Poor support from Dell/Alienware, Alienware m17 r4. Any ideas?

May 4, 2021
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So, I have been having issues with Dell since day 1. I originally ordered a G7 7700, but it was throttling really badly all the time, so I returned it and thought an Alienware would be better. So, here is the brief recounting of everything so far: Note: I owned an Alienware 17 R2 in the past and LOVED it.

I ordered an Alienware m17 r4 on March 18th and received it on April 7th. The laptop had touchpad issues with delays or not registering clicks, the backlight bleed is intrusive, and the hotkeys don't function properly half the time. There is also a small scuff around one of the screw holes that exposes the metal from when I got it. Basically, the quality for something I paid $3500+ for is not the best. I do like the laptop and the portability is great for the power but I just want something without issues.

I spoke with their customer service and they told me they would build a new m17 r4 for me and ship it to me and upon receipt, return the old laptop since I needed a laptop (my previous laptop died suddenly after almost 6 years). The agent told me my laptop would be expedited since it was needed immediately so I should have it within April. The delivery date passed (April 19th) without an updated delivery time. I contacted support and they said "I would like to inform you that your order is in production and estimated to be delivered on 05/07/2021."

So, yesterday (May 3rd), I checked the tool and found no updates so I contacted Dell again and the agent told me that "my laptop is unable to be built and cannot be delivered because manufacturing said a part was discontinued." I was not previously contacted about this by Dell at all, which really annoyed me. The customer care team told me the only thing they can do is refund me. The agent refused to let me speak to anyone else and told me there is no resolution beyond this because they don't make that laptop any more. Eventually, he told me I could speak to a manager who would call me back within 2 hours. But it has been over 24 hours and nobody has tried to contact me by phone or e-mail. I wrote to the Alienware support online on Facebook yesterday and they said they can't help with order issues so I have to contact customer care again on the phone.

The agent told me they cannot tell me any more details nor help me further. Nor can they create me a new replacement.

How is it possible for a company to hate getting money this much? I want the laptop, I like it, I just want to stop going through this ridiculous fight of BS to get a quality product.

I know the m17 r4 is probably discontinued but surely they would treat customers with current orders better and let them know instead of just acting this way. Has anyone ever dealt with this?


The specs:

m17 r4
i7-10870h
32 gb ram
144 hz screen
3080 16 gb
 
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Well, they’re giving you an out. By offering a refund. Not sure what else they can do.

it sucks that contact was poor. Also that they discontinued your revision.

Just take the money, return the computer and move on. Don’t mess with it any more. It’s better to get your money back and find something else. Than to keep something you’ll probably never be happy with. Always regretting you didn’t just take the refund.
 
Well, they’re giving you an out. By offering a refund. Not sure what else they can do.

it sucks that contact was poor. Also that they discontinued your revision.

Just take the money, return the computer and move on. Don’t mess with it any more. It’s better to get your money back and find something else. Than to keep something you’ll probably never be happy with. Always regretting you didn’t just take the refund.
I like the laptop itself, I just want one without the issues. I also can't really be without a laptop right now as I need it. I'm in a <Mod Edit> position that I wouldn't have been in otherwise if there were proper QC done. Their out doesn't compensate me for the time and effort it would take to set up a new machine with all my software and move my files (a day or two).
 
I like the laptop itself, I just want one without the issues. I also can't really be without a laptop right now as I need it. I'm in a <Mod Edit> position that I wouldn't have been in otherwise if there were proper QC done. Their out doesn't compensate me for the time and effort it would take to set up a new machine with all my software and move my files (a day or two).
Its a busted laptop that is not meeting your needs.
You can't force them to make it better, especially faster than "a day or two" needed to set up a new system.

Take the refund and move on.
 
Its a busted laptop that is not meeting your needs.
You can't force them to make it better, especially faster than "a day or two" needed to set up a new system.

Take the refund and move on.
I can't literally fix my situation with that. I don't have the money to buy a laptop in the mean time, nor do I have access to another computer at the moment because I'm required to self-isolate due to the pandemic. I'm going to reach out to their executive team, if this isn't resolved in the next day or two.

Edit: Also, where I am located, I can't find an equivalent machine because everything is sold out. I'm in a crappy position, I know.
 
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