Dell Laptops

oily_rag

Not quite a 'techie' problem but I'm considering buying a Dell Latitude E6400 laptop from the BT shop or from Dabs but I can't find any details about the length of the warranty. Does anyone know if I would get the same 3 year manufacturers warranty as I would if I purchased the unit directly from Dell?

Thanks.

Browntoa

think its the standard 1 year unless you take the enhanced service package

oily_rag

Browntoa wrote: »

think its the standard 1 year unless you take the enhanced service package

Thanks Browntoa. If it is only one year then it cancels out any saving I would make by buying it from there.

I called Dell today to try and clarify the situation but I was connected to someone with a heavy Indian accent (location unknown) who obviously didn't know the answer :rolleyes: BT and Dabs online assistance service wasn't functioning either, probably because of staffing problems due to the bad weather.

thescouselander

I have a Dell laptop in work and I cant find the words to say how absolutely rubbish it is. I am on my 5th one now after a continuous string of faults - I would never advise anyone to buy one of these computers. It is a different model (D610) but if it is representative of Dell quality I would steer well clear.

oily_rag

thescouselander wrote: »

I have a Dell laptop in work and I cant find the words to say how absolutely rubbish it is. I am on my 5th one now after a continuous string of faults - I would never advise anyone to buy one of these computers. It is a different model (D610) but if it is representative of Dell quality I would steer well clear.

I was aware they had a bad reputation some years ago but I thought nowadays they were quite well respected. Currently I'm using a 6 year old Compaq Evo N600c and despite being in almost constant use it's never once let me down. It's starting to get a bit temperamental with age now though and although I'd love another Compaq or HP it's the old saying.... "they don't make 'em like they used to". I don't mind paying a bit extra for quality and reliability.

Phantom_Flan_Flinger

I bought a Studio 1535 in October and it's been a great little machine.

I certainly have no complaints.

As far as I'm aware you don't get 3 years warranty as standard from Dell. Standard is a 1 year return to base warranty.

ICATQ

Personally I wouldnt buy from Dabs as I had a bad experience with there aftersales service, as in there is not much of a service.

I had Dell up until recently, always been Ok but think they are now overpriced for what you get, some much better deals around. I bought an HP after Xmas, very pleased. Same spec as a Dell equivalent but £500 or so cheaper.

oily_rag

I think the 3 year warranty is limited to higher spec business laptops. It comes as standard on the Latitude E6400 and I'd rather have it than not. Then again is it worth an extra £200 or so? Maybe, maybe not.

If I could find a model I liked then I'd buy an HP/Compaq every time but I'm quite particular as to what I want. I absolutely hate glossy screens so that rules out every model I saw in PC World, Comet, Currys and Staples last week. Also it has to be quite sturdy, reasonably fast and (cough) black if possible. I can't stand laptops with a 'plasticky' feel either, the ones that flex and creak when you're typing.