a different kind of post...

A few months ago I was like one of the many lurkers on this website trying to gather enough info to make an educated purchase for my first laptop. I literally looked at all the possibilities that suited my needs. In the end, I finally bought this Inspiron. But the even after the stress of buying a laptop subsided, a new feeling of emotion took its effect; the feeling of disappointment. Would there be any factory flaws when it arrived? What about grainy screens?! If I'm not home when the UPS guy comes, will they throw the box away (I actually freaked out about this for a few minutes haha)? Thankfully It came a few weeks later in the greatest condition possible. The keyboard is great, the screen is so beautiful, and nothing wiggles, jiggles, clicks, overheats, or beeps.

Now don't take this post the wrong way. I'm not saying that only Dells come in great condition. I just want to reassure those potential laptop buyers who lurk around this website while reading all those first-time buyer disaster stories about how grainy their screens are or how they hear clicks every 5 seconds. These circumstances don't happen to everyone. And if they do, usually you can simply return the product without any penalties. So you first-timers out there, don't freak out! Have a little patience and confidence in the company you buy from. Chances are, you'll receive a wonderful laptop like I did.

 

A shipping company throwing a box away...like into the garbage?

 

It took Dell a few tries to get me a notebook in acceptable condition. I'd say Dell might be one of the worst when it comes to this. I don't know...maybe they just hate me.


And UPS throwing the box away? No no, it is a million times more likely they would just take it home and sell it or something.

Glad Dell was good to you. Good luck.

 

I'm a worrier too when it comes to big PC purchases. It happens every time I order a laptop or a big PC part for a desktop build. I took a few days off to get ready for the arrival as I was out of a PC at the time(other then my averatec), so that I could be there for the delivery person to drop it off. I have been more then satisfied with this laptop since day 1 and wouldn't change a thing if I could.

 

I'm very picky like that too. I've only gotten perfect condition from Dell except for the XPS M1530 which arrived in a horrible condition when it first came and had many discrepancies that shouldnt have occured such as the RAM cover not being screwed on properly exposing the ram.... though a replacement did the trick.

Grainy screens are really not THAT big of a deal now that the WSXGA+ resolution is removed enitrely, though *some* Samsungs in the WUXGA do have graininess, most are satisfied. LED backlit displays on the other hand... no problems whatsoever.

 

Agreed. If there was a post for every customer that is doing just fine, this forum would probably implode. It is true that people seem much more prepared to complain than complement anything.

My Computer has so far been perfect. You always take a chance when you order online as it is impossible to fully grasp the look / feel of some things without looking at them. That's why I am glad Dell now uses Bestbuy as a Vendor . . . you can check things out a little. Unfortunately, this is also why screen grainyness IS a current issue for me. I do not see all Inspirons looking like mine. So now I have to battle for a new screen, which brings up a new consideration.

Dell will replace to the nth degree, but they do not have a 'defect' parts bin and a 'good' parts bin. I believe that refurbs, rejects, whatever gets fixed and put right back into the assembly line quite often. Not a problem when a repair or rebuild is all that is needed, but definitely a problem when you keep getting the same stupid part out of the same batch all over again. I say this because where I work we had 6 computers blow up that all had the same issue (bad batch of capacitors), they were all repaired, and two years later, same issue all over again. They were diligent and attentive to getting things repaired, but clearly they didn't toss the batch of motherboards effected.
When you are a huge company that works with dozens of providers it is a HUGE task to manage parts supply. However, I still feel like it should be possible to request a different part maker when one has failed you. If I bought an MP3 at a store and it crapped on me, I would most likely move on to something else, whether I am being a nervous nellie or not. The money I spend sure as hell isn't in vast supply! And repairs are big $$$ when warranty's are up.