M1330 Replacement quality - POLL

Hi,

I am calling tomorrow to get my 1330 replaced. I was wondering how many of you who got it replaced had their initial problems fixed, and were satisfied with the replacement. If not, were there any new, additional problems? Also, in how many days did the replacement arrive?

Please let me know.

Thanks.

EDIT: Additional comments will also be appreciated. Like problems, duration of replacement, etc.

 

Also if you haven't received it yet, can you please specify when/how long ago did you ask for replacement?

The reason I am asking is because my school starts on Monday, and I want to know the timeframe of when I can expect to have the replacement at home.

 

erm..if you live in the US or Canada - be sure to check out either the costco warehouses, costco.com or costco.ca - They sell various brands of laptops including Dell with a 3 month and 6 month return policy in the US & Canada, respectively

- Jordan

 

Details in my sig

 

I had my faulty (bad disc drive) M1330 replaced with what seems like a refurbished product. My original system had seals covering the buttons on front of laptop as well as the webcam. This one had no seals, as well as 3 scratches near the top of the LCD, as well as one on front. It obviously was someone else's return they shipped me, with a new drive. Took 3 weeks to get this, calling today to demand a new one.

Gotta love Dell.

 

I am kind of worried seeing so far how 5 out of 15 people were un happy with the replacements, and 9 haven't received it yet. I asked for replacement today with ESD of 9/20. I am praying this one doesn't have any faults.

 

ok I received my replacment the other day after waiting for a month to get it, the dvd drive is quieter, the fingerprint reader works really good (my original one would scan maybe 1 out of 20 swipes) the lcd is better no teeth showing through, the mouse button is fixed not recessed like my 1st one, keyboard is good, but on the left side the cover above the keyboard is not seated in correctly it is lifted and even when I push it down it will still pop up, the hinge cover pops off easy but won't hold down the cover. I showed this to a dell tech (he lives in the same city as me) and he said he would ask for a replacement again as it is alot of money to pay for something that will eventually warp. Would you keep the system as the other issues have been resolved?

 

Hey wow! Deja vu! In the system I currently have, the left side cover above the keyboard is not seated properly! That's why I asked for a replacement! I hope they fix that issue! Mine is scheduled to arrive tomorrow! I will let you know! I don't feel safe with that cover lifted!

 

That is exactly why I had some concerns I think it will only get worse so I guess I will have to call dell again. It is nice to know that I wasn't the only one who had the left side lifted, I had hoped that it would have been fixed, on my 1st one it was really bad. How long have you waited for the replacement?

 

i had replacement ordered on 13th.

It the shipping date was yesterday, but it's been in the boxing stage for 3 days now! I am really praying this one doesn't have defects like the previous ones! I was going to keep the one I have if the cover above the keyboard wasn't lifted! The only other issue I had was wobble, but that was minor!

 

my replacement just shipped, damn thing shipped ground and not overnight like it was supposed to!~

 

I just got off the phone with dell because whenever I check the order status over the phone, it says its in boxing stage, but with no ESD information. So I called them and they told me that some of the parts are on backorder.

I was so mad because I told them if it says the system is in boxing stage and has passed testing stage, how can it still be in back order? And the guy was stumped by the question, and had no idea what he was talking about. He said the best I can do is promise you a compensation and call back once you receive the system for compensation to be processed.

 

well my original laptop looked good to me, but it had a wobble, and had the wrong screen. After recieving my replacement, i now have no wobble, the right screen, but i also have cpu whine. it's not that bad and i can live with it. The main difference is that my original m1330, didnt look new, the earphones werent packaged, the software i ordered wasnt installed, it didnt have styrofoam between the screen and the keyboard, and in my first login to vista, it didnt ask me anyof the initial setup questions. something here isnt very kosher

 

I called customer support about this when I saw that my replacment was being shipped ground and the representative called dhl and got them to make the correction to next day and I did receive it the next day! Best customer service experience so far.

 

I should be receiving replacement number 3 tomorrow. I'm hoping this is the one and if it's not, I'm throwing in the towel.

 

I just got my replacement M1330 after 4 weeks of waiting but with the same problems CPU whine, broken L shape placstic when took off battery, and uneven base. What's the point of getting a replacment with the same problem really... Going to talk with Dell and ask for another replacement or refund or at least free 3 years tech services.

 

well I just ordered my 2nd replacement she said 7 to 10 business days but the last one took 4 weeks so we will see. Hoping for a good system this time.

 

My first replacement arrived today (took 11 days). Worse than the first machine.. wont sit flat regardless of which battery is being used, screen backlight isnt even at low brightness and the whole right side of the keyboard collapses and makes a huge clunking sound if you hit right arrow. As far as cosmetic issues, the clips each side of the media panel now stay on, however, one of the LCD hinges has a chip in the silver paint (can see red).

You'd think they might take a bit more care with a replacement order !

 

I also found that my sd card slot doesn't work on my replacement computer as well as the left side hinge and left side always popping off so it is a good thing that I ordered a replacement as the card slot is most likely on the mainboard

 

so my replacemnt machine sucks..screen is ****, backlight bleed, shade of yellow, dimmer..hinges are uneven its WORSE than my original unit

atleast after i dropped my original unit the thing stopped wobbling LOL

ya..time to call hell

 

2nd replacement has shipped. Just got given the order number today and tada.. "Standard Palmrest".... where did my fingerprint reader go!?

And to add insult to injury, a better spec build of the same machine is now around $600 AUD cheaper.

 

dell sucks. portableone.com ftw.

 

lol.

 

I just got my replacement last week and surprisingly it was in decent build quality. I just hope it doesn't develop problems further down the road.

 

I got a worse one. The major problem is that the new system came with a pink or yellow LED, and not as bright as (about 30% less) my old one.

Improvements: No keyboard and fan Noise anymore. Better DVD drive (but still noticeablly loud).

 

Mine comes with a wobble base, and STILL the whine, and the loud HD

AFTER 4 weeks of waiting, i STILL get a crappy one. Good job Dell.

 

I forgot to add the first time that on my replacement, there's a VERY BAD keyboard flex!! And key i press towards the right side of the board, the whole thing gets pushed down. BUt I think it's manageable. Actually, can Dell come and just replace the keyboard?

 

My replacement has the following:
* keyboard flex (right side)
* wobble (6-cell battery)
* CPU whine
* brighter LED 2306 (first had 2306, too, but not as bright)
* bigger gap by left-hinge
* slightly better viewing angle than "Passive-Matrix"-like angle of first 2306
* Seagate 72k RPM drive (no clicks)

 

Wow...I figured all these would be ironed out by now. I understand that we are just an extremely minor slice of m1330 purchases but...

Are u happy with the replacement?

 

Wow...I figured all these would be ironed out by now. I understand that we are just an extremely minor slice of M1330 purchases but...

Are u happy with the replacement?

 

I assume we are fairly representative of the general XPS M1330, as I'd expect people to post they have perfect machines, not just problems, since people come here for other reasons such as general technical questions that do not pertain to defects.

Based on my own experience, I don't know if I even want to bother with a replacement due to the expectation of potential build issues, or maybe even return the machine and just find a cheap ultra-portable with fewer features and just dump my 4 GB into there.

I paid over $2000 for this machine, and while I think that getting it pretty loaded with a WLED, C2D 2.0, UPEK, 3 yr everything, nVidia, etc. is a good deal, it is unacceptable that a machine of such a caliber and price can have teeth showing and uneven hinges and wobbling on a flat table.

Additionally, why does it seem that I have to choose between no CPU whine and a dim 2306 vs. CPU whine and a bright 2306, as it seems to be, anecdotally, from this forum?

 

Ahhh...but... You can oreder your replacement and then, only after deciding for a week, decide which you want to keep.

In fact, if there are parts you want to change, they will let you call in a tech to make the best machine out of two.

 

Thanks for the suggestions. I will most likely call Dell and see what they say.

 

My replacement was new, in perfect condition, and delivered within 9 days. The process of getting it replaced was also very pleasant. I only wish I asked for a replacement sooner instead of attempting to fix my old screen problems with tech support for weeks on end.

 

I am about to get replacement number 5. Twice I received the CCFL screen when I ordered the LED. I then received one with a gorgeous LED screen and it would not boot with the same 4 gigs of memory which worked fine on the CCFL (blue screen errors). Dell replaced that one and I got an LED with a huge dead pixel. They sent a tech to replace the LED screen. First replacement was DOA, second replacement looked like there were spotlights all over the screen. The tech was so frustrated he asked if I wanted him to just swap the lid and screen from the "blue screen boot" system and I said ok.

He put it back together but didn't tuck the wires properly so the keyboard was wavy, the hinge cover keeps popping off, there is a new scratch in the black paint on the lid and a new dent in the palm rest.

Thanks to a friend and forum member I was able to contact someone in Dell's corporate office and after I detailed my ordeal I received an apology. Another replacement is currently being built and is supposed to be inspected in their offices before being shipped to me. They worked hard to retain me as a Dell customer.

This has been a 4 month odyssey but if I can finally get a good M1330, I suppose it'll be worth it. It's a gorgeous laptop which got rushed too soon into production and was supported by overseas techs who didn't have a clue as to specifics of the system.

 

My LED was piss yellow all around.
I returned it.

The build quality was also more like that of a no-name laptop.

 

I'm getting my laptop keyboard changed.. are the dell engineers ****? everyone seems to be saying that there systems are worse after!!

 

For replacements, is there anyway of..getting a dell tech to switch the parts around?
Because I have a really nice display right now, toshiba, no dead pixels or problems, and I've spent more than 20 hours installing stuff/tweaking settings on my computer so I would be VERY happy if I wouldn't have to do all that again..

If the replacement comes with a screen that's not as good as my first m1330, I can get a dell tech to come switch the two right?
And also, the harddrive can be switched without any problems right?

The m1330 just took up so much of my time and energy and I don't want to have to repeat the process all over again for a replacement

 

yes!

No! Because Windows creates a unique ID for every piece of hardware! And if the mobo & CPU are changed, then the ID will be different, and a format will be required!

 

Really?
I've requested a replacement and the dell rep told me that switching out the two harddrives was "very easy and simple" just swapping them....
Once the new laptop arrives, I'll probably call dell again and ask...

That's what I thought would happen since the hard drive is getting put into a whole new laptop...i expect that there would be compatibility issues

 

DELL reps speak total utter SH*TE!!

Trust me on this mate! I tried changing the CPU in an XP machine, and needed a fresh intall...its a security thing to stop you installing 1 copy of Windows onto several machines.

M$ wont have removed that feature from Vista...if anything, they will have added more stuff like that!

 

I got a replacement last night. The build quality is fine, just like my last one. The last one had a tiny tiny tiny tiny scratch on the left alt key, it whined, and the screen was grainy, and flickered when it was on the lowest brightness setting. My new one has a prefect screen and perfect body. But the cpu still whines. The whine is not as bad as before. I told them to send one of the ones with the new motherboard, and they told me "we have no way of choosing which motherboard you get, and we have no way of knowing which one is inside until the system is built." Why on earth would they be stupid enough to still use the old motherboard if when i ordered my system they were aware of the whining problem and had a solution.

I warned them that if they sent one with the old motherboard and it whined they'd replace it, even though my 30 days will be up in 2 days. Now their choices are send me another new system (which better be perfect) or give my money back and then i'll order a new system. I'm also gonna demand that i get additional refund days since technically i've only had my system for two 1 day now. Why should my refund days go down for a system that was imperfect?

But i'm gonna keep trying till i get a proper m1330 cuz man I love this laptop.

 

does your whine come from where the CPU is? Or under the express slot? Cos if its under the express slot thats not CPU whine, it's from the Intel 82801HBM Drive controller chip that controls the HDD!

 

If that question was directed towards me. There are two different ones. there is one comming from over the area of where the battery is. and then there is one from around the area of the express card slot.

The whine on my original was only around the express card slot and it was loud as hell. this one i have to go really close to it to hear it, but i'm afraid it will get louder. I also only used the laptop for 1 hour last night when i got it because all my software and what-not is on the old laptop. couldn't be bothered installing stuff on it and setting it up if i was gonna get a replacement.

 

the whine near the battery is prob CPU whine, the other one is the HDD controller chip I mentioned above!

 

Oh man. Another source of whine... :/

 

OH MY GAWD WHAT THE HELL WAS I THINKING?

The replacement is terrible. The screen... the areas that work look nicer than my current one, because there isn't that horizontal gradient thing (I think people refer to it as the screen being grainy). But i took it into another room to sit down with it and give it a proper testing since I didn't have time last night. The fan keeps going on high while the system is idle. I left it idle while i went across the room to eat dinner. It was on a table so the vents were not being blocked. I come back and the system is very warm. Much warmer than my original, which doesn't feel as warm as the new one, even when it's playing games.

Anyway back to the screen. I finish eating dinner and go back over to the laptop to see if it was whining. I noticed that the bottom of the screen near the taskbar was like flickering. At first i thought it was my eyes. Like 5 minutes later the entire bottom 4.5 lines of pixels turn black. So i restarted the system. When it boots up i look and it's still the same, only difference is in the dead area (bottom) there was an artifact thing. The artifact is gone but the bottom 4 and a half lines are still black.

So for my replacement i got a screen with no grain. but four and a half rows of pixels that only show black. I got the same whiney motherboard. I got a hotter system. I a, oh i almost forgot. Since the bottom 4.5 lines went out the screen no longer changes it's brightness level. Quickset comes up and says that the brightness is changing, but the brightness never changes.

Unfortunately Dells office is closed now. But they are sooo giving me a proper system. I'm also gonna see what i can do about dell care. I don't want any other laptop than the m1330, but i'm VERY afraid now for what will happen if I miss a problem on my initial inspection of whatever replacement i get.

And a summary of my replacement.

They sent me:

-Revision A01 - still whines (not as loud, but I can hear it and i'm afraid it will get louder)
-A screen with four and a half horizontal lines of dead pixels
-A screen resists opening because i can clearly see the display connection cable inside the hinge getting in the way
-A system with more heat and less battery life and a fan that goes on high when the system is idle and on a table in a relatively cool room
-A display who's brightness refuses to change

The Hard drive they sent me in the new system is also a lot louder, but i think i'll just swap it out whenever i get a proper replacement. The one i have now is from samsung, the replacement one is from another company. Don't remember what name showed up in device manager and i can't be bothered turning on that replacement over there *gives the replacement a dirty look*

How much does dell care cost without that other thing that they tried to sell me with it when i was buying the system? Anyone know?