Another Dell Laptop Explodes
You would think that after all the exploding batteries in laptops and their respective slews of recalls, we'd be done hearing about them going up in flames, but -- unfortunately -- that's not the case. Another Dell has gone super-critical, resulting in a spectacle that was described by owner Douglas Brown as "fireworks, which would have been cool had it not been in my house." Brown, a network administrator in Georgia, watched his Dell 9200 lappy go kablooey last week as he frantically dialed 911.
The 9200 model is included in Dell's battery recall program and it remains to be seen whether the battery in this particular model had been recalled. It is possible that Brown was procrastinating about calling the company for his replacement, so it could be tough to completely blame Dell for this one. It also remains to be seen who will be the one responsible for the damages caused to his house. When Brown asked a Dell customer service rep whether the company would be covering the costs, he was asked if he has home insurance.
Ouch.
From Slashdot
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Medic Kevorkian @ Aug 28th 2007 4:57PM
I have had issues with Dell customer support, and I can understand ANYONE'S reluctance to call them, even for a recall issue. Dell has consistantly made excuses not to warranty a defective part, and declined coverage for defective parts. This is a growing problem with many computer companies and third party warranty companies, especialy with laptops. Best bet is to contact the Better Business Bureau if there are any issues!
John @ Sep 4th 2007 12:15AM
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Chris @ Oct 8th 2007 5:42PM
I don't think the problem is with Dell actually trying to dodge warranty repairs or recall issues.......
The problem is that in order to properly serve their customers they need customer support people and tech support people who can actually speak English.
Customer service AND tech support went to lunch with Satan himself when they outsourced them overseas.
helena @ Oct 9th 2007 6:31AM
I totally agree with Chris, Customer Service sucks not only with Dell, but with Verizon and a whole bunch of other companies where you call in with a problem that can be fixed in 5 minutes and you end up on the phone for an hour because you have to deal with people that dont speak english. They call that customer service? I am so pissed once I finally get off the phone!!
Fred Peirce @ Oct 9th 2007 11:55AM
Dell Customer Service? You've got to be kidding. My last three computers were HP's simply because with HP, when you get to a level 2 or level 3 tech they generally can speak English & have a general idea of what you're talking about. Will Dell's customer service at any level, no one speaks or understands English, no one has any idea of how to fix a computer or even understands the most basic computer problems encountered.
Linda Meadows @ Oct 9th 2007 2:29PM
I have been purchasing Dell computers for our company for the last 10+ years. I have had very positive results from the Dell Service Center both in purchase of computers/supplies and in the Tech Center when I needed assistance. I will continue to purchase Dell products and access the Tech Centers.
Mike in Ga @ Nov 29th 2007 7:52AM
I am on my 3rd Dell over the past many years....my most recent being a laptop...and I have had no problems with them at all. All the people i know who have purchased HPs and PBS and other manufacturers, are always crying about service,and quality, etc. The few times I have called Dell for tech or service help, they have always been very helpful, knowledgable, and professional. They also spoke ENGLISH...be it a bit hard to understand at times...I simply say...Im sorry...could you repeat that...I didnt quiet understand you...and they say it again more clearly. As for me...i have been completely satisfied with Dell products and service...and will continue to use their systems for my business and home needs.
CEOFounder - Ron's PC Repair @ Nov 29th 2007 9:08AM
While it may very well be true that many of todays Major computer
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We are a small, locally owned and operated computer sales, service
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In todays ever-changing tech world, it is common to outsource
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Judy @ Nov 29th 2007 11:00AM
I feel, as an overview, the internet, laptops, cellphones and other small gadgets are all relatively new technology. I can think back when in the '80s we did not even have internet. This leaves options for new technology. Electronics are in such demand that consumers are anxious to see these on the market without enough product testing from the companies. That is frustrating for electronics manufacturers and suppliers. Things just move a little too fast.
Kat @ Nov 29th 2007 12:50PM
I ordered a Deal XP on Nov. 14th..It was to be shipped on Nov 21th..I get a email on th 21th saying it may be shipped on the 30th..I'm stuck because the only company doing new XP's is Dell...Vista is not compatable with several applications that i need, including voice. NOW i get another email saying shipping will be delayed again till Dec 9th grrr...They have me by the balls here..Ya i have the same problem with poor english speaking customer service reps, a 10 minute call takes double the time with my having to ask them to repeat what they have said because i cant understand them. If it wasnt that i need XP i would take my business elsewhere...I have a small home based business, my other pc fried..i'm useing an old tower that is not reliable till my new one gets here, if it ever does. By the time it gets here it will probably be out dated lol.
Elizabeth @ Nov 29th 2007 7:14PM
I have been reading these comments and thinking Iam not the only one. I bought my second dell in January and after paying for the computer and in home service dell refused to honor it. I called and called but like alot of these comments the people who answer the phone cannot speak or understand the English language. After 5 weeks of back and forth I took the computer to Best Buy to be fixed. Well they called me to say the motherboard was defective and I should return the computer. Well when I tried to do that Dell insisted it be sent ups which I did. I am still waiting for my ninehundred twelve dpllar refund. Lesson learned do not buy a dell as they do not stand behind their products.
Linda @ Nov 29th 2007 7:58PM
I am on my 3rd Dell and i love the way they stand behind their product. Both of my other computers crashed and Dell sent someone to my house both times with a new hard drive. I do agree talking with tech support is a nightmare because you can't understand them. I even hung up on one when I got so frustrated. Once when I ordered one for my son Dell's system was tied up so when I called back the next day to complete my order they upgraded the speakers to a much bigger and better set. So far I have to say Dell has been great. I have had fast delivery also.