... and I guess that is the reason I have never written a letter of 'issue' or 'complaint' to a company.

I have little faith that it will ever make a difference. However, I am so extremely disappointed.... at the moment, and I feel I must do 'something' for my own peace of mind.  I am a single mom raising 2 kids alone. I have four desktop computers ("hand me downs" from friends). I have been able to fix almost every single problem that has ever occurred with all my desktops. I have replaced fans, installed hardware, set up a complete wireless networking system etc. I understand this may not be impressive to you, but I have had no computer classes or nor have I ever been taught anything.

Six months ago I made the decision to purchase a laptop. I was looking for small, convenient and inexpensive. This would just be a luxury for me to check e-mail and have a few files on hand for when I go somewhere. I did a lot of research and talked to several friends. My brother has 2 HP's and loves them, but he started having problems with one of them (it was two years old.) I wanted a more 'reliable' laptop....... so, long story short, I decided on DELL.

I purchased the Dell 1000 (service tag # 8MFXZ51). It has been less than six months and a few days ago I started having problems with the power cord. The connection became 'loose'. I would jiggle the adapter/prong and it would be ok. Last night, it completely turned off and the 'jiggle' would not work anymore. I purchased a new power cord and it did not work.

I spent all morning on the phone with technical support and on the computer trying to figure out what to do. I found out that my warranty ran out after 3 months. I was told that the 'mother board' needs to be replaced and that it would cost $349.00. I am in total and complete shock. There is no way that I would invest that much more money in a computer that I do not believe in.

I have not even had the laptop for 6 months. I was using the laptop to create scrapbooks for my son's baseball team. I had scanned over 300 pictures that the parents had got together for me and I was supposed to have everything ready in the next days. Needless to say, I never expected this situation and I am not ONLY out of a computer but I have lost 3 weeks of work and will not be able to have the scrapbooks in time for our party.

The saddest part of this whole situation is I do not think it is the mother board. The back connection is loose. It is the CONNECTION that will not let the power get to the computer and charge the battery !

I tried to explain this to the DELL technicians and they proceeded to tell me that they were 'not authorized' to tell me it is the 'connection' and that they can give me a deal of $299.00 to repair the mother board. I just do not understand this.

I have been reading all the comments on the Dell website community boards and it appears that this is a HUGE problem and I am not the only person to ever complain.

I know that my situation is no less/more important than anyone else's, but I can't remember ever being this disappointed in a product that I have purchased... and for the service / help I have received.

I will never ever purchase another Dell and although, I have never been a 'trouble maker' or crusader, I will be sure that anyone ever needing a computer and asking my advice will not be advised to buy a Dell.

Thank you for your time,
Rhonda Williams

Rhonda Williams, rkw333@aol.com