Outlet Orders

Anyone order from the outlet store recently? What condition was it in when you got it? I've never order from the Dell Outlet and was wonder how the units. On Dell's page it say certified used may have cosmetic blemishes. Just was wondering if they come marked up? I was ordering one for someone and wanted to know about the condition. I only have experience with Apple refurbed units which looked new to me.

Lastly are the Outlet Units cover by the same return policy as the new orders? Thanks for any help.

 

Yup I qualify to answer your question. I ordered a Vostro 1500 last weekend (4/26/08). It was my first time buying from the Dell Outlet store. It was a certified refurbished model and I got one heck of a deal.

I read where others who have purchased refurb system said they looked new. Well I recently ordered a new Vostro 1700 so I had a chance to compare.

For starters Dell refurbed laptops come with all the accessories including software discs and they are packaged like new.

The laptop or as I should say my laptop was not. All new laptops comes packaged in a soft Styrofoam envelope. My laptop came in a non sealed plastic sleeve. *No Biggie*

As far as overall condition of the unit goes it appears solid. The screen looks great. The keyboard looks good as well as the touchpad.

Cosmetically the laptop looked as it was packaged "as is" from the previous customer. It had fingerprints all over the top and had a couple of blemishes on the top lid. One of which I was able to get rid of with some cleaning. The other is a very minor scratch along the top edge of the rounded lid, just right of the lid latch. Again *no biggie as you have to look for it real good in the proper angle to find it.

With proper cleaning using a damp cloth with some water the laptop now looks brand new.

A side note. When I first turned on the laptop and inserted a data CD/RW disc with all of my drivers I heard a buzzing noise coming from the optical drive. I called Dell and to their credit they are sending me a replacement drive. They also asked me if there were any problems such as missing keys from the keyboard and scratches or blemishes. I told them I had a couple on the to lid but they were minor. They wanted to send me a new upper lid but I don't want to take that all apart as i've done it before and it's a hassle.

Overall i'm very happy with the refurbed Vostro 1500 not only because I saved close to $300 but also with Dell's response to making sure i'm happy with the laptop and wanting to correct any issues with it.

The bottom line is I would do it again. It's a great deal.

edit: Yes all refurbed systems sold from Dell come with the same warranty as with a new system. You also have an option to buy additional warranty upon checkout.

 

Just got my m1330 today, refurbished.

As RodKnee mentioned, you have 21 days to return your refurb'd laptop if you're unhappy, and Dell even pays shipping both ways, so you're not out a dime.

Mine looks like brand new. Everything is included, carrying case, disks, case for the manuel, etc.

So far, I"m thrilled with my m1330. I priced out a new laptop with the same configuration, and I saved well over $500! Not too bad.

It also has one year in house warranty, which I've been told I can pay to increase to two or three years.

Not sure how you can go wrong, unless you MUST have your laptop on a certain day, and can't risk having to return it. Even then, a brand new laptop at times has defects and needs to either be returned or fixed.

Great deal, go for it!

 

Actually I'll pay with my AE card which will extend the warranty another year for free. Thanks for the replies. Keep em coming if you got em.

 

Shel, glad to hear you finally got your laptop. Did yours come in a clear plastic sleeve like mine? Does yours have a label on the bottom that says refurbished? Did you have to clean yours up as well?

Maybe i'm just being too picky.

 

Did they charge you for shipping? They're trying to charge me $20 for shipping.

 

Yes ZaZ I had to pay $19.99 for shipping. I believe the only DeLL purchases which are not subject to shipping are new business purchases and when it's part of an advertised sale.

I didn't have a problem paying for shipping because:

a) I saved like $300 if I had purchased the configuration new.
b) The laptop shipping within 24 hours of the purchase.

 

Yes, yes and no.

It came in a clear plastic bag, not sure how new ones arrive. It does have a label saying "refurb'd" on the bottom.

it was very clean. I doubt anyone could tell it was refurbished. Only the carrying sleeve has a slight scuff mark, but it'll probably wipe off (haven't tried), and besides, I have several nicer bags which I'll take my m1330 around in.

Thrilled with the machine so far!

What's funny is, I contacted DHL, and spoke with a superviser, and told her to simply declare the laptop "Lost", and when/if found, return to Dell. I was planning to simply order another one with the LED screen on it.

This morning, around 7am, I see that DHL's site tells me the laptop is in Los Angeles, and I again call them and tell them I instructed the superviser to send it back to Dell.

They said don't worry, it IS going back to Dell.

9am, there's someone at my door, and who is it? DHL!!!

Being the wimp that I am, I accepted the laptop, opened it, and was blown away at how bright and sharp the standard screen is.

Bottom line, I'm a happy camper. I'll be at my desk all weekend now, installing software and transferring files!!!

 

That's great to hear Shel. I'm glad you got you lappy.

What do you mean by carrying sleeve?

 

I thought AE's warranty doesn't cover refurbed products?

 

Got a refurbished 2 weeks ago and received free shipping. I think they have a free shipping promotion if you spend more than $800.

 

My laptop came with a case, or sleeve which you can carry the laptop around in. Didn't yours have that?

It is black nylon with silver edges, and has a Dell tag on the edge.

Not too fancy, but hey, it was free.

Mine also came with a case to store manuels, I believe. There's a second case in the box I haven't even looked at yet.

 

OK I gotcha. No mine didn't come with any of that. I guess the Vostro's are different. My guess is you don't get those sort of bennies when you spend $479 for a Vostro 1500 like I did, LOL.

 

I picked up a 1530 via the outlet. It's perfect, the screen is beautiful and if you're willing to wait you can pretty much find your perfect configuration... Money well spent - $1650 for a 1530 including 3 year complete care... great deal!