I'm Thinking of Buying From Dell Outlet, Thoughts?

Hello everyone. I'm thinking about ordering a Latitude E6420 from the Dell Outlet next week. I'm wondering what the experience has been like for you guys, specifically if you'd recommend it and if the product you end up getting isn't a beaten up lump of metal.

The thing is, I'm very picky and would probably complain pretty hard if there's a dent in it or a chip on the screen. I'm hoping to get one with Nvidia graphics, i5 or better, and a backlit keyboard. An HD+ screen is absolutely mandatory. Do you think this is a good avenue for me? I'm considering complete care, is that possible on Outlet laptops?

 

Just don't buy Scratch and Dent and it should basically be good as new. If you can find the spec you're looking for, I've honestly never had any issues with the Dell Outlet. Make sure you get a 3-Year warranty.

I'm not sure if you can get Complete Care on an Outlet unit, though. The warranty options definitely may be more limited than with new units.

 

I was browsing around and was kind of confused. Can I call and give the specs I want to a CSR? I clicked on "certified refurbished" while browsing, and it didn't distinguish scratch and dent, and I didn't see where it would tell me if it had a backlit keyboard. I'll check the warranty, thanks.

Edit: I can get complete care and pro support for an extra $317. Steep, but worth it. Wow, the prices are great! If you guys have never had a problem with the outlet I'll just do this. Am I correct to assume "certified refurbished" shouldn't include cracks or dents? It probably doesn't matter since I want complete care but I'm still a bit nervous.

 

Their site doesn't always show some of the options like the backlit keyboard. I ordered Refurbished E6420 with i5-2430M, 6GB RAM, 500GB HDD, HD+ LCD, 64-bit Win 7 Pro and when I completed the order I found out it had the backlit keyboard. Best thing to do is call and have them search for the specs you want.

Mine included 3-year Basic Ltd. Warranty and Mail-In Service. I guess the Complete Care Service is the Next Day On-Site Service?

 

Next day and complete care are two separate services. When I checked out the laptop I want, it said that NBD+Complete Care+Pro Support would be $317 extra. Hopefully this laptop or a similar one is available early next week.

 

Okay, Complete Care is more like damage insurance.

Services and Warranties by Product | Dell

 

Certified Refurbished should be like new or at the very least, very close to like new.

 

I've bought many Dell laptops from the outlet over the years. The vast majority were certified refurbished and were flawless. I remember two exceptions, one was a "previously ordered new" that came with dents and scratches, another was a "scratch and dent" that came looking brand spanking new. I recently bought two E6220, both are certified, one is flawless, another has a very tiny dent on top.

I will not hesitate to buy from the Dell outlet. ~$500 for that E6220 is a sweet deal on a laptop with a $1600 list price

 

I bought a S/D from the outlet... There was 1, small scratch on the front of the unit that I didn't notice untill a few hours later.

When I called because I didn't like the 900p screen, they asked if there were any body panels that were scratched/etc.



I have prosupport+complete care... worth EVERY penny. I had an alienware before, and there is a 100% difference in how everything is handled. No asking to reinstall windows, no other BS.

 

For me, Dell Outlet has been nothing but good experiences. My Latitude 13 was 100% as described. My E6410 had some issues which Dell immediately issued an RMA and emailed me a shipping label very quickly. Plus if you camp the Outlet and use Coupons, you can score some AMAZING deals.

As Commander Wolf stated, Scratch and Dent is hit or miss. It can be really minor, it can also look like it has been through war.