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Dell Latitude XPi CD MMX Unofficial Information Center
Tips, info, and advice regarding one of the best laptops ever made.
Compiled by Jeremy Jusay |
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eBay |
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Aside from resellers who sell directly on the web and random posters in newsgroups, eBay remains the best source for used XPi CD laptops, parts, and accessories. In this section, I will outline what you need to know and look for when shopping for an XPi on the world famous internet auction site.
Here's a quick links menu of this section for your convenience:
Price
Shipping
Returns or Guarantees
What to Ask
Final Words
Price
As of this date, May 10, 2005, a Dell Latitude XPi CD M166ST can sell on auction for as much as $200. Personally, I would only pay that much if it maxed out on features, such as 80 MB RAM, 3 GB or more hard drive, laptop case, and a network and/or modem card.
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Shipping
Usually, sellers have two options: the U.S. Post Office (USPS) or United Parcel Service (UPS). I've seen auctions requiring the buyer to pay an additional $30 for shipping, which probably used UPS as the delivery method. On the other hand, I've seen shipping costs as low as $10, most likely using the USPS's Priority Mail method. Costs depend mostly on the weight of the item(s) and any handling charges (boxes, packing peanuts or styrofoam, etc.). If possible, discuss shipping methods with the seller.
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Returns or Guarantees
1. Avoid auctions that sell the laptop as is, which basically means they won't be held responsible if the laptop is a lemon. Usually, as is auctions indicate a minor problem with the laptop somehow, be it a hardware or software issue. Expect such auctions to result in lower maximum bids.
2. Make sure that the seller provides a DOA (Dead-On-Arrival) warranty, which means he/she will take a defective laptop back and issue you a full refund (usually not including shipping costs). Batteries are not always included in a guarantee, as they tend to die in a short period of time.
3. Check the seller's feedback ratings to see if they've been honest and reliable. This is pretty obvious.
4. Patronize only individuals selling their laptops. I had an unfavorable experience with one of those resellers that obtained their laptops from off-leasing companies. They usually have reasonable return policies, but I've found that the quality and condition of their wares are pretty random (one of them sent me an XPi whose keys were faded and whose LCD casing was cracked, another sent me one with a clickety hard drive and a Windows 98 CD stuck inside the case -- both were otherwise OK but I was understandably disappointed. I sent them both back and the sellers honored their guarantees, but I lost the money I shelled out for shipping the laptops back and forth). You don't know what to expect from them because they usually don't show pictures of the individual laptop for sale (see the Pictures section of this site for typical eBay pictures) and they deal with hundreds of customers and laptops every day.
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What To Ask
If their pictures and description are inadequate, here's what you should ask a seller who puts up an XPi CD for auction or sale.
1. Is the screen consistently bright and free of any bad pixels?
2. Is the casing free from scratches, marks, or cracks?
3. Is the keyboard in good cosmetic condition?
4. Does the trackball mouse function properly?
5. Does the XPi still have its rear tilt-support feet, screws, and all rubber screw covers?
6. Do the CD-ROM and floppy drive function properly?
7. Does the hard drive have any bad sectors or suffer from any clicking noises?
6. How long does the included battery last and does it include the battery cover?
7. Is the laptop free of any primary or admin password problems?
8. What operating system is included, and does it come with the proper licenses and certificates and original CDs?
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Final Words
That's all the advice for now. If anyone has anything else to add or would like to ask me a question regarding eBay, please e-mail me. Good luck!
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| Copyright ©
2008 by Jeremy Jusay | Last updated Tuesday, May 10, 2005 | Minimum resolution: 800x600 |
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