Should I keep this Dell Inspiron 8600 or not

Hi,

I just got my Dell Inspiron 8600 this morning. In the middle of setup, the computer told me that I had put unrecognized module in the D-Bay, and asked me to remove it. Actually, I did not have D-Bay attached. At mean while, the keyboard seems dead.
So, I called Dell technique support. Over the phone, I was instructed remove or put back things that I can from the notebook, such as CD drive, battery, wireless card. I was also told to remove keyboard, which I could not, since I did not have appropriate tool at hand. During this process, I turned on and off the notebook several times. There was a message "Keyboard clock line failure" appeared several times and a message"PBR failure" once. The Dell represntitive concluded that the keyboard needs to be replaced, and he sent me right away. I am going to get it tomorrow.
Now, I am kind of concerned about quality of the whole system because of this experience. I am debating whether to keep it or not, although I agree to give the new keyboard a try. Would anyone give me some suggestions? Thanks and Happy Holidays!

 

I would keep it. I have used many Dell Inspiron 8600's. They are awesome! I am sure that once you get the keyboard everything will be fine! They are awesome machines! [ ]

Windows - The operating system that runs the world.

Toshiba - Quality, price, and features!

 

well, it is kind of disconcerting getting a notebook that doesn't work on arrival. To be honest, I would have insisted that instead of them forcing you to haul your notebook apart, that they give you the option of free overnight shipping back to Dell and then allow them to deal with it. But of course that puts you out of having a notebook you wanted to be using at this point. I'd try following through on putting this new keyboard in -- but there's a chance that's not even the problem. My bet is you end up shipping this thing back anyway, and any notebook that arrives with issues deserves to be. See how you like the look/feel of it now that it's in your possession and if you don't like it just insist they take it back at no cost to you.

The 8600 is a good notebook for the price, but about 1-year ago they did lower the price and reduce the quality of components (taking out the trackpoint was one such change) so there is room to be weary.

 

I agree with abaxter. On the safe side, you may want to send in the notebook completely for them to deal with it since a new notebook that arrive with problems could have problems further down the road. Unless you really need the computer for use, the safe bet is to send it back and have them fix up on what problems it may be. Good Luck.

thietlong

 

I would swap the keyboard, use it for a week or so, then return it for one that works error free right off the truck. I'd be worried the unit will die a week after the warranty expires. Tell them you're not completey happy. Or, I would get them to give me an free extended warranty. Then if something does happen, you have soemthing to fall back on. I think that would work for me too, free 3 year warranty.