Read This Before You Buy From Dell!!!!!

Ok so here are some things that you really need to consider before you get your Dell.

1) The wait times for the 1520's and 1720's are atrocious. Especially if you are ordering anything other than Matte Black. Order now and you may get one shipped by the beginning of October.

2) There is/was quality control issue with the 1440x900 glossy screens. Many of the screens coming from the manufacturer AOU were considered grainy and had minor to significant light bleeding on the bottom. That issue has supposedly been resolved. Dell has supposedly stopped installing the AOU into their laptops.

3) The Nvidia 8600m GT is DDR2 and not DDR3. While this may not seem like a big deal, laptops with the ddr3 outperform their ddr2 counterparts.

4) Dude, it's a Dell. Enough said.

5) While dealing with Dell customer service can be a little more than aggravating, due to trying to understand heavily accented English, their reps try to be as helpful as possible and are very curtious. If your order is delayed ask for some compensation and you shall receive. Although don't be fooled by their "next day" delivery promise is mostly just lip service.

6) Check out Dell's competitor's such as ASUS, Toshiba, and HP. You can get many of these notebooks quicker and with better specs, but they are more expensive in some cases. If you are thinking about buying the 1520, you should try looking at the ASUS G1S-A1. It's a little more but it scores better on the benchmarks as well as better FPS in games.

7) Don't be afraid to upgrade your own RAM. You can get relatively cheap (and name brand RAM) from several resellers such as Newegg.com. It takes some technical no how but it's not difficult at all. There are walk-through's for everything on the net.

Those are my rambling thoughts. Just seek out and search this forum and make your own decision.

 

Having said all that... Dude I love my Dell !

 

That's cool. Somebody has to love substandard equipment.

Just kidding. You are lucky. I am literally waiting for my Dell so I can send it right back to them.

Can't wait for my Asus G1S-A1

 

well that sux that you feel that way Doc but some of us, such as myself, has owned Dell's (both desktops and laptops) all their lives and never had any problems at all. my 1420 is running cool and fast with no hiccups. the build quality is fantastic and the screen, altho being matte, is still sharp and clear as day. and frankly, i have never had issues with their CS when i have had to call in. yes, you may have to listen a little closer to understand them but they still are worlds better than some other CS's out there. but hey, to each his own.

 

im not very good in tech..
may i ask how can i find out whether the graphic card is ddr2 or ddr3 as TS has mention point #3??
just want to make sure that i get the correct graphic card.
thank you

 

Similarly...ordering on 11 Aug and having it shipped on 27 Aug after you reordered it on the 13th is nothing to complain about. If you didn't want the system built for you, there is FS and BB.

 

When I bought my 9300 notebook, it was bigger than I expected, but thought "it's okay." My 700m I bought and it was small, but the keys were a bit small and I thought, "well it will do."

Then I spent a small fortune on my M1330 with every single option at the max. Even the 2.4Ghz processor still not available in most countries configuration options.

And well I am typing on it right now.

"It is the best damn laptop I have used in my life, MATE!!!!"

It is the envy of everyone at my work. It is fast, sleek, AND...........

It's a DELL .............. !!!!!! (enough said)

 

That pretty much highlights everything about your topic. When you order a bargain line from such as the Vostro or Inspiron you're saving a bit of money over the other brands but you need to put up with the possibility of returning it. These things just deployed. Almost everything in this world that is in it's first phase of manufacturing will have quality issues.

If you don't want the savings and don't want to put up with sending a laptop back for FREE, buy a latitude or else spend more money on another brand. It's ridiculous how so many bash Dell over the bargain models and then go spend $300+ on a different laptop later. You should have spend the extra dollars in the first place and save yourself the stress!

 

Great.. You had a wonderful Dell experience. Some of us are not that lucky. My big problem with Dell is the issue with the grainy screen on the 1440x900 1520. It was an issue when they sent the first ones out and it was an issue until just recently. I did not set out to write a "DELL SUCKS" post. I just listed a couple of issues that I, and MANY other people in this forum, have experienced. I also included info I didn't know until after I made my purchase, such as the difference between the graphics cards. And to answer Tam07, you need to dig beneath the order form on what ever manufacturers website. Look around and sooner or later you'll find the spec sheet. Or you can just get on this forum and start a thread in that company's respective section. Dell's do have the DDR2 version of the 8600M GT. All I'm trying to do is get people to dig a little deeper before they commit to something as expensive as this.

 

7) Not sure what Dell's policy is on this, but often your warranty is void when you open her up.

 

LOL me to Dell is the best

 

First. I realize that they are new. But you should expect that problems to be fixed relatively quickly. Instead Dell continued to send out these not to standard screens (I say that because they were not defective but rather had a quality issue).

Second. If I had known the little tid bits I posted on ths thread before I ordered I would have made a different decision. I based my original decision on 3 or 4 positive reviews.

Now if a $300 difference is a deal breaker then go for the 1520. It is a well built computer and the 1440x900 screen issue should have been resolved. Although if you're looking for a gaming computer Toshiba and Asus make better computers for a couple of hundred more. Or if you have some deep pockets there is always Alienware. (Yes I know Dell bought them out)

 

I'm not sure about Dell's either but I read a post on here that said most manufacturer warranites are only voided if you mess with the processor. I don't knwo how true that is with Dell

 

I have never seen a company so incompetent like DELL. This was the first time I was buying from them, and they made sure that it is the last. Thank God, I did not order DELL in a time of need.

 

Is it really true that Dell FINALLY dropped the cheapo chinese manufacturer AUO as a supplier of grainy glass?

I wonder how many returns they ended up with? Maybe the guy who finally was able to post pictures of the horrible AUO on this site embarrassed Dell. Those pictures were fantastic and really shows how crappy some of the AUO's were. There was no question after looking at them that anyone could deny that AUO had some serious quality issues.. here is that link if you want to see.. one more time a crappy AUO..

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=154196

Too bad dell did not do this earlier.. like others, I found another source for my laptop and will never try dell again. Dell wants to improve its image.. but since the new launch, has drastically dropped in the satisfaction index.. even below the lowly Gateway. Dell should be more careful.. it takes time to earn reputation and very little time to loose it.. and the most time of all to gain it back.. if ever. I have been hearing about Dell customer support/ build quality horror stories for years.. Lets face it, its been all over the media and its no secret dell has had some big issues. I think thats why they brought back Michael Dell. But it seems quality really went south again with Mike at the wheel. I took a gamble by trying Dell against my better judgement. And now that I have my new HP, I don't know what I was thinking. The HP just blows the dell out of the water in so many ways. I don't know what I was thinking ... other then that nice ruby red lid.. I was blinded by the fact that I was buying a DELL.

Yeap, these pictures were the bomb.. and a reminder to those that don't believe what crap dell was pushing out at people. People still post that its just forum generated hysteria.. Nope. Just look at these pictures.. it says it all. And yes, I agree, Dell took far far too long to react to this major flaw in the most important component on a laptop.

 

Very good experiences with Dell.

I suppose everyone will experience differently.

Regards,
Paolo

 

Sorry how u feel.. but i love my dell..!!!

 

I love my 1520... love it!

There are some minor things - light leakage at the bottom of the screen during start up, my screen *might* be grainy but I don't notice it, and my spring green sometimes seems a little marbled in certain lighting situations...

but even with that - I love it! it makes me happy just looking at it, using it, doing the stuff I normally do on a computer.... happy!

And ordering it today and getting a ship date at the beginning of October is roughly 3 weeks. Is that really a horrible leadtime? 3 weeks? I personally don't think so - assuming Dell starts hitting the leadtimes that they are quoting.

 

Yeah, they replaced AUO with SEC, Sadly, in my case, the SEC was worse than the AUO lol. http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=167515
Avoiding WXGA+ altogether is probably the better way to go.

 

I challenge anyone to find a T7300, 2GB RAM, 8600M GT, 15.4" WSXGA, Wifi, bluetooth, 2MP Webcam, etc for < $1100 shipped.

I haven't had any screen issues...my LG WSXGA is excellent, and I got my system in 5 days. It's good to bring some of the issues to light though, particularly the delays and the problems that some people have had with screens.

You can always spend more, and get better, quicker... but most people here (myself included) have value as a top priority.

Finally, it seems pretty clear that Dell has underestimated demand for the price/performance niche they have in the market, but what other vendor/manufacturer goes to the extent that Dell does to compensate their customers?

 

I thought #2 was just a rumor started, as in people have received AUO screens lately.

 

Mux1 that's exactly the point I'm trying to make. Dell's 1520 is a great value for some pretty decent hardware. Great for kids going to college and the like. But if you are budget gamer (ie not willing to spend $2500-$3000) there are better machines out there.

r30028 I was going off of post by people in the Jet black 1520 waiting room

 

Dude, I frickin love my Dell.
The only issue with it is the headphone noise, which, I only use headphones maybe once or twice a month, so no big deal, especially considering I got an amazing gaming and photo and video editing laptop for less than $1200.
That deal cant be beat.

 

I have my i1520 and to me it is an awesome machine!

I don't know if this was told to people who ordered before I did, but when I ordered my i1520 Dell has listed all colors would delay orders. They also told me on the phone that an ESD is just that; an estimate. In my case they hit the date on the nose, but I also got Jet Black. Mainly because I didn't want to spend money on a color...

If that happened to me I'd be pissed too! I hope Dell has this issue under control. Though I think there is a lot of hysteria going around and more people than needed are just going nuts if it says AUO. My SEC3350 (Samsung) is perfect though so I'm happy.

Of course the DDR3 version is faster that is just plain common sense... The DDR3 version is also pricier... If my machine was primarily a gaming notebook I would have looked elsewhere. My machine is an occasional gaming notebook so I'm happy with this card. Besides it runs all the stuff I play on Max!

I've never had a bad experience in about 10 years so I'm not sure I get that

I dunno... They promised me next day shipping and my order arrived with "Next Day 3PM" service from DHL. Maybe the people who are having problems with that aren't in a major city? DHL has a smaller footprint in smaller cities so they probably can't realistically do next day. I'm in Philadelphia and have NEVER had a DHL shipment not arrive next day as Dell claims. They've shipped me tons of parts DHL next day for warranty service...

None are giving the amazing prices that Dell are...

That is true for all manufacturers . As soon as I got this baby I yanked out the 2x512MB from DELL and poped in 2x2GB . Now I don't need anymore RAM for this laptop... ever...
[/QUOTE]

 

I wouldn't call $2500 the cutoff for budget gaming, but maybe the cutoff for high-end gaming. Again I say, I challenge anyone to find a T7300, 2GB RAM, 8600M GT, 15.4" WSXGA, Wifi, bluetooth, 2MP Webcam, etc for < $1100 shipped.

And if someone can do so, show me one of these "better machines" that can compete with Dell on pricing! To say you find one that is only $300 more doesn't count! I can buy a Porsche that is "better" than my Honda, but at 3x the price it damn well should be.

 

I LOVE MY DELL ALSO

I've owned several dells and have NEVER had a problem.

 

I am perfectly happy with my dell purchase, I may or not buy another one but its based on whats the best deal later on. I think these issues will make dell a better company next time around when they have the new line up next summer, hopefully they fix there building and shipping issues.

 

ya i know there was a thread on it, but based on the replies to the thread that was just some bs the guy said to get him off the phone lol

 

Im extremely happy with my Dell Inspiron 1520.Yeah, I had to wait 40 days. Yeah, I had to talk to a few people with thick indian accents that strained my ability to decipher tongues. Yeah, I have a strange beeping in my audio jack. But those are the only negatives. The positives are many, and outweigh them.

 

1) Completely correct. First, when I ordered on 7/23 I did not get any notices of potiential delays. Second, Dell should not wait for you to for them to ask about delays. Third, don't lie. A ***** CSR told me that yellow paint would arrive on 8/21 and it would be finished by 8/22, and delivered by 8/27. I cancelled on 9/12. Sure I agree that cheap is crap, but at least they should warn you about it.

2) I ordered the 1900 x 1200 verisons. I don't think Dell ever made them.

3) That's true. But, I guess it's cheaper for DDR2.

4) Oh well.

5) Costumer service is very bad. You have to wait hours for anything. Also, they transfer you to the wrong/ nonexistent lines.

6) When buying cheaper computers Dell is better. But once you move up +$1600, then the other manufactures are better. The Toshiba x205 is way better than a similar priced Dell 1720.


Overall, I'm very angry with my entire experience with Dell.

 

RAM is a user-replaceable item. You can change it without voiding the warranty.

 

Frazell the deal with the 8600 GT is that Dell does not readily display that the version they are selling you is DDR2, where as most of the performance reviews that you read about the 8600m GT (which was originally one of my big deciding factors on ordering a Dell) are based on the DDR3 version. I knew that the 8600m GT came with DDR3 but I had no clue there was a DDR2 version and that that was the product Dell was selling. I think they playing on consumer ignorance by not listing it as DDR2. It pays to be an informed consumer and that is what I am trying to do. I UNDERSTAND THAT YOU ALL LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE YOU DELLS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i AM SIMPLY DISPLAYING KNOWLEDGE THAT I HAVE FOUND OUT OVER THE LAST 1 1/2 MONTHS SO THAT PEOPLE CAN MAKE A MORE INFORMED PURCHASE. I AM NOT BASHING DELLS, STOP BEING SO DEFENSIVE. Everyone who has negatively responded to this thread have verified everything I am saying. I guess buying a Dell is akin to joining a cult

 

They even have instructions on how to access RAM, bluetooth, etc in the users manual.

 

Can someone run a count of this post to see how many Dell lovers there are vs Dell haters???

Add a poll; Im dying to know.

 

LOL I'm not sure what I would be choosing...

I love my laptop, very happy I waited for it.

But the buying process was excruciating, the customer service wasn't helpful at all, the leadtimes were completely made up....

Dell as a company sucks, but Dell as my laptop is wonderful.

 

im getting closer and closer to returning and getting a refund for my 1520. my second replacement is coming thursday. Dell gets 3 chances. After that i am done. This has been nothing but a big pain since july 6th when i ordered.

 

I just got my M1330 (Perfect, nothing wrong!)

At my work I have seen a total of 4 new Inspirons, the 2 x 14 inch, and 2 x 15 inch, all perfect, and all look way cool.

I have owed a total of 2 other Inspirons, and my work has at least 18 Inspirons and 10 Lattitudes over the past 3 years, and not one of them has given up, with the exception of a lattitude having the 'm' key not working and needing to be replaced.

This is a forum, mostly people post in forums that have issues, with the amount of Dell's being sold and I have seen, I really do not think there is too much of an issue with laptops being returned on mass. I am not seeing even production delays, with my M1330 coming in 8 days, and the new inspirons at my work all turning up at various ordering times, all within 1.5 weeks.

Go figure !!!

 

Does gddr3 even matter unless you're overclocking? I read that ddr2 and 3 versions of the 8600m gt will have the exact same performance if they're clocked the same, but the ddr3 can be clocked higher.

 

I completely agree with you Docsmith1504! Dell is VERY deceiving when it comes to the 8600gt video card.

For me, the whole reason that I went with the 1720 was that it supposedly had the 8600gt GDDR3 video card! The apps. that I use at work (SolidWorks, Adobe CS3 Masters Collection and Sony Vegas v.7 + DVD Architect), with many times at least two of these running at one time, are just to intense for a GDDR2 card to handle. Then there is the gaming portion, during my free time, when I am at home.

I spent two months dealing with them, never getting the same story twice and always getting the run around! When I ordered my 1720 from them, I was assured that the video card was going to be a 8600gt GDDR3 card. During those two months I spoke with both managers and their Tech Support, and even getting emails from them verifying what they said. Here is one of the emails...

Dell Inc Case# 17****967 (KMM537*****I57L0KM)...
Standard Header|Full Message View
US_CAG_Ownership_BLR <[email protected]>
US_CAG_Ownership_BLR <[email protected]>...
AddTuesday, September 4, 2007 7:50:31 PM
Toell Support Online <*********@yahoo.com>

Dear Ken,

Thank you for choosing Dell.

Your Dell order no.767859*** for Inspiron 1720 has 256MB Geforce DDR3 graphics card.

Thank you

Dell Customer Care

I did edit out a couple of things like my account #, email and my case #; however, as you can see in this email from Dell the Case Manager was lying. He even put me on hold for about 5-10 minutes to supposedly get this information. Also, what he meant was a "GDDR3 card" and not a "DDR3 card."

All the time being assured that the card was GDDR3 and even receiving emails from both a manager and a person at Tech Support. I called them at least weekly to verify this and never heard any different. Then, on the day before the laptop was to be shipped out, I must have spoken to the only honest person at Dell and he told me that there was "no way" that my laptop would have the card I described installed in it. He said that Dell "only had the 8600gt GDDR2 cards and never had the 3's." When I told him that I had emails from a "Case Manager" and others at Dell stating otherwise, he transferred me to the Escalations Dept. and told me to throw a fit. I was polite and explained the whole thing to them and they offered to take $300 off of the price of the laptop for the misinformation and trouble that was caused. With this discount my laptop would have been about $2000 and I do not consider this to be a budget price! This was done only after I told them that I had received emails from them on this issue and having to send them copies of those emails. I told them that I could no longer trust Dell and cancelled the order!

Anyhow, I would like to make mention that Dell does have its good points; although, this is not one of them.

There have been some suggestions in this thread on getting other brand laptops and I would like to suggest looking at the Clevo/Sager NP5790/1 or the NP9260/1. Like others have said, you might pay about $300-500 more, but you get a far superior product and great Customer Support.

 

No, I think the difference is that the DDR3 version IS clocked higher.

 

No ericyp, the GDDR3 card will have superior performance as compared to the DDR2 card.

The 2 card has 12.8 GB/s Memory Bandwidth Max, whereas the 3 card is 22.4 GB/ms Memory Bandwidth Max. Plus GDDR3 is lower in power consumption and generates less heat.

Also, an overclocked 8600m gt DDR2 card will still be outperformed by a stock 8600m gt GDDR3.

So, wherever you read that the DDR2 will perform the same as a GDDR3 card was mistaken

 

Hey look for all of you getting great deals I commend you. But if you want performance that will last for several years then you may need to pay a couple of more bucks. For it's all about Fallout 3

 

Hey just one more note on my original prupose for this thread. Prospective buyers need to read user reviews, not just profeesional reviews. The reason I say this is that I found out about an issue with the Kapersky anti-virus. Aparantly one of Kapersky AV's features is to add "hooks" to files in order to help with future files scans but these "hooks" are causing some people all sorts of problems with chkdisk. Dig a little deeper.

 

bump. I have no shame