Re: Bellagio's Inspiron 8200 laptop

[bellagio]

Decided to start a new thread on this subject as didn't want to hijack flopnfly's shirt video any longer!!!
 
 Eventually found the lead that would plug into the mains and lo and behold the same patterns on the monitor as on my laptop.
 
 Currently I am viewing both screens and though neither is too bad on this particular page when I go to a site with a dark blue background it's get worse.
 
 Incidentally when playing the 'Fold the shirt' video it plays on my laptop but not on the monitor.
 
 So I assume now it is not the screen but as you suggest Steve the video card, or possibly something else.  What would you suggest as the next step?

[JohnnyCastaway]

Mr B.
 if it's the video card, it's embedded onto the mainboard of the unit, and would require a replacement of the mainboard itself.  Brand new, it would be probably more than the new unit you're getting, however there are places that sell "used" mainboards for reasonable prices, then the task would be to actually disassemble the unit, and replace the board.  
 Ebay does have them, as well as other internet vendors that specialize in taking units that have been discarded, pulling the usable parts out of them and selling them.  A google search will bring up several dozens (hundreds?) of sites.

[bellagio]

I had a call from Dell today trying to sell me Basic Support 3 year at home service policy for my new computer, which is only covered by the Collect and Return 1 year only service.  He quoted me a special price of £119.85 for the 3 year package which was a special phone price.   Buying the computer online this package is £176.25.  
 
 I told him I wasn't interested but asked him about my old computer and he checked the Service Tag number and also checked with his supervisor and said that I could cover that, even though I told him about the screen problem.   The price was exactly the same £119.85 for three years next day call out repairs.  I triple checked with him as I couldn't believe it, but he assured me it was OK so I paid up.
 
 It will take 10 days for all the paper work to go through before I can put out a service call to the engineer to come out and fix it.
 
 Then I have cover for a further 3 years as well.  It still seems to good to be true to me.  What with Dell coughing up the full £40 refund to me on my new computer and now this offer I am mightily impressed with them I must say.   Customer satisfaction seems to be very important to them and I can only sing their praises (at the moment).
 
 I would be interested to hear from all you computer buffs out there whether you agree that this is an excellent deal.   If they can't fix the computer they give you a new one apparently.  I'll wager to fix my Inspiron 8200 is going to cost more than the £119.85 I'm paying, particularly as he will be coming to my house to fix it.
 
 I'll let you know how it goes.  Hopefully I may have it fixed before I go to Cuba.

[JohnnyCastaway]

that sounds like an excellent deal Mr B.  
 the cost of the panel alone can be anywhere from $1000 (canadian) to $2000 depending on the model, age and availability.  Labor would be about 2-3 hours for removal and reinstall (in all reality, it takes about an an hour to an hour and 1/2, but they'll list it as 2 hours minimum).  
 
 I'd be interested to hear the results.

[bellagio]

Thanks John I thought so too.   I'll definitely let you know how things work out.
 
 With luck once the paperwork is completed and the account set up (it takes 10 days) I may even get it fixed before I go to Cuba, but that may be pushing it a bit.
 
 They don't charge your credit card for 28 days either - another brownie point for Dell.

[bellagio]

An update on my 8200 Inspiron computer.   The paperwork did not come through in time for me to get the computer fixed before I left for Cuba so today I chatted on line to a Dell technician (in India) and he told me to carry out certain diagnostics checks.  
 
 I did this in the Set up mode though I could hardly read the graphics.  Eventually the guy decided it was the video card so tomorrow a Dell technician SHOULD be coming to fit a new video card and a new keyboard.
 
 Fingers crossed!!!  Still seems too good to be true and nearly 3 years warranty left as well.

[bellagio]

Ture to their word the technican from Bantec (one of Dells' service partners) arrived at midday.    My old computer has been fixed.   New video card, complete new keyboard and new power adaptor.
 
 It's as good as new now.  All for £119.85 and I'm still covered until 10th October 2009 on this Next Business Day International On-site warranty.
 
 I just cannot believe it.  Fantastic value, considering the laptop was nearly 4 years old.
 
 Top marks to Dell!!!

[PastorAsh]

Well done Ken, so correct me if I'm wrong, you now have two functioning good laptops?

[bellagio]

Exactly correct PastorAsh.  The 8200 is as good as new.  I need not have bothered to have bought the 6400.  Of course the fans are noisy compared to the silent running of the 6400.
 
 However it was only through buying that computer and the follow up phone call from Dell trying to sell me a discounted 3 year Next Business Day International On Site Warranty that I was able to avail myself of this wonderful offer not, as they originally wanted, on my new laptop, but on my old 8200 machine that was faulty and would have cost more to fix than the cost of the 3 year warranty.
 
 I still cannot understand why they did it.  However they did and I am as Happy as Larry - whoever Larry is!!!
 
 Has yours made it to Moose Jaw from Regina yet???