E1705 build quality? Warranty needed?

I'm considering the E1705. For the money, you just can't beat the specs. this machine provides. I've had pretty good luck with Dells at work, but I don't have any experience with this new E series.

I've been somewhat concerned with posts here mentioning issues with the laptop display and DVD burner quality. What do the owners think of this machines overall build quality and quality of components used? Does it measure up to other decent quality laptops?

Finally, taken all into consideration, does getting the warranty make sense? In general I don't buy this type of product unless it's the item I'm purchasing has a higher risk of failure. How confident are E1705 owners in their machine?

Any thoughts.

Regards,

Mike

 

The build quality on the e1705 is decent. Its not the best, but its not the worst either. On the model that I received before I returned it, there was a creaking noise that came if I pressed on the display. There is quite a bit of flex on the screen. Warranty would probably be a good idea. My old Dell Inspiron 8100, which is 4+ years old, is literally falling apart. It stays on because of tape and some other tactics that I've figured out. Dell's Inspiron line tends to fall apart after a few years and so a warranty would be a good idea. When I bought my 8100 4 years ago, I had only gotten a 1 year warranty, and I higly regret it today. So, go for the warranty if you HAVE to get this machine.

 

Did you consider the HP dv8000t? It could be a better alternative. Warranty is very important when you are buying anything from the Inspiron line. The XPS and Latitude have better build quality. Consider powernotebooks.com

 

You sould also get an extra year of warranty for free by using credit cards, see my sig

 

I've had my e1705 for three months or so and there've been no real issues. It's big and quite solid compared to other notebooks I've used. The only issue is some very minor unevenness in the backlighting of the LCD, but I really don't notice it when I'm using it. I only went with the standard one-year warrantly, figuring issues would show up pretty quickly, but if you plan on keeping it for several years, an extended warranty may be worth the cost.

 

For the money, the Dell E1705 has exceptional build quality - much better than any competitor offers. It has an all magnesium-alloy outer casing, which boosts build quality to almost professional quality. The keyboard, touchpad and palm rests are all very solid as well. The only thing that I would have to criticize on is what hazel_motes pointed out - the light leakage on the screen.

I wouldn't say you need a super-long warranty with the E1705, as it is built well, but I would still try and get a 2-3 year warranty with it. If you don't have the money now, just upgrade within one year of the date of purchase.

 

dont get the dv8000t. I heard many keyboard problems.

 

no, the E1705 is heavier. Considering the size of an E1505, the weight of a 9 cell wouldn't add anything significant to the weight.

 

Well, im honestly satisfied with my E1705. It was more than I expected. The performance is amazing, its a blazing fast machine. The only problem I have with mine is that on the bottom right of my screen theres this very little dark spot, its only noticable if your looking for it. Other than that I cant think of anything else I dont like about it. Hope I helped.

Justin.

 

Personally I"m not happy with 9300 but I travel all the time - and Inspirons are not built for that, especially 17in. If you plan on using your laptop at home all the time, then the E1705 would be good up to a certain price range. I wouldn't spend more than 2000 for it.

 

Thanks for all the good input! Didn't know I could up the warranty within a year. Is it still the same price as if I were to buy it at the same time?

As I said before, nothing can touch the specs. of this thing for the price, so I'm gonna have to pull the trigger A shame I couldn't see one in person before hand. I went to the local mall were I've seen a kiosk in the past, but it wasn't there today. :\

Mike

 

It probably will cost more to extend after you buy your laptop versus buying 2 years with your laptop. There is also the possibility that you might get a special offer in the mail to upgrade your warranty by a certain date. Normally you'll get this within a few weeks of purchasing your laptop.

 

Yeah I agree with SG. This system isnt for you if you're going to travel with it... unless your going to treat it "Monk" style

Justin.

 

I do very little traveling with my personal PC, so that won't be an issue.
Just got done ordering the thing. Got almost the whole nine for little less that 1.4k. That 750 coupon is the bomb.

Mike

 

Congrats your purchase - hope everything goes well!

 

Congrats, man, and yes, the 750 buck coupon is amazing, also had mine for a nice, cool 1.4k. and it's good to hear that everyone's got that lil, not too noticeable spot on the bottom right, which i notice less and less everyday. i think it's built pretty well, although i had an Inspirion 5150 last, and that think creaked a bit. overall, i like my 1705, but if anything exterior bugs me, it's the dull white bumpers on the edges. i might need to paint over those...

 

Congrats on your purchase! You will LOVE it.

 

Thanks to everyone for their input!
Can't wait to see this thing in the flesh.

Mike