Dell Computers?

[enuff1]

I would like everyone's opinion. I am thinking of buying a Dell Computer, for so many years I've heard how good they are, but now I've heard some complaints. A friend of mine has a Dell, and she isn't happy, with their Tech support, I've also done a Group search on "Google", and I've read that dell Computers, are hard to Upgrade. Has anyone else had these problems? Also, what brand would you recommend? Thanks In advance...

[Cleamer]

That depends on what you're going to use it for.

If you plan to do some nifty Word documents or surf the Internet, get a Dell. If you want to game, run multimedia productivity software, or do anything else remotely entertaining or productive with your system, you're better off with something else.

Like most major computer manufacturers, Dell uses second-rate hardware in combination with powerful processors. So, while you're sporting your 3.2Ghz P4 processor, you're probably not even close to squeezing all the power you could out of it. And yeah, Dell's tech support is deplorable.

You're better off hitting a local computer store and buying a used system. Good parts, decent price, and if you already own CD's of your OS, you can tell 'em to shave that off the price. Plus, you'll most likely get support for it from people who actually know technology.

[juang310]

The simplest reason to choose Dell (or HP, Sony, Toshiba, IBM or even Apple) is because they'll be around in 5 years. Dell and all other Tier 1 Wintel vendors will be around to support you even after the warranty expires on your system. That's not to say you will be able to get a replacement for a defective part but they will be around to check with in 5 years.

If you don't plan on changing your PC in the next 3-5 years Dell can be a good choice. There even a large number of 3rd party companies selling older systems and componets for Dell on the on the web. Upgrading a Dell can be difficult since they use MOBOs with proprietary power connections and you cannot fit a standard ATX MOBO in many of their cases. But the rest of the componets. RAM, HD, and CPU, are all standard.

IMO Dell doesn't sell shoddy hardware, their Desktop MOBO are made by Intel and use they same ODMS for their laptops as everyone else. Of course with the millions of systems they sell you can get a lemon. Dell (and every Tier 1 vendor) sells systems with conservative or at least non-cutting edge specifications. They will not typically sell a system with the latest and greatest bleeding edge specs nor do they allow overclocking and other tricks on their MOBOs and video cards. The simple reason for this is they have no reason to do so. They are not serving the do-it yourselfers. Their primary target is the typical home user and companies of all sizes. Many of their customers simply want one place to call for support and aren't interested in getting the latest tweaked-out overclocking hotrod in their budget.

If you want a better price perfomance ratio you should look at putting together your own computer or using a white-box vendor who can build the system you desire. If you are comfortable selecting parts that meet your specifications invidually this can be the best way to go.

[duffman_108]

If i was you i wouldn't buy a dell at all. Every dell i used always had trouble. I always had trouble with there crapy CD drives and there motherboards. There motherboards they make are a peace of crap.And they over charge there computer prices. Only deals they have on there comps are there crapy ones.

[dejha]

DO

Out of the major OEMs - Dell, HP, Compaq (HP), Gateway, etc.... (don't really know any others) Dell has been rated the highest in almost every category when it comes to customer service, support, etc for years. I did tech support for both HP and Dell in the past, and much prefer Dell's handling of customers.

True as stated, they do not always have the best setup's or prices, but you'll face that with all the OEMs. When it comes to purchasing a system, anytime you don't know what you need or don't do the research, you'll get screwed.

If you do go Dell - check out www.gotapex.com - and go through their deal list. Dell changes specials daily, and they usually have %off coupons also.

[Rob94hawk]

Originally posted by dejha
DO

Out of the major OEMs - Dell, HP, Compaq (HP), Gateway, etc.... (don't really know any others) Dell has been rated the highest in almost every category when it comes to customer service, support, etc for years.

Not anymore. They are the worst.

They are only into big companies with money and the second rate homeowner gets left out in the dust.

Had to get the BBB involved for a coworker cause Dell refused to take a PC back that definetly had hardware issues even after a total reinstall of windowsxp. Brand new pc too!

They refused to take it back and refund her money untill the BBB got involved and even that was a fight!

Since they moved their customer service to India that is where they should be selling computers now, not here.

Build your own if you have the time. it's not hard and you will learn so much to a point where Dell will be obsolete like Gateway now is.

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Dell 2001FP/Doom3/X800XT PE/1600x1200 and liking it!!

[hansbroken]

I really cannot whole heartedly recommend a Dell for the single home user -- based on what I have observed. Mainly because of their terrible support. They say they'll offer "on site" support, but I have yet to know ANY single home user that received this service. All of them were forced to deal with their inept phone support over and over again (in Dell's defense though, trying to help someone over the phone with computer support - especially if they are not very familiar with Windows or how a PC works - is a VERY tedious task). And, keep in mind that if your problem is due to a virus or worm, it's out of their hands (unless you pay out the nose for them to come out and fix it)

On the other hand, I am a programmer, and most of the businesses I have as clients use Dell. They buy 5, 10, 20+ etc.. units at a time. And they receive very good support compared to the average home user. Now, all the companies have their IT guy deal with Dell's support, so maybe that -- and the fact that they buy so many computers -- probably influence the situation.

Oh side note: ** stay away from Gateway! ***

If you have to get a basic home computer and you don't expect too much (like, you just want to do homework and surf the net etc..), nor are you looking to upgrade anything on it, then maybe a Dell would work well for you.

Please note though that -- considering what is out there at your local Best Buy & Sears etc.. I would NOT say that Dell's are the worst computer you can get. As stated in another post here in your thread, they do use Intel MB's. And they do offer a decent guarantee. But -- after building systems for myself and others -- not one of them (or me) would ever go back to Dell, HP, Gateway etc.. Some of the reasons: 1) hard to upgrade -- including upgrading to a new version of Windows (they don't offer driver support or even basic information on the hardware - like modem, NIC etc.. -- unless you purchase the upgrade from them (at least, this was my experience with Compaq a few years back), 2) you don't get an actual Windows disk, nor individual software disks in many cases; you get a "restore disk" that -- if something goes wrong, it will restore your system the way it came out of the box the day you purchased it. This is rough, since most people spend a lot of time to get their system set up and they don't want to "restore" their system back to day one. At least when you have the actual software disk(s), you can work with them to restore the part of your system that actually has the problem. For example, I had someone who purchased a Dell, and after spending two days setting up all his business programs and configuring it for his e-mail, etc..., somehow the CD burning software got corrupted or was accidentally deleted. Well the response from Dell was to restore the system back to when they sent it using the restore disk. All he wanted to do was re-install the burning software. But, that was not an option. It was either restore it all back to day one or no burning software. So, he ended up purchasing a retail copy of Roxio Cd creator to solve the problems, as "restoring" the PC to day one was not a viable option.

Anyway, You can possibly try a small but reputable local company that builds computers as a possible alternative. We referred a client who owned a small business that did not want Dell's, HP's etc.. anymore to a small local guy with a good reputation. And it turned out very well for his business. The local guy was competitive price wise, and took care of any problems ASAP and built some really nice quality systems. And the business owner even purchased one for his own personal home use. Plus, the computer company did not pre-load all the 'junk programs' you get on Dell's, HP's etc.. Might be worth a look.

Or, if your close by someone here on the forum (heck, I'd even offer my services if your in the NW Burbs of the Chicago area), I'm sure someone would be more than happy to work with you to build you a computer that fits your needs.

Again, just my two cents.....

I hope this helps you out.

[McQualude60124]

Dell offers different base models each with their own price range. The more expensive models will have better components and vice versa. If you buy the cheapest model line (2400 I think) you will have limited upgradeability. The 4600s and 8400s are as upgradeable as any other computer.

Dell builds good, attractive, quiet machines. They are not the very best, but they are the very best for the price. You cannot build a computer the same quality as a Dell, software included, for the same price. Feel free to argue, be prepared to back it up.

I have used their tech support and I didn't have any problems. Some people do have problems, including a good friend of mine, you get what you pay for. If tech support is the most important thing, then choose a local shop with a good reputation, it will cost you though. I choose to handle most of my own tech support.

Lastly, if you do buy a Dell, hold off until just before Christmas. They will have major discounts and you can probably get 25-35% discount off current prices.

[pianowizard]

Originally posted by hansbroken
2) you don't get an actual Windows disk, nor individual software disks in many cases; you get a "restore disk" that -- if something goes wrong, it will restore your system the way it came out of the box the day you purchased it.

Both of the two Dell computers that I have bought came with the Windows (one XP Home, the other XP Pro) installation discs.

[ksmiggy]

we've had 3 dell's now, no troubles with any, all came with complete software discs, only trouble was upgrading the ram, they used rimms, cost more than pc to upgrade