Laptop Screen fault?

Myosin

Hi all,

I got an Inspiron 6000 from Dell a couple of weeks ago but when I'm word processing, i.e. the screen is mostly white, I notice this little dot in the middle of the screen with a kind of tail going off to the top left, a bit like a comet tail as if it's travelling left to right.

However, unlike a comet, this dot is still, is noticeable against a white background, and I'm not sure why this is or how to sort it.

Any ideas from you techies? I've tried cleaning the screen but it isn't anything on the surface.

Also the spacebar on the keyboard looks a little worn and there are a few DSC photos which appear to be of a family - these shouldn't be on the HDD right? I was told that this laptop was new, now I'm not so sure

Woby_Tide

sounds like a dodgy pixel or two, most manufacturers cover themselves up to 3 or 4 before they allow replacement. The pictures giv it away though I guess that it's obviously been used before, maybe even returned due to problem you have spotted

Myosin

Wow talk about a rapid response Thanks!

I would point out that the plastic sheeting was still on the back of the screen and on the surface of the laptop when I got it. The photos do look dodgy, although they are quite professional.

What should I say to Dell? If I say that it's been used before they'll deny it and say that Dell Outlet sells used products.

Mr_Skint_2

Secondhand or What, if you bought it new none of that would be there
ask for a replacement and if no joy mention Trading Standards but let Dell
have there say and correspond by Letter or E:mail.

Myosin

Better to email them rather than phone? I assume this is because there is a solid copy of correspondence?

So basically I mention:

• Pixel on screen is faulty
• Spacebar is looking worn (I've only had it 2 wks so can't be due to me)
• Pictures in "My Pictures" are of some family

And I ask for a straightforward replacement? I've never really complained about something like this before so would I mention Trading Standards now or wait and see and if they refuse then mention them? Anything else I should know? Sorry to ask so many questions but you lot are the experts and I'm the idiot who knows not much

Mr_Skint_2

Myosin wrote:

Better to email them rather than phone? I assume this is because there is a solid copy of correspondence?

So basically I mention:

• Pixel on screen is faulty
• Spacebar is looking worn (I've only had it 2 wks so can't be due to me)
• Pictures in "My Pictures" are of some family

And I ask for a straightforward replacement? I've never really complained about something like this before so would I mention Trading Standards now or wait and see and if they refuse then mention them? Anything else I should know? Sorry to ask so many questions but you lot are the experts and I'm the idiot who knows not much

E:mail or Write so you have a record for yourself of there reply
and they cant say they never got a complaint, and if no joy email again
and mention Trading Standards, easy peasy.

Woby_Tide

actually a second thought, regarding the photos rather than the screen, it could be that the HD is second hand and switched from another laptop and should have been wiped/reformatted after installing in the new chassis you got(but given the screen is dodgy too it's hard to tell). Wonder if they've mixed an outlet model with new stock?

Myosin

Woby_Tide wrote:

actually a second thought, regarding the photos rather than the screen, it could be that the HD is second hand and switched from another laptop and should have been wiped/reformatted after installing in the new chassis you got(but given the screen is dodgy too it's hard to tell). Wonder if they've mixed an outlet model with new stock?

That is a very good point but I can't think how to prove that the HD is 2nd hand - should I take a screen-shot of the My Pictures folder as a record? How likely do you think it is that they'll say, "Oh yes, sorry, our mistake"? Bearing in mind their call centres are in India where some of them think that repeating the same thing means they're correct :rolleyes:

I can't believe this has happened - I kept tracking my order on their site but the strange thing is it took around 3 days for the order inventory to be prepared, but then the next 4 stages were completed almost immediately. I thought that was a bit quick but I wasn't complaining as I thought I was getting it earlier

malc1603

I recently bought a Dell 3000 and there were about 30 sample pics on the My Pictures folder already on it. Included were a couple of a family - one of the files is named DSC03676.jpg - are you sure theyre not just sample pics?

Mr_Skint_2

DSC03676.jpg This number refers to a camera picture not a sample.

CrazyChemist_2

Why would you want sample pics on a new laptop? It doesn't explain the spacebar being worn or whatever is wrong with the screen.

You obviously were told that it was being assembled from new and if that isn't the case then you should ask them for a replacement or have a word with Trading Standards. Personally I think if it is used they should replace it with a new one and give you a refund as an apology but I doubt that will happen.