This batch of laptops stinks, literally

How's this for a techie horror story?

 

For the last four months, an ultrabook from Dell Computer has been the subject of complaints from buyers: that it stinks. Literally.

 

Many complaints on a thread that dates back to June said the Latitude 6430u smelled like cat urine, and that they could not get rid of the stench.

 

"The machine is great, but it smells as if it was assembled near a tomcats litter box.  It is truly awful!" said one, whose post dated back to June 14.

 

Another suggested it could be the battery since it is the only component that contains ammonia.

 

Still another said they had to ship back the Dell laptops and stick with another brand.

 

But among the more recent posts was a meme of Grumpy Cat with the message, "New laptop from Dell... smells like another cat was already here."

 

And Dell? It replied on Wednesday, Manila time - more than four months after the first complaint was posted on its forums.

 

One Joey Chong apologized for the smell, but said the complainants will need to call technical support toll free in their countries, and log a call on their 6430U smell.

 

"A replacement of the palmrest should get rid of the smell. Be sure that your laptop is under warranty for the replacement," he said.

 

He added they could "make exceptions in extraordinary cases and do what’s right by the customer in whatever way we can regardless."  — TJD, GMA News