Are Dell computers any good ?

[OMNIVOROUS FROG]

Doug, you fail to mention your price range. Without that knowledge, I would stick with a low end Dell. I have built my own from scatch, but that is just conterproductive now. Make sure you get the operating systems, recovery and driver disks. They will all be included in the price, and are very expensive to buy retail, if you can. Without all of the software it is a paperweight. Albeit a very expensive paperweight. Had a few problems with the Gateways I had custom built. First ever hard drive failure, a catastrophic failure. All of your boot records are there. No safe mode, nothing. Windows and Gateway support were actually less than worthless. For low end brand the HP works very well. Again, price range. If you order it, get the RAM bumped. If not, upgrade it yourself. I am super busy but will try to help you out later, if you have more info.

Best Wishes...OF:howdy: :toast:

 

[teamogf]

yes they are

Being as I work in MIS, the company I work for which is huge uses Dell, hands down Dell is the best, they are the world biggest pc manufacturer, they have great support and machines last for awhile, also easy to update, I have had almost all big brand comptrs and Dell is the best imo

 

[3peet]

I could go on and on but I'll just leave it this way.

IBM's = Rolls Royce

Dell's = Caddillac

Then there's everyone else

 

[QuickLearner]

I have two Dells, a 2-year old desktop that I've upgraded to dual 19" monitors, big HD, max memory, etc., and an Inspiron 8600 laptop with the WUXGA screen and a fast wireless card. Tech support and has always been top-quality. IMO, the best value today is with Dell. When and if these die I'll buy from them again.

 

[pokerpills]

I don't see the need to get a desktop anymore, unless for a second computer. Get a good laptop, plug in a good LCD monitor and there you go. Desktops are heavy and take up too much space. Many of your quality laptops nowadays will outperform a desktop. With all the perks you get from a laptop why would you need a desktop anymore? The industry is slowly moving away from desktops.

In my opinion, Toshiba makes the best laptop. They cost a bit more but quality wise, they can't be beat. If you ask opinions of computer professionals, many will tell you for laptops, go with Toshiba. They are a workhorse.

 

[go2guy]

Just bought a Dimension 4700 this week with everything upgraded, all the bells and whistles. So far so good! So far better than the crappy Compaq I once had.

 

[D2bets]

Got a high-end Dell desktop over the summer with all the bells and whistles. No complaints. Of course I don't even use that many bells or whistles. It runs when I ask it to, and does it well. Don't expect much else.

 

[Doug]

Doug, you fail to mention your price range. Without that knowledge, I would stick with a low end Dell. I have built my own from scatch, but that is just conterproductive now. Make sure you get the operating systems, recovery and driver disks. They will all be included in the price, and are very expensive to buy retail, if you can. Without all of the software it is a paperweight. Albeit a very expensive paperweight. Had a few problems with the Gateways I had custom built. First ever hard drive failure, a catastrophic failure. All of your boot records are there. No safe mode, nothing. Windows and Gateway support were actually less than worthless. For low end brand the HP works very well. Again, price range. If you order it, get the RAM bumped. If not, upgrade it yourself. I am super busy but will try to help you out later, if you have more info.

Best Wishes...OF:howdy: :toast:

Frog: I'm pretty well decided to go laptop route. The price is whatever it takes to get proper machine, I'm realistically expecting a dime or so.

I called a trusted and knowledgeable friend about it and he's not real keen on Dell, says they are expensive for what you get. He's not the sort that needs a lot of support. He's big on getting the features now as it's hard to upgrade later.

He says get at least 15 inch screen,512 MB of memory and 60 GB drive. He also says CD and DVD burner. He likes Toshiba as did another poster.



Now take the Dell 1200 ( $639) It has 14" screen 256 MG and 30 GB with no upgrades available. It doesn't look great !

The 2200 model ( $759) costs $100 more for 512MB, $99 more for 60 GB and $29 more for burner, I don't recall the screen size, so it's $987 ( basically a dime)

The 6000 ( $779) is similar with upgrades.

My friend is directing me towards tiger.com as a starting point.

Dell also is big on selling expensive warranty packages. I'm not a big fan of extended warranties, but I can see it on electronics. My thoughts are if you aren't selling me junk to begin with, I don't need warranties !

I'm still considering options and doing research. I don't like companies that over-advertise in general. Dell seems to make a decent product according to most posters here. They will be considered.

I'll gladly listen to anything Froggy wants to add. ( or anyone else).

Thanks,

 

[Doug]

Any more thoughts, Frog in particular !

 

[TheGeneral+]

Only problem with a Dell is that if you do have a serious problem, you have to send the PC back to them via mail and do without while they repair/replace. That is a problem with all PC manufacturers which aren't from a local store though.