<p>We ordered a laptop through Dell and our order has been delayed twice - is anyone else having this problem? It was originally supposed to be delivered 7/6 - then 7/12 - and now 7/19. I thought it made good sense to use the Elon program and order the laptop online through Dell so as to get it configured exactly how Elon wants it to be - but this is making me very uncomfortable. Anyone else having issues?</p>
<p>Wanted to add - when I checked the order today - I saw that the delivery date and been postponed again AND that there was a link for me to follow to either reconfirm or cancel the order. I was very disappointed that this did not arrive as a new email - it would have been very easy to miss this step. So - if anyone else has ordered a Dell laptop - be sure to click back on the customer ID number periodically - as that is the only way to see an updated status.</p>
<p>I’m pretty sure that you could get a similarly equipped laptop online through Newegg or someplace similar for quite a bit less than thru Dell. Many kids already have recent model laptops so they won’t be arriving on campus with a school-dictated machine anyway. I used to love my Dell laptop and their customer service, but the company’s cost cutting sent the CS jobs overseas and dealing with them now is a nightmare.
My eldest, a software/firmware designer at Microsoft turned me on to Newegg and we’ve all been more than pleased with the company. When I broke the screen on my 2 month old Sony Vaio, Newegg’s warranty had it back in my hands in perfect condition within a week of my sending it to them.</p>
<p>I just thought it would be easier to do the Dell/Elon purchase so that he could get tech support on campus if needed. But this is becoming very frustrating. If they delay again, we may cancel the order and simply purchase a laptop locally.</p>
<p>I ordered a laptop directly from Dell on 7/5, it shipped on 7/6, and according to tracking should receive it 7/10. Good luck!</p>
<p>Wow, that was fast! Did you purchase the less expensive option or the more expensive one? Only a $40 difference between the 2 options, but I’m wondering if that is the difference.</p>
<p>I went with the less expensive option. Shipping to FL $ 22.98 with a $9.00 shipping discount= $ 13.98!!!</p>
<p>Hmmm…anyone else experiencing delays?</p>
<p>Not to confuse issues but FIY - (3 years ago) Purchased a windows PC for my Son 2 months before Elon and it had several Windows, PC problems over his 1st semester. Finally told him to go get a Apple and he has never had any problem with it at Elon or around the world. I always use Windows but I advise all students to get Apple. Apple is just more dependable and they have support everywhere.</p>
<p>We are going with Apple as well. I called Elon and spoke w/their Tech support. They told me they work on and support the Apple products as well and would help my D if her laptop has issues. Are you all purchasing printers?? Know that several dorms have printing centers but not sure how this exactly works. Seems like it would be easier to have your own printer in your room but this is added cost and takes up space.</p>
<p>Most students send their printers home (unused) after the first semester. </p>
<p>They submit “papers” via the web and use on campus printers if they need something more tangible.</p>
<p>You know your student, send them with a printer if they need it to feel comfortable, but the are unlikely to use it much, if at all.</p>
<p>We are former Dell users. We have had five, but will not buy another. DD’s laptop needed a new hard drive within a year, so we bought the extended warrantee. It had problems throughout the remaining time on the warrantee and died shortly after the warrantee expired. This was not through Elon, but do buy the extended warrantee.</p>
<p>What I see going on is that Apple takes the responsibility to make sure that their product “just works”. They cost more but when performance is critical (like in college) it’s worth it.</p>
<p>Rcvd a very apologetic email from a Dell rep today - parts delay - blah, blah - they will expedite shipping - blah,blah. We shall see.</p>
<p>Agreeing on the printer issue - most kids don’t need one. That was my experience with older son - printer sat unopened in box.</p>
<p>And the laptop saga continues…I was so encouraged by the help I received from the Elon tech support person on Monday - who put me in touch with the Dell rep for Elon - who assured me that his laptop was being built and would ship in a few days. She even upgraded us to next day shipping. Then - today - I get a bizarre email from some Dell support person in India saying there was a problem with our laptop order - and that we needed to cancel it and place a new order. I assure you that if I end up cancelling it - we will NOT be placing another order through Dell. </p>
<p>I copied this message to both the Elon technology person and the Elon Dell rep to see what they have to say. </p>
<p>If you have not already ordered a Dell laptop through the Elon/Dell link - save yourself the hassle - don’t do it!</p>
<p>D had a Dell she had already owned when she arrived at Elon. She had no trouble linking into their system, etc - I don’t think we had to load anything special onto it. Pretty much everything is web-based (Blackboard, G-mail, On-Track, etc). </p>
<p>Spring of freshman year the Dell laptop was about 2 1/2 years old and was giving her trouble, so we bought a Mac (went to our local Apple store, and brought it with us when we went to visit for her birthday. Did not buy it through Elon). She has had no trouble linking into Elon’s systems with either laptop. Again, I don’t think she had to load anything special onto it to use it at Elon.</p>
<p>With everything being so web-based, the only reason I can see to order a laptop thru a college is if you get a discount - and Apple will give ANY college student a 5% discount.</p>
<p>My daughter is a rising junior. She likes the convenience of having a printer in her room, but used it so rarely that she still has the original ink!</p>
<p>Well - after speaking to the Dell rep for Elon today - I did as the email requested - and authorized them to cancel the first order and reorder another one. A problem with the chassis? I have no idea how cancelling one order and re-ordering the same thing helps the situation. If this situation does not get resolved very shortly - I am going to just cancel the whole thing and simply purchase a laptop locally.</p>
<p>Thank you for your advice about not really needing to buy through Elon. I am a little out of my element here - my older son’s university simply hands each incoming freshman a laptop - so I have not been through this process before.</p>
<p>We ordered through the Elon/Dell program on June 30 and received an email today that our order had shipped and was on the way as scheduled. So far so good.</p>
<p>Lucky you!</p>
<p>We ordered on June 19th! We are now back at square one - having cancelled the original order and reordered yesterday at Dells’ “customer care” direction. </p>
<p>I will say that the people at the Elon help desk have been very nice and helpful. They are equally horrified by the problems we have been having - apparently they have a few orders in the same situation.</p>
<p>And the Elon help desk confirmed that they will help any student with any laptop - it’s just that if you buy through Dell - you have the 3-year service plan - which I thought was a good idea.</p>
<p>So - we shall see. At this point - I don’t even have an order number.</p>
<p>Go for the Mac and try to get your $$ back.</p>
<p>Apple is hip and better customer support.</p>