No more Dells for me

Originally Posted by Junior

I have had it. Now they don’t include a CD version of windows, and use Norton Ghost as a backup. The problem is that they only include a trial of the Nortons software. Now I am downloading the trial in hopes that it works to fix my main office computer.

Sorry just had to blow off a little steam.

In the last year I have purchased two machines (XPS notebook and an Inspiron desktop), and both came with backup discs for Windows...

Are you looking for a disc that doesn't have their bloatware on it?

[rennD]

Originally Posted by sodomanaz

In the last year I have purchased two machines (XPS notebook and an Inspiron desktop), and both came with backup discs for Windows...

Are you looking for a disc that doesn't have their bloatware on it?

Mine came with a CD but it is a standard Windows Vista install. It does not restore to original with the restore partition. I called Dell and they sent me the DVD with the image I needed. Not sure if they still do this though.

If you were to ask me today about support, I have always been happiest with HP support. So, I guess no more Dells for me either

Originally Posted by rennD

Mine came with a CD but it is a standard Windows Vista install. It does not restore to original with the restore partition. I called Dell and they sent me the DVD with the image I needed. Not sure if they still do this though.

If you were to ask me today about support, I have always been happiest with HP support. So, I guess no more Dells for me either

HP screwed me over pretty good. Long story, but in the end AMEX took care of me. HP are kings of the "not our fault...." despite evidence showing they tried to cover up the problems with that video card overheating and dying through a sneaky bios update....
oh, and even though you have the same video card in your machine, had the same problems, as everyone else... because it was a factory direct custom build from HP, they won't fix it without $700. Ya HP, smyd,.

[rennD]

Originally Posted by sodomanaz

HP screwed me over pretty good. Long story, but in the end AMEX took care of me. HP are kings of the "not our fault...." despite evidence showing they tried to cover up the problems with that video card overheating and dying through a sneaky bios update....
oh, and even though you have the same video card in your machine, had the same problems, as everyone else... because it was a factory direct custom build from HP, they won't fix it without $700. Ya HP, smyd,.

Sorry to hear that. I have not had these experiences personally.

Originally Posted by rennD

Sorry to hear that. I have not had these experiences personally.

Because it was a known problem, I have a feeling their tech support were on guard. Throughout the conversation the guy was trying to bait me into saying it was my fault. I figured it out and ran around it. He continued, and eventually blamed me for the video card dying.

I was livid. I complained enough about this on notebookreview.com, but I was just plain pissed. It was a known issue. Just replace the stupid card and I'd be on my way. Rather I get accused of breaking the card, and the bastard on the phone threatened my warranty saying he had it recorded that I stated it was my fault. I said screw it and called AMEX.

I will NEVER buy HP again. Dell, I've had problems before, but they've been fair in the end. HP basically told me to piss off. Dell were upfront with the Nvidia issue, and took care of their customers. HP were sneaky little shats about it, and tried to con people. I give my money to Dell. SMYD HP.

I feel your pain on the Dell frustration.

Bought 3 laptops for Christmas a few years back for the girls and got "promotional" pricing. Long story short, every laptop died before the payments were all made and out of warranty. Repeated complaining, calls, emails got me know where. Finally quit paying for them. They turned it over to a collections dept. Once I got the first letter I called and explained the situation, pleaded for the best deal he had, we all know they will come down if settled on the spot, and he sympathized with me. Cut the amount to 1/4 what I owed and told me how to file a response with the credit bureaus.


Dell will never see another penny from me.

Chas

Originally Posted by ChasDen

I feel your pain on the Dell frustration.

Bought 3 laptops for Christmas a few years back for the girls and got "promotional" pricing. Long story short, every laptop died before the payments were all made and out of warranty. Repeated complaining, calls, emails got me know where. Finally quit paying for them. They turned it over to a collections dept. Once I got the first letter I called and explained the situation, pleaded for the best deal he had, we all know they will come down if settled on the spot, and he sympathized with me. Cut the amount to 1/4 what I owed and told me how to file a response with the credit bureaus.


Dell will never see another penny from me.

Chas

Sorry that it happened man, but really, how long were you paying for these? Notebooks from any manufacturer (and let's be real, they're all built in Malaysia/China no matter who you buy from) aren't built to last for the long haul. Is 1 year too early, sure, but you take that bet if you don't pay for the extended warranty. These are machines you carry around and beat the hell out of. These aren't desktop computers that just sit and work day in and day out.

Two rules to always know when purchasing your next laptop:

1. Always extend your warranty. Figure in the $200+ for the 3 year warranty (and possibly accident coverage) into your final costs.
2. Don't expect notebooks from Dell/HP/Apple/Toshiba to be Toughbooks. They just aren't.

I've owned Powerbooks, Inspirons, XPS, and HP, and all of them were saved by warranty. I don't care how much you say you baby your system and are super surprised there is a hardware issue. You carry around a freaking computer in a backpack, you will have issues.

[kgoings]

You can download an ISO of the OEM windows version from bittorrent, the burn it to a disk. Your Lic will work on that. No biggie, HP doesnt give you a disk either unless you pay for it.