Curry's laptop refund given as e-gift card !!

Manxman_in_exile

Geodark said:

Manxman_in_exile said:

Ianm42 said:

Keep_pedalling said:

I find it hard to believe you can’t find a similar spec laptop from their current offerings even if it it not a Dell. Which model did you buy?

I can find suitable replacement direct from Dell but not for sale in Curry's.

Was a Dell Inspiron 16 Plus. Needed a 16" 3K screen, suitable built graphics card, 16GB RAM and 1TB SSD for the use it was destined for. Was just the job when it worked.

More worryingly I have another two of these same models, not so high specced, at home, and NOT bought from Curry's and one of them the track pad is starting to cause issues after only 6 months. Aaaah.

This was a consumer purchase as opposed to soemthing for business use?  I ask because of how you've expressed the bits I've highlighted in bold...

Why? the requirements for the last laptop / docking hub I bought had to be that it supported at least 2 4k monitors - but that was purely because a) I like lots of desktop space and b) one of my hobbies uses multiple high res monitors. Just because its high spec doesnt mean its for business. In fact my personal machine setup is higher spec than the setup I use for work (which they supplied)

Mostly regarding the bit about "I have another two of these same models... at home", not just the spec.

You don't think it reasonable to check in the circumstances that the current laptop was not a business purchase?  It appears (from the OP's wording) not to be at their home which leaves it open to speculation.  I'm trying to clarify whether the OP has consumer rights...

Ianm42

Well I want to update you guys following this....

Wrote recorded delivery letters to various Currys/DSG groups head quarters, asking for a refund...heard absolutely nothing.

Finally made yet another try via Currys on-line chat labyrinth system...expecting the usual oooh let me transfer you to someone who can help, but this time I stated I wish to raise a complaint about Currys. The chat person knew what to do (normal reply is..."have you tried rebooting it and let me transfer you...."). So a complaint was raised along with text copy of the recorded delivery letter.

A day later got an email from Currys Customer Management Centre (why do customers need managing !!!) who was handling the case. Anyway nearly two weeks later I have a full refund of £1349 for the laptop, refunded to my credit card. Result.

Why it takes so long, nearly two months of mails, chats, phone calls, letters to just get a simple refund is depressing.

The original touchpad fault I was having is clearly an issue with this model laptop, as I have another exact same model, this time bought from Dell, and Dell are sending someone out next week change the touch pad, as this ones touch pad is failing as well.

Not had much luck with Dell laptops recently. Bought two off 2 in 1 foldable laptops Sept 2020 (@£1300 each) to replace two Dell laptops purchased in 2009 and 2010. Around Feb 2021 one of them was frequently "blue screening of death" and other less frequently.

• Dell logged in remotely, couldn't do anything as all up to date software, would require extra extended investigation @ £42 to sort.
• Reluctantly paid, Dell logged in remotely, couldn't do anything as all up to date software. Got my £42 back.
• Said need to re-install Windows. Reluctantly re-installed Windows. Blue screened.
• Returned to Dell for repair. Was less than a week being repaired, Dell replaced SSD disk.
• Re-installed Windows. Blue screened.
  
• Wrote complaint letter to Dell head office asking for refund as clearly not fit for purpose.
• Someone high up in Dell phoned me, arranged for both laptops to be returned.
• Credit card refunded almost immediately.

So 4 failed Dell laptops in 2 years. Notice dates on last Dell laptops 2009 & 2010, still work fine with Windows 10, but just unbearably slow !!!

mattyprice4004

You did well to get a full refund - it was more than you're entitled to as they could have reduced it for the use you've already had. 
Interestingly one of the recent small contracts I had for work was to sort the touchpad out on 15 of this exact model for a local school; Dell haven't been able to do it for months, so in desperation they reached out and it was done in 10 minutes or so per laptop. Didn't even need any new parts! 

The issue is a grounding problem between touchpad and case; a simple jumper wire is the cure. 

Ianm42

Well Dell replaced the touch pad on the other laptop. Dell did it onsite (my daughter is is on placement in a hospital) on Wednesday, after only contacting them on Sunday afternoon. Amazingly quick service, unlike Currys. Laptop now works fine.

I am aware of the grounding issue and as senior engineer in a industrial PC manufacturer could do it myself, replacement touchpad now including grounding wire is only £34, BUT I generally won't touch laptops/PC's if they are still under manufacturers warranty as Dell/HP onsite repairs are usually quite quick.