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The ludicrous cost of spare parts
Firstly I would like to note that I like Dell systems. I have bought them consistently for several years not because they are the best but because they are cheap, and until today reliable – they do what it says on the box and the online support with drivers etc. is pretty good, however...
We have just had a not-quite-3-year-old Dell Optiplex GX270 fail on us. It appears to be suffering a known Dell motherboard problem that causes it to either not boot or shut down during the boot process with an error message that declares it has shutdown due to a temperature problem. This is apparently due to some bad capacitors on the motherboard.
I have just been quoted from Dell’s spares provider a replacement for £195 + VAT plus the £5 shipping cost. Please note that this is a second-user, or ‘reconditioned' part with 90 days warranty not a new one!
The very pleasant lady I spoke to did mention they only had one in stock so either they are really attached to it or no one has been stupid enough to buy it at that price, I tend to favour the latter reason.
I don’t know whether this is an endemic issue across the market or just Dell, but this has certainly tainted my impression of the company.
When did it become cheaper to throw the things away? Aren’t we supposed to reduce the waste we generate?
Why does Dell make the cases so easy to open – what’s the point? Am I just older then I realised? Can you provide me with the address of a third world country I can send the thing to so it can be recycled?
Thanks for the opportunity to vent my anger!
Tom Glasson
June 9, 2006 in Vent your spleen! | Permalink
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Comments
We have exactly the same problem - the best option is to look on ebay as there are plenty of spares there for Opiplexes etc. Recent example - Dell quote for a replacement keyboard for a non-warranty laptop = £110; ebay buy it now price £48.
Posted by: pam buchanan | 22 Jun 2006 10:30:47
I understand your frustration, though I have a GX270 with a different problem. I also happen to be an Aussie IT chick volunteering in a 3rd world country.
Sending your dodgy Dell isnt really going to help, because I'd end up with the same problem you have. And we have less resources, money and skilled staff, to replace the motherboard. It is even more frustrating. Transferring the cost to the third world then seems a bit cruel, and then 'tying' them to Dell which some will argue is not in the interest of the developing country.
I admit I quite like the easy-opening cases. It gives me more time to educate the locals on using the technology rather than spend time fiddling with screws. Not having to lift cases is better for OH&S. It's a no-brainer either way - and when you've got a few machines to look after...
I hope this might just give you something to reflect on(?), and that you get your PC sorted out ok.
Posted by: anon coward | 20 Jul 2006 10:31:55
o completely agree with the author about the spare parts being very expensive
Posted by: Tracy Esau | 29 Feb 2008 05:59:50
