Just Purchased Inspiron 1520 - Return Policy?

I just purchased an Inspiron 1520 from Dell.com. Here is what I ordered:

($1189 before tax)

Intel® Core 2 Duo T7500 (2.2GHz/800Mhz FSB/4MB cache)
1GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 at 667MHz (I'm going to buy a 2GB Cosair at newegg)
High Resolution, glossy widescreen 15.4 inch display (1680x1050)
256MB NVIDIA® GeForce® 8600M GT
Speed: 160GB SATA Hard Drive (7200RPM)
Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium Edition
CD / DVD writer (DVD+/-RW Drive)
Integrated 2.0M Pixel Webcam
85Whr Lithium Ion Battery (9 cell)
4Yr In-Home Service, Parts + Labor, 24x7 Phone Support
Accidental Damage and LoJack Theft Protection to 4Yr Warr.
Built-in Bluetooth capability (2.0 EDR)

So here's the question. After I get the laptop, what reason would I have to have to return it? Since I have the 4 year warranty I'm sure they'll just fix any defect if there is one. But say the 1525 comes out a couple days after I get it and the deals are great and I change my mind. Then what? Would I have to pay a 15% restocking fee and be within 21 days?

Just curious what people's experiences with returning a notebook to Dell that they are not satisfied with or no longer want.

Hopefully there won't be any problems, but I just want to be safe.

 

The best option would be just do not open the package and wait for up to 21 days and see about the deals on 1525

 

Well that makes sense, but what are the consequences if the PC is open and used but then I decide I want to return prior to 21 days?

Oh yeah, and here are two random question. When I get my memory upgrade, should I install it before I boot for the first time? And does installing after market products void any type of warranty?

 

Regarding your first question I was able to send my laptop back after the 21 day period (opened and all, no fee's) by just telling them it made a somewhat high pitched sound (like a constant dial up tone), the headphone jack made noise's, and that it occasionally made a clicking sound. All of which it did do, but not the the point that I'd normally return a product. (except for the fact the new xps and inspiron are coming out-probably with better build quality than the 1520) Chances are I just got really lucky and had a good agent working with me because he didn't beat around the bush to much and try to get me to keep it, but was more concerned with helping me solve the problem. However one thing I did mention was that I still wanted to purchase with dell, but was interested in other products i.e. XPS 1530 (Hope its good ). That alone probably helped my cause more than just asking for a refund, which I dont think you are either so dunno, probably worth a try

(sorry if it doesn't make alot of sense, pretty tired and it's late)

 

1) doesn't make a blind bit of difference!

2) no, but if you have problems with them, DELL will not help you!

 

Don't worry, dell won't charge you restock fees as long as you mention the headphone jack issue.. It will probably have that issue anyways. I expect most 1520's do to some point. After receiving your 1520 you may actually look forward to moving up to the 1525 with the headphone jacks up front.. instead of on the back/side near the interfering CPU. I won't worry too much about the 1525 not having coupons etc.. I am sure there will be some good offers. Its the XPS systems that don't see that many deals like the inspirons do.

As for expecting a perfect 1520 system without any problems.. don't get your hopes up. Dell has admitted that there is a bad headphone jack layout on the mobo on the 1520. Personally, I would not buy one since sticking a creative express soundcard into laptop because the built in jacks are faulty is not exceptable. Dell has a pending bios fix.. but its been pending for months and I don't think they have any fixes yet. The only obvious fix is the new leaked 1525/26 system pointing to the fact that the 1520 will be end of lifed soon.

 

To CGHitman14

How do you get that deal??? Can you let me know how you get your loaded Inspiron 1520 for under $1200. I am trying to get an Inspiron too, but the price always around $1400 before taxed. Can you show me some pointers? PLEASE!!!

 

You do know about the dell coupons tab on the top if this page? When you build a dell system on their web site you will have chance to paste the coupon code in before you put you CC info in. These coupons are probably only good for the US however.

 

yes if for any reason you are not happy cal them and simply tell them there is _______ wrong with it. doesnt matter much what. they may try to get you to accept a replacement at first but tell them you simply want a refund and they will in the end do it for you.. you have nothing to worry about.

 

If you open it and want to return it than just tell them that your girlfriend or family member gave you a present - nice notebook or you can say that you have a problem with constant mic noise and that is not acceptable for a laptop of that price.

I would boot it first before installing extra RAM to make sure that they sent ya exactly what you have ordered (make sure all configuration specs are correct) and that it actually loads OS and recognise Wi-Fi card and has perfect screen (no point to upgrade RAM on the lappy with a grainy screen or any other issue because its just waste of your time)

I don't think RAM upgrade will void your warranty, but replacement of mobo, processor,etc most definitely will