I have a nightmare story to tell.

I am having a bit of time trying to get my issue resolved through Dell computers. Let me start off by giving you a little background. Dell computers had a class action lawsuit for their laptop computer -Inspiron 5150 that currently just ended back in Dec 2007. I on the other had was not aware of the lawsuit and nor did Dell or any other party inform me of the suit. I just haven't to find out when my computer was deed non-repairable and I got concern and started to goggle DELL for issues regarding my laptop model.

I have call Dell computers several times regarding system issues with my laptop and it was never mention that the computers had design issue nor was there a recall done. Below is my story of all the issues I have had with the computer and what I am experiencing now. I can not get anyone to help me. I heard back from the law office that started the lawsuit with them and I was told the lawsuit was closed and nothing else can be done. I just can't take that as the answer and nor should I have too. I spent $1,382.40 and only had the computer for 4 years. After one year of having the computer, It was sent back to Dell for repairs.

As soon as my extended warranty ended the computer completely broke down for a known issue that DELL computers was sued for. Please help me reach the right folks to get my computer fix like the others were able to with the lawsuit. Any help is greatly appreciated.

I purchased a DELL Inspiron 5150 (15in, XGA, PA, 2.66GHz) on April 14th, 2004. With my laptop I received a 1 year limited warranty but I also purchased the 2 year extended limited warranty for the mail-in service and 24x 7 technical support (I talk about the confusion of this issue later on in the letter). This was my first computer purchase ever and through my employer DELL Computers was considered a preferred computer company. The issues started directly after I purchased. The computer always ran extremely hot, which was hot enough that I couldn't hold it on my lap.

Even the underside of my desk, beneath where the laptop rested, was always noticeably warm. I also experienced problems with the touchpad and my battery life was about 45 minutes. I made calls into DELL and looked on their website for information regarding the two issues I was experiencing and I was told that's how the laptop was design.

After one year (2021) of having my laptop, my computer started acting extremely bizarre; so strange it exhibit symptoms of a virus (which I did not have). I made phone calls again to DELL and was constantly disconnected by Service Reps. and when I did get through the service reps didn't even take to time to help me figure out the issue. Their way of fixing my computer was to flash the entire hard drive. I did as I was told and that still did not fix the issue.

I went back to DELL and still no help! After two weeks of frustration, my boyfriend intervenes and contacts DELL Computers. He was able to chat with one of the laptop technician on DELL's Chat service website. The technician agreed that the computer was faulty and needed to be sent in for further investigation. The technician informed him they will be sending an empty box in the mail for my laptop. I sent my laptop off to the DELL technical support and it was returned to me within a week or two completely fixed for the Keyboard and Keypad issue because the system board always ran hot. The computer still ran extremely hot and the battery life was even worst but I however was completely excited the laptop was working again.

Nine months after my extended warranty expires, my laptop starting having major issues. Week and half from todays date (issue started on January 18th, 2008), when I booted my laptop up, the system would go black and all the systems lights would be lit-up and the CD ROM drive would still work. However, the monitor would be completely black and the only way to reboot the computer was to either hold down the power button or take the battery pack out.

This issue would not only occur when the laptop was booted up but also when you touch the case on sides and the touchpad. I called DELL tech support again but at the time I thought I still had my extended warranty. I thought I had a 5 year warranty but it was a complete misunderstanding. I was told I only purchase a 2 year extended warranty along with the 1 year giving when you buy your laptop.

My warranty being expired really concerned me because now I have to figure out how to fix an existing issue. I thought it very strange that the DELL tech support kept me on the phone for a long time trying to trouble shoot an issue even when I was out of warranty (I will get to that later). They sent me to their out of warranty folks but I knew they would be expensive so I decided to take my laptop to a local computer shop in the area. I took my laptop to a shop and was told the laptop had a bad motherboard and was not repairable!!

That really upset me because I only had the laptop for 4 years and now it is completely broke down!! With that news provided to me I decided to Goggle DELL computers to see if any others had complaints and WHOA; did I find a lot!! There are/where a few class actions lawsuits that I was not aware of and the result of one was DELL admitted there is a designed flaw on the 5150 Inspiron laptops.

Supposedly all individuals of the class action lawsuit was refunded all monies that was used to fix any issues that involved the motherboard and given a 1 year extended warranty through DELL computers. At the time when these issues were going on, I was still had my warranty in place. I wasn't notified of any of the class action lawsuits but I was notified of the DELL battery pack recall info although my laptop battery pack was not part of the recall.

As stated before, my laptop at the time was in warranty still when all other parties were provided an extended 1 year limited warranty. I never had any viruses on my computers or any damages I did myself to my PC. The computer has a history of running hot and when I took the Laptop in for repair, I was told the following: If your DELL Inspiron powers off when it is moved around or jiggled you have loose component(s) on the motherboard. The 5150 run very hot. The repeated heat makes things loose. Also, due to a manufacturing problem other components may come loose that can be attached again. If you are experiencing this problem you should have the unit serviced immediately to prevent further damage. On some occasions the damage is too severe for repair.

This applies to DELL Inspiron 1100, 1150, 5100, 5150 laptops?. My laptop must clearly have severe damage although this issue just started happening. I saw on your website the following issues will be part of the class action law suit:

1. Repairs to resolve messaging code M1004, which is a message that the 5150 is programmed to display if it shuts down to prevent system damage;

2. Heat sink replacements;

3. AC adapter replacements necessary to resolve "insufficient power" and "cannot identify power source" messages; and

4. Motherboard replacements that are necessary to resolve "no power" or "shutdown" situations.

My question I have for you all, are there any options for me? Can I still participate in the class action lawsuit? If not, can another one be opened? Any help you provide would be graciously appreciated. Please contact me at your earliest convenience.