Free UpGrade Coupon (Dell)

J

Jeff

Analog?
They STILL make those?
lol

Lang Murphy said:
That's the chance one takes when buying a new computer. I got a Dell XPS
400 a few months ago... got a 19" analog LCD for "free." Next week?
Digital 19" for "free."

C'est la vie.

Lang
 
M

michael e dziatkowicz

MSPioneer said:
Yep. But what a waste of time. Kinda of makes you think about that old
slogan: I should have bought a Gateway . . . err . . . or was it a Compaq?
actually mspioneer it was "I should have bought a DELL!!!!!"
 
J

jwardl

You can take the matter up with Dell customer service, if you like.

The software provided by Dell, HP, Gateway, etc... are OEM versions. This
means that, though Microsoft may have WRITTEN the software, Dell has paid a
fee and/or made some other deal with Microsoft that allows Dell to sell
Vista licenses (or give them away, as they see fit -- within the terms of
the deal). Dell, then, becomes the vendor, and the party responsible for
providing support.

Given this fact, there it's unlikely Microsoft will even talk to you about
it. In essence, they have nothing more to do with the deal than Pirelli
would if GM decided to give away free tire upgrades.
 
J

jwardl

You have to consider that Microsoft is in a difficult position... get the
software out on time, and people will complain that it was rushed to market,
and doesn't work 100% correct. Wait to fine-tune the software and work out
the bugs to a greater degree, and people will complain that they missed
their announcement date, and are taking too long to release it -- then STILL
complain that it's not good enough.
 
J

Jupiter Jones [MVP]

There is nothing Microsoft can do.
Any solution is with the OEM, Dell.

As for Microsoft changing the dates, I never heard any credible rumour
stating anything like July 2007, although there were a few less than
credible that had dates in that timeframe and later.
The current release schedule is old enough it predates your purchase
significantly unless you are months out of warranty.
It may be only a few days, bur with all the computers sold daily, there will
ALWAYS be some that are "matter of days".
The line was reasonably well known and easily determined and you still
purchased without verifying.
A quick visit to these newsgroups before the purchase instead of after could
have given you the current information.

As for obsolete, not at all.
A computer does not become obsolete simply because something new is
available.
But attempt to return if you feel that way.
If you had significant technical issues with your computer and they started
in warranty, you may have a chance in returning the computer.
Be prepared to pay shipping.
Again, Dell is who you need to contact.
Check the Dell newsgroup for more information on returns after warranty
ends:
alt.sys.pc-clone.dell
 
M

Mark D. VandenBerg

MSPioneer said:
I just purchased a Dell notebook in October, after talking to several reps
at
Dell and being told MS would not release Vista until mid-next year. I
missed
the deadline by a matter of days (even though Dell has still not gotten
back
to me about service problem I emailed them on 3 times already).

Needless to say, I purchased all the bells and whistles, and am now stuck
with a very expensive machine that will be obsolete by 1/1/2007.

Is there anything Microsoft can do to make this right?

Your complaint, as was stated above, is with Dell, not Microsoft. It has
been published on a variety of "techie" websites for some time now that
upgrade coupons would be available.

As to the Dell sales rep lying to you about the date that Vista would be
available, well, shame on them for lying but shame on you for not
researching the information. Caveat Emptor has not been rescinded, and it
definitely applies here.

And this is one of the reasons why Dell's (and Gateways, and etc...) are
lower priced computers. Once you have purchased the product, you are a
liability, not an asset. The less you call them, the less they spend on
their Convergys contract, the more profit they make.

Return the Dell. Then look at CyberPower or Falcon Northwest (I used to
include Alienware and Voodoo in this group, but...). Yes, the original cost
is higher, but these companies don't contract their customer support and you
will be happier in the long run. You also will have the pleasure of owning
a truly well-built, high quality machine.

As to your complaint that your computer will be obsolete in January,
remember what Mom always said: no matter what computer you buy, it will be
an 8-track tape player by the time you get it home.
 
X

xfile

Hi,

Even I'm firmly against MS for WGAN practice, and personally, I have a
higher rate for Dell than MS on business integrity, I'd say this is not
something that MS should be responsible, and would suggest you:

(1) don't waste any more precious time here since each second counts for the
valid return, so go ahead contact Dell and make the arrangement,

(2) if you passed the return date, show them the records for how much time
you've spent on solving this issue and tell them why this has caused the
delay,

(3) if you can't get the return and exhausted all normal communication
channels in Dell, write to Michael Dell, if you wish to. I did once a few
years ago for a major dispute, and as anticipated, I did not receive his
personal response, but someone very close to him responded with a solution.
I'd skip for details, but the point is, he does know what are going on.

Dell is the end retailer who should carry all responsibilities for all parts
integrated into its products, and in this case, it's an OS. If it's
Microsoft's fault, Dell will have to pursue MS for breach of contract, but
no retailer can use this as an excuse to get away from its responsibilities
to its end customers.

So don't waste your time and contact Dell ASAP for arranging a return.

PS: Hope this would make you feel better - I bought a system 2 years ago
with "almost" all the bells and whistles, and I can still install RC1 using
a clean new HDD without any problem (although that doesn't change my
personal evaluation on the new OS). So, you should be ok.

Good luck!
 
R

Rick Rogers

If you were paying that much attention to the release date, then you should
have known enough to wait. In any case, Microsoft does not dictate Dell's
upgrade policy, that is their decision. As the system is still under
warranty, you are in the driver's seat. Take advantage while you can, or set
aside the upgrade $ until January. The choice is yours to make.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP

Windows help - www.rickrogers.org
 
R

Richard Urban

The problem lays between two entities, you and Dell.

A deadline or start date is just that. If you are unhappy, return your
computer.

Why would you even expect Microsoft to become involved? Microsoft had stated
for as much as a month before the coupons were offered that they planned to
implement a coupon system. It was your choice to purchase prior to the
programs implementation.

Did you really expect Dell to say "hold off on your purchase sir - we will
be offering Vista discount coupons for your system in three days"? Would you
expect a car dealership to give you the same warning? How about a home
appliance dealership?

--

Regards,

Richard Urban
Microsoft MVP Windows Shell/User
(For email, remove the obvious from my address)

Quote from George Ankner:
If you knew as much as you think you know,
You would realize that you don't know what you thought you knew!
 
V

V McGhee

MSPioneer said:
I just purchased a Dell notebook in October, after talking to several reps
at
Dell and being told MS would not release Vista until mid-next year. I
missed
the deadline by a matter of days (even though Dell has still not gotten
back
to me about service problem I emailed them on 3 times already).

Needless to say, I purchased all the bells and whistles, and am now stuck
with a very expensive machine that will be obsolete by 1/1/2007.

Is there anything Microsoft can do to make this right?

Machine won't be but application - yes.

There is another point here.
Prices of today's PCs comparing with the
prices of PCs in 90-s went down for about 60%.
While price of MS software went up significantly.

Had the MicroSoft been a decent Co, they would cut
their prices of software proportionally to prices of
today's PCs. (50%-60%) That would be a descent
and friendly gesture towards the consumer, who
supported through all these years loyally the MS
and made Bill Gates a multi billionaire.
 
G

Guest

If you think MS cares a deer's lick about people you're mistaken. This has
to do with Dell's pressure to roll out for the Christmas season. I just
cannot believe I fell for their crap again.
 
G

Guest

I'm told if the 'discount' occurs within 21 days of purchase Dell will honor
exchange or refund. Maybe you should join me in keeping some of their line
ringing Monday morning.
 
G

Guest

But that's just it. I did do the research and everything I seen said before
Christmas 2006. Dell negated this, or at least three of their reps did. So,
I ask, if you were about to purchase, who or what would you believe--a few
web pages which are usually redundant, or Dell?

See my point?
 
G

Guest

Thanks, your information is very helpful.
xfile said:
Hi,

Even I'm firmly against MS for WGAN practice, and personally, I have a
higher rate for Dell than MS on business integrity, I'd say this is not
something that MS should be responsible, and would suggest you:

(1) don't waste any more precious time here since each second counts for the
valid return, so go ahead contact Dell and make the arrangement,

(2) if you passed the return date, show them the records for how much time
you've spent on solving this issue and tell them why this has caused the
delay,

(3) if you can't get the return and exhausted all normal communication
channels in Dell, write to Michael Dell, if you wish to. I did once a few
years ago for a major dispute, and as anticipated, I did not receive his
personal response, but someone very close to him responded with a solution.
I'd skip for details, but the point is, he does know what are going on.

Dell is the end retailer who should carry all responsibilities for all parts
integrated into its products, and in this case, it's an OS. If it's
Microsoft's fault, Dell will have to pursue MS for breach of contract, but
no retailer can use this as an excuse to get away from its responsibilities
to its end customers.

So don't waste your time and contact Dell ASAP for arranging a return.

PS: Hope this would make you feel better - I bought a system 2 years ago
with "almost" all the bells and whistles, and I can still install RC1 using
a clean new HDD without any problem (although that doesn't change my
personal evaluation on the new OS). So, you should be ok.

Good luck!
 
G

Guest

Well if it comes down to it, I will not purchase Vista. I'll install Linux.
It just isn't worth it anymore. Things change too fast.
 
R

Rick Rogers

Linux updates and changes frequently as well, nothing in the pc world is
static. I would recommend you try Ubuntu or Fedora core 4 if you are not
familiar with linux, as they are great for those new to the 'nix world.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP

Windows help - www.rickrogers.org
 
J

Jeff

MS,
FWIW,
I had a serious issue with Dell, over an xps laptop that was incorrectly
built , not defective; just wrong;slightly from what I ordered.. And they
weren't going to do a thing about it. because it wasn't defective. All they
would do is replace it;at MY shippping cost;with the exact same system as
per their records;which was the issue to begin with.
long story short; it went past the 21 days; and wasn't resolved; until I
went to the rep's manager's manager's manager.
A complete PITA they were,not budging an inch until I got to the 3rd or 4th
level boss; in which, he not only corrected the situation; but threw in; at
NO COST to me, an upgrade from xp home to pro;4 yr warranty;extra
battery,carrying case,etc. Ended up getting satisfaction, although I had to
got through it for weeks.
My suggestion;like many other's here; get on the horn to Dell, immediately
ask for managers;up the chain, till you get one who will listen.
Worked for me.

Jeff
 
G

Guest

Richard Urban said:
The problem lays between two entities, you and Dell.

A deadline or start date is just that. If you are unhappy, return your
computer.

Why would you even expect Microsoft to become involved? Microsoft had stated
for as much as a month before the coupons were offered that they planned to
implement a coupon system. It was your choice to purchase prior to the
programs implementation.

Did you really expect Dell to say "hold off on your purchase sir - we will
be offering Vista discount coupons for your system in three days"? Would you
expect a car dealership to give you the same warning? How about a home
appliance dealership?

--

Regards,

Richard Urban
Microsoft MVP Windows Shell/User
(For email, remove the obvious from my address)

Quote from George Ankner:
If you knew as much as you think you know,
You would realize that you don't know what you thought you knew!


Actually, I've run into a lot of businesses who will give you the deal
retroactively, if you ask them nicely. They do count on repeat business and
I never go back to someone who I "feel" hasn't treated me fairly.
 
G

Guest

Install Linux if you want to, but Stop Complaining about this being
Microsoft's fault. Microsoft set the date for the free upgrade coupons
months before it started, if you did not wait until the program started then
it is your fault. It is neither Dell's or Microsoft's fault for your mistake.
 

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