I used to do onsite warranty repair on Dell laptops. The cooling fans are "on demand", not supposed to be running all the time, just when a temperature threshold is reached. The fans last longer this way, and you don't ALWAYS have to tolerate the fan noise. I thought the service we provided was amazing: Customer calls in a problem at 3PM or later, I receive air-shipped parts 10AM the next day and I'm on my way to do the repair.
This onsite service is available from Dell. Sounds like you opted for a cheaper warranty package and you have to send the unit in for a depot repair.
Computers have changed a lot in 6 years. Maybe your problem can be resolved over the phone if you just get a competent support person you can communicate with. It frustrated the hell out of me when I had to deal with some support fucktard with no skills and no concept of time, and/or who barely spoke english! I would hang up and try again, and often the next support person would deliver top service. It's unfortunate that Dell contracts with support companies overseas that speak a different language and live a different culture, but sometimes the worst support techs I dealt with were nitwits in their own back yard in Texas.
I think Dell makes a good product. They miss the mark sometimes, but they have higher satisfaction ratings than any other brand in consumer polls. All computer brands have many logged complaints, just enter "Compaq sucks" in Google sometime.
Dell laptops come with a diagnostic disk that does a good job of finding hardware problems. Try it, maybe with tech support on the phone if you need some guidance. If the hardware is OK, reinstalling the operating system, (Windows), will fix software issues. Run the Dell system recovery CD to do this. If you can work with tech support to identify the exact cause of failure, you may not have to send the laptop in to have it repaired. If your problem is RAM or a failed hard drive, they might send you a new part that's easily swapped.
Feel free to PM me if I can help. Good luck.
