Dell Outlet laptops

I'm curious to hear what experiences you all have had with laptops from Dell Outlet (looking at Latitude D630). Was it a scratch-and-dent, refurbished, previously ordered new, etc.?

I would upgrade to 3-year Pro Support and Warranty and buy additional accessories (docking station, router, etc.).

Is it worth the risk? Will they take it back no questions asked or do I have to pay 15% restocking fee? (Dell was ambiguous about this).

 

Personally, I wouldn't get a scratch and dent, but either of the other two, you should be fine.

These aren't usually repaired computers, but ones that have been returned, sometimes not even opened.

And, unlike HP, you get the standard warranty.

Greg

 

This is what I was wondering too, would the scratch and dent be a bad deal, If the other, certified refurbished was the way to go or the previously ordered new. Anyone care to share their Dell Outlet experiences?

 

i got a 1521 and it works great even got the 3 year no hassel warrenty. downgraded to xp and it smokes my vostro 1000

 

They are running a 20% off special until the 1/21!

 

i saw a loaded m6400 with 3700 and 8gb ram and 2 hard drives was under 2k after 20% and with complete care 3 years was 169.00 more

it seems the m6400 comes with 3 year onsite by default in the outlet

 

ive ran mine threw every stress test i could think of no problems

 

How do you get the extra 20% off? Is it a coupon code? or reflected already in the pricing they show? & How can you add a warranty?

 

I bought an E6500 from the outlet right before Christmas, with a 15% off coupon at that time. The machine was stated to be a refurb but to me it looks new in every way.

On the Dell outlet site they state that refurbs may have minor cosmetic blemishes. They also state that "scratch and dent"s will have minor cosmetic blemishes, not like somebody dropped it and broke the corner of the case. The average person that uses a laptop frequently would pick up minor cosmetic issues over time anyway. But with a refurb maybe it will have no blemishes.

I searched the internet for coupon codes, then when adding the machine to your cart there is a place near the bottom to enter the code and it will automatically show a discount.

I ordered mine late on Monday afternoon, 12-22-08, paid for overnight shipping which was also half-off with the coupon, and received the package within 48 hours, right after lunch on 12-24-08. This is in spite of the email notification I got after placing the order that said it would be shipped in January 2009.

 

In the past two years, I've purchased a few desktops and at least seven laptops from Dell Outlet.

Inspiron 1520- Certified Refurbished (gift)
Inspiron 1525- Certified Refurbished (gift)
Latitude D630- Scratch/Dent (work)
Latitude D830- 1-Scratch/Dent, 1-Certified Refurbished (work)
Latitude E6400- Scratch/Dent (self)
Studio 1535- Previously Ordered New (self)

To date, the only issue I've had was with one of the Latitude D830s. The descriptoin (and my order confirmation) showed 2GB of RAM. When it arrived, it only had 1GB (2-512mb DIMMs). I called Dell and they sent me the correct 2GB overnight!

Each one of the laptops looked brand new when I took them out of the box. All systems are re-packaged in new boxes with all discs, accessories and manuals included. Even the Refurbished ones showed no sign of previous use.

I've had great luck with the Scratch/Dent (S/D) units. The S/D Latitude D830 had a small scuff on the right front edge of the base. It took five minutes with a cloth and some Greased Lighting to get rid of the blemish. The S/D D630 and, more recently, E6400 had no signs of scratches, dents, scuffs, or any other cosmetic imperfection!?

Just to give you an idea how much you can save-

My Latitude E6400 would cost $1,456 if ordered NEW today. It was priced at $779 in the Outlet (as a Scratch & Dent) and I used a 15% off coupon, making the price $662.15 plus sales tax! I saved $841 including tax!!!

FYI- the Latitude E6400/E6500/E4200/E4300, Latitude D430/D630/D830 and ALL Precision systems are covered by a 3-year Warranty, even the Refurbs.