Your Opinion of Dell

[Cody]

What is your opinion of Dell? I don't want any biased stuff, just pure facts and opinions.

Thanks!

[Ol' Mil]

I bought a Dell Dimension XPS R450 about three and a half years ago. It is still running like a champ.

Dell's Tech Support, either by phone or email has been first rate.

If you are thinking about buying a new system though, I would suggest you build one yourself, instead of buying from any company.

You can get exactly what you want but, please...do your homework! I built my 3rd system about six months ago and picked my own components and, everything is working just great. Dell does not supply Win98 anymore. Last time I checked it was WinME or 2000. I don't need those platforms, and many others are finding they 'don't' either.

Building your own is great and you can find all the information you need to do this on this forum.

[fshanda]

We have a Dimension XPS T700r and it has been one of the most trouble free systems we have ever owned. Its very quiet, you have to look at the power light to see if its running. I have hit the power button on several occations thinking that the system was off just to have it shut down. Configuring a system on there website is great. There are many upgrade options for hardware and software. When my wife did need some assistance with a problem she was having they were easy to deal with and very helpful.

If you dont want to build it yourself Dell is the way to go.

Fshanda http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif

[JnMHayes]

Only had our system a few months. My wife decided we HAD to get a new PC from a reputable manufacturer after I was spending more time fixing my old home-built system than anyone was using it. We got a Dimension 4100, P3-933 with Windows ME. It was very competitively priced with comparable P3 systems. I actually didn't know computers were supposed to run this well. I mean, the thing just does not crash for any reason whatsoever.
Jn

[SecretNinja999]

Dell computers are reliable and their customer service is the best if you want to spend a little extra buck for your system(s).

sXn999

[Cody]

So, thumbs up or thumbs down? :-/

[Ol' Mil]

Buy a system: Dell=Thumbs Up!

Build a system: Do your homework.

[wahrez]

I've owned two dell computers a 486 DX2 66Mhz (which still works fine!) which I brought in 1996 and a Dell PII 400 which has been an absolute gem of a computer, I have had it since 1999 and it works perfectly, never had a single problem with it and it runs continuously 24/7 in my home office!

I have built computers before but you have to make sure you do your homework and ensure that you buy the best components.

[Cody]

What sort of components does dell use?

[papawealey]

I bought a new Dell Precision 420 about a month ago, P3 933, 512 RDRAM, 18G scsi for less than $1000. Also, I called to whine about some inconsequential issue right aftert I received it, and they knocked $100 off the price to shut me up right there on the phone.

So far its been a good system, loud cdrom, slow booter (NT4).

[jman01pa]

I manage two Domains totally over 500 pc's and 15 servers. All are Dell's and are 1-2 years old. Other than a few hard drive replacements and a lot of user error, they have been fantastic. The support is also Top Notch. I would never buy anything else. (Unless I made it myself).

J http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif

[This message has been edited by jman01pa (edited 08-25-2001).]

[Cody]

So, two of the best power user options are:

Build yourself
-or-
Dell?

I would be worried about ever building myself, because I have been known to screw up (over and over again) and if I wrecked my new computer that would be it. Until dyer_maker (hrrm hrrm!) gets a new PII200 from school, I only have 1

[SecretNinja999]

Those aren't the only two options, you can get the computer built by a friend or associate who knows what he/she is doing, probably for a small fee.

I'm not sure what the American rates for Dell are like but in Canada it's generally cheaper to have the computer custom-built from a local store or by a friend (or yourself). The only problem is you don't get the amazing backing technical support you find at Dell.

Although Dell America might be cheaper than the Canadian comparision.

[krohnjw]

We have had 3 Dell computers. I can say that their warranty and service are top notch. I blew my sound card on the first day I got my new comp...all my fault...but yet they had someone at my door in 1 day with a new card, he even installed it for me, as if that was necessary. http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif BUT, I can say that their tech support is a little shaky. They do have a few pros who know what they are talkign about, but then again, about 70% of the time that I had to call, they tech guys had no idea how to solve it, and gave me BS answers. Even after I informed them that I had done what they said and it would not work, they would assure me that thier method was different and it would work. So, all in all, for a comp that will run stably, I say Dell is top notch. For warranty, they stick to their word. And I have to give them credit for that, even if it is not their fault. You just need to be cautious if you ever have to call tech support.

[Steve R Jones]

I've been using Dell's since the 386 days. Wouldn't buy anything else. Came close to building a new pc last December. With all the specials Dell was offering, Dell was the better deal. No fuss no muss. Take it out of the box and off you go....

[RamonGTP]

My first computer was a DELL, it was a 486DX/33 and it was great way back then. (if I had only gotten some DELL stock back then) I've always heard good things about Dell. The only thing I don't like is that you don't have the option of chosing an AMD processor, they only use INTEL. Still great computers though, i'd chose DELL over Gateway anytime.

-Ramon

[MrBaseball]

I think the name "Dell" is cool.

You've got your compaqs, yur gateways, your IBM's... Then theres DELL! Dell has the coolest name out of them all!

[zskillz]

i wouldn't mind being Mr. DELL. that would suit me just fine.

my dell is fantastic. i called one afternoon to complain that 1 or 2 of my pixels had gone out. there was a new monitor on my doorstep the next day. I couldn't believe it. the absolute, bar none, best service I have ever dealt with.

-Z

[Scorpio69]

There are three Dells at my work, that have not had any problems, except for one dead Maxtor hardrive. They also have some pretty good deals lately.

Having said that, I would not consider buying one for my use. I like to know every single piece of hardware in any computer I use. For example, I always know I can go right to my motherboard manufacturer's web page and download the latest drivers, BIOS, etc. With mass produced computers, it's a little harder to do so, and if a component fails, of course they would like for you to replace it with one of their OEM parts.

Also, if you plan to do any overclocking, I would recommend doing your homework and building it yourself.

Don't be afraid, like Ol' Mil said, you can find out all about it right here. I hope this was helpful and not too redundant with what's already been said.

[crockett]

I go into alot of houses everyday and get to play with peoples computers... I build my owen, but if I had to buy 1 it would be either a Dell or an Apple G-4.

[hirschY]

I have worked on many a DELL.
They have by far the best help desk, and there return policy is top notch!
IF I were to buy a out-of-the-box PC, it would have to be a DELL. http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif

I have seen and heard too many horror stories about Compaq, Gateway, IBM, HP, (fill in any other PC maker, except for Toshiba)

If you want a laptop, go with Toshiba, or DELL.

Good luck with the new system!
Maybe you can get the new P4-2Ghz! http://www.sysopt.com/forum/wink.gif

[Cody]

Heh... no new system for me soon. A couple of people were just asking me what I would reccommend for a new computer. I told them Milwaukee PC, or ask me again in a few days.

The only thing I would be wary of building my own PC, is: what if I do something wrong? If something goes bad, I have to wait for when the COMPANY wants to send it to me. With a manufacturer (fill in Dell or MPC here), they have them in stock, so I get a replacement faster (most likely)...

[crockett]

something else is DEll cases pretty much rock.. it normally takes less than 30 secs to open 1 up.

[Cody]

Yeah... and that awesome ductwork with pre-made parts... gotta love it.

[dosmastr]

dell has an excellent rep, no doubt. pc magazine named them a best buy.

[Tekkitan]

only problem i have with Dell is they dont sell AMD based CPU systems! I hate Intel, I love AMD!

[Warthog]

Tekk - Performance wise, really what is the difference between AMD and Intel?

AMD has much better prices but those are not noticable when buying from a large vendor like Dell. Is it the allegiance factor?

I'm not on anyone's side here, just wondering http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif

I have bought two Dells in my lifetime, excellent service, good products, etc, etc.

Next comp will be homebuilt because it's MUCH MUCH cheaper, ala more and better for the money.

Warthog

[Cody]

I'm not worried (whenever I do get a new computer... this one's plenty for the time being) about being able to do it. I have ripped apart my computer several times and it still works (well... :-)). The only thing I worry about is if I have problems with hardware failing. :-/

Thanks guys!

[Graham]

Looks like Dell are not too bad then ???? http://www.sysopt.com/forum/wink.gif

G

PS My Dell laptop beats the **** out of the Tosh.

G

[str8jakit]

At work, I manage a network consisting of 3 Dell PowerEdge 2300's, 2 2400's, and 2 4300's. We have had the 2300's and 1 4300 for about 2 years now and have had NO hardware problems AT ALL. We got the rest about 6 months ago for that very reason. We looked at other competitively priced systems, but chose Dell for their reliability and their SUPERB support. We are now in the process of replacing all our client computers (IBM's) with Dell Dimensions.

On the home side, I just bought a laptop to replace my homebuilt machine. I also chose Dell because of the reliability that I have experienced with them at work.

Str8jakit

[conjh13]

I've never actually owned a Dell myself, but from what I've read, and from my sister's experience with her Dell, I would buy no other brand of OEM PC. Not only is Dell tops for stability, it's also generally lower priced.

I have owned a Compaq Presario 5070 however. Never again. Ever got ticked off at your comp enough that you felt like puting a shotgun slug through it? This one invoked those urges almost daily. Oh, and guess what: if a part dies under warranty in your Presario, they replace it with a very nicely refurbished part. How sweet. On mine, within 20 months the HDD began corrupting, and the proprietary PSU (which costs about $50 more than most PSUs) died. Unfortunately I had opened the case, and thus voided the warranty.

[prttybean]

We use Dell servers at work and love them. They really are reliable. For workstation though we build. Thats because of price and the no AMD thing.

The MPC branch here is staffed with idiots. Better in other locations though so maybe yours is ok.

[Bait Man]

Cody, I have been running a Dell Deminison xps R450 for about 31/2 years now with little to no problem, the service was great for about the first year afterward it turn sour grapes, from tech who's only answer was to format your hard drive to get it back, I would think very serious about getting anything else from Dell again..
PS: I would just gamble and build my own system from what I have learn over the years..BM

[Cody]

prttybean: wow... sorry your experiences with MPC have been bad. The one around here, the people are you standard, full-blown computer freaks. They have modded cases with blowholes (they sell them pretty much only there), and they can answer ANY question you throw at them...

[cadetstimpy]

I usually build my own but here's two reasons why I would buy a DELL system over others.
1. DELL uses a standard BIOS only slightly tweaked (AMI or AWARD)
HP = phogenix BIOS
Compaq = Intel ICU BIOS on HDD (DOS technology)

2. Their support response has been beating the competition for years

[cadetstimpy]

I usually build my own but here's two reasons why I would buy a DELL system over others.
1. DELL uses a standard BIOS only slightly tweaked (AMI or AWARD)
HP = phoenix BIOS
Compaq = Intel ICU BIOS on HDD (DOS technology)

2. Their support response has been beating the competition for years

[Austin Stevens]

My company has serveral Dell servers. The biggest thing they had going for them WAS their support, but lately it's been terrible. The last four calls, we've got nothing but a hassle. We are current thinking of changing venders.