Fast warranty service experience

Last Friday afternoon the 17" flat panel display on my 4600 suddenly went out -- nothing but light bands. I tested with an old CRT and quickly concluded that the monitor was what failed.

When I bought the system 2 years ago, I got a 1 year warranty, but the monitor was purchased on the same order through the Accessories page (is saved money that day) and so it had a 3 year warranty.

I called Dell, and after about an hour on the phone (may 10 minutes total talking time), they prepared for a replacement monitor.

Yesterday (Tuesday) morning I received a refurbished 17" monitor -- newer model as the older one is not available. By yesterday afternoon DHL picked up the old one. And, Dell also called later to see if it was OK.

Four days, over a weekend, to complete the replacement. I'm pleased with that service.

The only thing odd is that Dell invoices the replacement monitor until the new one is returned. The price on the replacement invoice is $364 (plus shipping). The same monitor new from their site is $238, or $205 from the Dell outlet. I wonder if they just toss a very high price out there as encouragement to get the old one sent back soon.

-Bruno