How to fix the 1520 headphone jack noise problem

Hello all-

I take no credit for this. I just read it here on this site.

1. Enjoy your computer for 20 days.

2. On the 20th day (ok, I called on the 21st), call the customer service dept. that deals with returns. Explain how you love the notebook but are dismayed by the headphone jack noise. Get a little technical so they know you have researched this (like what makes the noise, the hardrive, power options, etc).

Tell them how the 1520 is being replaced by a 1525 that has the headphone jack MOVED to the front of the pc, and that Dell has done this because they are aware of the problem. Tell them how tecnical support wanted to replace the motherboard to fix the issue, but people have reported that this does not fix the issue. Tell them that with a new pc, the last thing you want anyway is for them to replace the motherboard. Inform them taht the only known fix is the Creative Xi-Fi soundblaster card. Explain to them that this fixes the issue because the card has its OWN headphone jack, so it does not pick up the noise from the pc.

Than tell them that it makes no sense for you, the consumer, to have to shell out the extra $70 to fix the issue. That it should work correctly in the first place.

Now, (for me at least), listen as they get confirmation from their manager to send you, free of charge, a Creative XiFi soundblaster card for your notebook. They do need the dell part number Dell Part# : A1164635.

Here is the web page: http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/...etail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&sku=A1164635

You'll have fixed your headphone jack noise and gotten a better sound system to boot.

Anthony

 

I have a usb sound card so I could have "fixed" the problem with that, BUT when I purchase a new computer it should arrive "fixed". I shouldn't have to spend time or money trying to "fix" it.

 

I tried this. They wouldnt send me the card. I was insistent and showed them I had done my research like you said, but they insisted time after time that now they had a fix for the laptop that would solve the issue. I'm sending them my laptop today. We'll see.

 

This does work, but I used the Dell chat instead.

 

Wont this be sticking out of the machine? Id rather have them work the right away.

 

I have the same concern as well. I would have hammered away at getting a Xifi from Dell earlier if it wasn't for this concern. I guess the option that saves the most space is the USB adapter, but it should never come to that.

How far exactly does the XiFi protrude, for those that know? One inch? Half-an-inch? Thanks in advance.

 

Yeah, it'd be cool if someone could take a picture.

 

Just got the card today. I think it protrudes about a half inch. I didn't mind because I wanted the xfi fidelity. It plugs in when you are using it, but you can easily unplug it when you are packing it to go. It even comes with its own little carrying case.

As far as requesting it, thats the thing. I NEVER requested it. Instead, I requested a return for the laptop because it was within the 21 day return period. I only told them the only known 'fix'. It was THEM who suggested that I keep the laptop and that they would send me the card to see if that helps. If they suspect you are trying a con, it won't work. You've got to be smooth.

Also, it is VERY important to talk with the specific department that deals with returns. Not, tech support, not customer service, etc. The telephone que you go through should say specifically returns. There job is to try and make you NOT want to return the laptop. If they refused you, than tell them to send you a box so you can return the laptop to them. When the box comes, you have a choice to make. Chuck the box, or send the laptop back. You mentioned that they had a fix and had you send the laptop in for repair. Who did? The return department does not do that (unless you are suggesting that the return department referred you to tech support). It sounds like you were dealing with tech support. Are you within the 21 day return period? Because if you send it in for repair, you might not get it back until AFTER that period.

The return department CS had asked if I had tried to resolve the issue with tech support. I said I had and that there suggestion was a motherboard replacement. I than (nonchalantly) told the CS that the motherboard was the heart of the computer, and if THAT was already being replaced for a 21 day old computer, than it didn't bode well for the notebook and that I would rather just send it back and order a new one at a later date. Your tone says alot. I was really nonchalant about the whole thing. I made it seem like I couldn't care about keeping the computer with its current problems. When the CS suggested that they send me the card free of charge, I again non chalantly said, ok. Maybe that will work.

Anthony

 

u think they're gonna buy it if i already exceeded the 21-day period?....had my laptop for about 3 months now and still have this crappy noise...

 

Resurrecting this thread to say Thanks for info - I've been looking for one of these cards on both NewEgg and Amazon. My 1520 (with new 174.xx drivers) is a great laptop with lots of static out of the headphone jack...

 

is the new bios suppose to fix this problem??

the A07.

i don't have my usual headphones with me, so I don't know if A07 made a diff.

but i did get buzzing sound every few seconds when i used my usual headphones on the A03 bios...