Dell notebook computers

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heavenlywild

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#14702 16-Jul-2007 20:22

Hi guys,

Man, I have never been a fan of Dell's before, but what they are offering now is just too hard to resist and ignore!

You can get a notebook computer with the latest processor, 2GB ram, about 160GB hard drive and a 8600GT 256MB discrete graphics card for about $2200!

I know Sony has laptops with the new 8000 series graphics cards. Their model with the 8600GT graphics card costs $4200+

Now, my question is, are Dell laptops quiet and high quality? I know their customer services can be lacking, from what I have heard. Is it worth spending my cash on them?

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#78351 16-Jul-2007 20:53

I've read a few reviews of the 1420/1520 recently and they seem to be very favourable. It would appear as though the good value for money that Dell offers is a result of their sales and distribution model rather than cutting corners on component quality. As long as you don't mind waiting for them to build and deliver your system, I think you'd be quite happy with what they have to offer.

ictgeeknz

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#78353 16-Jul-2007 21:05

heavenly_wild: Now, my question is, are Dell laptops quiet and high quality? I know their customer services can be lacking, from what I have heard. Is it worth spending my cash on them?

Probably as quiet and high quality as most other leading brands?

Have you tried doing a search for online reviews of the model you're looking at buying?

Some customers complain about conversation difficulties as the support people are in Penang. I have several Dell PCs at work and have only needed to phone customer support once - I had the replacement part arrive in 2 days. My home PC didn't really require the extended 3yr warranty, it continues to run sweet as...

heavenlywild

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#78354 16-Jul-2007 21:08

Thanks guys for the feedback.

It seems like Dell computers are fairly decent.

How long does it take for them to assemble the notebooks? 14 working days?

Also, where would you take your computer to if it needed fixing? Are their contractors any good?

ictgeeknz

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#78357 16-Jul-2007 21:29

Should arrive about a week and a half, after you order it.
DTSL did the install for us as a business customer; I'm not sure about home customers.

heavenlywild

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#78364 16-Jul-2007 22:04

I just customised a notebook to see the price...

The bottom option talks about delivery. Insurance, blah blah blah, express $250 bucks. What is this? I thought delivery was either free or $49. Do you not get insurance if you select the standard $49 fee?

pebbles

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#78435 17-Jul-2007 11:53

I got a notebook off them a little while back, and had free delivery, they give you a link so you can find out just what stage your laptop is up to the whole time, I was pleasantly surprised with mine as it showed up a couple of day early :)

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nakedmolerat

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#78917 20-Jul-2007 08:59

dell notebook is not too bad - especially the 'premium' range. cheaper range from any other leading brand will not last long too (based on my experience)....

heavenlywild

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#79063 21-Jul-2007 09:16

Hey guys,

Am I misreading what Dell is offering? I see all laptops they sell come with 2 years service warranty, free of charge. This includes "next business day" serivce? Does this mean someone would come and pick it up the next day and get it fixed within 24 hours?

If this it true, it would be amazing stuff!

rscole86

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#79064 21-Jul-2007 09:24

That is not uncommon, ASUS also offer this service, though there are conditions attached.

See what the conditions are, just because they say they can do it doesn't mean they will always have the spare parts available to be able to do it.

gerryjoson

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#79140 21-Jul-2007 20:50

heavenly_wild: Hey guys,

Am I misreading what Dell is offering? I see all laptops they sell come with 2 years service warranty, free of charge. This includes "next business day" serivce? Does this mean someone would come and pick it up the next day and get it fixed within 24 hours?

If this it true, it would be amazing stuff!

gerryjoson

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#79145 21-Jul-2007 21:16

heavenly_wild: Hey guys,

Am I misreading what Dell is offering? I see all laptops they sell come with 2 years service warranty, free of charge. This includes "next business day" serivce? Does this mean someone would come and pick it up the next day and get it fixed within 24 hours?

If this it true, it would be amazing stuff!

No,it means if you have a problem,you first ring Dell and they will run through a few diagnostic checks with you,and if it can't be sorted over the phone,a tech will come and fix it AT your home or business the next day.
Its as simple and good as that.
By the way,the new Inspirons apparently have mostly magnesium alloy body's like my precision M65,they are a bit on the fat/thick side compared to mine or most other brands but are from what I've heard,built much better than most consumer grade laptops and are extremely good value for money for what your getting.
I have owned 6 Dell notebooks since 2003,the earlier ones I had were a bit creaky [Inspiron 8600,D600,M60]but the later ones have been extremely sturdily built,Dell can be a bit hit and miss with screen quality,but they usually have multiple lcd suppliers and will swap them readily enough if you complain.

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heavenlywild

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#79148 21-Jul-2007 21:21

The notebooks are a bit thicker now than before? I see.

When you talk about screen quality, what do you exactly mean? Dead pixel issue?

gerryjoson

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#79149 21-Jul-2007 21:40

Not dead pixels as much as Grainyness,brightness on a couple of models over the last couple of years.
If you want to read some opinions from the few that have currently got Inspiron 1520,have a look at www.notebookreview.com plus there is a video comparison with an HP dv6500 and 1520 where you can see the mentioned
thickness,seems as though it is cooler running even though it has a much more powerful graphics card.
Cooler running = less noise

gerryjoson

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#79151 21-Jul-2007 21:50

Here you go http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=137206

heavenlywild

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#79155 21-Jul-2007 22:52

That a great review, thanks for sharing mate.

Hmm, the new Dell notebooks do have the best price and specs compared to other brands. The only thing I don't quite like is the thickness of the notebook. But then again, nothing is perfect.

Out of these brands of notebooks, how would you and everyone here rate?

Sony - Toshiba - HP - Dell

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