Thanks for the reply. I was under the impression that parts sent in need to be replaced by the repair guy. So what you are saying is that I can replace them myself (yes, I am tech savvy).

But in case a problem cannot be diagnosed over the phone, then doesnt it become imperative that the repair guy needs to diagnose the problem. Or is it that tech support on phone will determine the problem before dispatching the part ?

Since you opted for a long duration warranty, I would highly recommend the at home service. I don't think this affects stuff that you can do yourself (such as a keyboard replacement. all easy to do repairs are mailed to you, whether or not you have the at home or mail in warranty). However, if you have a major problem, you dont have to wait a week+ to have it repaired. The parts are almost always shipped to the technician overnight or 2 day, which is quicker than Dell will pay to ship your notebook in both directions. Also, you can monitor the technician as he repairs the notebook, allowing you to personally test it and make sure that the problem wasn't merely partially alleviated, but in fact is fully corrected. Again, with 3 years of warranty it is much more than likely to have a problem with the system, and if this is your primary computer, the at home service is much quicker and causes fewer problems on your end.

Hi Mightymack,

I have the at home service, where they come to my place and fix.

I have already used it once, they replaced the mobo on my 5150laptop.

Service was quick and friendly. It was actually really cool service considering it was not booting at all and i am glad i did not have to send it in, and like the other gentleman mentioned, you can watch the quality of the repair. Get the best service plan you can afford with the least headaches to you. I like this service plan because the 5150 is my main computer "workhorse"  

First things first:

Even with a mail in service contract (Return to Depot), you can opt to have the parts sent directly to you, no matter what kind of parts they are.  Parts are broken down into 2 major categories: Customer Removable Units and Field Replacable Units (CRUs & FRUs).  CRUs are exactly that, parts that do not require much technical knowledge of the system to remove and replace.  FRUs, on the other hand, are the expensive and usually difficult parts to remove (generally, if it involves more than removing 3 screws, it's a FRU).  If an onsite technician damages any of these FRU parts, Dell will replace them at their own expense, as the OST is a representative of the company.  However if anything is damaged by you while you are putting these parts in, Dell will not replace them again.  This means that if you are replacing an LCD and you damage the connector to the video card, Dell will not replace the video card, and you will have to go buy one yourself, even though you have Complete Care (excellent choice), because this part "requires" a certified Dell technician to replace, Dell is not responsible for your choice to attempt to put it in.

Secondly:

As one of the previous posters noted, you can have the service for "at home servicing" done anywhere you choose.  You can have the guy meet you at the local 7-11 if you so desired.  The reason it is called that is because that is where the vast majority of people have the work done.

Hope this helps you with your choice.

Jwee

Thanks Guys for the replies.

another thing I found out, if you travel overseas and something goes bad with your Dell and if you have at-home service then you can go to nearest Dell service center and get it repaied. If you happen to have mail in service, then you have to wait to get back to the US to have it repaired.

This I was told by a dell rep. Does this sound correct ???