new ruggedized Dell laptop a dog.

[2Gringos]

I wanted to let anyone interested know about our problems with a new (year old now) Dell XFR6400 laptop. This is the $ 4,000, ruggedized laptop Dell came out with a year ago to go up against the Panasonic Toughbooks.

Well, we live in a harsh environment here, and have been going through a couple laptops a year. The salt in the dust is the culprit. The air doesn't help either. We have gone through a Sony, a Toshiba, a couple HPs, and a couple Dells. BUT customer service on the Dells was good, until we got this one.

For starters, they shipped it with the wrong software. We had to send it back. Then the replacement computer had a hard drive issue, would not boot up. Blue Screen of Death. So Dell sent us a replacement hard drive. Then the cursor went ballistic, no control on the touch pad or mouse. Dell sent another hard drive, despite me telling them that was not the prob. Then they sent a new palm rest, which is the entire top of the laptop and includes the pointing device, etc. While replacing that I found a little plastic connector broken on the motherboard, and Dell shipped a new motherboard. Now keep in mind every time they send us something I have to pay a 33% import duty on it. And they ship stuff without asking. Sometimes the wrong stuff.

I just asked them if it was just possible to get our money back, and they said no. And threatened me saying I should not have had parts shipped out of the USA. They suggested we go to 'nearby islands' for support. That's the same thing as saying go to another country.

Wait a minute. This is a US product bought by a US company, being used by a US citizen. And Dell wants to imply there is something improper here? I wonder what someone going to Saudi for a year with a new Dell would think if he found out that his warranty was suddenly in question if he started having problems?

Anyhow, the gist of all this, is if you want a ruggedized laptop to use near the ocean, DON'T buy the new Dell XFR.

Buy a Panasonic Toughbook. I sure wish we had.

[Architeuthis]

I'm a fan of Dell, always have been, but their service is not good enough for me. In fact I can't call as I do not have what it takes to get to someone who will address the problem. I generally know exactly what the problem is so that creates issues as the service is system designed for someone who thinks a computer is just an expensive toaster...which some are, LOL.

Sailing is hard on laptops, I've already destroyed one, the first one ever for me but There are other options.

Buy multiple cheap laptops. Not so great if sailing as that means having to buy and take them with you.

Get a Panasonic. Expensive and they have problems as well.

Make your own. This option is not for everyone but is by far the cheapest overall.

Basically use a Pelcan case as an ATX case. At work the computer only needed to be rugged in transport so most opened and had the keyboard, screen and connectors exposed only then. Contents were mounted on springs for shock protection, some cases come with this built in.

For sailing I am considering using watertight bulkhead connectors and an external heat sink so the case is sealed at all times. I would not have any problem handling the heat issues as I have built sealed cases before but I suspect that might be thee issue for someone doing it for the first time.

Otherwise something to consider. Once built it would last much longer than a laptop and would only expose the keyboard and screen to damaging saltwater (a killer for my laptop).

Upgrades would be possible and way cheaper than any other option.

[2Gringos]

I think you are right. until some manufacturer steps forward with a product option that will work...maybe the answer is to build your own. Use the components that you know are good....and package it with your own best knowledge of how things should be packaged.

I come from a background of building products that were certified to work at 1000 m depth, and 3000 m depth...I know a little bit bout o-rings.

[Stillraining]

Possibly a Lemon?

My daughters Toshiba is a piece of junk...Its spent more time in the shop or sitting broken then she has used it in the last 3 years of ownership.

I wavered buying mine used off of Craig's list for 300.00 because of this.... but I love it!...only issue is a little glitchy touch pad...it wants to back page if I move it the wrong way...Ive lost many of post written and had to start over....probably much to your'alls relief.

Just asking?..

[RAGNAR]

Originally Posted by Architeuthis

Get a Panasonic. Expensive and they have problems as well.

Durability issues, or packaging/software problems?

[2Gringos]

I have actually just been contacted by a Dell rep. It seems that they are really interested in resolving this. Surprise surprise.

This is the old Dell that led me to gamble on this new product in the first place. But it's still a dog.

wait a minute, wait a minute....that sounds like I have something against dogs....its not that at all.


This computer is a democrat.

[Architeuthis]

Originally Posted by RAGNAR

Durability issues, or packaging/software problems?

Both. I can't really blame them for durability as they are way better than most but they still die when abused. Compatability/Software, the bane of using off the shelf computer products with custom equipment, is just as common with the Panasonic as any other laptop.

[Architeuthis]

Originally Posted by 2Gringos

This computer is a democrat.

Hey, hey, it isn't that bad....then again it is time consuming...and sounds like it is demanding more money.....