Question:
Buying a 9300 laptop from Dell - Advice needed
I'm looking for a new laptop to replace my Dell Inspiron 7000 that has a whopping 300MHz processor and 192MB ram. This Dell was given to me a few years ago by a friend (nice huh), but is severely taxed running XP and FireFox, and forget about games.
So I have been looking at a replacement and stumbled into this great forum where I plan to read many posts and reviews, but I have some questions about ordering from Dell and the 9300.
I mainly want a laptop that will run modern games, so the 9300 popped up with its ATI card options. It looks like it would do nicely as others here have reported.
Questions:
1. Dead/On pixels. I can't tolerate bad pixels. Are they common with Dell screens? Can a laptop be returned at no charge for having bad pixels?
2. I see Dell has coupons of all types, one right now for a $500 discount expires tomorrow. Is there any reason to rush to buy now, or are there always coupons? Will prices be even better in a week?
3. I really wanted to buy at Costco as they have a 6-month 100% return policy. Dell has a restocking fee. Has anyone returned a laptop they didn't like within the 21-day period for a full refund? Buying a laptop sight unseen is a little risky, although the reviews here certainly help.
4. There are two screen options for the 9300. Does anyone have strong opinions on one vs. the other?
5. Any other Dell buying strategies I should consider?
Thanks for any help.
Patrick
Answer:
Re: Buying a 9300 laptop from Dell - Advice needed
Bigfoot48,
In answer to all of your questions...
1) My friend and I have both order I9300's with WXGA+ screen and neither of us had any dead pixels. I believe their has to be a certain number to return it, unless you complain to Dell enough.
2) There are always Dell coupons, they come out about 1 every week to 2 weeks. They have a great :750: off a I9300 costing $1999 or above, which is well worth it.
3) If you go on other forums you will see how many people had returned their I9300 for some reason, not many people had to. If you complain to Dell enough you can get a refund but I think that its minus the restocking fee or whatever.
4) Personally, I like the XVGA+ it has a 1440x900 resolution with the non-gloss finish, some people prefer to get the WUXGA+ which has a high gloss finish and supports resolutions up to 1900X1200 (Native). I have heard alot of people love this screen and alot hate the glare. So it is a personal preference. The high-gloss looks like a CRT monitor in a sense of the high gloss finish.
5) When you place your order do a Dell chat with one of the sales reps and tell them you need it sooner. Ask them if there is any way that is possible. Many people get upgraded to next day shipping for free.
Oh, if you are good with computers I would suggest getting the minimum RAM and buying some yourself and installing it, it is alot cheaper that way.
If you have any other questions....fire away! :D
Answer:
Re: Buying a 9300 laptop from Dell - Advice needed
1 Attachment(s)
USAF, thanks for those ideas. I hadn't thought about using the higher discount (I was at the $500 one), but doing that allowed me to increase the processor to the top one AND reduce my net cost! The system shown below also includes a free color printer (that I don't need).
May not pull the trigger for this coupon cycle but the system looks good. Anyone know if an Affliate Coupon is a problem for us normal people?
Answer:
Re: Buying a 9300 laptop from Dell - Advice needed
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Answer:
Re: Buying a 9300 laptop from Dell - Advice needed
You can use affiliate coupons! :D
Answer:
Re: Buying a 9300 laptop from Dell - Advice needed
I just got my I9300 yesterday:
With the WUXGA (gloss) screen, I have no dead pixels, but it does have a bit of light leakage from the bottom. It's only really apparent on a black screen, but may be something to consider. Personally, I like the gloss finish, and I'm glad I chose it. It was recommended to me to go to a local retailer to compare the screens, and I did just that.. BestBuy had one matte finish screen and many gloss.. the choice was pretty easy for me from there.
Answer:
Re: Buying a 9300 laptop from Dell - Advice needed
Congrats Lacessit how you enjoy your I9300. Like I said, some people love the Trulife, others don't...like I said depends on personal preference.
Answer:
Re: Buying a 9300 laptop from Dell - Advice needed
My suggestion to tell if you'll like the glossy vs. non glossy screen is to go to a computer store and compare them. If you like the glossy screens at a retail store, chances are that you'll like the truelife.
About the 21 day return, you have 21 days from date of shipment to return it. You are refunded the total cost - 15% restock fee & shipping charges. Unless you can prove that the laptop was defective or dell screwed up in someway, you'll have to pay the restock fee.
That's just standard dell policy, but we haven't had very many return the laptop on here. Most returns have been minor things that the user just did not like.
SG
Answer:
Re: Buying a 9300 laptop from Dell - Advice needed
Congrats Lacessit how you enjoy your I9300. Like I said, some people love the Trulife, others don't...like I said depends on personal preference.
I'm very glad I went with the gloss, and this model in general. It's great, and for my first notebook, I really don't think I could have done better.
Answer:
Re: Buying a 9300 laptop from Dell - Advice needed
I see in reviews and comments that
1. The keyboard is noisy. Click-clicking would be a problem where I plan to use it. Is this an issue?
2. Exactly how big is the "small" touchpad. The one on my I7000 is 1.75" x 2.5" (pad only). Is the 9300 smaller than this?
Thanks for the help.