Desktops forum: Dell vs. HP Desktop?

If you review these forums, you'll find just about all makers have problems, some more than others at times or for certain models, yada, yada. The point being, it doesn't matter about the end product but rather how the warranty and/or support service makes a problem/trouble system become working again. In the case for Dell and HP, both don't measure-up to past history. They both fall down on after sale service. However, IMHO Dell is the better of th two. At the same time, I truly believe the "self-help" from their support websites are very good, its the actual people support you count on that differs from one maker to another. Everyone has a "horror story" its the number of real horrors make differ one from the other. I do suggest if possible buy the "business model#" to help lessen problems as they *maybe* more robust and capable. Further, the support could be just as worthy of the sale.

If you like, check out other vendors that make 3rd party PC's which are fact nothing more than "generic PCs" build by local or online vendors. In many cases these offer the h/w side are as good as any other OEM type system. Further, they usually can be more customized PCs, but again look at what your getting plus read the fine print on any purchase. No matter where you get the system, keep the paperwork and if support is required maintain a log.

tada -----Willy

IMHO = In My Humble Opinion

IMHO, isn't a type of Dell system, sorry if that caused confusion. For Dell business models, look for the OptiPlex label. Under Dell, you can customize what the basic model# provides, just be sure you verify that when ordering. You can later however do that as well, like adding more ram, etc..

tada -----Willy

I have 4 HP machines, Vista,(2)XP,98SE. Right now, my main is an HP8100CTO (custom build from 8100e). An as HP EPP (discount) customer, my loyalties are rewarded. HP has always been there for me, even past the warranty with advise and without charge. That said, I recently acquired a Dell Inspiron 518 (it was on the curb), with no hard drive or DVD drive. I contacted a Dell "rep", and asked how I could obtain the "legal OS DVD". He guided me thru the Transfer Ownership process. Four days later I called, my new ownership was finalized, and obtained the OS DVD for less than $20. The "rep" gave me his personal # at Dell, and told me to call if I needed help. Furthermore, he instructed me as to what extra driver downloads where needed from the Download Site.

Answer: Loyality is rewarded. But a new customer at Dell is cultivated.

A few weeks ago (2/24/2012) I received my HPE Phoenix h9t Desktop and I love it!
I've always purchased Dell but at the end of the day I could not find myself to do it. Since I had never owned an HP I was a bit hesitant so I spent a lot time comparing and researching. I discovered that I could not get as good of a deal with Dell in price or configuration.
When I compared apples to apples in configuration (CPU, Memory, drives, etc...) HP was a little less expensive. What really swayed me towards HP was that with Dell I could not get the configuration I wanted... No Solid State Hard Drives, No TV Tuner, No Bluetooth, the 8 gig memory they offered took up all 4 slots which would force me to repurchase that 8gig again when I save enough to upgrade to 16gig, No free 15 month antivirus and no Office 2010 starter. Also, the reviews on customer service gave me a sense that things are better with HP.
If you are looking for a high performance Desktop, my recommendation is get one of the HP Phoenix offerings. I specially recommend you get a Solid State Hard Drive...My HP h9t boots in about 10 seconds. Finally, and although it's just cosmetic I really like the sleek look of my HP h9t. The clear side panel with red glowing interior and lines are pretty cool. I hope I've helped you in making your decision in which ever direction you go. Cheers!