New Inspiron 1420 Comes Today!!!

I've been sitting downstairs, waiting for my new 1420 to arrive. It's been almost five hours of waiting, and still nothing.
As soon as I recieve my 1420, I'll tell you guys and post some pictures of it as well.

 

Can you list the full spec on here and how much you paid for it?

 

Here's my specs:

Intel Core 2 Duo T7500, 2.2GHz, 800Mhz 4M L2 Cache
Premium Deep Navy Blue with Soft Touch LCD back color
2GB, DDR2, 667MHz 2 Dimm
High Resolution, glossy widescreen 14.1 inch display (1440x900)
NVIDIA (R) GeForce TM Go 8400M GS with 128MB dedicated graphic memory
250GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive for 1420
Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium Edition, English
24X COMBO CD-RW/DVD for Inspiron
Integrated High Definition Audio 2.0
Intel 3945 WLAN (802.11a/g) Mini Card
56 WHr 6-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery, for Inspiron 1420
Microsoft Office 2007 Home and Student Edition

The total price came out to be: $1,169.66.

 

cheers Gunner! mine 1520 was also delivered today ... way ahead of the delivery date ... DHL rocks

 

How do you like your 1520?

 

i am still in office ... haven't seen it yet

 

Once you get it, can you weigh it and tell us how much it weighs? I'm interested b/c I am going to order the same thing in 2-3 days.

 

As soon as you do see it, let me know what you think.

(And I'm still waiting.........)

 

ok .. i am off ... i'll post here from my 1520 when i get home
Gunner .. hope you get yours soon

 

Hey gunner, nvm the weight thing... can you download pcmark05 and tell us your score on your new 1420?

 

I've never used PCMark before, so I'd rather not install it. But I can tell you the weight i you're still interested.

 

awwww.... it's a clean software... anyway, yes the weight would be nice.

 

I don't know the exact weight, as I do not have the laptop yet, but it's about 5 pounds.

 

UPDATE: I recieved my 1420 today. Everything looked fine, except for the screen. Towards the bottom, the screen is incredibly grainy, and horrible looking.
I contacted Dell, and they are setting up an exchange for me.

With my replacement I am also receiving a free set of notebook speakers. Hezbula!!

 

Search is your friend....

http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=3835

This has been well documented in several reviews, including those on this site.

-LQ

 

they should have people testing out their computers before they ship them out

 

They do test out the computer, but the testing must not be very "rigorous". This screen seriously sucks.

 

I requested just now that an LG screen be installed on my new replacement. The rep told me that he would try his level best. Probably not a 100% guarantee, but it sounds like he'll try.

Dell has stated that my new computer will be built in about 8 days, and next day shipping will accompany the 8th day. Only about another week of waiting. *sigh*

 

I expect in the case of the screens, dell has loose boundary samples, or that is what they except as good enough is really not on par with what many customers expect. Still, if a majority of customers except a grainy screen or just deal with it, it may still be worth dell using them if they get them cheap..which no doubt they do. Every manufacturer has different standards of what is exceptable. Believe it or not, many things, such as small scratches may not be caused by dell but may very well come like that from outside vendors.

You would think it would be worth Dell's time to invest in some better QC processes and maybe tighten their boundary limits of acceptability then to have a large amount of rework and system exchanges in their pipeline. They should try a bit harder to reduce the things like cases wobbling, cracks, scratches, back light bleeds, and other cosmectic issues that they have direct control over. These little QC issues are what manufacturers term controllable issues where they have direct control over. Other electronic failures could happen in the field that are not as easily caught in manufacturing process. But Dell has far too many controllable issues that they should catch during the assembly/testing process. Its getting worse since their last customer satisfaction index dropped them down to the bottom.. below even gateway. The reason they do so well in customer service in replacing systems and giving out freebies is they really have no choice. Having bad QC in your hardware and bad customer service would be suicide for any manufacturer.

When I received my first 1420 it had a 1.5 inch crack behind the lid.. in an area you normally don't see unless you look for it. I was taking pics of the system to post on this site.. and thats why I saw it. Its typical for manufacturers to have looser boundary limits in areas where the user does not visually look at.. like the bottom, or back versus the top or front. The crack in my system, IMO, was left intentionally and was probably exceptable to dell since it was not in an area in plain view. If thats the case, its pathetic. Since we are talking about a crack, not a blemish or scratch.

One thing is very important to any new Dell buyer.. you need to really do a complete visual inspection on everything and run it like hell for the first couple of weeks during your 21 day exchange/refund period.

 

Most likely its based on 100% luck on what you end up with. Hopefully Dell is learning a lesson that sending out bad displays on replacement systems usually ends up with them getting two systems back for their refurb pile and also refunding the customers money. It does not take a rocket scientist to figure out it may be wiser to just use the LG on the replacement. The only people that win on the replacement system cycle are the shippers like UPS.

 

No, company, I mean NOO company, has individual workers, inspect each and every computer, physically. You honestly think you can have one guy look at over 10,000 systems, daily? Looking over every inch of the machine, running it and testing it? Not a chance, they wouldn't even hire 10 people to do it. To companies, it's cheaper to just send a bunch of replacement machines out then pay people to do such a task.

Every companies QC is pretty much along these lines, computer is put together, a finished batch is taken to a diagnostic machine. They are all hooked up, and the machine runs all these preset tests, if they pass, they are sent to packaging and sent out, if the fail they push them off to the side, repair where needed, and then test them again, once they pass, they are sent out to packaging to.

That's it. No more is done.

Even if they had people inspect the computers, each and every one of them, theres still no guarantee. The worker can easily decide "screw it I'm lazy today" and just glance and stamp it O.K, even though defects are obviously there.
You can't say you never done the same thing in you're life time, just decide you can't be bothered so you just do a sub-par job just to get it done.

It's easy for us consumers to ***** and whine and say this should be this way, and it should be that way, but we have no clue or experience running such a huge company. If you do, why don't you have a massive global company and one of the worlds top vendors? If they were such bone heads and can't do anything right, then how do any of these companies get so big, and make so much money if they plain just suck?

One thing that needs to be learned is, Dell, HP, all the names, not one of them actually BUILDS the components. Everything is made by other companies. All these big name companies (Dell, HP etc.) do is order the components, after some other company designs the machine, then they put the parts together and ship them out to consumers. That's just a quick way of explaining there part in each machine. They do pretty much what a average consumer does when they 'build their own machine'. Select parts stick'em together and tada.

Now for the screen issues, blame the manufactures. The grain issues is from poor QC, go to figure. Their using to thick of a film on the screens, which causes the grain. Mostly, this whole screen fiasco, is purely, manufacturing issues. Far beyond Dell or any vendors control.

The vendors only know components are bull crap when the consumer is on the phone screaming at them, or when it fails an automated diagnostic test, that applies to everything in general.

And to come to Dells defense for a moment, when they are ordering the components for their machines - they have always been very picky. I have a few friends that work in the data centers for manufactures like LG and such, and they always say Dell and HP and such are huge hard asses about getting sub par quality parts.

So..

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying getting crappie quality is right, because it isn't. But we all need to see the big picture and start learning our facts before we start saying "well, they suck they need to do it this way". Because if it was such a easy fix, don't you think they would have done it? But hey, if you feel so strongly that YOU know better, do what Michael Dell did, and take $1150.00 and start you're own computer company.

Frankly, my honest opinion, any consumer that doesn't inspect any investment or purchase, is a moron and deserves troubles. Because they, have done the exact same thing the companies do - ignorance and neglect to any obvious issues or defects, until something has gone wrong, or someone complains.

- - - -

End of rant.. XD

yup..

 

Whatever. I do work in Manufacturing (Sennheiser) and we do final test every device and also have a final audit on tested devices. As far as good devices going out the door, we are at sig sigma quality levels (look that up.. its damn good QC). And yes, to a trained eye, its very easy to spot small scratches etc.. at high capacity levels. I do know quite allot actually on how manufacturing works and have been in the business a long time. When I final test a device I can spot a issue with missing segments in LCD, dirty lens, or scratch in housing ... all in a matter of a few seconds. But Sennheiser has very tight boundary limits.. we don't like as much as a tiny scratch. I am not just a customer ranting off a bunch of stuff here.. I know how manufacturers act and operate and know very well that a company like dell, very likely does not even remotely have the quality controls in place that it should. Even those people in packaging can spot scratches very easily when they put into boxes. Believe me, if everyone who comes in contact with a system is looking for defects in comestics, it rather easy to find most of them before they ship to customer.


And yes, I understand and I mentioned in my post that many scratches etc.. do come from outside component vendors.. I see this every day.. But it does not make it right to still use those scratched housings etc... When I build a microphone or SKP device I simply do not use the scratched housings etc.. I also mentioned that its harder to pick up electronic failures.. but that was not the just of my post. I talked about limiting controllable issues such as scratches, bad quality backlight bleeds in LCD etc.. In these areas, I am convinced dell can do a better job and that was my point.

As far as you say.. a lazy worker saying screw it today I don't care.. Well that why you have quality controls in place.. For example, a final tester has his personal ID number... so if lets say there is a test escape (untested and unprogrammed device) that issue can be traced to that person and they can be held responsible for the mistake. There are many things a manufacturer can do to limit poor performers believe me.

And as for your statement that noobody inspects every system.. it does not work that way.. Its more like every person that comes in contact with that system will be scanning and looking for those scratches, misaligned hinges, etc.. I figure, every dell system has several opportunities with human contact in the assembly/test/rework/packaging areas to spot obvious cosmetic issues. To have good QC it envolves everyone in a manufacturing company.. Your right.. its not just one person.. Its takes everyone evolved working as a team to produce a high level of QC. And this has to be driven and stressed by upper management first before this can become a reality. So in a way, I would hold Michael dell responsible for the breakdown in QC.

Toyota takes QC to astronomic levels. When they have a failure in the assembly line, they shut THE WHOLE LINE DOWN.. until the issue is resolved. Its based on lean manufacturing one piece flow. And yes the Japanese have been at sig sigma QC levels for along time. People have the idea that its harder and more expensive to produce products at sig sigma levels using lean manufacturing.. But in reality, companies like dell are spinning their wheels driving their costs up with replacing systems and a constant cycle of reworking. Lean manufacturing with single piece flow with high levels of QC awareness is the future for manufacturing and many companies in the US are following the Japanese way.. The big three automakers in the US have learned the hard way and are trying to catch up but its a bit late for them being they have already lost huge market shares.

 

I felt bad that you got a grainy screen and your excitment dampened. Nevertheless hope you will get a better screen in the replacement. I wish you get the LG screen. In the meanwhile I have two questions for you.

1. You are keeping the current system till you get a replacement. Correct?
2. Did they offer you a free set of notebook speakers on their own? If not what did you complain or ask for?

 

Agreed, cosmetic defects such as scratches and dents, should be seen by the packaging and testing crew's. Problem mostly is big companies hire incompetent people to do the job to save costs, I'm not gonna hit any nails on the head with that..But I hope you catch my 'drift'..

Why pay the qualified professional to paint you're fence when you can pick up an illegal alien to do the job for a sandwich.. Pretty much all there is to it..

I think most of the problem is, to much rush in the day causes the mistakes. I've been to a few plants, man oh man. Those machines go rolling down the line and everyones grabbing parts left and right and slapping them together. It's a wonder they don't screw up a lot more. But I heavily agree, Dell and many many many..many.. other companies can do a lot better. I think I've gotten a few lemons from every company I've deal with.

OH I understand completely on the QC thing, but problem is if the whole QC is crap then there is much that can be done to limit the problems. Problem is computer QC is different from a audio products company QC. Every computer QC is automated.

Quick example, know how they perform QC on hard drives? Plug thousands of them into a big machine and run them for 10 hours.. That's also how they get the ratio they give you on the lifespan of the drive. x amount dead out of x amount.. Pretty screwed up honestly.

Ah well enough said on the topic either way, Computer vendors need to get there act together. I can make a handful of issues with most of the brands. Everyone in the office complains about the problems with they're machines.

XD

 

Yes, I am keeping the laptop until my replacement arrives, in which I will then send it back.
They did not offer me the speakers. I simply asked for them:
11/19/2007 11:45:18PMAgent (Manpreet Z S): "Alec, you can ask as many questions you want to ask."
11/19/2007 11:45:32PMAlec VanDusen: "because this has been a pretty big hassle for me (I've been trying to work this out for a while) I would greatly appreciate it if I could recieve something...extra out of this problem"
11/19/2007 11:45:41PMAlec VanDusen: "i dont mean to sound greedy or anything"
11/19/2007 11:46:02PMAlec VanDusen: "for instance, a free set of notebook speakers"
11/19/2007 11:46:18PMAgent (Manpreet Z S): "Let me check."
11/19/2007 11:49:32PMAgent (Manpreet Z S): "Thank you for staying online. I really appreciate your patience."
11/19/2007 11:49:45PMAlec VanDusen: "ya"
11/19/2007 11:50:33PMAgent (Manpreet Z S): "I will place an order for the speakers for you."
11/19/2007 11:51:08PMAlec VanDusen: "here's the dell part # for the speakers i want: A0748966"
11/19/2007 11:52:39PMAgent (Manpreet Z S): "I will place the order for the speakers of your choice."
11/19/2007 11:53:03PMAgent (Manpreet Z S): "Please allow me 2 minutes."
11/19/2007 11:53:52PMAlec VanDusen: "okay"
11/19/2007 11:56:36PMAgent (Manpreet Z S): "The order number for the speakers is 931010394."
11/19/2007 11:57:06PMAlec VanDusen: "okay"
11/19/2007 11:57:10PMAgent (Manpreet Z S): "The estimated ship date is 12/ 11 /07 ."

 

As I promised, here are some of the pictures from the 1420. You may or may not notice the grainy screen, and if not, due to the camera I have. But believe me, the screen is bad.
When I recieve my replacement, I'll take some more pictures.

 

hi, how will you know if your screen is grainy? im not that expert on screens so i cant really say if its grainy or what. And i also want to ask this noob question, what's a bloatware and where can i find it and how to uninstall it?

 

Well, I'm not sure if I can explain what grainyness is without sounding dumb....
Grainyness is where the screen or parts of the screen seem some-what distorted and pixelated.

Bloatware is applications that take up a lot of disk and memory space. Bloatware tends to be such programs as Google Desktop (which comes pre-installed on most Dell machines). You don't need Google Desktop, and it just eats up a bunch of space and memory usage.
To delete it, go to 'Start', 'Control Panel', and right below 'Programs', you'll see the option 'Uninstall a Program'. After you click on that, you'll eventually see Google Desktop, in which case you can remove it.

But what do you guys think of the pictures?

 

very nice pics, good looking laptop but not as good looking as the m1330
and i cant notice the screen issues from the pics

 

i see. thanks gunner. i have another question, why is there no beep sound when my notebooks lowbat, the beep sound(warning)?

 

Looks like you have got used to UPS! Notebooks don't beep!

 

I don't know. Maybe to do something with your settings? Mine doesn't do that either.

 

i can def see the grain in those pics nice job.. the first one with the windows on the white backrounds.. you can see the sparkles and grain

 

what is the manufacturing id of the screen - is it AUO? Mine is AUO as well, to be honest, it is not that bad. I have been trying to find another company that has 14" that has 1440 x 900 screen. I went to Fry's, Micro Center and etc. I haven't been able to see one. Maybe 14" 1440 x 900 screens are grainy, that's why other companies don't offer this resolution for 14" or 15"?

 

shouldve returned for full refund and ordered the 1500 so u get the 8600m gt. didnt u say u wanted crysis ?

 

Ya, but I changed my mind. I figure I wont' sacrifice my liking of the 14 inch just to play the game.

My screen manufacturer is AUO also.

 

Quick update: I got on the chat service with Dell representative about making sure my next replacement's screen is an LG, and they told me that it can only be an AUO screen, because it is a "like-to-like" exchange. I find that a load of bull-crap...basically, Dell is sticking me with a crappy screen.
Any suggestions? Honestly, I'm about ready just to cancel the whole damn order and buy an Xbox 360 or something....

 

LOL... a xbox 360 is a even worse idea.. THE RED RING OF DEATH!

Had it happen to me 4 times with all different consoles. Returned them, never again. Should have known better then to get another Microsoft product.

That whole like to like is bull ****.. get on the phone. You can push them around then to get what you want. Still no guarantee though you'll get a LG but..chances are 50/50 I guess..

 

I just finished chatting with the manager of the customer service department, and he told me he'll have his senior, high ranking people call me back. Hopefully, I can get this whole thing straightened out. Seriously though, I don't see why Dell is *****ing about this!

 

UPS? sorry but im noob in computer terminologies. but my cousins Toshiba Notebook beeps everytime it gets lowbat. hows dat?

 

All right, UPS stands for Uninterruptible Power Supply. Some notebooks might have these beeping features built into the hardware but Dell's notebook (at least the ones I have) doesn't have this feature. May be you can have some software alerts.