m1330 palm rest chipping/discoloring

I had one of the first batch m1330s and my palm rest is chipped/discolored where I place my palms to type. Does Dell replace this through warranty? I have not dropped the computer or scratched it in any way. This has just manifested itself through normal wear (to the best of my knowledge). I have the full complete care with accidental insurance as well. I looked online and this seems pretty complicated to replace (requires disconnecting everything including the display) so I am guessing I'd have to send my laptop in (since I am not sure I'd want to mess with this myself). What do people think? Is it worth it? Is it covered?

Also I'd be interested to hear if anyone else is having a similar issue? Thanks.

 

Hey Topspin, I remember we were both amongst the ones who were on here back in July waiting for our first shipment of m1330's. Nice to see you on here.

Are you sure that it is actual discoloration and not just buildup of grim from dirt and oils? Have you tried scrubbing it firmly with alcohol wipes to see if the discoloration goes away? Do you have any pictures of it?

 

I will try alcohol wipes thanks. Part of the problem is definitely actual chipping on the edges. I think the top part is also chipping away from my palm oils. I don't know. I'll try wiping it off but I definitely think the side chipping is bad enough that I would want to replace the palm rest. It looks pretty bad.

 

I've been using alcohol wipes regularly(once every 2 or 3 weeks) since I've had my 1330 so I have avoided any buildup from my palm and dust on the palmrest. But if there are actual physical chips off the brushed aluminum finish, then I think a replacement palmrest is the only way to fix that. It is a somewhat involved process in replacing it, but I've had my motherboard replaced on mine and that is even more complicated. The Dell tech did a great job on my machine and it only took him a half hour or so.

 

Darth,
Did they come to you or did you have to send your laptop away for it? Sounds like they came to you? I wonder if they would even send someone to replace something cosmetic...

 

My Inspiron 8600 also has some discoloration where I place my palms while typing and the coating on the touchpad on the side where the scroll area is (its not marked) has also worn off. But it is a 3+ year old computer. Anyways, to answer topspin, I had a cracked screen bezel and they sent a tech to replace it. They refused to fix the touchpad, and I havent asked about the palmrest as its not a big deal to me. But you have completecare + accidental, so it should be no questions asked pretty much.

 

It seems that aesthetic issues aren't covered under Dell's Complete Care

http://www.dell.com/content/topics/...pport/completecare_svc?c=us&cs=555&l=en&s=biz

I know it can be such a drag to have discoloured palmrests!

 

I myself use anti-static computer cleaning wipes which does a fantastic job of keeping my M1330 Clean all over.

 

I'm considering getting one of those Invisible Shields for the palmrest and notebook lid. Anyone tried that on the m1330?

 

My LCD bezel got a minor scratch sign (not really scratch) near the webcam.

And the lower part of the bezel (where DELL logo takes place) is kinda loose (not flat against the lcd).

I online chat with tech support, and they will dispatched tech for me.

The tech called me, make appointment, then came over replaced it with the new part.

But for a complete care warranty, you can push the tech to replace everything for you. They should.. and they 100% would. If they reject, just throw your laptop on the street and say it was an accident. -_-"

 

Why would they replace more than what is broken?

I'm sure Dell would love to see this comment the next time you call in to have your intentional.....I mean ACCIDENTALLY damaged laptop fixed.

 

I could make an argument that it is a design defect that the aluminum palm rests are flaking away where I put my hands...not accidental damage.

 

It's called "Wear and Tear" which every laptop is susceptible to, and which is not covered by Complete Care.

 

I would argue that a laptop that is less than 6 months old should not be chipping at the palm rests where you place your hands. This is under normal use. Also it's getting sharp. It hitting against my hands and they hurt after long typing sessions. That is a manufacturing defect (sorry I misspoke when I said a design defect earlier). I am pretty sure I could make that stick if I wanted to argue it.