Dell Service Repair Woes

[mjrpes3]

So I have Dell 32" TV bought 2.5 years ago and the screen is starting to show weird stuff on it. It doesn't seem to be a screen problem per se, as the weird stuff displays differently on the display menus then when they're off; more like a circuit board issue. Anyway, it's out of warranty and so I need to go through Dell repair service.

The repair guy told me that there is a $260 base fee just to send it to dell (they're on the east coast), along with a possible $300 additional fee for parts and labor to fix it. If they find there's a problem with the screen (and they can't guarantee that it will or will not be a problem with the screen), then the price to fix is much higher.

The one thing I was surprised to learn is they offer no guarantee they can fix it. I'm gambling $260 just sending it off, with the possibility they just don't have the parts to fix it. Or they discover it's a screen problem and I'm forced practically to buy a new TV because of the repair costs.

Are there other TV manufacturers that offer better support out of warranty? Or is this typical? Are there TV manufacturers that have service centers in major metropolitan areas (I'm in the Bay Area), so I at least wouldn't have to pay huge shipping fees next time?

Any other suggestions as far as repairing it (can a local TV repair be any help) would also be appreciated (the model is W3201C).

Thanks

 

[newnameman]

The big name manufacturers (Sony, Samsung, etc.) all have solid out-of-warranty support. Read this: http://www.hdguru.com/?p=107

 

[Trader05]

that really sucks, Worst comes to worse, $260+300 = new better 32" LCD TV. Walmart i think has Sharp's for $500