Would you return over this?

I will start by saying that I really like my m1330 overall, and if I return I would likely purchase another before the end of the year. I have 2 days left in my 21 day return window.

Build quality looks good except for this defect at the fan, which concerns me:



I suffer the infamous high pitched whine, as well. It seems that some people can't hear it at all, but still it is loud enough to annoy classmates who can hear it during lectures. First chat with Dell tech says this is because the laptop is new and after it heats up, the sound will stop. Second tech says that it is caused by the fan defect. I had numerous Vista compatibility problems that tech reps were unable to help with; I ended up finding the solutions online instead.

The only other problem is that the keys squeak as a type, but I suspect that IS something that will stop over time.

I called Dell and they offered to send a tech out to replace the fan. Would you be ok with a repair so early on? What if they screw up the laptop and I am unable to return at that point? When the fan replacement doesn't help the whine problem, will they still attempt to fix the whine or is it considered "acceptable" to them when there is no possibility of return?

What would you do?

*ETA: They have also offered a $250 credit for price change since ordering if I keep it. I paid over $2k originally. Hmm!

 

That's a tough call but when i'm faced with that situation I send it back and get a new one. My feeling is if I already have a problem what's next? I sent back a Vostro 1500 I really liked but sent it back because of a right mouse button going bad.

 

I would send it back. You paid good money for this and if it's showing defects brand new, what else was not assembled properly that you don't see...

 

It looks like there's a small fiber in the head sink fan which should probably dislodge by blowing it out using compressed air.

Keyboard squeak will probably disappear over time, as you said

Personally I wouldn't return it because you don't know for sure if you're going to get something worse.

 

That shouldn't matter because he can either get it replaced or get a refund. He would also probably qualify for some free DeLL goodies.

 

I'd also return it. If I loved everything else about it, I'd forgive some minor structural defects and cosmetic flaws, but the fans I want to be absolutely perfect. XPS models are not cool-running machines in general. You want the cooling system to be tip-top.

Besides, you did say yourself that there are already other minor things off with it so unless there's a particular reason you want to hold on to this particular machine (such as an excellent screen that you probably won't get if you replaced it) just send it back and try again.

 

It does matter because of the hassle involved with returning, and potential time wasted if another bum unit gets sent his way.

 

Thanks for the responses so far guys. My husband is completely indifferent about my computer, so I needed some place to bounce my thoughts.

A return would be inconvenient, and I AM afraid of getting something worse.
The laptop base is completely solid, no rocking. The paint job is fine. The screen isn't brilliant, but it is perfectly fine by me.

This is also my first Dell, and I've no idea what sort of 4-year investment I've committed myself to. Someone "special" from Dell is supposed to call me in an hour to discuss... I'm not sure what... maybe they were trying to get me off the phone last night because it was getting late.

So far, the rep said that they would send a tech out to replace the fan and give me a $250 price adjustment due to a drop since Easter. She said that if I am not satisfied at that point, or if they cannot fix the whine, they would send a replacement.

Another question: I've already activated the included LoJack and DataSafe Online - how does that work in a return situation?

 

I knew it

 

That ranks right up there with "I told you so". How old are you?

Superduo, it really boils down to which you would prefer.....a replacement laptop that could potentially have other problems (including whine), or a $250 discount.

In my own situation, I chose a discount compared to a replacement last August when I got mine.......no regrets since.

Can't comment on the LoJack service as IMO I think it's a complete waste......however I assume that Dell would transfer it from one laptop to the other.

As for the DataSafe, it's not dependent upon a specific laptop. You install the DataSafe software on whatever machine you want to use it with.

 

Absolutely send it back. That is beyond unacceptable for a new machine IMO.

 

*ETA: They have also offered a $250 credit for price change since ordering if I keep it. I paid over $2k originally. Hmm![/QUOTE]

I would return it. I let myself get distracted by the credit and missed my 21 day deadline. If you are not 100% happy you should return it. Don't let the fear of getting something worse keep you from getting what you deserve. IMHO

 

Solution:

Thanks again for all of the responses, guys!

"Special" guy called just now and told me not to fool with repairs. He is expediting a new, not refurbished, replacement. The $250 credit will still happen, and I don't consider it a "goodie" because I could buy another system for at least that much less than what I paid. The reason I agreed to the replacement is that he is resetting the 21-day return window on this replacement unit. I can't find a reason not to go with this, because I can still request a full return if the second unit is below expectations.

 

Hmm, you might want to reconsider your nick...

 

LOL, now what makes you say that?

Funny, I assumed people would guess the screen name has to do with my processors rather than my marital accessory.

 

lol, of course, but I couldn't resist implying otherwise...

 

Incidentally, they would be wrong.