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"Excellent laptop for those who've had bad laptops"
on by SoxwinPros Sharp,Clear 1080p screen
Excellent JBL audio system
3D is very good for most games and movies.
Keyboard not tiring to the hands.
Sleek attractive design.
Fast processor.
Air vented on the side.Cons Runs hot when playing games (expected)
3D is tiresome to the eyes when viewed for long periods.Summary Hello everyone,
Hope this is a useful review. I haven't had the laptop for long and it isn't a top of the line configuration. I have an I5 processor, 1GB video card, no back-lit keyboard, built in TV tuner, no cluttering software extras), pretty basic.
I would suggest that if you do decide to give this laptop a try, to find a coupon discount site such as logicbuy.com. A site like this will give you coupon codes that can be used on the purchase that can give a significant discount to the product offered! I mention this because one I wasnt knowledgeable about this and secondly, after the fact Dell will not offer the same discount as they do not price match! This all said, a near basic configuration of this excellent laptop can be purchased with use of discounting for near $1,300.00! Compared to fully configured of over $2,500!
now about the computer. Ill be quick.
If you love movies. This is an excellent screen. Sharp, vibrant and crystal clear. No anomalies. Contrast and brightness give very good viewing pleasure. It makes the movie much more enjoyable. Best screen iv'e seen on a laptop!
The audio by JBL is great, it is loud enough to be heard in a large room and with an option Soundblaster added has great mimic effects i.e. Concert, Hall,..etc)
3D is while very good can be after long periods of use tiresome and for that reason I use it sparingly.
The keyboard has a very nice feel and nice bounce as you type. I would recommend the back-lit keyboard as this keyboard has dark keys and are hard to see in rooms with not much light.
The design is very attractive with a smooth outer shell. it doesnt feel overly heavy. and is balanced in the hands. I never felt like I was going to drop it because of it leaning from heavier components to one side or the other. I was able to hold this computer in my palm for a good amount of time without any difficulty.
The processor that I got with mine was an I5. It moves very fluid webpage to webpage. It boots very fast with Windows 7 installed. Going to anything in the hard drive is brought up very speedily.
One of the reasons I purchased this laptop was that my old HP burned out. If you do a search on HP laptops, there is a problem with many of them burning out their heatsinks and damaging the motherboard. Thus making my computer unusable! And HP says thanks for the cash!
Anyway, I really like that someone at Dell was thinking and said 'Hey?? Our laptops run hot! Why don't we vent it on the side so it doesn't burn out!' Every laptop should be made this way! Though it does run hot because of the processor and to a greater extent the video card! But it is never so hot as to burn me or not be able to touch the area! Though if I had some french fries they definitely could stay warm!
What i didn't like about this machine is very minor. The computer runs hot when driving video or video games. But otherwise its a strong blower and the laptop doesn't seemed 'stressed' when the blower comes on! Lastly, the 3D viewing while very good is tiresome and as often repeated wearing expensive glasses is just as tiresome.
I should have mentioned earlier but the glasses are an extra $90.00 on top of cost. If you want the 3D screen you have to purchase the glasses. Otherwise I think you'll be very happy with this laptop.
I hope this helps someone considering this laptop or for comparison.
Best to you all! -
"FIRST LAPTOP EVER OWNED! LOVE IT!"
on by PROPHETMOMPros 3D
Battery Life
Just Plain CoolCons Contrary to what many long-time laptop owners have said, I don't find the weight to be a problem.
Summary I LOVE THIS COMPUTER! This is my first PC in 8 years (I own an older PC, an iMac 24 and this one) and my first laptop EVER...and this was SUCH a good choice!
I am not technical and will not attempt to leave a technical review. All I know is what I like and THIS I like! With my not being technical, I was concerned that I would have a problem and not be able to fix it and not be able to get help from Dell. Wrong! I accidentally uploaded a driver from Nvidia that made the DVD player go wacky (it was not compatible with that 3D driver). I called Dell and they fixed the problem via remote control. It was a long process, but painless. Prior to my own error, the computer ran like a charm...and since they fixed it, it continues to run well. They even called back today to make sure everything was going well.
The 3D is WONDERFUL! I had gotten this computer to eventually hand off to my teenage son, but, to be honest, I am enjoying the 3D more than he is :-). The movies are sooooo relaxing. IMAX Under the Sea with Jim Carrey was PERFECT for this technology. In fact, I am finding that many of the 3D movies pertain to aquatic life; 3D seems to be a perfect medium to showcase water and sealife!
My Dell salesperson was PERFECT, too (I ordered directly from Dell). Overall, I have had a wonderful, painless experience. -
"Great eventually after replacement"
on by daz901Pros Computer was replaced by Dell within 3 months, the replacement does not have a problem (So far)
Cons Faulty speakers (twice), faulty optical drive, faulty display, Main board was replaces 3 times, faulty wireless device, power plug loose.
Summary I am giving a score of 1 and a do not buy not because of the computer but because of Dell themselves. They are almost impossible to make complaints too, I understand that electronic devices can have issues and mine had heaps, but it is how a company deals with it that counts, in the end I blasted every email address that I could find, forums, chat, phone calls, twitter, feedback links and so on trying to get someone to take notice and listen before I actually got a call from a case manager. The online complaints email service sends you an instant reply stating a case number and that you will be contacted within 8 business hours, well I sent 3 of these, got 3 auto reply's and not once was there ever a follow up contact.
The Computer was repaired 4 times and the times that it takes and the calls that has to happen is quite unbelievable, but in the end it is Dell that fails the most. If you have any issues Dell are, as in my case only interested in fulfilling their legal obligations with Australian consumer law and the statutory consumer rights and nothing further.
Any request for something simple like a discount on more warranty as a consumer good will by the company is scoffed at. Don't even think about trying to get them to include it on the replacement at their cost or anything else for that matter, I tried. Again, Dell will only do what they are obliged too and nothing more.
Having said all that there are many consultants within Dell that actually do try and help to get things done but they have absolutely no autonomy to make decisions so regardless if you have them on side and they can see what has happened their hands are tied. Too these people I say thank you, you are in a difficult position trying to get the best outcome for the customer but unfortunately they can only be words. Too Dell, when you have situation where your computer has continuous faults to a point that it has to be replaced in such a short time, be a bit more aware of the customer as a person and not a case number. Be seen as a customer focussed company that cares and goes the extra mile; trust your staff to make decisions.
My replacement model is fantastic, I am doing a lot of photo and video processing and it is one of the best that I have seen. All the 'bits' seem to be working fine. So this replacement computer gets 5 stars, it is working as I expected going off the specs that it has. Dell are a real let down though in a market place where they could make a real difference.
If you want confidence in after sales customer service give Dell a miss, If you want an awesome computer (eventually) Buy a Dell XPS. -
"A large format laptop almost ideal for gaming."
on by Underhill_Pros Decent screen, best sound I've heard on a laptop, fast enough to play anything on the market well.
Cons Slides around a bit more than I like on my desk. Could use better 'feet'. Can't use the dual drives in RAID format.
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"One day deal at dell.com"
on by geminikellydeanPros I bought this computer at dell.com today for $1403.34 + tax!
Use coupon code 932N$0ZCCHWZB9 to save $10. Dell is giving a $639 discount plus an additional 5% today only. (Sunday, 11/27/11)Cons I haven't received my laptop yet so I have no cons.
Summary If you buy it with a Discover card, like I did, Discover is giving you 10% cash back, but you must log in to your Discover.com account and use the link they have to directly link to Dell.com from Discover.com