Repair the Notebook or get a warranty?
My notebook is 1.8 years old, which means its warranty had long expired. It’s a Dell Inspiron Notebook. I should say it worked quite well for me. But since it’s getting old, things like keyboard buttons and battery life started to deteriorate. One keyboard button (D) came out, after my 2 year old son plucked it out. I had fixed it DIY style myself, but it has lost its soft touch since ;)
Another thing is the battery life. It barely lasts 45 minutes now. Also every time I start my notebook, it suggests me to get a new battery from Dell Center (smart huh?).
Lastly, my DVD drive is not opening and closing properly. It gets stuck half way when you are opening it.
The question arises, should I extend my Dell warranty so that I can get these things fixed (and maybe other things in the future as well) or should i just hire other laptop repair services to get them fixed? Dell warranty varies depending on your notebook model and age. I am guessing it will be about $100 a year. What do you suggest?
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By JJMelo on Mar 26, 2008
Don’t get the warranty. It’s not worth it. In my opinion, you should get a new keyboard and battery (on eBay) and replace them yourself…it is not hard at all. Then your computer will be like new. If you want to take it a step further, backup all your data and reinstall Windows, along with your other software…THEN your laptop will feel like brand new.
By xbrain on Mar 26, 2008
Old folks say when something happen to you all of sudden that means some very good thing that Allah wants to give to us.
You get your new baby !!
Go and get your laptop repair..
DVD –> Second hand
Battery –> Low Yat have the brand new or second hand but I suggest a new battery will be good.
Keyboard –> Nothing you can do, change new keyboard layout will need a lot of money !!
By Arstan on Mar 26, 2008
Warranty!
By Adi Wong on Mar 26, 2008
convert this to a linux computer / a multimedia computer to connect to your tv.
then get a new laptop…which is what i did..hehe
By Davinder on Mar 26, 2008
Warranty…all the way.
I have worked at Dell for more than 2 yrs and handled so many customers with similar problems like yours.
Get the warranty and contact support, they will for sure ship you replacement kb and DVD drive(after basic troubleshooting)
As for battery, you need to buy a new one. Battery only carry one yr warranty.
Hope this helps!
By PS3 on Mar 27, 2008
I’ve never been a huge fan of warranties, especially when most parts of fairly cheap these days.
Having said that, $100 sounds like a good deal. Subject to the small print, I would go for it on balance.
By Ades on Mar 27, 2008
Mmmhh, interesting feedback you have given me guys. I will have to talk to Dell support first and make a decision after that. Sometimes they can give a good deal.
My friend got additional RM200 discount on top of all the discounts that they give on their website.
By edunwa on Mar 27, 2008
You have to take a bold step and your own decisions too cos that ’s what makes you a matured man. cheers anyway
By shadow20002 on Mar 28, 2008
Better get a warranty so in that way, you can feel better to use fully your laptop without the fear to break something.
By Mastahh on Mar 31, 2008
You better cancel the warranty.IF something breaks on your computer,you can simply buy another piece(second Hand).Or…you can save some money,and when the laptop breaks,you can sell the pieces,and buy another one;)
By SEOrious Results on Apr 9, 2008
The battery won’t be covered by any warranty, one soft touch key being faulty ain’t too bad (am soldering on with a similar problem on an otherwise fine old hp notebook) and the DVD is sticky, but otherwise OK?
Have you checked for manual obstructions on DVD mechanism? A bit of compressed air can sometimes work wonders to get dust and lint out of mechanisms.
Suggest you try this 1st before spending $$$ on
extended warranties and the like. Good luck with keeping your machine going!
By Goran Giertz - Marketing on Apr 11, 2008
Its something that drives me insane about notebooks, those batteries. But I guess its our own fault for leaving them on all the time even when they charge.
I was told to take out the battery every time, but then I would rather buy a new one.
So expect to buy lots of batteries.
By Gordon on May 27, 2008
Another thing to remember is that if the laptop was purchased using a credit card, the card may very well double the warranty. The major carriers (except Discover, I’ve heard) offer this service. Check with your credit institution for details.
By l on Oct 7, 2008
Well if you decide to go with a repair guy, check out our site at http://www.e-geniuses.com , you will be glad you did with our excellent services and problem solved guarantee.