Help me decide

Vikingod · Feb 11, 2005, 07:10 PM

Well, after a drawn out process of getting my computer fixed from dell (here is the thread for those unfamiliar http://www.hardwareheaven.com/showthre...ight=LOVE+dell) they have tried to make amends and have offered me this deal. a) I could send it back to the depot, again, or b) they would offer me a replacement system. the replacement system would be "like or better", whatever that really means, and would be refurbished. I don't know much about refurbs, but it has a bit of a negative conotation. My big fear is getting stuck with a computer with the same problems my inspiron 5150 has, and having to do this all again. Any advice or wisdom from experience would be appreciated,esspecially from those who have worked or dealt with dell. thanks

Logla · Feb 11, 2005, 07:36 PM

Why would they send you a refurb? I would have thought if you buy a brand new machine and have problems, they should send you a brand new one.

TBH though, I've often bought refurbished stock and havent had a problem. If they do have to send you a refurb though, check to see what warranty you get on that before accepting.

If they say they'll send you a new one - not a refurb, go for that. You will likely still get the newer cpu as the 3.06GHz chips are hard to come by now (that'll be why you have one in your laptop now).

You could send it back again, but this time attach a note to it and possibly add a windows wallpaper stating the fault. If the repair tech does his job properly, he should boot the laptop into windows and see a message from you asking him to test the 3D.

Vikingod · Feb 11, 2005, 07:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Logla

You could send it back again, but this time attach a note to it and possibly add a windows wallpaper stating the fault. If the repair tech does his job properly, he should boot the laptop into windows and see a message from you asking him to test the 3D.

I did that, I don't think they even turned the damn thing on. I am leaning toward the refurb, but if I get a 5150 refurb, its going to have the same problems the other one did, they ALL do.

Vikingod · Feb 11, 2005, 09:50 PM

anyone else?
*bump* is this thing on?

Logla · Feb 11, 2005, 10:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vikingod

I did that, I don't think they even turned the damn thing on. I am leaning toward the refurb, but if I get a 5150 refurb, its going to have the same problems the other one did, they ALL do.

Hang on a sec, All 5150s have the same problem? If thats the case, I would imagine you would be at right to demand better model. That said, its unlikely the 5150 is still in the stores at Dell. You would more likely get the equivalent model.
Of course your'e gonna have to prove that all the 5150s have that same fault.

swimtech · Feb 12, 2005, 07:43 PM

If they send you a refurb (shouldn't be a reliability problem - components have been replaced just like a desktop upgrade would be...) it may or may not have the problem you have now - which btw, I don't yet see described - not doubting of course that you have a problem, just don't know what it is.

When they are doing the repair on it, they are likely running DOS level hardware diagnostics on it to check before it leaves the repair depot. That would not take into account ANY problem with OS, driver, etc. that you may see.

I'm outlining standard procedures - but it sounds like you have really had some inept service done in your case. - and you have gotten someone at Dell to agree as they are offering a replacement. I would take it - your problem has the best chance of being solved that way. If it still has a problem (and I would be really upset too!) then you have more proof on your side that the problem is with all 5150's. If no problem though, you're finally done and you can enjoy the computer.

Feb 11, 2005, 07:10 PM	#1
Vikingod Int'l Fish Liaison Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: By the light of lamp I sit and type... Posts: 16,197 Rep Power: 112 System Specs	Help me decide Well, after a drawn out process of getting my computer fixed from dell (here is the thread for those unfamiliar http://www.hardwareheaven.com/showthre...ight=LOVE+dell) they have tried to make amends and have offered me this deal. a) I could send it back to the depot, again, or b) they would offer me a replacement system. the replacement system would be "like or better", whatever that really means, and would be refurbished. I don't know much about refurbs, but it has a bit of a negative conotation. My big fear is getting stuck with a computer with the same problems my inspiron 5150 has, and having to do this all again. Any advice or wisdom from experience would be appreciated,esspecially from those who have worked or dealt with dell. thanks

Feb 12, 2005, 07:43 PM	#6
swimtech HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: North Carolina Posts: 4,040 Rep Power: 124 System Specs	If they send you a refurb (shouldn't be a reliability problem - components have been replaced just like a desktop upgrade would be...) it may or may not have the problem you have now - which btw, I don't yet see described - not doubting of course that you have a problem, just don't know what it is. When they are doing the repair on it, they are likely running DOS level hardware diagnostics on it to check before it leaves the repair depot. That would not take into account ANY problem with OS, driver, etc. that you may see. I'm outlining standard procedures - but it sounds like you have really had some inept service done in your case. - and you have gotten someone at Dell to agree as they are offering a replacement. I would take it - your problem has the best chance of being solved that way. If it still has a problem (and I would be really upset too!) then you have more proof on your side that the problem is with all 5150's. If no problem though, you're finally done and you can enjoy the computer. __________________ It's not so much getting your way that matters or not - what matters is how you go about getting it.

Feb 11, 2005, 07:36 PM	#2
Logla HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 3,311 Rep Power: 0	Why would they send you a refurb? I would have thought if you buy a brand new machine and have problems, they should send you a brand new one. TBH though, I've often bought refurbished stock and havent had a problem. If they do have to send you a refurb though, check to see what warranty you get on that before accepting. If they say they'll send you a new one - not a refurb, go for that. You will likely still get the newer cpu as the 3.06GHz chips are hard to come by now (that'll be why you have one in your laptop now). You could send it back again, but this time attach a note to it and possibly add a windows wallpaper stating the fault. If the repair tech does his job properly, he should boot the laptop into windows and see a message from you asking him to test the 3D.

Feb 11, 2005, 09:50 PM	Thread Starter #4
Vikingod Int'l Fish Liaison Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: By the light of lamp I sit and type... Posts: 16,197 Rep Power: 112 System Specs	anyone else? bump is this thing on?