell battery, tv tuner, and more sturdy build quality. Is this a fair replacement? Kind of sucks moving from XPS line to Inspiron.

Thanks!

 

The speakers aren't quite as good on the 17R SE either... From a purely performance perspective, it's an upgrade (and quite a big one) but from a multimedia and build quality stand-point, it's definitely a downgrade. Having said that, there's nothing better that Dell could offer you at present.

 

In a better position though.

Agree, If you need the longer battery life or the mini display port then its even worse. I own both and my xps is my favorite of the two, the R17 makes a good gaming machine with a 24" led, usb keyboard/mouse connected but I don't enjoy using it otherwise (keyboard/screen/vga out/battery life all sucks).

Personally I would have asked for a refund so I could have purchased another brand without the optimus rubbish or at least the ability to disable it but you could have done worse too I guess.

Btw, thank for letting us know about this. :thumbsup:

 

Now I am regretting getting this machine. I can definitely see the decline in build quality plus the absence of previous features such as 9 cell, display port, aluminum build, etc. I have sent back my old laptop but they are aware of my displeasure. Is it too late for them to give me a refund?? That is what I really want at this point

 

If its only been a week you might be entitled to a refund but I would ring them and ask regardless. Tell them politely that your not happy with the replacement due to the smaller battery not lasting enough, etc, and after using it for a few days it doesn't suit and you want a refund. If no refund is possible then ask if another laptop is a possibilty, might be a good idea to check what you might consider as an exchange before you ring. I've found dell to have very good support so its worth a try.

If I had of known about Dell's return policies the Inspiron might have gone straight back but its too late for me. Its an ok sytem and makes a good (enough) gamming rig but it might be stripped to upgrade my XPS if the cpu is compatible.

 

I voiced my concerns with an escalated manager before they sent out the laptop. He told me the Inspiron was the only laptop comparable to my old XPS 17. He claimed it was an Inspiron SE so its not like the other Inspirons. After receiving it I disagree. He claimed there are no 17 inch laptops with a 9 cell battery anymore, or a laptop with a tv tuner. I mentioned an Alienware which clearly has a 9 cell battery and he said it wasn't an option because it is in a different class/department.

Yesterday, I sent an email to that same escalated manager voicing all my concerns. I didn't ask for a refund yet. We will see what happens when he replies.

I feel that when dell stopped manufacturing XPS 17 inch laptops they got rid of any proper exchange machine meeting all the specs of the old XPS line. Now instead of moving me up or refunding me, they want me to settle for a lesser model due to their lack of options.

 

go to the Better Business Bureau website and file a complaint,giving them all pertinent information

You will get a call from dell in the next day or 2.

They HAVE to upgrade you in the case of a system exchange, as per Alienware tech support.

My M15X died and I was given an M17x r4

You need to call and raise hell, and drop some hints about a BBB complaint

 

At least get a smaller xps to stay with that build quality

 

Hi, I was sad when Dell cancelled the 17" 3D XPS, as I had intended to replace my XPS 15 with this model. I could not afford a 17" Alienware (who can? , so had to settle for the Inspiron 17R SE, and was worried about the build quality - I have returned an Inspiron before because of this & replaced it with the XPS 15. However, I think for the price, the spec of the Inspiron is very good. In saying that the machine arrived with a defective MB which had to be replaced, but now works fine. It does not have an eSata port like my old machine, but I got a $20 adapter to fix that. The build quality is not quite the same as an XPS, but look at the price of those machines now! Overall it is not as bad as the old plastic Inspirons, and as long as I get 2-3 years use out of it I will be happy.

 

I can understand that it is a decent value for the price. The problem is, I already spent over $2000 when I purchased my original XPS laptop. So for them to now replace it with an Inspiron does not seem fair

And as an update, as of now Dell is refusing to do anything for me. They are saying since I allowed them to send the inspiron to me in the mail, that means I was ok with it. The person I was speaking to said he was the highest in the line of command and basically he will not give me any other options.

 

Should have asked what SE meant. 'Sucky Edition', 'Slow Electronics' (10/100 ethernet), etc.

And the Inspiron is the same class as a XPS? Right...

And they clearly stated that BEFORE you accepted the Inspirion...

:thumbsup:


So whats next, just use the Inspiron or sell it on eBay or...?

 

United States and Canada BBB Consumer and Business Reviews, Reports, Ratings, Complaints and Accredited Business Listings

Go here and file a complaint.

Be as detailed as possible and include all pertinent information.

It WILL be routed to the appropriate department at Dell and you WILL get a call back.

It's how I got an m17x R4 for my broken m15x that they originally refused to fix

 

and start getting the names and email addresses of those you speak to.

Tell them you want them to send you an email so you can follow up later, that way you have names you can drop later on.

 

So I have file a complaint with the BBB and I have sent a similar email to [email protected]. I do not know if the email to [email protected] will get anyone to reply but hopefully the BBB will end with better results.

 

I hope so as well, keep us updated.

I'll see if I can find any other contact info that can help you out

 

So basically Dell is willing to do nothing for me. They are claiming that the Inspiron 17r SE is the most comparable replacement to the XPS 17. Also they are telling me that I told them I was ok with them sending me the Inspiron so that means I also agreed it was a proper replacement. I have already contacted the BBB. I asked for a manager and they said I was speaking to as high up as I could possibly speak.

Just a suggestion to others, do not let Dell send you any laptop that isn't acceptable in your eyes even if they tell you you can review it and make sure it is acceptable.

 

Great advice and thank you for keeping us up to date. Pity dell wouldn't do the right thing for its customer, maybe it need less of them to motivate it to do the right thing.

 

Sadly I`m in the same boat right now with one of my systems. I have a Dell xps 17 L702x that has repeated service calls and still not working properly and they have suggested a exchange and no refund. I was offered a 17R SE also as the only replacement I could get an its a huge downgrade.

I have
Processor: Intel Core i7-2760 QM Processor (2.2 GHz)
Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium
XPS L702X
750 GB SATA Hard Drive (7200 RPM)
750 GB SATA Hard Drive (7200 RPM) 2nd Drive
16 GB Dual Channel DDR3 SDRAM at 1333MHz (2 DIMMs)
17.3 inch FHD WLED TL (1920x1080)
6X Blu-ray Triple Drive (DVD+/-RW + BD-ROM)
8x DVD ( BD-RE ) drive
E/Module, External Media Bay
NVIDIA GeForce GT 555M 3GB graphics with Optimus W/ TV Tuner
Digital Internal TV Tuner TVT20 ATSC
Internal Backlit Keyboard - English
9 Cell Primary Battery
Win 7 Ultimate 64 bit
Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6230 and Bluetooth 3.0

and they offered to send this which I have refused at this time.:
Processor: Intel Core 3rd Generation i7-3630QM Processor (6MB cache, up to 3.4Ghz)
Windows 8
Dell Outlet Inspiron 17R Special Edition Laptop
1 TB 5400 RPM SATA Hard Drive
8GB Dual Channel DDR3 SDRAM at 1600MHz
8X Tray Load CD/DVD Burner (DVD+/-RW Drive)
Nvidia GeForce GT 650M 2GB

So I lose 1/2 my memory, BR Burner and player combo, TV Tuner, 3 cells on battery, backlit keyboard, 900p instead of 1080p, 2230 vs 6230 net, 130watt adapter vs 150, second optical drive, second hard drive. and forces me into win8 vs win7 ultimate I like better.

Seems like quite the downgrade to me and they stated also it WAS THE ONLY option I had...I also asked about Alienware and was shot down as not comparable....

 

If you don't raise hell they will walk all over you, and if they can't replace with something equal or better in value for the money you spent then get a refund, case closed and no need to go further with these clowns. I've had my share of problems with my first XPS, shortly after I demanded that they rebuild me a brand new system with a better screen, which they finally did. I am probably one of those lucky few that manages to keep an XPS-17 in excellent condition to this day, but that also came with a cost which includes an ongoing and endless 10-month battle with Dell for subsequent warranty work, and for them to agreeing with me that they will send me the parts for doing my own repairs, etc.

Other reasons why I was able to agreed on keeping the XPS-17 are: aside from rebuilding a new system with a better quality screen, I received a DVD-Burner instead of the BD-ROM ordered, they've included all the software discs and a copy of W7, additional $200 knocked off and other various coupons which brought the system down to $840 total w/ tax and shipping! At the time, with the specs, the original price came out to about $1300! So for the discounted price, I couldn't go wrong.

 

I have pretty much an identical build (with behavior that grows wackier by the day) - and am now in the unenviable position of beginning the haggling process with Dell.

After numerous unsuccessful repair attempts, Dell has offered to exchange my system - but the rep has yet to get back to me with an offer.

Now that I know what I will be offered (which is absolutely a huge downgrade) are there any tips/suggestions for getting the discussions off on the right foot?

I can tell you right now that an offer of the Inspiron SE is a non-starter for me. I'd be willing to look at Alienware if the specs compare favorably - but that doesn't sound like an option (although I'll certainly argue for it).

How can Dell think that folks technically sophisticated enough to build this kind of system would find the SE to be comparable?

PS--with the problems customers have had with this machine, it perplexes me that no one has tried to initiate a class action. It's clear that this model class has been discontinued due to the fact that it has been a nightmare for Dell...

 

did u upgrade things like the memory or is you XPS stock.

Of course Dell will try to match or better the original build - not any upgrades.

but being polite but persistent should help get a better build from them.

 

Thanks for taking the time to reply

I have the 4 DIMM MB for 3D so I doubled my RAM from the standard 8 to 16 after it arrived.

I guess for a custom build you could say it's pretty much "stock" for the most part. I upgraded to the i7 2760 second gen and got the 9 cell battery, the 555 vid card and the backlit keyboard (I think they were upgrades from the original specs, but it's been so long I really don't remember).

I plan on being polite--but it's getting harder and harder, to be honest. As I write I am watching my Dell (which is sitting on the kitchen table) spontaneously wake from sleep, go back to sleep, wake back up, go back to sleep, etc., over and over.

Over the course of two visits in two days, Dell has replaced almost every single part of the laptop this last round of repairs (I am not kidding)...and for whatever reason Dell refuses to send a tech out to replace the faceplate - which has to be cheaper by far than replacing the MOBO (twice in two days) replacement of the USB ports, the new RAM and all the other stuff I can't remember off the top of my head. And it is way cheaper than shipping me a comparable model, even if that model is a refurb.

Sometimes I don't get Dell's business model. Goofy problem history aside, I truly do love this computer - but I can tell you Dell has definitely lost more money than it's made trying all the dopey repair stuff when I've been (politely) telling them all along there is probably a loose cable or wire somewhere in the case.

Sigh...

The rep I spoke with is supposed to get back to me by Friday with an offer - so, we'll see what Dell comes up with.

Thanks again!

 

Just wanted to update...

I must have (eventually) gotten one of the good guys at Dell. After being offered the Inspiron SE (which was politely rejected) I was put in touch with Nick, who must have looked under every rock at Dell to find me another 702x with specs comparable to my current rig. It is being shipped and will arrive tomorrow.

I do have to say I was also offered a new XPS 15 (not open to) and a refurbished Alienware machine (which I would have taken if the specs were right) before Nick found me the 702x - which is all I really ever wanted all along.

So, at least for now, I'm pretty happy with the exchange I was offered.

 

Nice,but I would say if the alienware had even lowest specification it is well worth it since I know most people would upgrade from XPS line to alienware. The XPS 17 is about 2 years old with Sandy bridge processors while I heard the alienware you could upgrade parts which is better IMO + the alienFx lighting. You are pretty lucky to be offered a alienware since there is quite a lot of people wanted that to replace their XPS ...

 

It's an upgrade in performance, sure, but it's a downgrade in a few other things. If it was a last-generation Alienware, then screen quality would take a big hit, and even with the new generation, so would speaker audio.

 

I heard you would have to configure settings for alienware to bring out the true sound quality. The screen on last gen looks amazing on alienware compared to new model. If i had the money,i would buy a the last gen of alienware

 

I am currently going through pretty much the same process. I almost laughed when they described the replacement. I expected them to match all performance items, even if they came in a different case, I don't care so much what it looks like.

I will say this to their defense, in the 2 weeks since my XPS died, dell representatives have been very patient and have kept me well informed. I just felt like their replacement proposal was somewhat offensive. If the warranty states "equivalent or better" then that's what I expect. Now if the replacement laptop takes much longer, I will likely start getting annoyed.

Case: xps17 ---> Inspiron17r se ---> Downgrade
Processor: i7-840QM ---> i7-3630QM ---> Slight Upgrade
Memmory: 16GB DDR3 ---> 8GB DDR3 ---> Downgrade
Keyboard: Backlit ---> Backlit ---> Same
Graphic Card: NVIDIA GeForce GT 445M ---> NVIDIA GeForce GT 650M ---> Slight Upgrade
Hard Drive: 1.0TB, 500GB 7.2k HDD x2 ---> 1TB 5400RPM ---> Downgrade
Display: 17.3 HDF+ ---> 17.3 HDF ---> Same
Optic Drive: BlueRay Combo Drive ---> 8X Tray Load CD/DVD ---> Downgrade
WiFi: Advanced-N 6250 + WiMax ---> 2230, 2x2 bgn + Bluetooth ---> Same'ish (trade WiMax for Bluetooth)
Battery: 92 WHr 9-cell Lithium ---> 48 WHr 6-cell Lithium ---> Downgrade


I'll update with their next replacement proposal.