Dell Replaced 1520 with Lesser configured 1525

My 1520 has had some issues, and after talking to customer support, they decided to replace the 1520. I just checked with Dell today on the status of the replacement, and they gave me an order number. I checked the specs of the replacement via Dell Order Status, and it was extremely watered down. A 2.0 Ghz processor instead of a 2.2 Ghz processor...and an integrated graphics processor instead of the 8600GT in my 1520. I talked to the Dell Chat and they said there was nothing they could do, and disconnected me from the chat. Here is the end of the chat transcript.

I'm calling dell again right now. What should I do to get an identically configured Dell laptop? This sucks!

This should be a warning to the people who want to replace their 1520's at this time. You probably won't get the same specs.

 

Dell replacement isnt suppose to ship anything different from the original order, thats what they told me. I had to get special permission that took a day for them to upgrade me to a LED screen. Call and give them you order ID and tell them to look at the replacement that is in production.

 

Yeah I explained that to them but they said that the 1520 is currently at it's "End of Life" so they would replace my 1520 with the upgraded version. Problem is that the 1525 currently does not have the same options as the 1525.

 

Do what he said and return the laptop when you get it. Then get back on the market.

 

I was thinking about that, but I start school in 4 days and I got an amazing deal on the 1520. It would be much more convenient and beneficial for me to get a replacement from them, transfer all my documents and replace the RAM I bought for the 1520, and send back the 1520.

This new customer service rep was a lot nicer and canceled the current replacement order. She said that while there was no way to guarantee me that the new replacement order would have the same specifications. But she said that after the new order number was generated, and i checked it out, I was in every right to cancel the replacement if it isn't the same configuration. Hopefully they add more options to the 1525 in the future. My 1520 is kinda usable right now, I just can't use the headphone jack, so i'll just keep doing the same thing until they can give me a satisfactory 1525.

 

The 1525 does not support a 8600m GT so that will never happen.

 

The 1525 will never support the 8600m GT? I just kinda thought they were holding off until they got rid of the 1520's. The 1525 looks like it uses the same chasis as the 1530, so obviously they can fit a 8600m GT in there.

 

Try to get an XPS M1530. That same thing happened to me and now a 1530 is is being shipped to me.

 

Really? What did yo usay to get the replacement?

 

I kept saying how they weren't giving me an equal or better laptop and how I had an 8600m GT currently and that the only laptop that's comparable is the XPS M1530.

 

I always say that, but they always say they can't replace an inspiron system with an XPS. When I inquired about the XPS, they kept telling me to return it, get the money back, and buy a 1530, which is really unacceptable since I start school really soon. Do you know which rep u contacted?

 

I asked for a supervisor immediately. I don't know his name, though.

 

I believe you can still get a 1520 with XP. Mine just arrived two days ago. Why not opt for XP with the same config you had? They might do that, even though getting a machine with XP seems to cost a tad more. Just don't mention that part... lol

 

If that's the only problem, you can consider buying a small USB audio adapter for around $30 and plug the headphones into that.

Obviously it's better if you can get them to give you an M1530 though.

Dell basically replaced the 1520 with 2 machines: the 1525 for people who don't need high performance and high-end options, and the M1530 for those who do. So I'm not expecting them to add anything like the 8600M GT to the 1525.

 

Yeah honestly I don't really care about what kind, I just need a laptop that completely works so I never have to talk to Dell Support again.

I just talked to the supervisor, and she offered me a 1520 with Windows XP, I just laughed. She then put me on hold and kept explaining why she couldn't give me a 1520 with Vista, and why she couldn't give me a 1530. She said that she would talk to her other supervisor and give me a call back.

Osserpse, I believe you were in the same situation. How long did it take for them to call you back, and what specifically did they say about it?

 

So why won't you take XP? It's extremely hard for them to get a computer specially made for you. The 1520s now come with XP only. Otherwise, they're exactly the same.

 

Vista Ultimate-----> Windows XP? You know I wouldn't have a problem with losing $150, but then again I do have a problem with losing $150 in value. And I have come to like Vista a lot. I couldn't go back to XP.

 

Did you use the 400$ coupon off? I just ordered mine today... hopefully no issues.

 

I used a $300 in ordering my 1520. They are trying to give me a 1525 as a replacement, not a new system, though they keep telling me to return it and buy another Dell system, which I really don't have time for.

 

Do you have Dell complete care or just the standard warranty?

 

I think it is just standard warranty. Does that make a difference? Isn't complete care accidental stuff? The 1520 is just full of problems not caused by me.

 

I had a 1520 which seemed like it kept having problem after problem.
So I contacted dell and they tried to pull the same stuff by replacing my 1520 with a 1525 that possessed lower specs. I simply told them it was unacceptable and that if I had paid $6-700 for it I probably could deal with all the issues but since I had paid over $1500 no way was I going to settle, and in conclusion I told them if this is how they handle problems I will be buying a MBP in the future and never again will I buy a Dell. So long story short (too late) they offered to give me full refund so I could purchase a M1530 if I so choose to.

 

It's strange, but if I go to configure a 15" Inspiron starting from here
http://www.dell.com/content/products/category.aspx/notebooks?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs

I only get an option for the 1525, but if I click the "Still Looking for XP" button, I get here
http://www.dell.com/content/topics/segtopic.aspx/winxp_inspnnb?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs

and can customize a 1520. The colors are limited to black, brown, and blue, but the important stuff like the processor, screen, and video card can be customized.

 

the 1520 isn't being continued so I doubt they updated the software.

To the OP... It really sucks that dell doesn't care about the problem. I mean, what's one man trading a 1520 for a 1530? They're a multi-million (billion?) dollar corp., and they can't part with a 500-700 dollar difference? that's sad.

 

hmm thats odd. Well Dell sent me an email saying that they would be giving me a "Like for Like" replacement. Anyone know what that mean?

 

It means they will replace your 1520 with another 1520. Dell sticks to this... sorta... some guy got a 1530 out of something like this :O

 

Yep, my M1530 came in today and it's awesome. Much better screen and much better components! I love the actual look of it, too.

 

Is Dell still shipping out the Inspiron 1520s? I ordered mine on 12/29, and it was supposed to ship today, but I just got an email that it's been delayed to 2/6. I hadn't realized that the line was discontinued and now I'm a bit worried about getting it at all. Should I cancel and order a 1525? Is it a better deal?

 

Hey I have had a dell 1520 for 4 months now..
Specs are :
core 2 duo 2.2ghz
2gig RAM
120gb HD
8600m GT video card
Windows vista 32
3 year return to depot/ complete care and technical support

I have had a couple problems as well but mostly the main thing is the high pitched whiny noise coming from the speakers and headphone jack. (others include computer not responding after being on for 24 hours, sleep function turns into a restart, core2duo spikes, but all these may be caused of me)

Anyways, I am planning to ask dell whatsup with my computer after school ends (May) and probably going to get a refund..since they can't fix the headphone slot/speakers.

I was wondering if my warranty can get all my money back..or is it like store credit? Or am i gonna get screwed over and get a POS 1525?

Sorry if I have brought up dumb questions/topics..but I am pretty much a noob.

Thanks in advance.

 

Dell just send me the order number of the replacement.

Inspiron 1525, Intel Core 2 Duo T7250, 2.0GHz, 800Mhz, 2M L2 Cache. Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X3100

Someone is gonna get yelled at. It's like their ****** braindead

 

Wow, you get a top of the line 1520 and they give u a POS (compared to ure old one) like that?

btw: what was your reason on getting a replacement? and what kind of warranty did you buy?

 

Just the same reasons as you. The screen hinge is kinda loose, the headphone jack noise, wireless disconnects every once in a while, I barely get a connection at my University here, 1 bar, and it disconnects every time I close the lid. It's borderline ridiculous.

I just got the standard 1 year warranty, figured that I wouldn't need more than one year.

Good news is I just talked to a really nice rep, he was chatting to his dispatch while we were on the phone, so I knew he was really taking action, said that he would guarantee a laptop with the same specs, and that he would be following up on Monday.

What the 4 representatives before me did was just placed a generic replacement order, and wrote a note "high resolution screen and nVidia graphics card requested", and naturally, they were all talk and it did nothing but get my hopes up until I got the order number. This one looks promising.

I think there is a chance you can get your money back, or at least Credit with dell, and exchange to another Dell laptop. I would've choose the return option, but i'm at school, and I need a laptop with me at all times, so I would rather have a laptop shipped to me.

 

yea im at school too and need a laptop with me...you can get them to ship you a new laptop without sending your old one in??

good luck with your replacemnt...dont settle for anything less!

 

dose it contain the bluetooth

 

Yes my laptop has bluetooth.

Heres an update

Attempt #4, they attempt to send me an

Inspiron 1525, Intel Core 2 Duo T7250
Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X3100
15.4 inch Wide Screen WXGA LCDTrueLife for Inspiron 1525(lower resolution)

Now heres the catch. I call to cancel the replacement order, and now they say they CAN'T cancel the order, because it has passed a certain point. They tell me to receive the laptop and then send it back, and they will give me a proper replacement after they get the laptop back.

So I say screw it, please send me a return box for my 1520 so I can return it and purchase another laptop, not from Dell. It's not even an empty threat, i'm tired of this. Then the rep tells me that I CAN'T RETURN IT because it is outside the return time, even through this issue began before the 21 day return policy. I tell him that. He didn't even offer me to return the laptop with the 15% restocking fee, just that I can't return it. I ask him what options I have, he says that they will give me a replacement with the same specifications. I tell him that they obviously can't do that for me, so I want to return the damn laptop and buy another one, and that the return option was offered to me by another rep. He still says no, and I give up, hang up on him, and call again. By the time I finish my call, 2 hours have elapsed, and I have to get to class, which I will attend to laptopless.

 

dell is ****ing worthless still not resolved, they won't offer a return either.

I've been transfered back from Customer Care to Tech Support at least 8 times already

 

I'm kind of in the same situation, I have those same defect, but everytime I chat with an agent, they keep ending the session before I am even done. I'm going to call them right now.

 

I just got off the phone with the representative. They get pressuring me to get it repaired, but I kept saying no and that I want a replacement for the defects. He transferred me to his supervisor and his supervisor said to me that in order to get the highest options available, such as system exchange, i would have to contact Senior Management Department. The Supervisor said that they will contact me within 48 hours. So, what should I do in order to get the 1525 exchange for my 1520??? In my 1520 I have the Integrated Graphics so the specs won't really be a problem for me. I just need to know how to approach it, and to get them to do the system exchange.

P.S. I received my 1520 in early september. Thank you in advance.

 

Since it's been more than 30 days, Dell has the right to repair it under warranty, and has no obligation to give you a replacement unit until it has gone under repair for 3 times.

 

Ok, but it says under their warranty policy that they will repair the parts, or replace it. Maybe that's what you meant. Thank you for your help. But do you have any ways on going about it though??? Thanks again.

 

I'm sorry to say but Senior Management won't help you. I was talking to an "Executive Escalation Manager" and he didn't help me at all, just ignored the fact that I am still in the same exchange problems that was started before 21 days of the invoice, and just kept telling me to send it back even though it would not be possible at all in my situation without me failing school. I ended up hanging up on him after he became silent and kept repeating "You will have to send the system in to the depot, which will take an approximately 10-12 days for us to repair the laptop"

I think Dell has been restructuring their customer care as of late. I have a feeling that the customer care has been stripped of some power, and some other powers that would help customers in diverse situations. One major change, Customer Care no longer has the power to initiate replacement orders. My first system exchange was done by Customer Care, and now I always get transferred to Tech Support to get a system exchange inquiry.

I'm currently in an email session with the customer care. I have shown them all of the chat sessions, and provided concrete proof that it was still the same exchange process since before the 21 days, and I am waiting for a response.

I'll probably go to small claims court soon here in Maryland if I am denied a proper replacement again. Probably under "Bait and Switch", or some other kind of fraud. I'm currently being consulted by a knowledgeable friend about this issue. I added this little detail at one of my emails, and the customer service rep was a lot more responsive, and no longer had to "You must send the computer into the depot" attitude.

 

Terp, did you get my pm with the numbers you asked for?

 

Wow, it got that bad.. I really hope you get everything settled out. I have defects in my system just like yours, but they are livable. I mainly just want that model becuase of the thinness, and because of the no buzzing noise in the headphone jack.

 

I hope mine doesn't get into that state. Good luck!!

 

Yeah I did get that PM, thanks a lot. I told the Executive manager that they had replaced it with a 1530 before, and offered to provide reference numbers, but my words just came out of his ass and he just ignored it. Kept saying "I cannot promise you anything regardless if there was such a situation"

My defects are almost livable, but I really want to blast my subs once in a while, and doing so with this god damn noise makes it sound terrible, and i'm pretty ticked that they claim to have released an "upgraded" version of the motherboard the day after my laptop went into production. It's ridiculous that they shipped these 1520's out knowing it had these defects. I really wouldn't mind another 1520 at all. I actually was expecting another 1520 right after I placed the first exchange order. I love my 1520, I just want a laptop that works perfectly. An upgrade to a 1530 is a major bonus, but not necessary for me.

Thanks, i'll keep everyone updated on what happens.

 

Yeah, but what should I say to them, should I just say that I want the plain exchange for the 1525, or should I say something else when they call me???

 

For these special circumstances, I do not think Dell will budge unless they are legally obligated to. Which means after 3 attempts to repair.

So you are currently under the 1 year warranty, their policy, straight from their website is.

"If Dell or its authorized representative is not able to repair the product, we will replace it with a comparable product that is new or refurbished."

So repair comes first since you are a good 5 months into your warranty. One think the customer service kept pestering me about is how my laptop is about 2 months old, though I do have just cause as I had been requesting a replacement since before the 21 day return policy.

So I really think your sunk for this one. Dell seems pretty incompetent on this issue so I think theres a chance that after three times you'll still have problems with your 1520. I think thats your only hope.

 

Any update terp?

 

I sent them the chat transcript, reference number, and chat session ID, proving that I was still in an ongoing process of an exchange, two days ago and the they have not got back to me yet. I'll wait a week then i'll go to my local courthouse and file the claim.

 

Sucks to be you
I just bought my 1520 on 1/31/08 and hopefully mines won't go on me so I don't have to go through this.... HOPEFULLY!