While it was under warranty the tech support was unbeatable, but just last night one of their very non-understandable indian managers told me it wasn't their problem.

Not really. It's statistics. You can look at it with your viewpoint, but I prefer to look at it this way-- take your LCD panel for instance. Those things cost around $300-- if your warranty cost any less than $300, you saved money by opting for that. If you even had one costly repair like that within warranty, you paid

A CD-ROM, on the other hand, might be cheaper just to order a new one from Dell. So, it might not be worth your while. It's all about probability, and whether you think that it's a wise investment.

Stuff breaks-- that's why we have warranties. The simple fact is that after the first year, stuff starts breaking. 4 years, 3 years, 2 years, it doesn't matter. If you want to ensure your computer stays working for its 3-4 year "life", it's best to get the extended warranty.

i dont prefer dell in anyway-the case designs cn be dodgy

the servers are damn good and reliable though i must admit

And it isn't. More precisely it isn't their problem that your system needs repairs after the warranty expired and you think it's too expensive.
It's your choice, pay to have it repaired or replace the thing. Whichever, it's not their problem.

If you decide you want it repaired and are willing to pay for it, it then becomes their problem to arrange for that repair in cooperation with you (getting you a tracking number, shipping details, etc.).

I think it is their problem. Something that expensive just doesn't tear up in that short amount of time.

I think it's pretty obvious you're not going to change your mind about it, but you have to consider this: You're paying for the design of the unit. You're paying for Intel's chipset. You're paying for an LCD screen, etc.

You have not accepted the well-known fact that computer hardware, no matter how old, how new, will break. Ever heard of MTBF? Mean Time Between Failure? Basically, a manufacturer takes a certain number of components, and they run them for a specified period of time. I'm not sure of the exact formula, but essentially, manufacturers take that number of drives, and they calculate how many failed in that period of time, and they're able to provide a MTBF estimate for manufacturers. Entire consumer goods, like TVs, computers, etc, have an overall MTBF, and manufacturers look at things like that.

Manufacturers realize things break-- that's why they offer Extended Warranties. It's always a Win situation for the Manufacturer, but it's a crap-shoot for the consumer; If I get this and never need it, I've wasted money. But, if I don't have it when I need it, I'm SOL.

I've worked with computers for a number of years, and I've issued my fair share of warranty repairs, as well as redeemed a fair few of my own. I'm not going to disagree with you about how it sucks when a part goes out-- I can empathize with you there. But, what I wish more people would do is enlighten themselves with the fact that technology breaks. It breaks easily, it breaks often. Everyone has anecdotes about that one system they had that was a workhorse, and never broke, but for the most part, stuff breaks, and it will need to be fixed. If you take this enlightened approach, you will see that an extended warranty for something like this isn't a waste of money; In fact, you'll realize that if you're offered the warranty, and you do not exercise wise judgement in what level of security with your device you can stand, then it's your fault when you're outside of that warranty period, and you're not covered because you thought it was just another attempt for them to get your money.

I'm an IT Consultant/Technician and I like Dell systems a lot. I like that its easy for me to configure what I want on their web site and that I can get a nice warranty, and estimates on a lease rate.

I've seen many Dell's without a single problem, and many with problems. But that's why they offer a warranty. I always tell EVERYBODY to go with a 3 YEAR Warranty because that's what I expect the life of the machine to be and that will keep them covered. Outside of that period the manufacturer has no responsibility in my view, other than to sell you a replacement part (which in some cases they won't offer to do).

I currently have a Dell Latitude D610 and think its a great laptop, despite the trouble I had just 5 days into having it. My DVD-RW drive would read and write DVDs but not CDs, odd I know. But I troubleshot it a bit myself, then called Dell, they sent out a new one. But then that's why I purchased a 3 year warranty and their complete care.

YES the Complete Care warranty is just another money grab from Dell BUT I sleep at night knowing that if I spill coffee on my laptop (which could easily happen) Dell will be out the next day to fix it for the 3 year period! I've not found any other manufacturer willing to send someone out the very next day to fix a problem with a computer.

All the other manufacturers I've dealt with have you ship it back to their central office or make you wait a month for the part. In business, that's not gonna fly. With Dell the next day they have the part or a technician at your door, and I've experienced it first hand.

Dell do have some kinks to work out, but who doesn't! My suggestion to clients is buy Dell's business class systems such as the latitude and optiplex with at least a 3 year warranty and then plan to replace it in 3 years.

I've learnt from my mistakes. Get home contents insurance then if your laptop goes badly wrong (out of warranty), accidently drop it down your stairs or get your dog to **** all over it and you get a nice brand new one from your insurance company no matter how old it is.

Hehe, I like it.

Well many great points made above including the warranty service tiem frame, you buy the extra time chances are youre doing the best thing possible, i have found my inspiron 6000 to be excellent for the last year with absolute no problems, taking care of a computer is also very helpful. One thing i kinda get pissed at from time to time is that they dont sell inspiron 6000 anymore since about 6 months ago, and knowing i paid over close to 4000 in the end, kinda sucks but none the less, technology is moving faster then we can all afford!!