Customer Reviews
good computer HORRIBLE customer service from Dell!
I actually didnt buy this computer from the US, but now im living here so brought it along with me..like one of the other reviewers, my charger stopped working and it turns out to be a motherboard issue. heres mistake number1..they sgould have recalled the product or at least replaced the motherboard when customers complain with minimal hassle, but listen to this horror story:
1- I got a call from Dell telling me that they need to replace the mother board. but because im not under US warranty, im not eligible for a free replacement, i have to pay 500$!!
2- I got a second call asking me all kinds of weird questions about where did you buy this, whats the strores name, when etc,...almost like an interrogation, so when i bluntly asked "is there some kind of problem", i got a response telling me that my computer is "Stolen" and that they need to report this and KEEP the computer! can you imagine the kind of frustration, i suddenly moved from being upset that they wont do it under warranty to now justifying im not a criminal...
3 - Luckily im very organized so i actually had my original receipt but it was oversees. I called my dad to go into my flat and scan it and send it..i then forwarded it to Dell saying, now you owe me an apology, you guys have been total ****** from start to finish...
4 - The apology i got was " sorry sir, we still cant help you, our system still says this is stolen, we will return the computer and you can buy the motherboard somewhere else" AMAZING!!!, bear in mind this is After i prodcued an original invoice, clearly showing my name, store (has a website and all), date, serial number, and all!
5 - I ultimatley had the motherboard installed at an individual store...i didnt waste any more time with the geniuses at Dell, but they certainly made my next purchase decision much easier...I will never buy Dell Again, until they start understanding the basics of customer service..the whole outsourcing and lack of understanding/training to cut costs will catch up with them ultimately....
Great Deal On A Laptop
AFTER you read this - check the price at Best Buy. You might be surprised.
I can't begin to describe how cool this laptop is. It is all you need for personal or business work. I have an Acer Desktop with 1 GB of RAM and 100 GB Memory. This little guy has 4 GB of RAM and an Intel Duo Core Processor (that's basically at least twice as fast as my desktop) and 250 GB on the hard drive! Those items are critical for good, fast performance. The keyboard is perfectly typical in its layout and the mouse pad is actually sleek and slightly indented, allowing you to seamlessly run your finger over the metal. The two button pads allow for more functions. It is completely intuitive and although I prefer Windows XP Home over Vista Home (XP is faster), you can't get around that nowadays. It comes preloaded with everything you need and I actually uninstalled some unnecessary programs. I took out the Norton Virus software and put in Windows Live One Care (my preference on quality and ease of use).
There are lots of standards that used to be extras, like the Web Cam, which transmits, records, takes pictures, etc. When you move around, it is a bit blurry, but for ordinary transmission it is right up there with most in quality. It also contains a DVD/CD burner and player, which are very fast, even though it seems terribly fragile when you open it. I like being able to have the choice of Cable DSL, dial-up and Wireless Internet. When at home I just plug in the Ethernet wire and when traveling it is very easy to get a signal just about anywhere I go, (call your service provider to get the pass code for wireless service). There is the media card insert, two USB ports and lots of standard software. You can read all of that here on the web page, but the look and feel (the keyboard is very easy on the hands and wrists) is sleek. It also comes with a one-year warranty with the option to buy more.
Here's a little secret. Don't buy past the standard one-year warranty, as Dell will contact you within six to nine months to offer you an extended warrantee at a lesser cost. They want your business. Why pay more? I suggest getting that warrantee when it is offered. Also, a good, secure, padded carry-bag is a must. "Targus" makes great bags that are relatively inexpensive. One last note: Dell has one of the best reputations for quality computers and they have home service, meaning they come to YOU! Have fun!
Hard drive failed less than one year old - buy with warranty!
I had an older Inspiron years ago that I had no problem with so felt comfortable going in to purchase a new 1525. Less than one year in (purchased in December 2008), I was unable to boot the computer and ran a diagnostic check (hold down 'fn' button and power on) and got Error Code 0142 indicating hard drive failure. Luckily I purchased through the Dell website and a 1-year limited warranty was included to cover the repair, but I would definitely be wary of purchasing this computer. It appears there are several people if you use Google that have had the same problem, and weren't as lucky to have it covered by warranty. I would suggest a different model laptop or at least definitely buy it with some warranty.