Good deal or not - Dell XPS 12

DominionZA

DominionZA

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I feel like I am making a rushed decision here so looking for some third party input before I bite the bullet.

I have been offered a brand new Dell XPS 12 for R8k. i5 with 256GB SSD.
It is from someone that works at Dell. The only small problem is a small crack at the top left of the screen. It is barely visible and does not affect the operation of the device at all.

We are to conclude the deal at 19H00 this evening.

This thing is retailing at R18k locally, so the way I see it is I am willing to put up with the small crack to save R10k.

Thoughts?
 
ponder said:
Is the crack on the actual screen or the bezel?
Click to expand...

I am not sure yet. He says the screen can be replaced by Dell if I decide the crack is too much to live with - or it gets worse.

I asked him if it is on the screen or bezel so will let you know when he responds.

Way I am seeing it, if the screen costs less than R10k to replace, then I have scored. I am sure it will be less than R10k - lol. Asked him this too.
 
I'm assuming you're tech/streeet savy enough to know this isn't a scam? Sounds too good to be true IMO.
 
Fudzy said:
I'm assuming you're tech/streeet savy enough to know this isn't a scam? Sounds too good to be true IMO.
Click to expand...

Yes. I have had my fair share of scamming and don't hand over cash without seeing and playing with the device first.

I got taken for R4,250 on Carbonite cause I was too trusting.

Found a MacBook Pro i7 Retina on OLX last night. They wanted R9k for it - brand new. Typical too good to be true.
I emailed them and told them I would take it if I could collect and pay on collection. They responded with "We only do deliveries. Company policy". Thanks - bye...
They are based in Witbank (apparently) and I was prepared to take the drive for a deal that good. Unfortunately - not a deal that good.

Anyway, the Dell dude just messaged me. He will be at my house just after 17H00 to show me the device and finalise the deal.
I will post back here if I take it (depends on the crack and cost of replacement screen).

So got just over an hour to get input from my virtual tech mates :)
 
Won't the small crack develop into something bigger ? I take it no warranty either?
A bit of a gamble.
 
Brawler said:
Won't the small crack develop into something bigger ? I take it no warranty either?
A bit of a gamble.
Click to expand...

He says it won't get any bigger. I won't go on that though which is why the cost of replacing the screen is important. As long as it is less than the difference between my bargain price and retail price - then I think I am okay with it.

I get the full 3 year next business day warranty with it. Made sure of this off the bat. I use Dell XPS devices purely for this warranty (and the quality hardware).
 
Mike Smit said:
He says it won't get any bigger. I won't go on that though which is why the cost of replacing the screen is important. As long as it is less than the difference between my bargain price and retail price - then I think I am okay with it.

I get the full 3 year next business day warranty with it. Made sure of this off the bat. I use Dell XPS devices purely for this warranty (and the quality hardware).
Click to expand...

I had a small "Crack" in my old 19" monitor. IT was not too bad, just slight discoloration around the impact (Shot with a BB Gun). 2 years later and the whole bottom left of the screen is completely black.
I have before and after pics that i can post this evening.

As you say, don't go by his word that it won't get worse.
 
The_Unnamed said:
I had a small "Crack" in my old 19" monitor. IT was not too bad, just slight discoloration around the impact (Shot with a BB Gun). 2 years later and the whole bottom left of the screen is completely black.
I have before and after pics that i can post this evening.

As you say, don't go by his word that it won't get worse.
Click to expand...

Ya - and considering it is an ultrabook it will be lugged around a lot. Higher chance of the crack getting worse than you had with a stationary monitor.
 
I had a quick look on ebay, if you want to replace the screen they are going for around 1000 dollars a pop.
 
Pooky said:
I had a quick look on ebay, if you want to replace the screen they are going for around 1000 dollars a pop.
Click to expand...

Fsck sakes. That is heavy.
Will see what Dell will charge locally.

I see Dell also offer the "Accidental Damage" warranty like Samsung are doing with our S4's. Going to check if this warranty applies to use here in SA. If so - then score.
 
Mike Smit said:
Fsck sakes. That is heavy.
Will see what Dell will charge locally.

I see Dell also offer the "Accidental Damage" warranty like Samsung are doing with our S4's. Going to check if this warranty applies to use here in SA. If so - then score.
Click to expand...

It is a touchscreen so that's probably the high price.
 
Deal is done. And it was a GOOD deal.

Here is the story...

The crack can hardly be called a crack. It is seriously small.
But anyway... It concerns me. So I asked about the accidental damage warranty. He says it is covered and I can get the screen changed - on my premises - on Thursday if I want. He recommended to NOT do it unless it becomes a problem - or bugs me. Reason being that sometimes the technicians can introduce other problems when doing a repair as complex as this.
So I will wait it out and see how it goes. At least I know I can get the screen replaced within the next 3 years if need be - at no cost.

For all intents and purposes I purchased this from Incredible Connection. It was a return from them.
When Dell gets the damaged items back, they offer them to the staff at bargain prices if the device is still usable - and just can't sell via the retail chain. This dude buys these items and earns extra cash by selling them again at reduced prices.

He was carrying his Dell ID card so all looked good to me.

1. Sale is legit.
2. Damage is negligible.
3. Damage can be repaired at no cost to me - on my own premises.
4. I have a Dell XPS 12 - brand new - at R8k!

I think I scored guys :)
 
Mike, I would love to open an gadget store across the road from your office. :)
 
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