Dell XPS M1730, does not work!!!

2 Years ago I ordered a new xps laptop to replace my m140 (still works currently) the problems started in December 08. The first tech came out to fix the video card and then determined the unit needed to be replaced. I then in February 09 received a refurbished xps 1730, 3 weeks later smoke ( yes, smoke) started coming form the system. April 09 a brand new xps 1730 is delivered, right out of the box the dvd drive does not work, the wireless card needs to be replaced, no bluetooth, the power brick does not work to charge the system and the battery is physically damaged (cracked and a piece missing) and is jammed into the system. Brand new not refurbished!!!! They come out and fix my problems and the system works great, runs cool with no problems, Yeah!!!!!. 4 weeks ago I was plugging into my external monitor at the office, like I do everyday, and the laptop panel flickers and goes to bluescreen. So after reboot the computer developed an odd screen flicker and now will not work with external monitor. Hello Dell, after about a week finally the Dell Tech has the parts and comes out to fix this problem. The tech works on th computer for about an hour and when he is done the computer has a new video card and motherboard (yes, motherboard). Now the computer does not work at all, seriously the tech put brand new parts in the laptop and now the computer bluescreens at start up and reports a configuration error (no BS, this is real) So the tech works on the computer for a couple more hours and finally says that he can not fix it. So again I have to talk to tech support, 16 hours of diagnostics 4 Indian Dell techs and 2 days off of work it is determined I need a new motherboard. After some research I find the XPS 1730 horror stories on this board and around the web, also Dell no longer makes the XPS 1730. Dell has lost faith in the XPS product and is not going to continue to sell them. 7 days have passed since a rep from Dell corporate has called me, and he said he would work on a solution for me, hello still waiting I am waiting by the phone you have my number. I have no computer to work ( yes to work, sorry no games, I work between graphical programs and have up to 8 open at a time.) I have been told that they will again send me a refurbished computer. Since this started 8 months ago I have lost 3 hard drives, over 6 weeks with out a computer and many days out of work. The information lost on the hard drives had private irreplaceable client info, and projects, Dell does not care. I now take advantage of the dual drive system to protect myself, but still it does not matter how many drives you have when the computer fails. My history with the system and the horror stories I have read tell me that XPS 1730 has a techinical hardware conflict right out of the box that shortens the life of the hardware inside, this is why Dell no longer sells the system. Dell will not admit any problems and recall the system they will just continue to bandaid the problem until I am out of my warranty. I have given Dell the option to replace the system with their new replacement m17x, Precision Mobile, or return the money I paid on including the interest on my Dell card (over $3000 computer plus interest, and it is paid off). I need reliability and that is what I paid for when I paid over $3000 for my system. I have 6 months left of warranty and I assume they will do nothing at this point, my loss.

 

If your laptop is still having trouble and you still have warranty coverage, Dell is legally obligated to fix the issues you're having.

Also, for the love of god, PARAGRAPHS.

 

I concur with the PARAGRAPHS comment, but will let that slide as you're annoyed.

I think you're right in asking for a replacement. If the rebuild the whole thing and its still faulty? Then get a new one! Stand your ground and see what happens. Remember to document EVERY occasion you speak to them, what was said, who was on the phone. And send emails chasing, chasing, chasing.

In europe we can crack out the ol' "not fit for purpose" within 2 years of purcahse, and even out of warranty they're obliged to repair or replace.

Oh, and i find the phrase "i want to speak to someone who is paid 6 figures a year, you do not get paid enough for the type of language i am about to use" gets you places too!

Good luck!

 

This can work, but keep in mind it all depends on who you're talking to. Some people will just get offended and most likely hang up on you.

 

Ha! No-one hangs up on EviL Ras! Thats why the top 12 execs in at dell (including HR managers!), michael dell, complaints departments, and unresolved teams were getting near hourly emails from me as i was mightily peeved off that the indian support staff were less than helpful, and not trained as well as i am in dell equipment!

Go figure! WE have to do DCDE dell hardware training, and they dont!

 

Thank you, everyone for your comments. At this point Dell has sent me over the edge. They have had Corporate call me twice and each time they say I will get back to you and no one does. Does anyone have numbers to people that I can contact? I am having a real problem throwing away $3400...

 

oh man, its not Sujay is it?

 

No, his name is Dale...

 

acmccreary, I'd appreciate you voting in this poll. Your issue is fairly common and if you read the last few pages in this thread you'll see that at least a couple of folks (myself included) have been able to source Alienware M17X replacements from Dell instead of new/refurb M1730s.

 

Today, Rob Barnes called me from the Dell resolution center. He said that they are no longer making the XPS M1730 and I am waiting for a refurbished model, that they currently do not have available. As far as a replacement outside of A 1730 he does not know and will have to talk to dispatch, he says the closest match to my system is a precision mobile, he does not recognize this m17x as a replacement. I tried a precision 8 months ago when all this started, I had no faith in the Dell warranty so I figured I would buy a new one, I sent it back because it was very slow transitioning between programs. At this point they do not have a solution for me!!!

 

acmc, i would argue that refurbished kit is not properly tested at dell. Complain that you are a pro gamer who cannot stand having several weeks down time as it will cost you money in lost winnings. Say that precision is NOT a replacement for a high end gaming laptop. And that as they are no longer making M1730 that you believe an alienware M17x, as the replacement for the XPS line, is more akin to a like for like replacement.

Incidently i got my replacement M1730 on tuesday. Tho i'm in uk, and think it'll be a few months before we can argue for alienware. Loving this M1730, always wanted one. But kind of hoping the GPU issues kick in so i can upgrade to alienware! LoL!

 

Lmao

 

I received a m6400 covet today in the mail without any warning, it does not have bluetooth or a comparable wireless card. Although it is the extreme high end model with quad core processors and a screen that is better than the uxga of the m1730. This does seem to compare to the m1730, it has everything my computer has, plus upgraded.

 

Welp, they're shipping a bluetooth chip for me. don't settle for anything less than you're due!!

 

FedEx is delivering my Dell XPS m1730 today, 6GB DDR2, 2.5Ghz C2D, 8700M GT SLI... but after researching month after and finally knowing the reason why Dell stopped selling the m1730... should I be worried? Should I just return my m1730 and get a minimum of 85% of what I payed back?

I also regret not getting 8800M GT SLI or higher... now I have to pay atleast 500 USD to upgrade