Inspiron 9300 Released

[Ethan2099]

Originally posted by: RamIt

Originally posted by: dr150

Originally posted by: wifi4lyfe
2 more things. what is Dells return policy and return policy regarding dead pixels? And when do they charge your credit card? when the laptop actually ships?

thanks

Dell is spotty enough with customer positive returns that you need to work the system a bit if you want to return a defective pixel laptop.

Overexaggeration of SEVERAL problems on the lappie is the best way to get Customer Service to replace one lappie with another at their expense. Stories abound about how people have done this.....I would suggest you post a new thread asking what's the best way to return such a lappie if you're in this boat in the future. The experts here will advise in MANY creative ways to confidently "work" the return. :thumbsup:

Dell has a satisfaction warranty.
If you are not satisified with it when you get it, return it less shipping.

In the United States that is the 21 day total satisfaction guarantee. Canada it is the 30 day total satisfaction guarantee. if you want a total system exchange after that point of time, it's not going to happen unless you're a large corporation.

 

[Ethan2099]

Originally posted by: dr150

Originally posted by: DP

Originally posted by: dr150

Originally posted by: DP
Ok this is what I'm looking at so far:

Intel® Pentium® M 750 Processor (1.73GHz/533MHz FSB)
17 inch UltraSharp? Wide Screen XGA+ Display
1GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 533MHz 2 Dimm
256MB NVIDA® GeForce? Go 6800
60GB 7200rpm Hard Drive
Free Upgrade!! 24X CD-RW/DVD Combination Drive with Sonic RecordNow
Dell® Wireless 1350 Internal Wireless (802.11b/g, 54Mbps)
9-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery (80 WHr)
1 Year Basic Mail-In Plan
Carbon Fiber QuickSnap? Cover


total: $2,435.00
after: $852.25 discout
final total: $1,582.75

That is one SWEET system! Great performance/buck ratio! I don't see anything out there on the market even close to these specs/$$$.

That 35% coupon is killer!!!!!

I'm going to grab the same spec'd system.........

so are you in agreement with me about the warranty? $250+ for a 2 yr on site warranty, i can't justify that when it might not ever go bad. if my warranty runs out after a year and i need something replaced, how does dell go about that? i'm guessing they charge you a service fee?

I woouldn't buy an extended warranty. It's a rip-off! You're credit card will DOUBLE the warranty.

If anything electronic breaks, it'll happen sooner rather than later......I recommend immediately "burning in" the processor/HD on some CPU extensive task for 3+ days. Some people burn theirs longer than that. If it passes this test, your lappy shouldn't break down for something inane soon after the warranty expires.


Audiophiles do this with $1000+ amps/cdp's/dacs to make sure their components will last.

Depending on what you do with your laptop it CAN be a good thing. Complete care covers pretty much anything. Had a call where a lady actually had her back strap break and the bag fell onto the road while she was crossing the street. it got run over by a few cars. Complete care covered it, and she got a new system. I think i'd like that kind of coverage. after all, accidents DO happen.

 

[LackofVision]

Just wanted to comment on the anti glare vs. True Life, or whatever the name for this type of monitor is.

Right now at home I have two 17 inch LCD's. One is a Hitachi, with the standards anti glare screen, the other is a Xerox with a glass covered screen without the anti glare.

The Xerox screen looks alot better, colors are better, and the overall picture just looks more brilliant.

Glare is only a problem if the light is directly behind you, basically if your monitor was a mirror, would you be able to see the light source in it from your viewing angle? If so, then you may see glare from that light source. In my case the only light in the room is a 3 fixture 60w per bulb unit in the cieling, and it doesn't cause me any problems.

While I can see a slight image of myself in the Xerox when the power is off, any image except a really dark one would wash out any reflection of my face or anything else, so that's never been an issue for me.

I've got an xps2 on order, and one of the reasons I bought was the screen. Just like trinitron vs regular CRT, take a look at each and make up your own mind.

 

[mdahc]

I dropped my i8200 and got a refurb i8500 (covered by CompleteCare), which was fine as long as it functioned properly (I guess that was asking too much). Within two months the machine would not power on. I sent it in requesting to get the motherboard replaced and got it sent back with a note saying there was a faulty keyboard connection (it powered on, and it was the middle of a semester, so I didn't have time to keep f*cking around and waiting on the repair depot...thus, I didn't feel like calling and requesting the motherboard be replaced again). So within another month, the machine would not power on again. I couldn't take notes in class for another week and a half or so until I finally got back the machine with the motherboard replaced this time (one of the two USB ports on the back was bent and now it wasn't, which was how I knew they actually replaced the motherboard this time). Before I sent it in this second time, I also noticed that they didn't adhere to their "same or better caliber" condition in the replacement warranty since I received an 8500 with 2x256MB sticks of DDR266 whereas I paid extra for a single 512MB SODIMM on the 8200. In addition, they sent me a 4200rpm HDD whereas I had paid extra for a 5400rpm HDD (the fastest at the time). On the other hand, they sent me MS Office Small Business Edition (a $279 value at the time, which was > the HDD and memory combined) with the refurb 8500, which I never originally ordered with the 8200. Oh yeah, and they also didn't send me a modular FDD.

It took a total of about two months of calling and waiting to finally get everything I just mentioned replaced, and since then, I've had to get a replacement AC adapter (the one that came with it stopped charging my battery), the right speaker replaced (distortion after 5 or 6 months of hardly any use), the LCD hinge tightened, and the plastic around the keyboard reglued. Now I've noticed some dark lines towards the top of the display, and I'm about to just lose my mind.

Hence, as you can imagine, I have to say that Complete Care is complete b*llsh*t and a total waste of money. I'd opt to use a credit card that covers accidental damage instead.

Ethan2099, given my long history of issues, do you know if I can just request a new machine? This has gotten ridiculous.

 

[movingincircles]

couple of questions

should I really get extra warranty? Isn't this a different type of warranty like business or something?

and can anyone point me to the pentium M benchmarks. I'm wondering if I should grab the 1.8ghz.

and is this a good deal? Will there be a 9300 coupon ever again?

thanks

 

[slightlyhuman]

Originally posted by: movingincircles
couple of questions

should I really get extra warranty? Isn't this a different type of warranty like business or something?

and can anyone point me to the pentium M benchmarks. I'm wondering if I should grab the 1.8ghz.

and is this a good deal? Will there be a 9300 coupon ever again?

thanks

this is a great deak. dell doesn't let me combine coupons like this very often. other members have said that it might not happen but once or twice more this year with the next time being around june. i couldn't decide on the 1.86 or 1.73. to me 100 bucks isn't work 130mhz and if you up on a post in this thread, the 1.73 and 2.0 is like a 5% performance difference.

i decided i'm going to have to miss this deal and pay my bills off. torture but i will buy the first one that shows up in the FS/T forums.

 

[Ethan2099]

Originally posted by: mdahc

Hence, as you can imagine, I have to say that Complete Care is complete b*llsh*t and a total waste of money. I'd opt to use a credit card that covers accidental damage instead.

Ethan2099, given my long history of issues, do you know if I can just request a new machine? This has gotten ridiculous.

Unfortunately no. And I know that it sucks. sounds like you got the run around. unfortunately there are times when things go completely apesh_t and i have no clue why. You're right that it's bull and they are trying to find ways to keep it from happening.

 

[Ethan2099]

Originally posted by: DP


i decided i'm going to have to miss this deal and pay my bills off. torture but i will buy the first one that shows up in the FS/T forums.

That really hurts... I WORK for Dell and all i get is 10%. BTW, i was reading a review of the 9300 in a computer mag that pegged the battery life at about 2 hours and 42 minutes on the small battery, not the extended one. can anyone else possibly confirm this? You'd think i would know but I only have access to the replacement parts available.

 

[slightlyhuman]

Originally posted by: Ethan2099

Originally posted by: DP


i decided i'm going to have to miss this deal and pay my bills off. torture but i will buy the first one that shows up in the FS/T forums.

That really hurts... I WORK for Dell and all i get is 10%. BTW, i was reading a review of the 9300 in a computer mag that pegged the battery life at about 2 hours and 42 minutes on the small battery, not the extended one. can anyone else possibly confirm this? You'd think i would know but I only have access to the replacement parts available.

it's torture

 

[dr150]

I may be wrong, but unless I stand corrected, Dell is offering a FREE printer and upgraded a/b/g wireless.

This is a sweet deal folks.........and markedly BETTER than the $750 coupon being offered today in Dell Home!

 

[troutmask]

I just bought one with the coupon listed on techbargins: M1.6, 512 (free upgrade), 60g 5400, 128meg vcard, 24xcdrw/dvd, intel a/b/g wifi, for $1131.00 free 2day shipped!

 

[KameLeon]

Inspiron 9300 Intel® Pentium® M 730 Processor (1.60GHz/533MHz FSB)
Microsoft® Windows® XP Home Edition WHXP
17 inch UltraSharp? Wide Screen XGA+ Display
FREE Upgrade! 512MB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 533MHz 2 Dimm 512MB2P
256MB NVIDA® GeForce? Go 6800 256NV
60GB 7200rpm Hard Drive
Integrated 10/100 Network Card and Modem
24X CD Burner/DVD Combo Drive 24COMBO
Intel® PRO/Wireless 2200 Internal Wireless (802.11 b/g, 54Mbps)
Primary Battery 9-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery (80 WHr)

-$750 off $1999
-$100 Conssession Coupon
+$88.14 Tax
+Free Shipping
---------------------------------

$1291.14

I went for the XGA+ instead of the UXGA because 1920x1200 seems wayyy too high of a res for a 17" screen.. I think the text will be way too tiny for me to read. I'm running my 19" CRT right now at 1152x864 and it is the highest I'm comfortable with. Also, I don't need the DVD burner since I already have one in my PC and I don't even burn DVDs that often. Only concern is, Should I upgrade the processor to 1.86ghz for $160 or not worth it?

What do you guys think? Should I pull the trigger? It'll be $1291 (incl. tax) shipped to my door w/ $750 off + $100 conssession coupon.

 

[slightlyhuman]

Originally posted by: KameLeon

Inspiron 9300 Intel® Pentium® M 730 Processor (1.60GHz/533MHz FSB)
Microsoft® Windows® XP Home Edition WHXP
17 inch UltraSharp? Wide Screen XGA+ Display
FREE Upgrade! 512MB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 533MHz 2 Dimm 512MB2P
256MB NVIDA® GeForce? Go 6800 256NV
60GB 7200rpm Hard Drive
Integrated 10/100 Network Card and Modem
24X CD Burner/DVD Combo Drive 24COMBO
Intel® PRO/Wireless 2200 Internal Wireless (802.11 b/g, 54Mbps)
Primary Battery 9-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery (80 WHr)

I went for the XGA+ instead of the UXGA because 1920x1200 seems wayyy too high of a res for a 17" screen.. I think the text will be way too tiny for me to read. I'm running my 19" CRT right now at 1152x864 and it is the highest I'm comfortable with. Also, I don't need the DVD burner since I already have one in my PC and I don't even burn DVDs that often. Only concern is, Should I upgrade the processor to 1.86ghz for $160 or not worth it?

What do you guys think? Should I pull the trigger? It'll be $1291 (incl. tax) shipped to my door w/ $750 off + $100 conssession coupon.

Not worth it man. If you want a little more then just get the 1.73.


Enjoy that system, almost the same kind i was getting=[

 

[troutmask]

Hey, I still have time to adjust my order.. KameLeon, what is the conssession coupon and where can I get it???

 

[slightlyhuman]

Originally posted by: KameLeon

Inspiron 9300 Intel® Pentium® M 730 Processor (1.60GHz/533MHz FSB)
Microsoft® Windows® XP Home Edition WHXP
17 inch UltraSharp? Wide Screen XGA+ Display
FREE Upgrade! 512MB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 533MHz 2 Dimm 512MB2P
256MB NVIDA® GeForce? Go 6800 256NV
60GB 7200rpm Hard Drive
Integrated 10/100 Network Card and Modem
24X CD Burner/DVD Combo Drive 24COMBO
Intel® PRO/Wireless 2200 Internal Wireless (802.11 b/g, 54Mbps)
Primary Battery 9-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery (80 WHr)

-$750 off $1999
-$100 Conssession Coupon
+$88.14 Tax
+Free Shipping
---------------------------------

$1291.14

I went for the XGA+ instead of the UXGA because 1920x1200 seems wayyy too high of a res for a 17" screen.. I think the text will be way too tiny for me to read. I'm running my 19" CRT right now at 1152x864 and it is the highest I'm comfortable with. Also, I don't need the DVD burner since I already have one in my PC and I don't even burn DVDs that often. Only concern is, Should I upgrade the processor to 1.86ghz for $160 or not worth it?

What do you guys think? Should I pull the trigger? It'll be $1291 (incl. tax) shipped to my door w/ $750 off + $100 conssession coupon.

Question, how did you get it that low? What is a consession coupon? I did a system for a little over 2,000 and only 529.00 taken off.

Is this SB or home?

 

[troutmask]

There's the $600 off coupon at techbargains...

How do you get the -$750 and the $100 consession?

 

[wifi4lyfe]

it appears that I save $50 and get free 2 day ship by ordering from Dell Home rather than small business (35% vs -$750)

problem is, I ordered last night via SB. should I cancel that and re order from dell home to save $50? i'm kinda scared the coupon deal will get messed up or something, as punishment for being greedy :-/

advice?

oh and do tell about this consession coupon

 

[troutmask]

The small business only has $400 discount and free printer/wifi/7200upgrade... how to apply the 35%? and the consession discount, Que??

 

[troutmask]

ok...got the $750... but what is the $100?? Por favor??

 

[KameLeon]

I had to go through a lot of bullsh!t with dell couple of weeks ago because of some dell outlet order.... my 15% discount wouldnt show up.... so they offered me a $100 conssession coupon for my troubles... still didnt give me the 15% off .. but oh well

so yeah.. these are not for everyone... you only get it if you got it from their customer service as a consession for causing you headache...

there are 2 deals currently on the 9300:

$750 off $1999+ in home section

in small business, theres a coupon for 35% off your total order plus free 720 printer.... works out better if you're getting a fully loaded one.. since the % off takes off more than $750 as your total gets higher

I'm ordering through home because my $100 conssession coupon doesnt work in small business.. in case it had, that'd be the best deal since i could get a fully loaded one for like $100 more e.g. $2500 - $875 (35%) - $100 conssession = $1525 for a fully loaded 9300.. woulda been smoking hot!! plus you can sell the printer on ebay for $50...

 

[troutmask]

ahhhh so... still a good time to buy..

 

[Tzen]

I went to Circuit City today to look at some 17" WUXGA 1920x1200 glossy screens. From what I saw, they are BEAUTIFUL. Yes, the text is kinda small, but very crisp and readable. Yes, it was kinda glarey, but even in the big store with big bright lights it wasn't much of a bother. Don't listen to all the rabid anti-WUXGA crap that's been spewed here - go and look and decide for YOURSELF. Sheesh.

 

[movingincircles]

ok im getting the one from home since I definately need at least 2 year warranty

anyways im still stumped on whether i should still get it

knowing that they allowed a $750 coupon for 9300's, maybe i should wait for a better deal?

what do u guys think?

 

[operaman1]

Here is a review of it though brief:

http://www.pcauthority.com.au/review.aspx?CIaRID=2456

 

[troutmask]

Each component is priced differently depending on where you enter the Dell site... for my exact same config, the home pricing with the $750 discount was better than the small business 35% discount by $169.75. All the upgrades were more $on the small business pricing scheme.