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Dell computers
by mntypingmom - 12/14/04 11:03 PM In reply to: About Dell Computers by TechWiz?Responding to your question on Dell desktop computers. I have two--one for the kids and one for my work. I've managed to crash both of them (no fault of Dells) and they walked me through rebuilding both computers. I would not hesitate to buy another one. I've not had any problems with their tech support--my last computer I signed up for their priority tech support which puts you through faster.
About Dell Computer
by leongpf - 12/15/04 9:56 AM In reply to: About Dell Computers by TechWiz?I have bought a Dell Desktop and had a very bad experience with it. The Technical Support i very weak and give wrong solutions. My computer has a problem on the USB ports whereby it could not support USB2.0 even though in the Dell specification stated my hardware is USB 2.0. When I called the Technical help desk I was told to reload my Windows XP. As I have been in the IT for the past twenty years and had dealt with the PC hardware frequently, I told the Dell support that it was a wrong solution. Dell refused to replace my USB card even though it waas under warranty. Their reason is that I did not reload the Windows XP. Recently, with the release of Windows XP patch2, I had to reload the Windows XP and experience the same problem subsequently. I therefore called Dell and told them that their earlier suggested solution did not work and requested that they replaced my USB card. Again, Dell refused to replaced the USB stating that the warranty had expired. So do give yourself a triple thoughts in your purchase.
Dell makes mass-produced mediocrity
by jnoreman - 12/15/04 2:22 PM In reply to: About Dell Computers by TechWiz?Dell is mass-produced mediocrity. They USED to be very good for a mass-produced machine. Now their products are only average. Tech support (unless you pay an insulting premium) is now handled by foreigners (no problem) who you can't understand frequently (big problem) and who do not do technical support, they simply read answers given to them off a computer screen - they DON'T ACTUALLY DO TECHNICAL SUPPORT anymore.
If something is wrong, they send a tech to you to swap out parts who doesn't care about saving your data. How can they? The tech's company bids on doing support for Dell in a geographic area, and the company with the lowest bid obviously wins. They get a flat fee for each support call, so the tech sent to your home/office gets the same $40. or so wether he is there for 10 minutes or 10 hours. To add insult to injury, after they replace a hard drive (for instance), they tell you:
1. "Don't worry, we'll wipe off all of your personal data off this hard drive before we dispose of the drive." - not very reassuring to me...
2. After they start the restore process, they line up the disks and tell you to replace them yourself, and then they jet. I PERSONALLY WITNESSED THIS WORKING WITH MY CUSTOMERS.
I prefer custom-made machines with less "trial software" and "sign up Now" icons on the screen. I prefer dealing with companies that actually try to resolve problems with saving my data being a higher priority than company profit margins.
With mass prodcued machines, I prefer Apple or IBM...
Good luck to all you Dell owners...
http://www.illwillpress.com/tech.html
Dell Computer's
by westerntony - 12/15/04 5:30 PM In reply to: About Dell Computers by TechWiz?In late 2001 I purchased one Desk Top for my personal home use. I also spec'd out a system for an open show room (dirty, cold or hot) type enviroment for use by all skill levels. The work purchase was for twelve units. I included an on-site three year service contract on all units.
To date none of the 13 units have experenced a hardware failure. I have not heard any complaints about software support about Dell. So when I am ready to buy again will I buy Dell? What do you think?
Re; Dell computers
by Solarian - 12/15/04 9:43 PM In reply to: About Dell Computers by TechWiz?Let's start with the fact that I do not work for Dell. I'll even say that I'm not allowed to sell Dell products directly. Now as for your guestion.
Whenever I have a client who does not know much about computers and who shows that he will need at lot of hand holding, Ill advise him or her to buy a Dell computer.
They might not be the fastest or cheapest computer on the market, but they are reliable. As for the quality of service after the "sell", it's true that it's not as good as before. But then, I'm there for those who I influence in buying there product. I'll call directly Dell and get them moving. Up to now, it hasn't been a major problem. And I am crossing my fingers in the hope that it will continue so.
Dell
by beauty2 - 12/16/04 9:31 AM In reply to: About Dell Computers by TechWiz?Do not under any conditions get a Dell. Buy HP refurbished.com. They make good laptops and desktops. If you need repair or service on your Dell you speak to India's people. It takes you a long time to get to speak to them. When they switch you to someone else sometimes they disconnect you and you have to start all over again, and explain the prob all over again. Your choice but for my money go to Refurbished.com and get a good price and good service. Well, there you go.
HP sucks
by Dozhdbog - 12/16/04 9:37 AM In reply to: Dell by beauty2Seriously, the proprietary hardware hp uses and the annoying embeddes software for typical OEMs really pisses me off. They are only marginally better than compaq.
I have been using high end dell computers for years. Their customer service is not good, but neither is it really that bad in comparison to the top 10 computer makers. I'd rank em 5th or 6th.
Re: Dell Computers
by metalchic82 - 12/16/04 7:37 PM In reply to: About Dell Computers by TechWiz?They are a very crappy computer. They are very virus sensitive. Almost everything you get into your virus scan will pop up with something saying you got a virus then you are screwed.
Looks Like You Hit A Nerve.
by Ugg - 12/19/04 2:54 PM In reply to: About Dell Computers by TechWiz?TechWiz:
This is a pretty big thread. A lot of comments both pro & con. Are you STILL deciding, or have you made up your mind as to what your gonna do? Let me add my/our story to the mix.
We got our 1st Dell a couple of years ago. We have 3 now. I've been around computers for a long time, however, most of the usage was on specific programs & I didn't have much time for playing with em (although I DID play some games). We've run the gambit with NAME BRAND machines. I liked Acer, but they got to big, to fast. I HATED Gateway.
When we got the 1st Dell, a Dimension 8400, I was so impressed with it right out of the box. It was so well built IMO. Components "SNAPPED" in, everything was so neat & pretty inside that I wanted to leave it open, with it's "GUT'S" exposed for the world to see. Ah, but looks can be decieving.
At 1st, it ran well enough for us to decide to add 2 more machines to the "Home Network". Yeah, there were some problems, but I figured that they were caused by me. Tech support was fast & helpful. They were in the US of A back then. They seemed genuinely knowledgable, not "Book Readers". It was then determined that I needed a new HD. The machine was not even 3 months old then.
Then, I started to get the tech support from India. BTW, when it was determined that I needed a new HD, I had NEVER been told to RE-FORMAT THE HD! Almost the 1st thing this guy from India told me was to re-format the HD. At that time, I was still able to get American Tech support, & they freaked when they heard I had talked to someone in India.
I should have known that the 8400 would be a better built than the lesser machines. We also have a 4400, & a 2300. The 2300's insides are held together by spit & chewing gum. The 4400 was/is a refurb. To us, refurbs shouldn't make a difference. My wife used to work for Sony, & all we ever got from them was refurbs, & we're quite happy with them too. Well, the 4400 is a combo of the 2 other machines.
I also hate to count the # of times I was told to re-format the HD after India took over all of tech support. BTW, the 4400 got a new HD too. Tech support now days is a joke. For one thing, there is a language barrier. I can't understand them, & they me. It seems most of the time on the phone is spent saying "WHAT"! That's from BOTH ends. English is a hard enough language to learn, American is almost impossible.
Knowing what I now know, would I buy another Dell? NO BLOODY WAY! (I wish I could emphasize that more.) Like Acer, they got to big to be any good. What made them good in the past is now inefficent. What would I get? Well, I'm taking the C-Net course on building PC's if that gives you a clue. Hey, like it was already mentioned on this thread, PARTS IS PARTS. It seems that all these computer companies use the same stuff. It's the software & configuration that makes the diff. Good Luck.
Dont get Dell.
by jimmy18 - 12/19/04 9:08 PM In reply to: About Dell Computers by TechWiz?First of all, people think dells are good because they are so common. Just like name brands, they think they are good because everyone has it. I built my computer two years ago with the same exact parts as if i would have bought from dell and saved over $500. I play a lot of games such as counterstrike and doom 3 and it still runs great. If you cant build your own, you could check out other companies than dell. Try E machines, Packard, and Alienware. My brother in law just recently bought an Alienware and it runs great. A lot of people don't know about them but they truly offer the best quality in my opinion. You can check them out at http://www.alienware.com/index.aspx?from=jimmy18.
re: Don't get Dell
by Solarian - 12/20/04 1:04 PM In reply to: Dont get Dell. by jimmy18Hi,
I do basically agree with your point. If you can build, do so. If you don't or can't build but your not a neophyte, buy elsewhere and save some cash in the process.
But if your a neophyte, or if you need reliability, go with Dell. And at this point I'm talking about the hardware and not the service.
On a statistic basis, Dell's product has proven itself for reliability.
Don't Buy A Dell
by peleg - 12/22/04 5:56 PM In reply to: About Dell Computers by TechWiz?If you want a mediocre machine, then certainly buy a Dell. That is the best you are going to get from Dell. It is no mystery why they can sell so cheap. You get a cheap, crummy, machine for your money.
You really didn't think that $450 or even $800 or so was going to buy you anything that could be called 'good' by any stretch, did ja? Really? You did? We gotta talk, see, I got this great piece of land in Florida...
Pop the lid on one. First thing I don't like is that I see proprietary parts, even the power supply.
Now, check the size of that power supply. Is it at least 350W? Nope, it is probably less than 300W. Check some other hardward sites, and you will not see anyone who would run with less that 350W because that is about the minimum you need in order to have enough headroom and to run cool. My box has a 430W supply. Can you get them to build it with a bigger supply? Nope.
Ask them which hard drive you are going to get. They will say, something like, "An 80GB hard drive." When I got that answer, I said, "I know, but which manufacturer and which model. It does make a difference." Their answer pretty much amounted to, "Whatever we happen to have on-hand the day we build your machine." Wrong answer. This would be strike three. I did not recommend a Dell.
Finally, a horror story. A client of mine lost their MS Office install CD, so I called Dell and asked for a replacement, thinking I'd have to pay only for shipping and handling (which I figured would be fair). First problem was that none of their geniuses knew if sales or software tech support was the right place and I got dizzy being bounced around for about an hour. Finally, I got someone to take responsibility for it and they wanted $350 for the disk. "No, no", I said, "See, I already have a valid license, I just want a replacement CD." They said, "We don't provide them." "Aren't you the OEM? Isn't that what your responsibility as an OEM is?" The idiot didn't think so. So, I just spent about 2 hours on a wild goose chase. I called Microsoft, explained the situation, and asked what exactly is Dell's responsibility here. Their response was, "You are right. As an OEM, they are supposed to supply replacement disks. And we get complaints from Dell customers about this all the time." Well, knowing I was not alone didn't make me feel that much better, but at least I knew I was right. So, I called Dell back, insisted on having the called immediately escalated, and then, when that person wanted $350, I told them that MS says they gotta send me the disk for no more than S&H. In a huff, they said, "Well, you know you are getting a $350 disk for free." IDIOTS!!!! LIARS!!! It cost them more to argue with me about this than to just send me out the disk in the first place.
Yeah, I'd buy a Dell, but only if you shove a gun up my nose.
Want a good machine? Either build your own, which is not all that hard to do, (First, get screw driver... Now, if I haven't lost you yet, then the rest of the steps are within your capabilities.) or go to a local shop, do a bit of checking and find a reputable one, and ask them to build you a machine. Now if you need service, and you've built your own, you can fix it. If you bought it locally, they'll fix it, and you don't have to pack it up (PITA) and ship it off to who-knows-where. Your software will be most likely be retail versions, so MS will support you.
You may pay a bit more out-of-pocket, but you also get a better machine, way better, and way better support. So, why buy Dell? I can't think of any reason that makes any sense.
BuyDellComputers?
by koff - 12/23/04 8:48 AM In reply to: About Dell Computers by TechWiz?Dell has normal Bios settings, which is good (Better than compaq I also have). The biggest problem with Dell here in Sweden is their support (or lack of it). Many communities and companies have decided to change to other brand names or not to buy no more Dell when they have got too bad service and because the support to companies (as well as for private persons) is not as good as for most other brand names. I can recommend Dell when/if everythin works but you can read other answers to your questions too. It maby works better in other countries.
Answer to Dell Computers Question
by warhog72 - 12/24/04 10:06 AM In reply to: About Dell Computers by TechWiz?Hi There. You won't go wrong with a Dell computer. Think about it. Mike Dell has built a super business, and he wouldn't be there now if his wares were no good. Yes, there are going to be times when a shipped computer has a problem when it arrives because of the way it is handled, but the majority are fine, and they have a great troubleshooting department. Again, there'll be a few folks who have had bad experiences, but I'll bet if you really looked into it, you'd find they were angry and rude and got the techs POed. The majority of people have a cool experience with Dell. And, it's made in America, by Americans. so you're putting money back into your economy. Best of all, Dell has some super deals right now, so take advantage of 'em, before they go away!
ABOUT DELL COMPUTERS
by CPIETRI - 12/26/04 6:38 PM In reply to: About Dell Computers by TechWiz?If you had asked me about DELL computers 3 months ago I would have given very high praise for the equipment and, since there has been little service needed, similar praise for support. And I've been dealing with DELL for 10 years - 4 desktops and 3 laptops plus 2 additional desktops of family members as gifts. However, my brand new latest top of the line desktop 8400 started having problems after about a month after purchase. I contacted DELL Tech support and with 6 chat sessions, 8 emails, 3 very extended voice sessions with Dell techs and much frustration and aggravation over a two-week period I had the video card replaced (twice), along with the memory boards, and the motherboard. Getting new parts and having them installed was efficienct. The problem is that it is difficult to readily understand the outsourced support staff and they are woefully unskilled technically. They are not experienced enough to recognize problems, have to follow the manual too much, do not coordinate responses among themselves (or do not understand), give obvious VERY BAD advice, cause problems with the operating system because of their lack of skill, and a myriad of other faults. It took two weeks to rectify problems that should have been diagnosed almost immediately with all the information available to them. They could have replaced the entire tower instead of trying to do it piecemeal without understanding why they were doing it. (It seems that perhpas the managers or supervisors might be a bit more proficient but the majority of the techs are not!) They seem to be concerned about "fixing" one thing without seeing the big picture just so they can close the case. And when they did replace some parts, they used "refurbished" parts! If their machines were perfect thay would have little need for technical support but since that is unrealistic, they caused me untold anguish.
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