It looks as though the XPS M1330 isn't the only new laptop
series that Dell is having problems shipping these days. Dell updated its Direct2Dell blog on Friday with a status update
on the newly
revamped Inspiron lineup.
Like the XPS M1330, problems with the paint quality on the
Inspirons are causing a delay in shipments. The problems were so severe in the
case of the XPS M1330 that Dell discontinued the
Pearl White color option.
Dell hasn't yet taken such dramatic steps with the
Inspiron's color palette yet, but choosing Espresso Brown, Ruby Red, Midnight
Blue, Spring Green, Flamingo Pink or Sunshine Yellow will result in a delay of
your notebook shipment. Customers who decide to go with Jet Black or Alpine White
will see no such delays.
"We'll continue to work directly with suppliers to
ultimately increase our production on color notebooks," said Lionel
Menchaca, Dell's Digital Media Manager. "Besides scale, we are also
focused on maintaining the levels of quality we established when we designed
these notebooks. In other words, we're not going to relax our quality standards
to ship more products."
"Beyond that, we have added dedicated sales and support
resources in the United States and around the world specifically to address the
customer experience issues that these delays cause. We also understand that
shipping your system is key, and we'll continue to work to do that,"
Menchaca continued.
The words of encouragement from Dell are doing little;
however, to quiet the growing mob of disgruntled Inspiron customers. "So,
here's to crappy service, lame excuses, and no real compensation,"
remarked one irate customer. "I like the part about dedicated sales
staff...just what Dell needs, more sales staff. Keep selling a product you
cannot build...don't you folks see a small problem with that," remarked
another customer.
With all the problems regarding receiving an Inspiron in
your color of choice in a timely manner, maybe Dell should consider scaling
back its promotional
campaign which highlights the option.