I Spent almost 2 hours getting the run around last night on the phone...I called coustomer Service who after a 45 min wait transfered me to Tech support who transfered me back to Coustomer Service....EACH ONE said it wasnt a problem they could fix??
So Im happy to say this is my last dell, Im also happy to say that I bought ACCIDENTAL insurance from dell, and once this gets worked out im getting a replacement screen!!!!!!
Well Well. I have been researching for a few days now . Im planning to buy a desktop replacement. I have scoured the Toshiba, HP's Fuji's and came to rest here a tDell. was told the "refurbs" are the only way to go with Dell by a few people.
Now I understand why there are sooo many 8600 sxga available! Damm!
Guess Im going to look at the 5150's before moving past Dell. I think the LCD issue is a travesty for Dell and they are banking on the percentages with the mis information on specs. Therefurb 8600 claim to have 5400 HD speeds as well. Yet when you order new only 4200 and one 7200rpm drive is listed..Also the NV chips are Go 4200. Seems Dell messses with sys specs a lot so you never know what you are getting.....Imthinking since the 8600 wieghs so much anyway for a "centrino" based system. May as well get the real deal and go with a 3.2 M if I decide to go with Dell ata ll.
Well I decided to go with a Sager......3.20 800Mhz Dual channel /radeon 9600 PRO 128MB /60MB @7200 15.1 SXGA+ (sony) 2x dvd-r/Cdrw /1gig 3200 400MZ dual channel RAM/ Windows Xp carrying case $2200 no tax!
Sager uses Toshiba DVD drives?Sony LCDs
After speakinig with a guy over at Frys today who has owned a few of them , I was convinced. He told me Alienware uses Sagar and PAINTS the cases before adding $1000 to the prices! Their customer support is what Dells was when they were trying harder. The forum for Segar is positive. No real complaints.
After two weeks of intensive running around and checking internet I cannot see a better deal anywhere. The only downside I saw was they don't really give the Centrino technology great graphic boards . Besides all I have read is the ATI 9600 is TOTALLY DX 9 implimented where the NVDA is suspect.
I don't see a Dell coming close to this configuration.
News? Yes . No more Dell. The issue is customer service, misleading "specs" It would not be bad if the Hitaci had the same specs.
Anyway Dell has gotten too big to care about the little guy. Im going with PCtorque and ordering a Sager. Their CSRs are still in America and speak good English and THEY ARE actual trained TECHs who assemble and configure the product, not script readers
In any forum I think it's important to read all comments good and bad. I have researched buying a laptop for a few weeks now and came close to buying a Dell, when a friend pointed me towards Segar. I did not even know who they were. BUt after doing some research on their CS and the resellerrating site where Dell got over 95% unsatisfactory ratings (667 responses) and PCTorQUE (a Segar reseller) got over 95% POSITVE with 167 responses I have to think even with the disparagement in responses the tren looks terrible and I find it statistacally relavant.
Then when you look at what you are getting for the dollar with Segar ie: When you order 512MB ram you get ONE Stick always unless you odered a dual channel notebook (intel 865p chipset) Their memory is 400Mz on their top end machines and the prices are less than a blown out 3.2 Dell.
They use the ATI 9600 pro TURBO graphic's card. Itgoes on and on. Here is an example. Now I do NOT work for these guys I have just done a lot of research and forum reading. The Sagerr forum is completely positive. But you must undersdtand they build for the gamers and te computer savy. They seem to be well known in those circles as they provide a company callled Alienware with their machines which are painted then sold for much more. Anyway hre is an example of their EVERYDAY pricing. They have P4M's P M's and all kinds of self configuations. Show me a Dell with this config and price everyday
15" UXGA+ (1600 x 1200) High contrast Active Matrix Display 3.2 GHz Intel Pentium 4 Processor (800 Mhz HT 512k L2 Cache) ATI MOBILITY™ RADEON™ 9600 Pro TURBO w/ 128 MB DDR Video Memory 60 GB Hard Drive (6200 RPM) Hitachi 512 MB DDR SDRAM (400 HMz) Dual Channel Internal 1.44 Floppy Drive (swaps with 2nd bay) Internal 8X DVD / 24X CD / 24X CD-RW Toshiba Combo Drive Internal 56k Modem (V.90 & V.92) Internal 10/100/1000 Ethernet/LAN Card Smart Lithium Ion Battery Included PCI wirless Lan 57g 811.1b Ac Adapter w/ power cord Free Carry Case Notebook Essentials Software (12 titles FREE) Windows XP Pro (installed and recovery CD)
Factory 1-yr parts & labor warranty w/ lifetime technical support
Around $2300 shipped no tax!
These are assembled machines. Dell makes no parts. They all get the parts fro a relative few overseas companies, so it has to be about the service and bang for the buck. Sager is where Dell was many years ago and their service reflects that!!
My mistake, I did not mean to say Alien buys from Sager. I ment to imply Alien as a great reputation fo pricy yet stae of the art notebooks and you can buy the same notebook from Sager. Yes Clevo is the source for both systems.
If sager made a Penium M based notebook with the ATI graphics, I would have ordered by now. Although I love the "idea" of a desktop systm in a notebook with dual DDR and the 400Mhz ram. I'm still wondering if (seperate from the poor battery life) there is an inherant issue with heat and other issues related to the small size. The sagernotebookforum shed some light there. Their priceing is fantastic. I definatly would buy one if I were looking at the Dell 5150 though.
The Hitachi monitor issue has really turned me off Dell, that and their "world class" support....
I just don't see a Pentium centrino based system with the ATI card offered. that is what I really would like, however battery life is not imporatant as the battery only comes into play for very short uses. I had heard the Centrino based system chips are better and generate less heat.Heat is the issue with the desktop processors.
If sager made a Penium M based notebook with the ATI graphics, I would have ordered by now. Although I love the "idea" of a desktop systm in a notebook with dual DDR and the 400Mhz ram.
Are you refering to this Sager? Very close to what you are refering to. NP8890 $2095.00 - $2595.00 not bad at all...
After returning my Hitachi WSXGA+ and now receiving my WUXGA (says Sharp on Dells site, going to check other programs to verify) I can sum up in one word..
impressive!
Scrolling in internet explorer shows no ghosting at all compared to the hitachi.
I put in a dvd on the same scene that I also played in the WSXGA+ and the quality on WUXGA is fantastic. NO issue of blurring/ghosting. The picture is also very crisp and colorful, while the Hitachi was a bit bland in colors.
I also noticed that the viewing angle from left/right is increased as well. The Hitachi would go dim as soon as you move your head to either side.
Overall, I would say that this Sharp LCD is top notch. I dont see issues of dark sides or corners so far.
Also, I was afraid that the text would be really small for reading on the WUXGA, but Id have to say for me its readable.
I also recieved my second i8600 with WUXGA now and I totally agree.
The WUXGA is really great.
One more thing I noticed. The WSXGA looks more creamy or milky and doesn't have a clear white while the WUXGA is much brighter and has a clear white in explorer for example.
Today I took my laptop to work. I compared my tft directly with an old Dell (10-2000). I would exchange displays @ once if possible, grin. My screen really IS bad. Also on a CRT I am having some probs, I made a topic of this. Anyonce else tried it's 8600 with a CRT?
Btw I am in contact with Dell Technical support now. Still hope Dell will confirm the display probs though.... :(
beemsg
15 Posts
0
January 8th, 2004 22:00
I just the chance to compare my Hitachi screen to the same resolution (WSXGA+) screen, and the Samsung is by FAR superior. Here's my post: http://forums.us.dell.com/supportforums/board/message?board.id=insp_video&message.id=103528#M103528
R3con
2 Posts
0
January 8th, 2004 22:00
I Spent almost 2 hours getting the run around last night on the phone...I called coustomer Service who after a 45 min wait transfered me to Tech support who transfered me back to Coustomer Service....EACH ONE said it wasnt a problem they could fix??
So Im happy to say this is my last dell, Im also happy to say that I bought ACCIDENTAL insurance from dell, and once this gets worked out im getting a replacement screen!!!!!!
kingfrog
13 Posts
0
January 10th, 2004 01:00
Well Well. I have been researching for a few days now . Im planning to buy a desktop replacement. I have scoured the Toshiba, HP's Fuji's and came to rest here a tDell. was told the "refurbs" are the only way to go with Dell by a few people.
Now I understand why there are sooo many 8600 sxga available! Damm!
Guess Im going to look at the 5150's before moving past Dell. I think the LCD issue is a travesty for Dell and they are banking on the percentages with the mis information on specs. Therefurb 8600 claim to have 5400 HD speeds as well. Yet when you order new only 4200 and one 7200rpm drive is listed..Also the NV chips are Go 4200. Seems Dell messses with sys specs a lot so you never know what you are getting.....Imthinking since the 8600 wieghs so much anyway for a "centrino" based system. May as well get the real deal and go with a 3.2 M if I decide to go with Dell ata ll.
kingfrog
13 Posts
0
January 12th, 2004 01:00
Well I decided to go with a Sager......3.20 800Mhz Dual channel /radeon 9600 PRO 128MB /60MB @7200 15.1 SXGA+ (sony) 2x dvd-r/Cdrw /1gig 3200 400MZ dual channel RAM/ Windows Xp carrying case $2200 no tax!
Sager uses Toshiba DVD drives?Sony LCDs
After speakinig with a guy over at Frys today who has owned a few of them , I was convinced. He told me Alienware uses Sagar and PAINTS the cases before adding $1000 to the prices! Their customer support is what Dells was when they were trying harder. The forum for Segar is positive. No real complaints.
After two weeks of intensive running around and checking internet I cannot see a better deal anywhere. The only downside I saw was they don't really give the Centrino technology great graphic boards . Besides all I have read is the ATI 9600 is TOTALLY DX 9 implimented where the NVDA is suspect.
I don't see a Dell coming close to this configuration.
hgabormd
14 Posts
0
January 12th, 2004 01:00
andman19
1 Message
0
January 13th, 2004 07:00
hi,
news about this problem?
kingfrog
13 Posts
0
January 13th, 2004 17:00
News? Yes . No more Dell. The issue is customer service, misleading "specs" It would not be bad if the Hitaci had the same specs.
Anyway Dell has gotten too big to care about the little guy. Im going with PCtorque and ordering a Sager. Their CSRs are still in America and speak good English and THEY ARE actual trained TECHs who assemble and configure the product, not script readers
In any forum I think it's important to read all comments good and bad. I have researched buying a laptop for a few weeks now and came close to buying a Dell, when a friend pointed me towards Segar. I did not even know who they were. BUt after doing some research on their CS and the resellerrating site where Dell got over 95% unsatisfactory ratings (667 responses) and PCTorQUE (a Segar reseller) got over 95% POSITVE with 167 responses I have to think even with the disparagement in responses the tren looks terrible and I find it statistacally relavant.
Then when you look at what you are getting for the dollar with Segar ie: When you order 512MB ram you get ONE Stick always unless you odered a dual channel notebook (intel 865p chipset) Their memory is 400Mz on their top end machines and the prices are less than a blown out 3.2 Dell.
They use the ATI 9600 pro TURBO graphic's card. Itgoes on and on. Here is an example. Now I do NOT work for these guys I have just done a lot of research and forum reading. The Sagerr forum is completely positive. But you must undersdtand they build for the gamers and te computer savy. They seem to be well known in those circles as they provide a company callled Alienware with their machines which are painted then sold for much more. Anyway hre is an example of their EVERYDAY pricing. They have P4M's P M's and all kinds of self configuations. Show me a Dell with this config and price everyday
15" UXGA+ (1600 x 1200) High contrast Active Matrix Display
3.2 GHz Intel Pentium 4 Processor (800 Mhz HT 512k L2 Cache)
ATI MOBILITY™ RADEON™ 9600 Pro TURBO w/ 128 MB DDR Video Memory
60 GB Hard Drive (6200 RPM) Hitachi
512 MB DDR SDRAM (400 HMz) Dual Channel
Internal 1.44 Floppy Drive (swaps with 2nd bay)
Internal 8X DVD / 24X CD / 24X CD-RW Toshiba Combo Drive
Internal 56k Modem (V.90 & V.92)
Internal 10/100/1000 Ethernet/LAN Card
Smart Lithium Ion Battery Included
PCI wirless Lan 57g 811.1b
Ac Adapter w/ power cord
Free Carry Case
Notebook Essentials Software (12 titles FREE)
Windows XP Pro (installed and recovery CD)
Factory 1-yr parts & labor warranty w/ lifetime technical support
Around $2300 shipped no tax!
These are assembled machines. Dell makes no parts. They all get the parts fro a relative few overseas companies, so it has to be about the service and bang for the buck. Sager is where Dell was many years ago and their service reflects that!!
debian75
64 Posts
0
January 13th, 2004 18:00
@kingfrog
Sager does not sell notebooks to Alienware. They both buy the systems from http://www.clevo.com.tw like a bunch of others too.
kingfrog
13 Posts
0
January 13th, 2004 19:00
My mistake, I did not mean to say Alien buys from Sager. I ment to imply Alien as a great reputation fo pricy yet stae of the art notebooks and you can buy the same notebook from Sager. Yes Clevo is the source for both systems.
If sager made a Penium M based notebook with the ATI graphics, I would have ordered by now. Although I love the "idea" of a desktop systm in a notebook with dual DDR and the 400Mhz ram. I'm still wondering if (seperate from the poor battery life) there is an inherant issue with heat and other issues related to the small size. The sagernotebookforum shed some light there. Their priceing is fantastic. I definatly would buy one if I were looking at the Dell 5150 though.
The Hitachi monitor issue has really turned me off Dell, that and their "world class" support....
alienware_sold
5 Posts
0
January 13th, 2004 19:00
Some other highly regarded computer manufactures.
Alienware <--- Good but pricey, Area 51 Laptop The ****
PC Torque <--- More Clevo Laptops
Voodoo PC <--- Gamers, pricey, but awesome
Xoxide <--- Bad *** computer accessories and cases. Build your own with an Intel 875p chipset, Corsair XMS Low Latency Memory, Promis Technology FastTrak S150 TX RAID Card, Don't forget the need for LCD speed!! NEC/Mitsubishi LCD2080UX 20.1, Some kicken graphics - Asus GeForce FX 5950 ULTRA, Model V9980ULTRA
Dell, Sorry, but after the crummy customer service of late, I no longer shop with you.
kingfrog
13 Posts
0
January 13th, 2004 21:00
Actually I was referring to this one. a step down http://http://www.sagernotebook.com/pages/notebooks/product.cfm?ProductType=5680
The resellers have better prices as well!
I just don't see a Pentium centrino based system with the ATI card offered. that is what I really would like, however battery life is not imporatant as the battery only comes into play for very short uses. I had heard the Centrino based system chips are better and generate less heat.Heat is the issue with the desktop processors.
alienware_sold
5 Posts
0
January 13th, 2004 21:00
Are you refering to this Sager? Very close to what you are refering to. NP8890 $2095.00 - $2595.00 not bad at all...
kre8tvt
31 Posts
0
January 13th, 2004 22:00
After returning my Hitachi WSXGA+ and now receiving my WUXGA (says Sharp on Dells site, going to check other programs to verify) I can sum up in one word..
impressive!
Scrolling in internet explorer shows no ghosting at all compared to the hitachi.
I put in a dvd on the same scene that I also played in the WSXGA+ and the quality on WUXGA is fantastic. NO issue of blurring/ghosting. The picture is also very crisp and colorful, while the Hitachi was a bit bland in colors.
I also noticed that the viewing angle from left/right is increased as well. The Hitachi would go dim as soon as you move your head to either side.
Overall, I would say that this Sharp LCD is top notch. I dont see issues of dark sides or corners so far.
Also, I was afraid that the text would be really small for reading on the WUXGA, but Id have to say for me its readable.
Message Edited by kre8tvt on 01-13-2004 06:43 PM
starsheep
90 Posts
0
January 14th, 2004 07:00
The WUXGA is really great.
One more thing I noticed. The WSXGA looks more creamy or milky and doesn't have a clear white while the WUXGA is much brighter and has a clear white in explorer for example.
So I have to say the WSXGA really SUXX
Cu
StarSheep
brulkikker
17 Posts
0
January 14th, 2004 09:00
Today I took my laptop to work. I compared my tft directly with an old Dell (10-2000). I would exchange displays @ once if possible, grin. My screen really IS bad. Also on a CRT I am having some probs, I made a topic of this. Anyonce else tried it's 8600 with a CRT?
Btw I am in contact with Dell Technical support now. Still hope Dell will confirm the display probs though.... :(