XPS Studio 16 from XPS M1530

Hey everyone! First post here.

I purchased a M1530 ~3 years ago and have had nothing but issues. Mainly overheating issues but the most recent issue was the battery not charging (not uncommon after doing some research). Long story short, Dell swapped out the mobo, fan, AC adapter and I even purchased a new battery... nothing helped (getting a refund on the battery). Finally got the service tech to approve a laptop replacement!

Since there are no M1530s available, I will be getting a XPS Studio 16 replacement (specs will be "same or better").

Here's my question. Should I extend my warranty for another 2 years for $413??

The service tech told me its cheaper to extend the M1530 warranty for another 2 years vs. getting the XPS Studio 16, then extending it. Given the amount of problems I had with the M1530, I am inclined to just pay the $413.

What do you guys think? I've done a bit of research regarding the XPS Studio 16 and it seems like the only issue is that it gets really hot (but not overheating). Any other major issues that would warrant me extending the warranty?

Extending M1530 warranty:
1 year - $279
2 years - $413

Extending Studio 16 warranty:
1 year - $350+
2 years - unsure

Thanks!

 

We need to know the specs of your 1530, so we can tell you what your 16 will come with, and then tell you if it's likely to have issues or not.

 

My bad.

T7500, 2.2, 4MB, CMER, G0
Nvidia 8600M GT
200GB, FREE FALL SENSOR..., 9.5, 7.2K, SGT-GAL
4GB, 667, 256X64, 8K, 200
15.4WSXGA+, VIDEO ELEC. STDS. ASSOC...., TLF, SAMSUNG...
2MP webcam

 

You're going to get an SXPS 1647. It'll use either an i5 or i7 dual core processor. You should not have problems with it at all.

This being said, since this model is (oddly) shipping with a 90w adapter, that you complain about "heat" issues where the adapter is getting "too hot" and have them replace it with a 130w adapter.

An extended warranty is always a plus. You're being upgraded, for free, to a new laptop with up to date technology. This means that you can, if you choose, use it for the next two or three years handily. If you can spare the money, go for it. Just because it's free, doesn't mean it's not a good investment.

 

I, personally, don't feel comfortable going without warranty on a dell laptop. However, economics dictate how much warranty to buy, and when to sell the laptop and get another.

If you plan on keeping the SXPS 16 for awhile, I'd extend the warranty on the 1530 then do the exchange. It doesn't make sense to do the exchange then extend the warranty, spending more for the exact same results. I'm almost positive the warranty transfers over to the replacement, but correct me here if I'm wrong.

If you think you'd rather make a switch to another model or manufacturer, it might make sense to NOT spend money extending the warranty, do the exchange, and sell the SXPS 16 then use the money to buy something else. Having extra warranty will raise the resale value, but probably not enough to cover the cost of extending it. Let the buyer extend it after they buy it; just make sure you advertise that they can (as long as the warranty hasn't lapsed and they actually can...)

 

Thanks for the responses guys.

Regarding the 130W adapter, would performance increase? Would this be a (paid) upgrade or a free replacement? What exactly do I say to the service tech?
Edit: nevermind, found my answer.

I actually do plan on keeping the SXPS16 for a few years so I guess extending the warranty is the practical thing to do. In the big picture, $400 isn't a huge investment to ensure this laptop will run good in the years to come.

 

Also, with the 1647, do you know if its possible to upgrade certain components if I opt to pay for them? I asked the service tech and he said he'd check on it for me. Figured if this is going to be my new laptop, I might as well spend some extra money and throw in some upgrade.