Journal Rick the Red's Journal: Why does Dell suck so much? 2
OK, so it was our fault that we spilled something on my wife's Inspiron. So we're willing to pay to fix it. It needs a new keyboard. So why does Dell make it so damn difficult to order replacement parts? I had to call the Technical Support line to be told that I needed to call the Out Of Warranty Repair line, who told me to call the Parts Department. Why isn't the Parts Department phone number listed on any of Dell's web pages? Why isn't the Out of Warranty Repair number listed anywhere? Why do Dell's parts department demand my name, address, and phone number just to quote me a price? They had the nerve to tell me they needed my personal information for unstated "security" reasons. Funny, "security" is why I'm uncomfortable giving that out. I don't need Dell spam, thank you very much. I don't much care for much of anything Dell these days.
And why are Dell's part numbers such a secret that they won't tell me the part number for my keyboard? Are they that afraid of me shopping around for a better price? Is that what this is really all about? Making sure that I'm really a business customer when I call to get the business price on a part? Or making sure I'm really a government customer when I call to get the government's price?
BTW, Dell wants $14.95 for the keyboard, which is a deal compaired with Seattle Laptop, who want $119 for the same thing. Of course, that price includes installation, as if I can't manage the FOUR screws that hold it in. $105 to replace a keyboard held in by four screws? I'm in the wrong business.
Update: The new keyboard is here and it works. And only $14.95. Not bad. Dell's service comes through in the end, but why does the journey have to be so difficult? I get the distinct impression Dell won't sell anyone a part if they won't/can't absolutely, positively identify themselves to Dell's satisfaction. Which, I guess, is Dell's right. But it's also my right to not up up with such nonsense. I'll probably go with Gateway next time (as I really, really dislike HP^h^hCompaq (had a couple Compaq laptops a few years ago and they were crap)
RE: In the wrong business ... (Score:2)
Others were quoting a "low" of $150.00 - "if we can find the gear".
Turns out if you look around on the net, that model is made by sharp, and rebadged.
Cost of the same gear through a generic seller, again on the net: $8.00 + less than 10 minutes for me to re-assemble the unit (since it was already disassembled to find out the gear was broken).
That works out to $1,160.00 per hour.
Laptop: Who is better? (Score:2)
Sony makes decent laptops, quick find a support number for a Sony. Any support number (challenge... do it in less than 20 clicks).
IBM... don't get me started.
HP, Gateway... are almost