Warranty/support/wireless card configurations (and the return policy in the UK). Help please -- very confused!

:hi,
I'm just about to buy my first Dell laptop, and I'm stuck with some of the configuring options! Can anyone help? (I'm a home user, not business -- but I'm looking at some of the business models, partly because I'd heard that the business support is particularly good -- even for home users ). The entire configuring process seems designed to baffle the purchaser, and beat them into submission! oh, and I'm in the UK.

First of all I haven't a clue which Wireless Connectivity option I need to choose from the following options:

• I do not require a wireless card (Core 2 Duo processors) [Included in Price]
• Intel® PRO/Wireless 3945AG WiFi Link (802.11a/g) for Core 2 Duo processors [add £27.00 or £1/month1]
• Intel® Wireless WiFi Link 4965AGN for Core 2 Duo processors [add £69.00 or £3/month1]
• Dell™ Wireless 1390 WiFi Link (802.11g) for Core 2 Duo processors add £0.00
• Dell™ Wireless 1490 WiFi Link (802.11a/g) for Core 2 Duo processors [add £34.00 or £2/month1]

Do I just go for the cheapest? We have a wireless network in our house, so I assume I will need the fourth option. When they say wireless card, they don't mean an adapter? Presumably something built in?

Then I'm confused by the whole warranty/support issue:

for example, on the latitude D 830, we have the following options for:
Business Support

• No Business Support Required [Included in Price]
• 3 Year Business Support (incl. e-Learning Pack) [add £55.00 or £3/month1]
• 4 Year Business Support (incl. e-Learning Pack)[add £76.00 or £4/month1]

is this the warranty? Or is it in addition to a warranty? Is it a 'return to base' or on-site service? Who pays for the postage? I can't find any of this information on the Dell web site...

On the Inspiron configuring pages there only seems to be the option for:
Hardware Support

• Base Warranty - 1 Year Hardware Support, Next Business Day [Included in Price]
• 2 Year Business XPS Premium Hardware Support (incl. Gaming and On-site support) [add £149.00 or £8/month1]
• 3 Year Business XPS Premium Hardware Support (incl. Gaming and On-site support) [add £209.00 or £11/month1]
• 4 Year Business XPS Premium Hardware Support (incl. Gaming and On-site support) [add £269.00 or £14/month1]

How does this differ from business support? Apart from being more expensive!

I don't think I want PrestoPro -- but you might like to comment for other forum members who might interested.
I don't think I want any kind of Accidental Damage Support -- but again you might like to comment...
I don't think I want CompleteCare -- comment if you wish!



I've copied the following from the UK warranties page:

What support does Dell provide me for my Dell Product? Dell Support Services provides a hardware fault diagnosis and repair service for your Dell product for the duration of the service coverage period. You can receive the support via the web, chat (live interactive support), email or telephone. This does not affect your statutory rights.
What is the service coverage period?
Dell's Support Service is purchased with your Dell computer or other Dell product. You can confirm the length of your Service Coverage period by clicking here (Link removed) and then entering your service tag. You can also view the Service coverage period on your invoice. This does not affect your statutory rights.What exactly do they mean by Support Service? Hardware Support? Business Support? Or is it a basic warranty?

I have read on this forum that people (in the States) have up to 30 days to look over their machine and see if they really like it. What is people's experience in the UK? It's a bit of a bummer that we only have seven7 days! -- is that right?

Well, if anyone's got this far down, think very much, and any feedback would be most welcome.

Oh and BTW, I would e-mail some of these questions to Dell, except that they don't give an e-mail address (as far as I can see) until you've actually purchased something. Until then they expect you to either ring them -- which I know would take forever whilst they try and talk to into purchasing all sorts of things -- or, would you believe it -- a POSTAL ADDRESS!

 

Anyone? PLEASE!

 

As for your wireless, you may want one that's a/g compatible just in case. I believe G is the standard right now.

I don't know the specifics for the products in the UK but you should be able to go to support.dell.com and go to contact to find a chat where you can do a question & answer. Also, you could call as if you were going to purchase over the phone and have you questions asked in that manner (0870 152 4699).


It sounds like the "Support" is just the option to call to have questions answered when setting up or configuring later.

I wish you lived in the states, I'd have some answers for you. My reccomendation is to call if a UK buyer doesn't reply.

0870 152 4699

 

Thanks -- very sweet of you to reply. I do hope a UK person with experience comes forward. The trouble with phoning Dell, is that one can never be sure whether they are just trying to sell you stuff you don't need -- because they work on commission.

What is a -- -- how likely will it become necessary? And how soon -- any idea?

Sometimes I wish I lived in the States too -- if only for the 30 day's Dell gives you to try their PCs!

 

You may want to also try posting your questions in the "What Notebook should I buy" forum and make sure to put the UK flag on your title. Selected at the bottom before you post.