This thread is a God-send! It's -EXACTLY- what I've been looking for!
Let me give some background info: I used to build my own pc's but it got to where it's not really all that much cheaper like it was 10 years ago. So 3 years ago I got my current Dimension brand new off eBay. It's a P4 3.2ghz, etc. etc. etc. Being the geek I am, a new PC is LONG overdue!
I had been coming to the Dell site for a couple weeks configuring various Studio XPS systems. Then all of a sudden the magical Studio XPS 435T showed up! I was and am put-off by the design compared to the 435MT model, to be honest, but the expansion room along with a bigger PSU sold me. I configured a fully loaded of both and went with the 435T.
My order was placed March 9th, exactly 1 week ago!
Last Friday I realized I forgot to use my coupon code to save 25% off the system (the code worked 100% but expired on the 10th or 11th, I forget). So I called the support line in India and they not only refused to apply that coupon code now but said it was impossible. I even spoke to their manager/supervisor who affirmed the same exact thing! They said, as many of us have heard, I can only send back the system when I get it and then re-order with the coupon code. The only problem? The coupon is now expired!
I was very upset and still am, but what can I do? I guess I could try that other 1-800 # that we all know now, but to be honest I can't see them being able to do anything now that the code is expired (even though, again, I placed the order a good 2 days before it expired). I could have saved $450 or so-- My 435T came to $1,800+ after taxes!
Well enough of that. Moving along...
I have been getting too excited for my new Dell to arrive. I am constantly checking the order status, my email, etc. On sites like Yahoo Answers there's countless people saying never to trust the order status page and Dell frequently overstates the dates by 1-2 weeks ALL THE TIME! Then I found the Dell forums, where we are right now, and it's riddled with posts of people saying Dell does nothing but keep pushing back their delivery dates!
I was about to pull my hair out! I thought if they are having issues, I probably will too because I got a brand new Dell model and I upgraded it a bit!
I am so glad to see people saying their 435T's have shipped 1-2 weeks early. That means mine should ship soon, too! Hopefully a week from today or so. The ship date when ordering was 4/1 but the delivery date at time of order completion and still today is 4/7.
BTW, I upgraded to Vista Ultimate (still not sure why but oh well), upgraded to the 4670 1gb video card, and 6gb of ram (as well as wireless keyboard/mouse, media card reader, maybe something else small). I will get another drive from NewEgg (probably a 15000rpm) and 12gb tri-channel ram upgrade there too most likely. To the original poster, your link for Dell's 12gb tri-channel ram kit goes to some 2gb ram kit for $30-something.
If anyone wants, I wouldn't mind talking about our upcoming systems on AIM or IRC. AIM: basicair1 IRC: Air on irc.gamesurge.net
- Air aka Jeremy