I'd advise against buying from Dell's outlet

First time buyer from Dell's outlet. Probably the last, as well. They really don't test these laptops at all. First off, completely out of the box it was unstable, video making weird twitches, or crashing, etc. I figured since it was a refurb that it just needed to be reformatted or something. It came with BIOS A03 to start, as well.

I wiped Windows off it, as any person should probably do, installed Ubuntu. Everything went fantastic until I enabled compiz and then I started having weird issues again. Great, I thought. Bad video card most likely. I then noticed that a BIOS had been put on Dell's support site, BIOS A07. Hopefully this would fix the issue (I know, but we can hope, hah).

Well, now it's at least stable, for a while... and to an extent. I reinstalled Vista, ugh, but I can't even get past an installation of Nero without having issues. I'm using the latest 169.09 from LaptopVideo2Go. But it doesn't matter what driver(s) I use. Suffice to say this piece of crap is getting returned. Still within the 21 days, thankfully so I'll probably get my money back, and go elsewhere.


Functioning ok...




Then after about 30 seconds it does this, followed by a blank screen, then windows telling me the video adapter has recovered:

 

They can test a machine 50 times before they put it in a box. A lot can happen between, packaging, shipment from the factory to the location, then purchase of the user.

I've had brand new parts work when I installed them at a friends place, then fail between the time it took to drive home and turn it on again.

So testing isn't an issue here.

You just got a bad video adapter, big whoop. Demand a new one, if that one fails, then screw Dell and go buy some other piece of crap from HP or Apple..

 

Wow you're quite the jackass.

Anyways, I still want to locate the specific issue. It was able to boot fine a few minutes ago, run through a 3D Stress test app for several minutes with no issues, and the heat rose to around 70C full load. Go figure. I'm gonna do some more testing, etc. I hate not knowing exactly what the problem is. I still have several days to return it as well.

 

apparently you like to torture yourself.
Call Dell up and see what they can do. If you are nice, which you dont appear to be, you might get a better lappy than the one you have for the same money or a replacement and a goodwill coupon.

 

How do you determine I'm "not nice" by 2 posts in this thread? Both of which were merely explaining my situation. Likewise, there's a guy in the 2nd post who simply insults patronizes me with no real help.

I'm aware there is a problem, it just did it several more times. I'm calling Dell tomorrow bright and early and either replacing for hopefully getting my money back

 

@handisnacks before this goes OTT at no point did he/she insult nor patronize you.
There are many here who have had brand new system which don't even fire up best thing for you to do is call up Dell.
We here to help not start a battle..
Good luck on your quest.

 

@handisnacks before this goes OTT at no point did he/she insult nor patronize you.
There are many here who have had brand new system which don't even fire up best thing for you to do is call up Dell.
We here to help not start a battle..
Good luck on your quest.
testing thread.

 

I have had nothing but good experince with dell outlet

 

I'm even further impressed now. I'm currently on the phone with customer support and they're telling me the laptop I bought was classified as stolen, and has a "hold" on it, and they're confused as to how I bought it from the outlet. Wow, good job Dell!

Now I'm on hold while this outsourced guy has to discuss it with his supervisors. Sweet

 

My bro-in law ordered from Dell Outlet about 1 yr ago...got in Inspiron 1505. After a few months the speaker cable came loose. Most likely it was totally his fault cuz he's not the gentlest with his laptops. Anyway, he sent it back to get fixed under warranty (and he should have just had in-home service, but he's a moron .). Dell "lost" it in their system, so they sent him a replacement one with many upgrades (better CPU, ATI gpu vs intel GMA950, more ram). Then it turns out, 2 weeks later DHL drops another box at his door...I guess Dell found his original, fixed it and sent it back too. So now he's got 2!

I also just ordered an M1330 for myself from the outlet, see sig, should be delivered today! The primary reason for ordering anything from the outlet should be price...my config was 62% of the new price!

 

Karma really has a way to bite you in the ass when you least expect it.

*grin* Good luck!

 

Ok. Dell sells me a busted, stolen or lost, Laptop.
I post about it here, for help perhaps? Maybe someone has had this issue before? I don't know.
First response is someone telling me they test machines 50 times prior to selling it. Obviously this is false, or else they would've have noticed mine doesn't work, not only that, noticed that it's still on the black list as being "stolen" or "lost." Also, Dell packages things surprisingly well I noticed, and to the best of my knowledge, nothing in shipping would've caused this specific issue. It's a hardware issue from the start. Not a "oops I dropped it and now 3D acceleration has quirks." Note: 2D works fine, but when I enable Compiz, or Aero in Vista, it has problems. It's an obvious quality control problem.

So I call someone out for being a jackass and telling me it's some "big whoop" that Dell sells me a stolen broken laptop. And yet somehow this is all related to karma? GG, you win the thread.

 

I don't think Dell tests their returns enough. I had a friend order a laptop from the outlet and it had some dead pixels. He keep it since he liked the price. I have always thought that dell thought those dead pixels were an exceptable flaw in a outlet machine and why I would never consider one. I also think that many returned dells for grainy screens probably recycle out to their outlets. I may be totally wrong but thats what happens when a company allows a few bad apples out. Any potential customer like myself who sees dead pixels will make assumptions about poor QC. Last year I did order a 1420 that came with a cracked lid (new machine) And the replacement had a horrible vasoline/greasy looking AUO display. So I guess I have little or no faith in Dells built quality.

 

You fail to mention the point also brought up, that things CAN and DO fail between packaging and delivery. Dell has no control if the courier company manages to drop your laptop and damage it....and it is possible to drop a box without showing visible signs

Believe what you want, but no matter how well something is packaged, it's still possible to be damaged during transit due to rough handling.

Maybe you should work for Dell since it seems you have all the answers.

The only person being a jackass was you, and then you throw a tantrum when YOU get called out on it.

 

Tantrum? What? Ok buddy. Hah

Also - Dell couldn't afford to hire me... (from the looks of it)

 

mr. big money
I have ordered dozens of computers from dell, two or three from the outlet, and have always had a good final outcome.
Sometimes you have to keep hanging up on the ones you can't understand, but eventually they get it right, usually in your favor.

 

handisnacks,
I feel for you. I think you are being total reasonable about wanting a working laptop after paying money for it. I know I would be really upset if this happened to me. Can you return this thing? If so it might be easier then trying to fix it. Looks like the quality control of ALL companies has taken a nose dive, not just dell or Hp etc. I am hearing stories like this from a lot of people, except for the stolen thing???? This is nuts!

I think you should just return this immediately if you can and if they complain say that the thing was said to be stolen and you don't want a stolen product. The stolen issue could become a huger headache as time progresses. They might want to recover the laptop from you at some point or worse they might accuse you of stealing it.

GET RID OF IT.

 

It looks like your video adapter is screwed down too tightly to the MB. I would loosen the mount screws on the board and CPU also, then tighten them back up with less torque.

 

Just wanted to add my 2 cents, I've also had nothing but good experiance with Dell. Unfortunate to hear, but then anybody who doesn't expect problem's from a computer lacks experiance. This goes double for people who know how to use their systems, and like to add thing to them ; ). I really do hope your problem is solved to your satisfaction, as I said before, I'm a Dell Fan...

 

According to the guy on the phone, whom I spent a good hour discussing the issue with... they're going to build me a completely new identical machine but I have to wait at least a week (5-7 days) for confirmation from their hardware department. Ugh. Oh well at least they're trying. I applaud them for that.

 

hey, I'm quite a jackass myself. How is it that I haven't posted in this topic up til now?

But seriously, I've had good experiences with Dell Outlet in the past. There's no way that every single computer is going to come out perfect. Unfortunately you hit one of the ones that weren't. As you are seeing, Dell will rectify the problem, but sometimes you have to wade through a little customer service sewage to get there.

 

Look. This guy has trouble with his notebook and posts on this forum. The fact that most of us have had good experience doesn't really help him. What are we trying to say, that he shouldn't have any problems because we didn't have any? Let's be nice to the guy and sympathize rather than getting into Dell fanboy mode. We all know however good dell is, they mess up pretty often.

I recommend you send it back as soon as you can and reorder either from Dell or from another manufacturer. This kind of thing is really not that common.

 

Dell outlet can't really be expected to provide the same high level of quality products as those from Dell 'proper'. Some of the supplied systems have been returned from customers. You've got to question why there are so many of a particular model / line available at the outlet store (and that is something that a Dell rep once said).

Still, it does sound like a happy ending.

Also, the point about testing 50 times wasn't a literal "Dell test 50 times" statement. Even I understood that (though I admit I am less emotionally charged because my laptop is working fine ). It was jsut pointing out that no matter how many tests are done, something can always fail just after the last test.

 

I hope you were being sarcastic because the Video adapter is soldered on, not screwed on.

I think the OP should be happy now, He's getting a new system for an outlet price

OP, Some CSR's can be very nice and throw in some quirks. Maybe you can ask them if they can extend warranty....free of charge or give you some discount towards a warranty or even some freebies like mice and so on.

From my experience, they've done everything to keep me a happy customer.

I even left them and went over to HP.... It took me about 9 days to come running back to Dell and I've never looked back.

 

When getting a perfect notebook from Dell itself takes a few returns, what can you expect from a Dell Outlet? Agreed there are exceptions there but we all know what the norm is!

 

Sure they could, they've got plenty of peanuts to feed their monkeys!

 

I feel your statement is too harsh, especially during this recession!

 

Hey Handy
Dont take it personal, you are on a forum.

If anybody threw some heat your way, to cause you to reply back with your own heat, remember you started the thread saying "Id advice not to buy from the outlet", instead of posting, "based on my experience.." or something like that.
I mean, I bought 2 laptops from the outlet. I had a little trouble with one, and it was the same issue as non outlet buyers. The LCD trouble. But dell fixed that in 4 days. And since then its been nothing but happiness. As for testing, I wonder if your laptop came with the normal factory first time boot. that shows right there that they reinstalled everything. From what I know about dells from the outlet, they usually have whatever the issue is replaced. If it was a bad harddrive or busted blue tooth module etc etc. They replace what was wrong and redo the factory install boot and send it back out. But when you made it sound like a "dont buy from dell outlet" and then tell your horror story, you should put on there, this is based on my experience, or you will offend all us guys that bought from the outlet and were happy.
but calling that first reply an ******* was wrong because it was a big whoop. it does happen, whether its cars, laptops, phones, whatever.

 

Handi...sounds like the CSRs are gonna take care of ya

I'm happy to report I got my M1330 today from the outlet. So far so good...screen is fine (no dead/stuck pixels), no scratches/dents on the case, good fitment of the LCD hinge and frame, running good so far for the first hour. I think it does have the cpu whine, but that honestly doesn't bother me, my old HP made way more noise just when idle...or maybe my hearing is just going

 

FYI: anecdotal experience is the worst way to analyze a problem. I have bought many many machines from the outlet. probably 2 out of 75 have had a problem. I suspect the ratio is similar for new machines.

Buy from the outlet. Same warranty, same return period, cheaper price. No drawback, except maybe a marginally higher possibility of problems.

 

THIS. OP seems to like to toss out something and when someone called him out on it, he threw a mini-tantrum.

That's how someone can make the assumption that you are not a "nice person"

 

No one threw a tantrum. As far as my experience goes, all outlet notebooks are bad/stolen/lost/whatever. Why? Because 1 out of the 1 I've purchased were. I don't care what numbers other people throw out here, they could all be made up as far as we know. I'm going solely from my experience. This thread, is about my experience.

If this whole ordeal works out fine, and I end up with a functioning laptop, I'll change my opinion about the outlet and maybe consider buying another in the future. As it stands now, I was sold a stolen/broken laptop.

 

My outlet notebook was brandnew. In original packaging.

NO wear on keyboard, palmwrest, screen, etc


I do have a spare parts bin now ... but thats because i met ebay.

 

I have to agree with you. I don't know why people are so fast to defend dell when the topic is about YOUR bad experience. And you're being quite reasonable.

It seems you were sold a stolen computer from dell outlet, but it would seem it will take more than that to criticize the holy dell dealers.

 

Handisnacks,some people are dumb as rocks,and can be rude a**holes,I'd like to see their reaction had they recieved the laptop you did. Hope everything works out well for ya

 

I'm a jack ass eh?

Maybe you should READ my post carefully.

I told you very clearly, and simple, but you failed to read it properly.

They can test a machine, over and over again. Not to say they did, or didn't, let me make my point. They can test it, but a lot can happen between the time it's tested, packaged, shipped, then sold and used. For all you know the truck driver could have thrown the box around like a ragdoll when unloading it. Theres just one example scenario, plenty of other things can happen, to cause it to be flaky, or not work.

Plus it's a simple fact you're ignorances blinds you from seeing.

ELECTRONICS FAIL WITHOUT WARNING, WITHOUT REASON.

Clear enough you dip? Maybe the big bold caps will stand out better.

I never said they tested it 50 times, I never said they did anything. I told you simply - it doesn't matter what they do, because electronics just, FAIL.

Then you go on to threat like you're gonna return (as if we care, one less ass hat on the Dell forms then) it if you don't get your own way. Boo-hoo, big deal. I told you exactly what to do.

1) Send it in for repairs, if it works afterwards, congrats ass hole.

2) Return it.. Then go buy some other piece of crap from Apple or HP.

Plus, you never mentioned anything about it being stolen or blacklisted when I posted. All you did was cry, ***** and whine and throw around threats to return it. If you were as smart as you try and be, you would have called Dell first off. Instead of going through the process of registering on online forums to insult people who try and help. Then again, no one can help someone who doesn't wanna accept it. Nor do we wanna help someone that's gonna be like that in return for there input.

How can we determine you're "not nice"? Because the first person that helps you, gives you some options, you call them a jack ass. You sir can go to hell because you don't deserve help from anyone. Frankly, you should be banned.

But hey, I can't help it if you're ignorant and wanna come on forums, and ***** about you're machine and experience and then call people names when they tell you what options you have.

You're so smart, figure it out and get the hell out of here.

Also learn to read, considering you failed to comprehend simple, dumbed down explanations towards your questions, then maybe you're not suite to be diagnosing and repairing a computer.

I'll leave you to grief. And think about you're poor actions and choices.

Jack ass.

 

It would seem that the OP is not the one that threw a tantrum ,you sir,get that award

 

Nah it's not a tantrum, to say the least. If it was a tantrum, I think I'd be throwing toys around, screaming in caps and being illogical and self centered.

If anything, I'm frustrated. And I believe I'm entitled to feel that way.

I took 15 minutes of my time to tell him what he could do and educate him on something he failed to understand. and then he misreads it, insults me and won't own up to his actions when he's called out on them by others.

I was nice and blunt with him at first, he wants to throw fire, then I'll fight fire with fire. Because it seems previous poster's failed to level with his bullheadedness.

Why shouldn't I be frustrated?

Would you like it if you helped someone and they told you were a jack ass? No, you'd tell them to go fly a kite. Anyone would that doesn't let people walk all over them.

Ah well see it as you wish, I know my intentions and I have my own ways of dealing with these issues.

But hey, if I summed up all the bad parts of the bible I could make God look like a real ass too. Exactly as what you just did to my post.

 

Take a really deep breath,and think about what I am going to say,
If you spent xxx amount of $ and recieved the exact same laptop/implications as he did,would you not also be frustrated,and feel entitled to express it that way?

 

Anyone would, that's not why I'm frustrated..

I'm frustrated because he calls me a jack ass.. Was that nessesary? Was that needed? Was that mature? Was that a way to say thanks for the input?

Nope. Thanks for the useless post. I really never targeted his first post. I'm targeting his comments after mine, and his comments after people called him out on what he said.

 

You need to take a look in the mirror...

 

Bravo, got a mamma joke you wanna crack out?

Obviously you have no grounds on which to stand on to prove a valid point or provide proper defense to his name.

You're comments are loosing consistency and do not justify what he said or did.

If you find it necessary to pick at small things I say, then really, you are no better then what you are trying to beat. (me if you can't figure it out)

You've failed just as he did to understand my comments.

EDIT:
Actually, now that I think about it. Maybe you should focus on the big picture, instead of pulling bits and pieces out of my comments. Maybe then you would see the light.

 

Are you 14 yrs old?
if not see post #35 of this thread ,it fits you to a tee.

 

This guy is clearly raged, so just let him be. I believe the OP's issues were worked out, so clearly there is no point in continuing to post here.

 

This thread is like -400 on the maturity scale and the natural of the first 4 posts says it all. This thread is closed. Its nothing but flaming.