XPS 9000 and XPS 8000 delivery delay issues

I have been having difficulties contacting Dell Chat but it worked this time (Ordering Chat)

I asked that I have ordered one XPS 8000 and want to but another one for my aunt and I can't find it online.

She went and got some information indicating that XPS 8000 is not available at this time. She said that she doesn't have any other information on the system and suggested me to order another desktop.

So I am not still sure what is going on...

Catherine, Please let us know how your 8000 is after you set it up.  Now that the 8000 is no longer available as a new unit, I am ready to purchase one from the outlet.  My only hesitation is their discontinuance new.  If yours has not problems I will dive in :-)  Consumer reports rated the XPS 8000 the best of the desktops they reviewed. Moe in Maryland

Hey Moe...

OK... the temptation was too great and I caved.  Couldn't take looking at those big Dell boxes any longer so I unpacked my system and set it up on the kitchen table just to check it out.  All I have to say at this point is WOW!  Here's my take on the XPS8000 so far (and probably the 9000 would be similar):

I am always impressed with Dell's packaging of their products.  Everything was safe and secure with plastic protection film over all plastic surfaces. The case is a nice matt white finish with the silver accents on the front.  It is half the size of my old XPS-Gen 2 (big blue box that also serves as a side table) and is a great looking unit. I like that since aesthetics are also a factor when I purchase things.  I didn't order a 9000 because the red accents would clash with my decor!

Since I had the wireless keyboard/mouse, I only had to insert the batteries and the USB receiver in the back of the unit and it was ready to go.  The wireless card comes with two short antennas to attach to connectors on the back panel.  I hooked the monitor up with the included DVI-to-DVI cable, plugged in the AC and was ready to go.

From the first moment I hit the ON button, everything worked flawlessly.  Windows started and displayed the "preparing system" screen then smoothly walked me though the initial set up screens.  My monitor is the SP2310W and is absolutely gorgeous.  It has multiple input/outputs which can accomodate most any setup. I did not want or need a webcam but I did want a height adjustable monitor which is why I chose this particular model.  The computer is really quiet compared to my old XPS which has very loud blower fans to move air through that big unit.

The wireless card immediately detected my home network and came right up on the Internet.  I activated the McAfee subscription first, then immediately downloaded Firefox.  Checked out a few internet links and it is lightening fast. I did not open the case to check all the connections due to cramped space of temporary location, but everything came up as advertised.  I went though the Device Manager to ensure the right components were installed and the System listing to verify the 8G of RAM. I also activated the Office applications and looked at them briefly.  After all that, I created a Restore Point and came back to my office to write this up.  I have not checked the DVD drive yet but will sometime this evening.  It shows up on the computer hardware screen so it looks ready to go.

The initial assessment is that I am very pleased with this computer and monitor, both performance and appearance.  I think the price was great and as I said, Dell's delivery was excellent.  Since I had no delays, I have not yet had to interface with the infamous Customer Service which has been the source of the nightmares many of you have experienced.  I fear at some point I will join the ranks of frustrated customers, but I hope that is a long way off, and tonight I am very happy that I again chose a Dell XPS.

It was hard to tear myself away from that gorgeous machine but alas, I have two scruffy little dogs badly in need of being brushed.  I'm back on my current XPS which has been a workhorse for me since January 2004.  Still have the chore of transferring lots of data to the new machine but that can definitely wait for now.

Hope this helps, and I hope those of you still waiting get your new computers soon be it an 8000, 9000, or that futuristic Alienware box! Now that would really clash with my decor!

Moe... I also suggest you compare the bottom line prices of  a 9000 and a refurb 8000 if you want to add to the 8000 config just to be sure you're getting the best deal.

Happy computing everyone!

Catherine

Catherine is so smart and helpful.  My XPS8000 experience is identical to hers minus the decorating concerns. 

I have had mine since 12/24 and it works flawlessly.  It is my fourth Dell in about 12 years and everything on it seems solid.  I like the locations of the usb drives since I am constantly connecting different devices.  All devices worked properly from the first startup.  I was surprised that there was already an updated bios available for download.  I took a chance and updated to the new bios A03 and everything is still working great. No problems whatsoever. 

I do have one issue, it is the Dell Consumer Multimedia Keyboard. The keys are hard to see in my current lighting situation.  I am going to pick up a Logitech Illuminated Keyboard. 

I know from this thread that a number of people said they contacted the BBB to complain.  Based on some of the posts here I wonder if they were forced to take the 8000 off the market to satisfy the BBB until they could guarantee availability of the various parts.  I also heard that Intel was updating the processors so maybe there is a new line coming out.

No buyer remorse here, this is my best Dell yet and even if something new comes out, which it always does, I will be happy with the 8000 for years to come.  BTW, Microsoft finally got it right with Windows 7.

XPS 8000, I7-860, GTX260, 1.5 TB, Dell ST2310.

thank you Catherine for detail report about your new pC'

Enjoy it
!

Catherine is so smart and helpful.  My XPS8000 experience is identical to hers minus the decorating concerns.  No buyer remorse here, this is my best Dell yet and even if something new comes out, which it always does, I will be happy with the 8000 for years to come.  BTW, Microsoft finally got it right with Windows 7.

Ah... thanks LaruscoB!  And I totally agree that Windows 7 is a pleasure to work with. I chose to wait out the Vista era and resisted the temptation to switch to the MAC platform.  While Apple has the coolest looking laptops on the planet, I just didn't want to "unlearn" all my years of PC use, nor have to buy all my software in MAC versions. I now totally feel that the wait was well worth it now that I have my new Dell XPS 8000  

While awaiting the arrival of my Dell, I purchased a Sony Vaio (white of course, to match my 8000) just before Christmas. That was my first exposure to Win 7 and it allayed all my concerns about the new Microsoft OS.  It made getting through the setup on the Dell a breeze.   I'm a happy little computer geek now!

Looks like 2010 will be a good techno year at my house!  (2 XPS's, Sony Vaio, Blackberry Storm, iPod Touch, Linksys, and Kindle!)  Gotta luv it!

Catherine

XPS 8000, I7-860, GTX240, 640GB, Dell SP2310W.

Catherine, you are one of the luckiest people in this forum to get your computer ALMOST on time and I hope the wait time is really worth it. This machine will be my 4th XPS machine and our XPS 420 still running fine and I am expecting sort of a higher speed machine than that.

Hi nimche....  I sincerely don't mean to be "rubbing it in," but I feel like I should point out at least one case of Dell delivering on time and giving credit where credit is due. 

My computer actually arrived 6 days earlier than my EDD.  I ordered on 12/11 with an EDD posted at that time as 1/6.  The EDD never changed in my order status.  FedEx delivered my computer on 12/31.  I do indeed feel fortunate with this order.

I hope yours shows up very, very soon!  If you don't mind telling us, what is your shipping location?

Catherine

Edited to add:  I also configured and ordered an Inspiron 537s & ST2310 monitor for my sister on 12/6 which showed an EDD of 1/5.  It was delivered to her on 12/18, again several days early. All I can speak to are my personal recent ordering experiences, and both were very positive in my case.  Based on that, I will definitely continue my 15+ year customer relationship with Dell.  Having said that... I do hope Dell can overhaul its customer service and communication issues in the very near future.

 I finally bit the bullet and ordered a refurbished XPS 8000, $929.  I also ordered a refurbished SX2210 monitor, $179 and wireless keyboard, $59.  The XPS configuration was such that I didn't add anything to it.  The estimated delivery dates are monitor 1/8, XPS 1/11, keyboard 1/12.  I'll let you know when they arrive and how they look and function.

Moe

I used to could get on Dell website and build another one and keep myself heppy that my XPS will be here. My new Delivery date is 01/06 and I don't know what would I do if they delay it one more time.

As you both said, windows 7 is really nice specially on 64x versioin and if it an Ultimate then its super cool. I have been using it on my XPS laptop since the beta came out and I love it.

Earlier I was looking at the Alienware as an option in case Dell delays my order again but I am scared to order anything from Dell's website,

Catherine, you are one of the luckiest people in this forum to get your computer ALMOST on time and I hope the wait time is really worth it. This machine will be my 4th XPS machine and our XPS 420 still running fine and I am expecting sort of a higher speed machine than that.

I am still in production.

Congrats Moe! You'll definitely have a great computer with this configuration. These should be almost ready to push out the door since they're already built. Hope it arrives very soon!

by shipping location do you mean where the computer is going to be shipped to? San Diego, CA

Reason I say lucky is  you have got your unit, while your config looks like mine except afew parts are different. And when I call Dell and ask them if there is a problem with any of the parts not being on stock, they have said for several times that everythins is in stock but you have to wait for production. I didn't really ask for anything special.

Now that I am thinking more, I should have ordered something special so not anyone else is ordering it.

I can't do anything till 01/06 but I may cancel my order if it gets delayed. And I have to find an alternative to Dell for next time. I hope another company starts working, when there is a competition then they need to improve their service.

OK, a few things to note, the i7 900 series processors in the XPS 9000 use a different socket, therefore different motherboard and chipset than the i7 800 and i5 processors in the XPS 8000, so they are dealing with different parts for each of these models. You can thank Intel for that problem.  Then add that the tech magazines tested them and found that the XPS 8000 with an i7 850 outperformed and XPS 9000 with an i7 920 under all but the most demanding of scenarios (super gamers, mostly) because of the different chipset. So, Dell was swamped with orders.

It is clear that Dell underestimated the popularity of these computers at these prices.  You can go to HP and get something that seems similar for only a little more money, but, from what I have read, you will be very disappointed in quality and performance. Asus and Gateway make computers that are somewhat similar, but, you have to buy them through retail outlets, they are more expensive and they are hard to get ahold of because Asus and Gateway don't sell on "spec" like Dell and HP (meaning they don't build it after you order it). 

It appears that the XPS 8000 was taken off the retail market because the backlog is so great that they cannot continue to offer them. The 9000 series was not quite as popular, so they are still offering them for sale. ( If you speak the language and have an address in Italy to ship it to, I understand that it is still being offered there, of course you might not get it until June).

I have read other forums and apparently there is not just a delay in these two models, but also with any of the Alienware models using the i7 chips.  On another thread, I understand that one of the Studio laptops sold by Dell in Germany with an i7 processor was shipped with an underpowered 90w power supply that is causing the motherboards to burn out.  Since the i7 900 series in the XPS 9000 uses a unique motherboard that could cause a major backlog of parts.

The delay problem also seems to be worse for people in Canada and Europe. People in the states who did not do too much customizing of their order are getting theirs sooner.  Some are coming out of the refurbished/ returns inventory. Those units were not really refurbished, that inventory also includes items that were returned due to shipping problems (no one available to sign for delivery during the Christmas rush is the #1 explanation) or who cancelled their order while it was in production.  Apparently, if you cancel your order while a unit is in production, they go ahead and complete it and then ship it to the warehouse in El Paso and re-sell it as refurbished at a discount.  As a businessman, this makes no sense to me, but, I guess it is like an automobile, once it is driven off the lot it becomes a used car.

So, the only solution for XPS 8000 orders, other than to be paitent, is to cancel your order and go to the Outlet store to buy a return. In most cases you can't customize it, but there is a lot of choice and most of the customization can be done after you receive the computer if you aren't afraid to open the case. All of the upgrades (more memory, bigger video cards, bigger and multiple hard drives, Blu-ray, etc.) are available on the open market from their manufacturers.  For you XPS 9000 and Alienware orders, I hope you have another computer to use for the next few months while you are waiting!

I just wanted to point out that the HP I ordered after cancelling the xps 8000 i5 (after an eventual 2 month edd) was basically the same price for the top of the line i7-920, and the hp comes with the GTX 260 1.8 and 9gb memory!  So no the HP's are not more expensive. 

I treated myself to a new 27" monitor for all the waiting and missed xmas present. :)

well, you are comparing apples to oranges.  You cancelled an XPS 8000 i5 and purchased the equivalent of a XPS 9000 i7 from HP. My comment was that an HP equivalent to an XPS 8000 is more expensive.  I sincerely hope you are happy with your HP, I have heard a lot of negative comments, but, after the problems you endured with Dell, I don't want to see you go through more heartache. Computers are supposed to simplify our lives, not complicate them.