Question about Dell laptops

maggienx

Hi,

I'm looking at buying a Dell laptop online for my brother and have come across one that looks like it might fit the bill....not too expensive, reasonable sized hard disc , memory etc.... However, what is not clear is how many USB ports it has, whether it has an HDMI port. I have tried various parts of the Dell website, but no joy. Does anybody know or where I could find these details. The model is Inspiron 15.

Thanks

cookie1977

Click tech specs tab:
http://www.dell.com/ie/p/inspiron-15-intel-n5050/pd?refid=inspiron-15-intel-n5050&baynote_bnrank=0&baynote_irrank=1&~ck=dellSearch&isredir=true

(1) VGA Port
(1) HDMI
(3) USB 2.0
(1) Ethernet / RJ45
(1) Microphone Jack
(1) Headphone Jack
Kensington lock slot
3-in-1 Memory Card Reader

Occono

I've been told by people not to buy Dell Laptops, they break down a lot....there's one I really like the specs of, but people tell me not to buy it.

maggienx

cookie1977 wrote: »

Click tech specs tab:
http://www.dell.com/ie/p/inspiron-15-intel-n5050/pd?refid=inspiron-15-intel-n5050&baynote_bnrank=0&baynote_irrank=1&~ck=dellSearch&isredir=true

(1) VGA Port
(1) HDMI
(3) USB 2.0
(1) Ethernet / RJ45
(1) Microphone Jack
(1) Headphone Jack
Kensington lock slot
3-in-1 Memory Card Reader

Thanks for this. Don't know how I missed this!

maggienx

Occono wrote: »

I've been told by people not to buy Dell Laptops, they break down a lot....there's one I really like the specs of, but people tell me not to buy it.

OMG really :eek: A friend of mine has an ancient Dell Inspiron 2650 I think, and swears it still works fine.

cookie1977

I'm sure you'll find myriads of opinions but I've had 6 dell computers (desktops and laptops) and I use an alienated (built by dell) and have had no serious issues with dell. They've always been good.

Occono

cookie1977 wrote: »

I'm sure you'll find myriads of opinions but I've had 6 dell computers (desktops and laptops) and I use an alienated (built by dell) and have had no serious issues with dell. They've always been good.

If you google Dell Laptops, you see a blog post with loads of comments on it very high up. I've read some other stuff somewhere and gotten two people online warning me against them, although one was just going by rumours they heard.

I'm getting an order cancelled, just so I can re-buy it with a coupon code I missed (BTW, go to the bargains forum, they have 10% off discount codes, don't miss them) and it's been a pain, their email was down so they never responded in time and it looks like the return will take forever....anyway, I was going to buy it again with the discount, but got advised not to. Annoying, I really like the one I want...

cookie1977

You won't find many forums/threads praising anything. People post problems more than praise. Google any computer manufacturer and "problems" and you'll find lots of gripes

partyatmygaff

Occono wrote: »

I've been told by people not to buy Dell Laptops, they break down a lot....there's one I really like the specs of, but people tell me not to buy it.

It depends on the model range and the model itself. Certain models had a reputation for being troublesome but the Inspiron 15 of today doesn't have any issues.

duckysauce

Occono wrote: »

If you google Dell Laptops, you see a blog post with loads of comments on it very high up. I've read some other stuff somewhere and gotten two people online warning me against them, although one was just going by rumours they heard.

I'm getting an order cancelled, just so I can re-buy it with a coupon code I missed (BTW, go to the bargains forum, they have 10% off discount codes, don't miss them) and it's been a pain, their email was down so they never responded in time and it looks like the return will take forever....anyway, I was going to buy it again with the discount, but got advised not to. Annoying, I really like the one I want...

you could do that with any maker

Occono

But I've been through so much trouble trying to cancel it (although this was their fault, their email was down and they shipped it before they ever saw my email) and decide on something else because people convinced me to....this has been annoyingly stressful.

cookie1977

Well what did you get?

Occono

cookie1977 wrote: »

Well what did you get?

The New Dell Inspirion 15R, €650 (or €585 with a coupon, which is why I tried to cancel it, and their email was down so they didn't respond very quickly and then I got persuaded not to buy Dell....sigh. ) with 6GB RAM, 1 TB Hard Drive, a 2.4ghz i3 processor and a fairly decent video card. Seemed good for the price as-is, but I regretted missing the coupon, I asked for a cancellation a few hours after purchase but by the next morning it was shipped, I got an email a few days later saying their email was down and apologizing for being late. (I want a new laptop for gaming mainly, so this was important)

Wish I'd not cancelled at this rate. Hopefully I can still buy it after....

However, I did get randomly picked by the "Order Verification Team" to give them a photocopy of my passport or some other ID as a random security check. Funnily, it said they would cancel if I didn't when the other email from Dell was a guy apologizing it was too late for them to cancel the order......

Dear Customer,

At Dell we take great care to ensure the integrity of all credit card transactions as a protection for all our customers. We routinely check a sample of orders to verify payment details. Your order was selected randomly for checking.

We would like to receive a copy of card holder’s ID card or passport and the address of the credit card which is registered at the issuing bank together with the copy of any bill statement where is this address visible. We do not need the address of the issuing bank. This information can be faxed to +49-69-34824-9044 or send an e-mail addressed to DE_Clr_Validation with reference to the subject of this mail. You can also scan the information and send it as an attachment in reply to this mail. In case we do not hear from you within the next 24 hours we will have to cancel your order.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you, but can assure you of our prompt attention upon your reply.

Best regards,

That's the order verification email. I don't have convenient access to a scanner or any bills with my address on them...I just don't have any paper bills. Also my card is Debit, not Credit. It came along with an email saying it was too late to cancel my order (their fault.)

So I wouldn't call them smooth sellers, anyway.....but I guess I will re-buy it after all now. I swear though, I got a ton of warnings not to from people. I guess I'll wait the week or two for the Laptop to return to them and my refund to process, then buy it again with a coupon when they go out again.... V_V Ugh. I guess this is mostly their fault but I feel stupid now.

/vent

duckysauce

Occono wrote: »

I've been told by people not to buy Dell Laptops, they break down a lot....there's one I really like the specs of, but people tell me not to buy it.

how can you give advice about a product you never had ???

3ndahalfof6

I have the inspiron 1720, nothing but problems with it I would never buy another 1, in saying that it could just be a bad batch as someone on here got 1 within 2 weeks of me buying mine and seemed to have the same or similar problems.

Occono

duckysauce wrote: »

how can you give advice about a product you never had ???

I'm not giving my own advice, I'm just saying a few people said that to me, some based on their own experiences and some talking about what they've heard. I'm not trying to say I have conclusive evidence of anything.

maggienx

Thanks everyone for the very useful information here. I will have a think again about what I will buy...there are soooo many options available.....

Occono

I will Say that Dell's customer service is now increasingly confusing me. I asked about getting a 10% refund and getting the laptop delivered after all and now a different guy says I have to wait until they're done their "finance review" and to check with my bank if my card's okay. My card's just fine, and this the first mention of any finance review. Considering I have a Debit Card and I paid directly, there' no question of not being able to pay....I have a feeling it'll be a while before I get my refund. They're confusing and worrying me and their email having been down for days seem worrisome.

So I'd advise against them if you're anxious about ordering online....Komplett.ie have a forum here and seem straightforward.

In terms of reliable, sturdy brands, Asus, Sony, Toshiba and Lenovo seem good, according to hearsay.

duckysauce

Occono wrote: »

I will Say that Dell's customer service is now increasingly confusing me. I asked about getting a 10% refund and getting the laptop delivered after all and now a different guy says I have to wait until they're done their "finance review" and to check with my bank if my card's okay. My card's just fine, and this the first mention of any finance review. Considering I have a Debit Card and I paid directly, there' no question of not being able to pay....I have a feeling it'll be a while before I get my refund. They're confusing and worrying me and their email having been down for days seem worrisome.

So I'd advise against them if you're anxious about ordering online....Komplett.ie have a forum here and seem straightforward.

In terms of reliable, sturdy brands, Asus, Sony, Toshiba and Lenovo seem good, according to hearsay.

:pac: you are trying to cancel and then re-order using coupons!!!! Karma

And sony are not sturdy, think you should do your homework before buying a laptop

Occono

duckysauce wrote: »

:pac: you are trying to cancel and then re-order using coupons!!!! Karma

And sony are not sturdy, think you should do your homework before buying or saying anything about laptops.

I've read studies and feedback saying Vaios are less prone to failure and consumer complaints. However, I see the logic that being more expensive, they sell less, so get less warranty claims. :P

And I literally asked for a cancellation two hours after I bought it and before the money went through. They shipped it and got the money and only got back to me days later, saying their email was down. And besides, I'm within my rights to return it in the first 7 days anyway. Maybe they shouldn't hide their coupons if that's such bad "Karma". :rolleyes: Especially % coupons on expensive products.

duckysauce

Occono wrote: »

I've read studies and feedback saying Vaios are less prone to failure and consumer complaints. However, I see the logic that being more expensive, they sell less, so get less warranty claims. :P

And I literally asked for a cancellation two hours after I bought it and before the money went through. They shipped it and got the money and only got back to me days later, saying their email was down. And besides, I'm within my rights to return it in the first 7 days anyway. Maybe they shouldn't hide their coupons if that's such bad "Karma". :rolleyes: Especially % coupons on expensive products.

Normally if the machine is more expensive the owner will treat it better and it will be a better make so it will last longer , if you pay 300-400 for a cheap dell hp etc treat it like ****e , lift it by the screen , eat your dinner on it and then say Hp dell etc are crap, when it falls apart, it doesn't add up . You get what you pay for these days . Best of luck with whatever you get , but imo you still can't beat the Dell 3 year warranty for a laptop.

Jarren

I did my homework and purchased this lappy from adverts.ie a few days ago.

I actually went to HN last weekend to have a look at a few chosen models.

Wanted something very basic but sturdy,well built lappy.

There could be only one

http://www.techradar.com/reviews/pc-mac/laptops-portable-pcs/laptops-and-netbooks/sony-vaio-vpceh2f1e-e-series-1045685/review

Had 2 Dell lemons before that lasted a less than a year,my last lappy from Acer lasted 5 years.

Very happy so far , will report back in five years:pac:

duckysauce

Jarren wrote: »

I did my homework and purchased this lappy from adverts.ie a few days ago.

I actually went to HN last weekend to have a look at a few chosen models.

Wanted something very basic but sturdy,well built lappy.

There could be only one

http://www.techradar.com/reviews/pc-mac/laptops-portable-pcs/laptops-and-netbooks/sony-vaio-vpceh2f1e-e-series-1045685/review

Had 2 Dell lemons before that lasted a less than a year,my last lappy from Acer lasted 5 years.

Very happy so far , will report back in five years:pac:

Best of luck with it a, Sony tech told me a couple of week ago to stay away from them, but if you listen to everyone you will buy nothing Most of them them have more or less the same parts these days. Still very interested in this one you recommended http://www.computeruniverse.net/products/90461779/asus-n56vm-s4032v.asp just waiting for the offical release.

ps what models were the delly wellies

Jarren

Newry would be the closest I'd say

http://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/asus-n56vm-s3113v-15-6-laptop-silver-12448404-pdt.html

Occono

Does anyone know why some replacement guy at Dell is talking about "Financial Review"? Is this a mistake on his part or what, because this is out of nowhere, but he sort of mentions it like I should know already. Could Ulster Bank's problems at the moment be related? I don't think he means the Order Verification thing, I already said I wouldn't give my ID because i was trying to cancel and refund the order anyway.

duckysauce

Occono wrote: »

Does anyone know why some replacement guy at Dell is talking about "Financial Review"? Is this a mistake on his part or what, because this is out of nowhere, but he sort of mentions it like I should know already. Could Ulster Bank's problems at the moment be related? I don't think he means the Order Verification thing, I already said I wouldn't give my ID because i was trying to cancel and refund the order anyway.

yep i would say if you are a UB customer that's the problem, as I still cannot see my account properly online

Jarren

duckysauce wrote: »

ps what models were the delly wellies

Dell 6000/1525

The dell inspiron 1525 actually got stolen from my apt,felt sorry for the person who robbed it:pac:

duckysauce

Jarren wrote: »

Newry would be the closest I'd say

http://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/asus-n56vm-s3113v-15-6-laptop-silver-12448404-pdt.html

238€ more than the german site , think i could put up with a few keys off for that .

duckysauce

Jarren wrote: »

Dell 6000/1525

The dell inspiron 1525 actually got stolen from my apt,felt sorry for the person who robbed it:pac:

Yep 1525 was not great- bad lcd hinges , 6000 was fine.

Jarren

Nice range of Asus laptops

http://www.notebook.de/index.php?section=shop&cat=31&lang=en

Jarren

duckysauce wrote: »

238€ more than the german site , think i could put up with a few keys off for that .

Does it have to be an Asus ?

Specs wise that Toshi from Elara is not too bad

http://www.elara.ie/productdetail.aspx?productcode=RO10PSKACE00Q00SEN

duckysauce

Jarren wrote: »

Nice range of Asus laptops

http://www.notebook.de/index.php?section=shop&cat=31&lang=en

Cheers you are a mine of info . Thanks for various info regarding this . :cool: