Does Laser Etching Void a Dell Warranty?

I am planning on buying a Studio XPS 1640 when the prices come down, hopefully run a little cooler temp wise, and maybe a different vid card option (doubtful) later this year.

I was browsing Gizmodo.com today and they had an article about someone who laser etched the world maps from Super Mario Land for the Gameboy on their Eee PC. I thought that was very cool! I was wondering about doing that to a laptop when I buy a new one, to personalize it and make it my own.

I have found a website that does it, Etchstar.com and I saw a few designs that I found interesting. I was wondering if this would void my warranty if I bought a Studio XPS 1640 like I am planning. I personally don't think it would, since it would be cosmetic and wouldn't damage the lid of the LCD screen. Any thoughts?

Also, can anyone recommend a specific site that lets me upload my own image to have it etched on the laptop? Or maybe an actual store that I can bring it to?

 

laser etching is a cosmetic change... shouldn't affect the warranty as long as the laser doesnt penetrate the entire layer and destroy part of the screen or something

though if you have warranty and for some reason they have to change the bezel or replace your entire machine... too bad

 

No it shouldn't. Like PW said, as long as there is no damage done to the screen, etc...you should be alright!

Curiosity question...what type of laser etching design are you thinking about doing??


Cin

 

There is still a small possibility that they do poop on you. They may blame issues that your notebook has on it even though it does not.

 

I did some fast research (that is one of the things I do, internet research) but am on my way out the door, according to what I found that does not void warranty with Apple so I don't see why it would with Dell. I mean, it's basically a permanent sticker.

 

I really hope that isnt the issue! I can maybe understand them not wanting to replace the LCD because of the etching (claiming it damaged it), but I think the fact that its cosmetic should be more than enough to prove that it wasnt the cause.

Yeah, I saw that on the etchstar.com page after I posted my first message. I personally think it wouldnt be anything different than a permanent sticker. I am just afraid dell (or any computer company) will claim that it somehow did damage to the computer and wont accept any warranty claims from me if I ever had any.

I am digging the Domo etches on the Etchstar.com website What I would love to find is a site where I can choose my own image and use it instead. I have several images from the manga that I read and anime that I watch that I would die to have on the lid of my LCD screen. Though I would like to have the image underneath my screen name etched somewhere on there too!

I hope PW and you are right Cin. I am going to keep trying to get an official answer from Dell and then save it for my records.

That is one of my biggest fears, that if they have to replace the LCD or the entire machine that I would lose my custom etching.

 

Those would be cool designs!

I hope you get the answers you need from Dell. But If I remember another sim' type correctly, post you should be ok!


Cin

 

Ok, I talked with a sales rep on Dell chat this morning. He said that as long as no damage occurred to the LCD screen itself, the laser etching is cosmetic and WONT void my warranty.

He said that even if there was some sort of damage, if I have the Accidental Damage coverage with my laptop that would cover any problems that occurred.

Have you ever thought about doing something like this Cin? I dont know if I was blind or something, but I found on that Etchstar site where you can upload your own image to have laser etched onto the laptop!!!! Now the possibilities are endless!

 

Well, thats certainly good news

I've seen pic's of peep's having it done...and I never really thought of it. But, now that you say you can upload your own image..hmmmm! That's pretty cool!

Are you thinking of other possible etching designs, now???


Cin

 

Yeah! I have a bunch of images from some manga I read and anime I watch that I would love to have it on my laptop lid. What I may end up doing is photo shopping the pictures together, so to have like a montage of my favorite images so I can have them all! I have chibi versions of characters from my fiancee's favorite manga and anime that I might toss on a 1340 when I order it for her with my 1640. When I get home (where they are located) I will upload several of the pictures I am considering to have etched on my screen. I will let you guys help me decide!

 

That's great! Pulling them all together via PS..I bet it will look pretty cool!

Can't wait to see the pics'


Cin

 

Sorry it took so long, my laptop hard drive crashed. Thank god I saved all my files to an external drive the day before. Since my computer crashed, I havent had the time to photoshop them, so I thought I would atleast show you some of the images I was thinking about using.

Chibi cat girl

I love anime bumper sticker

I love manga

 

Ooh no prob's Lappy prob's are not fun...

I like them all....but I think I like the 2nd and 3rd ones best!

The bumper sticker is cool!

What are you thinking between the 3??

Cin

 

Sorry, forgot to post the 4th one I like. There are more, but they are on my external drive at home (im at work)

Manga Addiction

I think I like the 4th the best, but the 3rd is a close second. I have a few pics of anime and manga characters I want to have etched on the side of the laptop lid, while having the manga addiction one either in the top left or top middle of the lid.

 

Yeah, I like the 4th one..I think that might work well for you!

The etching will turn out really nice!

Would love to see the others, when you can!


Cin

 

When I get home, now that the laptop issue is fixed, I will get them off the external drive and post a few of them.

I am a big fan of anime and manga, so I wanted my laser etching to represent that! Whether that is having some half human half animal character or some odd symbol from one of the anime I love, I will find something that just stands out in my mind and say "THATS IT! THATS THE ONE I WANT ETCHED!"

 

Cool! Can't wait to see them!

I understand..when your looking for the *one* you want to use, and have seen many...Suddenly, then you will just know what *one* it is!


Cin