Dell XPS 700

Let me first start out by saying that I have purchases a plethora of computers from Dell. Two for myself, 2 laptops for my mother, and one for my best friend. I have also configured via Dell.com seven desktops, and 3 laptops for my friends working at Cincinnati Bell for personal use. Telling them "this is what you want, and what you need. You'll be happy with the price, performance, and customer service long as you call at the right times." This is just in the last 4 years, and does not include the printer I picked out for what my mother was looking for last Christmas. Still to this day I am pretty happy about my purchases and suggestions. I've yet to hear of any of my friends complain about their dell's. DUDE I GOT A DELL!

I have noticed with my Dell XPS 700 that it has been slowing down some. So while being bored I figured I would look around and see what the cost factors of upgrading the processors would be. Currently it is running a duel core process at 1.86gighertz. It really isn't doing to bad for considering I've had it for 2 years now. I figured this would be an easy upgrade to find. As I started out on the Dell.com site by putting in my Service tag and trying to peruse upgrade options and paths. I noticed that there wasn't any suggestions on processors. So figuring it was just an issues with the site and didn't recognize my system; it is two years old after all. I figured I would give Dell's spare parts, and upgrade phone number a call.

It was about 4pm est on a Thursday afternoon. I called the first time, and got a hold of something within 20 minutes and only 3 prompts of the automated system. Not bad at all considering I've been on hold with places for hours at a time with a call back option. I start talking to a guy that went by the name Dan. After a few second of small talk I was able to get Dan to speak slower so that I could understand him. He was obviously outsourced. As I was providing Dan with my service tag we got disconnected and I had a Thank You for calling Dell disconnection. I don't know if he transferred me by mistake or what but I ended up hanging up after listen to music for a few minutes. The next time I called in was maybe 30 minutes later. This time I got disconnected before I was even transfered to a representative. I gave up for a while hoping that if I call back later into the evening I would get someone that would be able to help.

I decided to try and do some research myself across the world wide web. I found some helpful, and some illrelevant information. Some of the sites below I found to be helpful, and disappointing at the same time.

Direct 2 Dell Blog about upgrading Mother Board
Dell Forums with Customers in my situation


Later that evening around 10pm est I gave my 3rd attempt of seeing if someone could help me with figuring out my processor dilemma. I gave the spare parts, and upgrade phone number another call. Surprise again about being disconnected. Waited a few more minutes, and tried once again. Got through this time and was speaking to a lady, Dee. She was nice and understandable. She even called me back when our phone call got disconnected. So far I've got disconnected from these people from my phone on my desk at work, my cellphone, and my home phone. Someone has bad lines, and with my 3 options I really hope it isn't me. Once Dee realized that I wasn't going be a sales opportunity because she couldn't find a processor to upgrade my system to we got disconnected, again. After letting my irritation die down a little I called back. This time Mary was there to help me. I provided her with my service tag, and asked what processors can I upgrade to. When she couldn't find a processor she tried to tell me that it wouldn't help the system any by upgrading the processor. She told me that I needed more ram, and bigger better hard drives. I am pretty sure that XP does not recognize anymore than 3.5 gigs of ram which I have 4gigs in it currently, and a duel core processor will have issues with Vista. So I asked her what am I to do with my situation. I purchased this system that was a few thousands
dollars. I purchased my Dell XPS 700 because it advertise how easy it would be to upgrade. This has became anything but easy.

In closing it looks like this machine is going end up the biggest paper weight that I own. As it seems like Dell never sent out any type of notification about the system being a lemon. No notification that I would have issues with the Mother Board and future upgrades. I find the integrity of these actions low, very low. I wouldn't expect to see my dollars going to Dell anymore. And this is sad because I really like the computer, but I expected spending $4000 or so I wouldn't have to overhaul as system for many, many years. I figured I could do $~300 upgrades about once a year and keep it up to date for longer than the warranty will last.

Update:
The upgrade they gave the customer that knew about the issues will cost me about $490. This does not even include a processor that I would have to purchase on top of it so that I can continue using my system. Looks like I will continue to use my system as is until it dies. And I'm sure that I will look else where for a new one when the time comes. It's sad its that way. I really liked the company and services for the most part.

Cheers,
Eric N Cincy