Inspiron 15R Special Edition 5521 does not ship with Backlit Keyboard

Question

Extremely frustrated and disappointed.  I worked thru a 'standard' Inspiron 15R potential purchase online but wanted a backlit keyboard.  Since I didn't see that option I contacted Dell (via chat) and was told if I wanted a backlit keyboard I would need to purchase a 'different' 15R, the 15R Special Edition.  Very frustrating.  I thought I was getting a really good deal (since the model was on 'sale').  Guess not.  FWIW.... when I called technical support, the person was knowledgeable, pleasant, and genuinely interested in trying to help.   Not much he could do though...  He transferred me to Customer Support, who also wanted me to be happy, but could only transfer me to a sales associate.  The sales associate was able to tell me that for an additional $100, I could send back my computer and get a one with backlighting.  Unfortunately, I was already over budget. Bottom line is this is 90% my own fault.  I'll give the chat guy 10% of the blame for telling me that I needed a '15R special edition' which was only part of the story. Posting so that some one else might avoid the same mistake.

DELL-Roshan L · Answer

Hi bdaun,

Welcome to the Community,

Sorry about the confusion with the backlit keyboard.I would like to see if I can help you.

Please private message me your system Service tag number.To private message click on my user name and click start conversation.

I will check your system details and get back to you.

Thank You

ELR615 · Answer

Same issue here. Just bought an Inspirion 15r expecting a backlit keyboard, and after an hour trying to figure out how to turn it on, only to discover it didn't come with one. This was a buying feature and I am very disappointed. I too used the chat feature...

DELL-Roshan L · Answer

Hi  ELR615 Please private message me your system Service tag number.To private message click on my user name and click start conversation. I will check your system details and get back to you.

khaled_gti · Answer

dear sir     i need backlight keyboard for inspiron 5521

DELL-Roshan L · Answer

Hi khaled_gti,

Please private message me your system Service tag number.To private message click on my user name and click start conversation.

I will check your system details,region and get back to you.

Thank You

sam_des · Answer

hello i am from india and i am planning to buy a dell inspiron 15r 5521 how do i buy my laptop with the backlit keyboard?? is it available in my country??

DELL-Roshan L · Answer

Hi sam_des,

Welcome to the Community,

There is no option for a backlit keyboard for this system model.It comes with normal non-backlit keyboard.

You can order online or call Sales at 1800-425-4026 / 080-2506-8026 or visit your nearest Dell Store/Dell Authorized distributor.

Thank You

temery · Answer

Same frustration. After convincing my mother to let me help her buy her next laptop, I told her about the back lit keyboard on my Studio 1555. With all the options the new 15r i7 came with, and the fact that there was no choice given to upgrade, I assumed the back lit keyboard came with the computer. I purchased 2 of them! Much to our disappointment, neither has the back lit keyboard that I bragged so much about.

I have several Dell computers both in our house and at work that I have purchased. I can't believe how big of a disappointment this is.

Thank you,

TEmery

DELL-Roshan L · Answer

Hi Temery,

Welcome to the Community,

Sorry for the disappointment.

Please private message me your system Service tag number.To private message click on my user name and click start conversation.

I will check your system details and get back to you.

Thank You

DELL-Ravi Ch · Answer

Hi wolverine97, There is no option for a backlit keyboard on Dell Inspiron 5521 model. It comes with normal non-backlit keyboard.

wolverine97 · Answer

Same thing here.  I purchased 15R 5521 to only find out no backlit keyboard.  Disappointing...

madiewunrow · Answer

I am going through the same issue. One of the options I have to have is a back light since I work at night a lot. I recently returned the HP Envy due to some issues which did have the back light. Went I went to purchase my dell it states it has a back light, nothing about a special option. I received my laptop on Tuesday and have been searching all over to find out how to turn the back light on. Could find nothing but lo and behold this message board. Why does it state online when you order it has a back light but doesn't.

I am extremely upset this is my fourth Dell and when I strayed I had issues now this! This is what it states...15.6 inch LED Backlit Touch Display with Truelife and HD resolution (1366 x 768).

This is false advertising. I want a backlight!!

Alycea · Answer

I, too, understood the 'Backlit Touch Display' to mean a backlit keyboard.  I just received the Inspiron 15R 5537 today, to replace a Studio XPS 1640 and was VERY disappointed that it does not have a backlit keyboard.   I've been purchasing Dell computers for over 15 years.  This may be a deal breaker for me with Dell. Can I get a backlit keyboard on a keyboard which also has a number pad?

Anonymous User · Answer

When they said 'Backlit Touch Display' they were talking about the touch screen obviously which is backlit HD screen.Nevertheless, it would be great if we could have the option to get a backlit keyboard as it's not that hard to make one these days.

jkunstman · Answer

Roshan .. I have the same issue .. I bought the inspiron 15R 5521 thinking it had a backlit keyboard for my wife .. who does a lot of work on it at night. Is there any way to get a backlit keyboard for this model?

Thanks for any help! .. Jim

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