Posted by Dennis D Broadbooks on 8/20/06 7:26am
Msg #139607
New Desktop Computer
I'm in the process of researching for a new desktop computer for the office. My last 3 computer purchases have all been Dells but after spending a considerable amount of wasted time yesterday chatting with a Dell rep, I'm not sure I'll go their way this time around. They're trying to "package" everything together & contrary to what their latest TV commercial advertises, you can't pick & choose what you want. For example, I'm looking to upgrade to their XPS 700 with the newest Intel® Core™2 Extreme processor x6800 (2.93GHz). According to the rep I "debated" with Dell won't allow you to eliminate the 20 inch UltraSharp™ 2007FPW Widescreen Digital Flat Panel which is automatically "included" with the package. I already own one of their UltraSharp Flat Panel monitors & don't want another one. Have any of you had any recent experience with Dell on this? I went in a couple of weeks ago on their site to build a computer & I was able to eliminate the monitor. Now you apparently can't.
Secondly I'd like to ask about any other manufacturers who could provide the type of machine I'm desiring to build. Does anyone have any words of wisdom % Falcon Northwest? I built one on their web site yesterday & they seem to be a bit pricey. After doing some preliminary searching for reviews on Falcon Northwest, most comments seem to be favorable...they're just expensive. I've also gone to Tiger Direct & CyberPower. CyberPower seemed to be a good choice until I read some absolutely dreadful reviews of their customer service issues.
Any feedback from you computer mavens out there would be most appreciated.
| Reply by BrendaTx on 8/20/06 8:47am
Msg #139608
Dennis - This probably won't answer your question, but here's my two cents.
My son is senior geek right now in the dept. of a university which does fixing, ordering, upgrading, etc. of all the computers in a large section of the university.
In an environment where cost is easily mitigated and where a teacher gets what the teacher wants in his/her area Dell Computers are ordered the most.
This would be in quantities that would make our heads spin.
The other other computers you'll see are the Mac/Apple types. Then you'll see a few "blackberry types" and tablet pc's being carried around which were given as samples to the school so that the geeks can test drive them and hopefully promote them the rest.
Because of user friendliness of customer service, Dells are the choice in the kid's department where he makes the choices, as well. He's the one under pressure to get the non-tech, unforgiving prof up and running asap.
When I have asked him, "how should *I* buy?"
"Mom, just go get the cheapest thing that will do the job for you at Wal-Mart, upgrade the memory and take it back if it crashes within 90 days. "
Right now I have a P3 Sony and a P4 eMac. I paid $1000 for the Sony (3 yrs ago) and $300 for the eMac in June. I have upgraded the memory of each considerably and invested in a good 80 Gb back up for less than $100.
To me, the back up is the important part, the rest of it is nothing except a means to get things done.
My computers are basically as disposable as a cheap television. If one breaks, you just go get another one.
BTW, I have had emachines last for three to four years, HPs last for five years and still kicking...they are at my sister's house and my step-sons houses.
Laptops are another matter. They are so small, and get so hot that I wonder about their reliability over a longer haul. Mine died after four years of lighter usage.
| Reply by Tess/ME on 8/20/06 9:01am
Msg #139609
I, too, have a son that is a "computer geek" he has "worn out" a couple in the past couple of years and his newest acquisition was a "Gateway". They were the only company that allowed him to build his own and not have to purchase the moniter since he already had his favorite one and a couple of back up ones and surely didn't need another. He has it on constantly and is on line every free moment and even does alot of his work on it. I've heard that Gateway is good and also heard they are not in the same "ball park" as Dell but I suppose it's like anything you buy, there are good, bad and ugly.
| Reply by BrendaTx on 8/20/06 10:12am
Msg #139617
Re: New Desktop Computer - Tess
My son is toting a Gateway tablet PC in his backpack at present. It belongs to the University but it was a free sample for him to use this past year. He's very happy with it. I am sure as soon as another new face of technology in laptops hits the front, that one will go to one of the other geeks and he'll have another one to carry and test drive.
| Reply by Alan/IA on 8/20/06 9:21am
Msg #139610
I would take some of Brenda's advise.
the average Joe, or even your business, usually doesn't need all the "extras" Dell wll package with your computer. When was the last time you really needed an upgraded graphics card?
Probably never, by the looks of your photo. (not trying to be disrespectful) But you wouldn't need one, unless you are out playing on-line advanced games.
I like Best Buy, and Emachine(made by Gateway) you can usually get a quality computer, but most of their packages require memory upgrades, but usually so do Dell, and Gateway. If going laptop- I like Toshiba's as a general rule of thumb, good products, good company history, and they actually last. My wife years ago bought a used Toshiba from a college university, it was 5-6 years old at the time, it ran for another 5 years. I have had mine for 3 years, and it's working like a champ. But I don't use it like I would a desktop.
BTW, why going so "fast". The chip will be out dated in 6 months, and you will pay a premium for it, until it isn't "the best" any longer.
| Reply by Gerry_VT on 8/20/06 10:16am
Msg #139619
If you care about support, keep in mind that if you call for support and tell the rep that you've upgraded the operating system, the rep will try to blow you off. They only want to support the OS version that was originally installed. Of course, everyone is expecting the next version of Windows next year, so you might want to make sure you buy fairly soon if you want to avoid a "new" OS, or hold off your purchase if you want an OS that is considered "up to date" as long as possible.
I've been using computers that separated administrators from regular users for about 25 years, so I personally wouldn't consider XP home; if you want XP Pro, you'll get better support if you order it with XP Pro to begin with.
| Reply by BrendaTx on 8/20/06 10:24am
Msg #139620
Re: New Desktop Computer - Gerry is correct.
One slight upgrade by the user and you are off of their radar.
It's my HO that the guys answering the phone have a script in front of them. If you do not give them the right answers when troubleshooting, you will not elicit a response.
| Reply by Dennis D Broadbooks on 8/20/06 3:55pm
Msg #139647
The XPS 700 is "Windows Vista Capable"...
...& it would come with Windows XP Pro loaded as my choice as the initial operating system. All three of my networked computers (1 Dell Dimension XPS T550 destktop, 1 Dell Inspiron 8000 laptop, & a Dell Dimension 8250 desktop) are currently running XP Pro as well. The XPS T550 will be phased out of commission & the plan is to upgrade the new computer OS to Windows Vista when it becomes available early next year.
Thanks for the feedback!
| Reply by Gary_CA on 8/21/06 1:37am
Msg #139691
Never ever ever
never ever... never ever... not in your dreams, no way, no how...
DO NOT
Install any Microsoft product, but particularly not a new OS, in the first 6 months after they release it.
Microsoft applied all of it's engineering genius and found a foolproof method to save millions of dollars in the QC and beta testing phases of software production... just skip 'em.
If you get out there on the bleeding edge, don't come crying home when you get cut.
| Reply by Paul_IL on 8/20/06 12:53pm
Msg #139624
Dennis,
Are you listed as a Small Business Account or a Home User. Talk to a business sales rep who should be able to assist you.
| Reply by Gary_CA on 8/20/06 1:34pm
Msg #139627
DELL is a PITA, use 'em anyway.
In a former life I was a paid geek... still do a little on the side and help several clients order computers. Everytime I order a Dell I swear it's my last. And every next time I order a Dell again.
There customer support and their phone robots are tied with AT&T for dead last, absolute worst.
BUT they have a good reliable product at the right price.
Check out Dell outlet, you're likely to find exactly what you want a little cheaper with a scratch on it (or not). They fully warranty their outlet products AND they don't come in package deals, you can get a box with no monitor. They'll often have the latest and greatest that got returned for whatever reason.
The outlet game's a little tougher... what you see is what you get, software and all. you put in the parameters that are most important to you and you get a list... pick two or three best candidates then click on the details to see what software they have, etc. etc. Hang in there, don't settle for second best and you'll get a unit you like... kinda like hanging in for a fair notary fee.
| Reply by Ndwa on 8/20/06 1:52pm
Msg #139633
Something about Dell
If you have not known, Dell's Home and Business are 2 separate entities where they compete against each other. You may a thousand for something in the Home center where it cost me only 500 over their Business side. So, check both of their sites.
| Reply by Dennis D Broadbooks on 8/20/06 3:42pm
Msg #139646
I Appreciate the Feedback...
...& your comment about having a good, reliable product is exactly why I've purchased Dells in the past. I've purchased through the business side of Dell the last two times & I'm sure I was communicating with the personal side yesterday on their Dell Chat line. I'll make a phone call tomorrow making sure I'm speaking with their business sales. Hangin' tough is what I'll do! Thanks again!
| Reply by Jahari Davis on 8/20/06 6:12pm
Msg #139660
Re: I Appreciate the Feedback...
Hey Dennis, have you taken a look at the Dell Outlet section of their website? You can find great deals on machines that have been refurbished, previously ordered new but never shipped, and scratch and dent meaning they were built but on the surface could not ship because they had scratch and dents on them in the manufacture of them. I highly recommend it.
If you decide not to go that route, I'll tel you what I tld my girlfriend. When it comes to shopping for a machine, stay away from stores like Wal-Mart, Staples, etc. that sell computers.If you went to a Best Buy or a Comp USA they have people that will put on the necessary patches and such on if you request it and Best Buy has great protection plans. Also, when shopping, consider what you will be using the machine for. The more hard drive space and RAM you have the better. RAM will allow you to run more things at the same time with few system lockups and hangs. Hard drive space will allow you to store more files. CPU I recommend the Core Duo processor from Intel. As for the monitor, dude, take it. If they're offering a free monitor with the system, take it and sell it or your old one on Craigslist. Hell, you might find me buying it. LOL!!!
As far as the Vista capable tags your seeing now...well thats kinda like the old Upgradable to Windows 95 tags you were seeing on most machines back in the 90's during the Windows 3.x days. It just means the machine will meet the minimum reqs for Windows Vista when it is available. Personally, I'd hang back from Vista for now and stick with XP Professional, maybe on a good day XP Media Center 2005.
Hope this helps! Good luck in your search!
| Reply by Dennis D Broadbooks on 8/20/06 6:30pm
Msg #139662
It Turns Out...
...I was on the "personal" side of Dell's site when I made my attempt yesterday to build the XPS 700. The small business section of their site WILL allow me to eliminate the monitor & even the keyboard, mouse, & speakers. I'm going to keep my eye on the Dell Outlet section, but this machine is so new it won't show in the outlet section for quite awhile. Even if I ordered the XPS 700 today the machine wouldn't be shipped until 10/31/2006 & they've just started taking orders on it in the past few weeks.
Thanks for the info, Jahari!
| Reply by BrendaTx on 8/20/06 6:42pm
Msg #139664
Re: It Turns Out...
I tend to agree with Jahari about a wait and see on Vista.
Remember the fun and games with Windows 95, Windows ME!
| Reply by LynnNC on 8/20/06 5:44pm
Msg #139657
I have heard only negative comments about Dell Cust Serv
I bought an HP directly from them that I was able to build to my specifications. I made a mistake as to a feature that I wanted, and they allowed my to return my cusom-made PC postage paid and have another one built.
I cannot say enough good things about their customer service.
| Reply by Paul_IL on 8/21/06 2:33pm
Msg #139778
Dell Business Customer Service is Top Notch!
I always deal with the small business side and they bend over backwards to solve any issue you may have. I buy exclusively from Dell now.
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