Dell E1505 build quality is very cheap and I would not buy any Dell latop again

Hi all,

I currently have a problem with my Dell E1505. The problem is captured in these photos:





Back to my problem, a Dell technician named Dalip told me that the whole display bezel need to be replaced and it is not covered under warranty (My session ID for that incident is 11562161). He said that "This normally happens when you use the LCD to lift the computer." I'm not that crazy and stupid
because I have used my laptop with care and used it as a desktop replacement. I rarely close it and haven't notice the shake of the LCD that finally caused this damage.

I am really dissapointed and angry with the build quality of this machine. In addition, the computer service centre here in Vietnam (that had a quick check for me on this problem) told me that it is a common problem with Dell, you have to frequently screw the screen tightly to minimize such damage. Finally, I am not the only one got this problem but also some other cases (see references). They said that this is a design flaw from Dell and it has not been fixed.

They would not buy any Dell again and it would also be my case, unless there will be another model with much better quality and the warranty must cover these design flaw problems.

I'm currently not in the US and I have asked Dell to send the replaced parts to my friend's house in CA. I have contacted Dell several times to present my problem, spent hours to communicate with them because at first they didn't want to view my photos and they misunderstood that the problem was the hinge cover. The hinge cover has been arrived in my friend's house. However, after I sent them an email with the similar content as what I wrote above then there was no reply, they probably try to keep silent until my warranty ends. And today is the last day of my warranty period.

I'm writing this to let you know that the current Dell E1505 build quality is cheap and not reliable, compared to my previous model Dell Inspiron 8600. Hopefully you guys will make a right choice when buying a new laptop. Thank you for reading my long post.

References:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=120159&highlight=display+bezel
http://www.notebookforums.com/thread47195.html
http://www.notebookforums.com/thread177940.html

 

I have a Precision M90 that uses similar casing and have no issues and it's a year old. And this laptop gets abused pretty bad, even though it's in a Dell padded bookbag. I move it constantly from home, to work, to school, and back home and have bumped a lot of things with it (side of truck, walls, side of desk, etc.) But hasn't gotten to a point like yours. *shudders*

 

Yeah, your laptop is still in good condition although you have used it extensively. But another friend of mine is going to have the same problem, but the space now is smaller than mine. I was unlucky with my E1505. I had no complaint with my previous Dell 8600, plus the nice services that Dell provides then I bought my Dell E1505. But this time, I'm really dissapointed. Thank you for your reply.

 

Glad I got the 3-year Complete Care coverage for my E1705. Definitely worth it if you plan on keeping a laptop for a while.

 

Is it just me, or are there damage marks on the second picture.

I travel hours each day with my 6400 (identical model to the E1505) and it hasn't skipped a beat. I don't exactly treat my laptop like I would a precious jewel, (dropped it a few times) it's still in excellent structural condition.

Perhaps there was a bump in the production line which, when combined with stresses put on the notebook, caused this flaw. It's a shame, but it happens with every product on the face of the planet, sometimes you get a lemon.

In my extensive use with the current Dell Inspiron line, I've found the build quality to be excellent for their price range. Of course they won't be as well built as a ThinkPad, but they beat most other budget notebooks.

 

I think the E1505 is part of the budget line. The Latitudes are supposed to have a more rugged build and I'm thinking about getting one just for the security. I currently have an Inspiron 600m and I was surprised to find how flimsy it is compared to say an Apple Powerbook. The 600m is a small 14" size but it flexes and deforms disturbingly when picked up. The keyboard is rubbish and flexes too. I've flicked the keys off by accident when typing quickly. That said my laptop is functionally flawless (does run really hot though). Maybe the flex is actually safer for falls then a rigid metal case. Don't know, never dropped mine.

If your issue is strictly cosmetic why not try a cheap fix like epoxying the parts back together? In my experience Dell "customer support" should be your very last resort unless you're an absolute masochist of highest order.

 

Never a problem (structurally) with my E1505. One of the best built models I have owned