Dell info needed please:for or against etc....
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Dell info needed please:for or against etc....
Hi all. I have narrowed my search for a new pc down to Dell.
Either going for a laptop, an Inspiration 8600 or a desktop Dimension 8300.
Anyone had any dealings with Dell, good or bad or bad before I take the plunge?
Cheers, Brl.
Either going for a laptop, an Inspiration 8600 or a desktop Dimension 8300.
Anyone had any dealings with Dell, good or bad or bad before I take the plunge?
Cheers, Brl.
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I bought a dektop for my neighbour a few months ago. Very helpful (Indian) sales agent who knocked off a tenner because I agreed to ring back his direct line. Delivered in four days, all there, worked right out of the box.
No problems for me.
No problems for me.
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Until they moved their call centre to India, Dell were great and we bought huge numbers of them.
Since they moved their call centre their service has become total sh1t and we have a permanent embargo on ever buying anything from them ever again.
Help at all?
Timothy
Until they moved their call centre to India, Dell were great and we bought huge numbers of them.
Since they moved their call centre their service has become total sh1t and we have a permanent embargo on ever buying anything from them ever again.
Help at all?
Timothy
Just Binos
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The whole purchase of my Dell laptop was done online from beginning to end; I never spoke to a soul. Delivery was prompt, everything that should have been included was, and I've never had a moment's trouble with it. I'm not qualified to comment on the quality but a friend in the industry says they use all good quality parts.
Watch for their "real" specials; sometimes you can get a stunning deal if you keep your eyes open, especially on laptops. Their current "special" is lower specs than the deal I got nine months ago, which shouldn't happen in this industry.
Watch for their "real" specials; sometimes you can get a stunning deal if you keep your eyes open, especially on laptops. Their current "special" is lower specs than the deal I got nine months ago, which shouldn't happen in this industry.
'nough said
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This has been discussed before in various guises:
The answers you will get:
a) Dell are cr*p - stay away from them like the plague
b) they use sub-standard parts - much better to build your own
c) go for a MAC (duck, Richard!)
d) get a Sony, Tosh, Acer, IBM etc...
e) Dell are still cr*p
My two pennies worth:
I've must have installed close to 800 Dell PCs over the last two years or so, including the models you mention.
- They're both very good and reliable. I have had fewer than five technical problems during my installs - and only two related directly to the tower - the rest were with peripherals supplied by other manufacturers.
- Their customer care dept could be better that's for sure. Their technical dept is very good, once you get through that is. But I find that happens pretty much thoughout the industry. Try calling PC world with a problem on a Packard Bell for instance.
- In terms of config of the 8300 I'd recommend going for the SATA raid option - it makes a huge difference to performance - it really flies like the wind in comparison to other setups.
- The laptop is very good quality in terms of build/equipement etc. The only gripe I have with the 8300 is that the case is a bit flimsy IMHO.
That's all I can thing off just yet.
hth
amofw
The answers you will get:
a) Dell are cr*p - stay away from them like the plague
b) they use sub-standard parts - much better to build your own
c) go for a MAC (duck, Richard!)
d) get a Sony, Tosh, Acer, IBM etc...
e) Dell are still cr*p
My two pennies worth:
I've must have installed close to 800 Dell PCs over the last two years or so, including the models you mention.
- They're both very good and reliable. I have had fewer than five technical problems during my installs - and only two related directly to the tower - the rest were with peripherals supplied by other manufacturers.
- Their customer care dept could be better that's for sure. Their technical dept is very good, once you get through that is. But I find that happens pretty much thoughout the industry. Try calling PC world with a problem on a Packard Bell for instance.
- In terms of config of the 8300 I'd recommend going for the SATA raid option - it makes a huge difference to performance - it really flies like the wind in comparison to other setups.
- The laptop is very good quality in terms of build/equipement etc. The only gripe I have with the 8300 is that the case is a bit flimsy IMHO.
That's all I can thing off just yet.
hth
amofw
Agree - computers are fine but you MUST get the best warranty they offer.
The call centre is utterly dreadful. I cannot understand a word their barely trained people say over their very weak telephone line. Like every company with a re-located call centre, it's lowered the company's image and I wouldn't buy anything from them again for that reason alone!
I'm still waiting for Tech Support to call me back after 3 weeks of failed promises - but at least they're in Ireland(?). The reason - they sent my old computer back broken, then took it back to repair the original fault and fix what they'd broken - then sent it back with a glidepad which didn't work and no case latch. Neither of which were original faults....
STEER CLEAR OF DELL! That's the view of the company I work for as well.......
The call centre is utterly dreadful. I cannot understand a word their barely trained people say over their very weak telephone line. Like every company with a re-located call centre, it's lowered the company's image and I wouldn't buy anything from them again for that reason alone!
I'm still waiting for Tech Support to call me back after 3 weeks of failed promises - but at least they're in Ireland(?). The reason - they sent my old computer back broken, then took it back to repair the original fault and fix what they'd broken - then sent it back with a glidepad which didn't work and no case latch. Neither of which were original faults....
STEER CLEAR OF DELL! That's the view of the company I work for as well.......
Too mean to buy a long personal title
As an individual purchaser, I've done the Dell route twice - both desktops. The first time, nothing happened after submitting an online order. Weeks and weeks of silence, followed by many attempts to chase up what was going on. The other order (for a refurbished reject through their online "outlet" store) was processed much more efficiently.
But once the machines were delivered, both have worked pretty much perfectly.
Although Dell have not been perfect in their service, my view is that I have been ignored even more efficiently by other places I have tried in the past, like PC World.
But once the machines were delivered, both have worked pretty much perfectly.
Although Dell have not been perfect in their service, my view is that I have been ignored even more efficiently by other places I have tried in the past, like PC World.
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Don't
The kit is mostly fine. But then, so is everybody else's these days. If your transaction is absolutely normal and uncomplicated then you might have a smooth ride.
However, if there is the slightest hint of something unusual requiring a personal touch from a "consultant" then the appalling internal comms at Dell will result in the screaming ab-dabs - big time.
My client's home - next door to mine - was temporarily uninhabitable. She placed her order in my workshop, on-line, requesting delivery to my address which is one number different to that registered for her American Express Card. Same street, house number one different.
She did this three ways: verbally with her consultant; on-line; and with authority from American Express.
Dell cocked it up and DFS held the laptop for a week in their depot waiting for authority. No complaint against DFS here.
After Client jumped up and down, those nice people at the Dell call centre in India were apologetic and gave her two extra year's warranty plus a free carrying case.
But, guess what? The carrying case was sent to the Client's address and they refused to authorise its delivery to mine.
You couldn't make it up, could you? I've bought six Dells; they haven't always been made of the best kit - particularly the tape drives I had were a cheap job lot and all three failed early; hard drives were unreliable and the early flat screens were the industry's throw-aways. But the latest flat screens have a better specification.
I'm impressed by AMOFW's stats. On the face of it, he is informed opinion. But manufacturers will always give better level of service to corporate clients with big orders/wallets and be less attentive to the little men. Sony are the same.
The market's awash with good, reliable kit. Get yourself a good reliable supplier. With Service like this, it won't be long before Dell goes to the wall - at least in Europe.
I say again, Don't.
The kit is mostly fine. But then, so is everybody else's these days. If your transaction is absolutely normal and uncomplicated then you might have a smooth ride.
However, if there is the slightest hint of something unusual requiring a personal touch from a "consultant" then the appalling internal comms at Dell will result in the screaming ab-dabs - big time.
My client's home - next door to mine - was temporarily uninhabitable. She placed her order in my workshop, on-line, requesting delivery to my address which is one number different to that registered for her American Express Card. Same street, house number one different.
She did this three ways: verbally with her consultant; on-line; and with authority from American Express.
Dell cocked it up and DFS held the laptop for a week in their depot waiting for authority. No complaint against DFS here.
After Client jumped up and down, those nice people at the Dell call centre in India were apologetic and gave her two extra year's warranty plus a free carrying case.
But, guess what? The carrying case was sent to the Client's address and they refused to authorise its delivery to mine.
You couldn't make it up, could you? I've bought six Dells; they haven't always been made of the best kit - particularly the tape drives I had were a cheap job lot and all three failed early; hard drives were unreliable and the early flat screens were the industry's throw-aways. But the latest flat screens have a better specification.
I'm impressed by AMOFW's stats. On the face of it, he is informed opinion. But manufacturers will always give better level of service to corporate clients with big orders/wallets and be less attentive to the little men. Sony are the same.
The market's awash with good, reliable kit. Get yourself a good reliable supplier. With Service like this, it won't be long before Dell goes to the wall - at least in Europe.
I say again, Don't.
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At the risk of repeating what has been said... IMHO they are good until something goes wrong. Then they're not so good. However, to be fair that can be said of a lot of other companies...
My view would be that they are good if
(a) you're looking to buy something that's fairly cheap and reasonably well-specified for the money
and
(b) you are happy to fix most problems yourself
If you like the security of having help if something goes wrong then go elsewhere - but remember that the support is factored into the asking price, so that 'bargain' deal may come at the expense of useless tech-support later on.
However, to be fair that can be said of a lot of other companies...My view would be that they are good if
(a) you're looking to buy something that's fairly cheap and reasonably well-specified for the money
and
(b) you are happy to fix most problems yourself
If you like the security of having help if something goes wrong then go elsewhere - but remember that the support is factored into the asking price, so that 'bargain' deal may come at the expense of useless tech-support later on.
'nough said
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The thing is you haven't got much alternative to Dell in terms of choice, price and reliability
Packard Bell are definitely rubbish as is anything PC-World connected.
IBM are good but they're really corporate-orientated and the choice is limited.
HP/Compaq are probably ok from my limited experience but I don't know about support.
Fujitsu - I only see broken ones being fixed under warranty. I get the suspicion that they have implemented a cost-cutting exercise which means they are very reluctant to send anyone out until the situation gets desperate, by which the cust has been on the phone for hours.
Mesh - I have heard good things about them and their site shows some impressive kit - but I don't anything about their support
Simply - build quality leaves to be desired from the handfull I have seen - monitors surprisingly good quality - support so so but I only spoke to them once or twice
Tiny/Time and the other cheapos
Sony - 50/50 for laptops from what I have heard - not sure about support
Mac I know nothing about 'xcept from the comments on this forum - not sure re support
Toshiba I like their range and the kit is good quality - haven't tried their support yet.
Acer - I know nothing about
So it's Dell - Mesh - MAC triangle.
I know, build your own!
Sorted, next question ?
Cheers
amofw
Packard Bell are definitely rubbish as is anything PC-World connected.
IBM are good but they're really corporate-orientated and the choice is limited.
HP/Compaq are probably ok from my limited experience but I don't know about support.
Fujitsu - I only see broken ones being fixed under warranty. I get the suspicion that they have implemented a cost-cutting exercise which means they are very reluctant to send anyone out until the situation gets desperate, by which the cust has been on the phone for hours.
Mesh - I have heard good things about them and their site shows some impressive kit - but I don't anything about their support
Simply - build quality leaves to be desired from the handfull I have seen - monitors surprisingly good quality - support so so but I only spoke to them once or twice
Tiny/Time and the other cheapos
Sony - 50/50 for laptops from what I have heard - not sure about support
Mac I know nothing about 'xcept from the comments on this forum - not sure re support
Toshiba I like their range and the kit is good quality - haven't tried their support yet.
Acer - I know nothing about
So it's Dell - Mesh - MAC triangle.
I know, build your own!
Sorted, next question ?
Cheers
amofw
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Further to my and AMOFW's posts:
Mesh, HP/Compaq, Toshiba are the ones I'd look at as well as Sony.
But then I'm a Sony "nut". Love the design philosophy of their products. Must have had more than 30 of them in recent years.
Have recently bought four laptops with/for clients as well as for myself and now know that the drivers out of the box are also out of the Ark. Get straight on-line for the updates.
Service is so-so. I needed a bit of springy plastic to keep the letter "d" in place on the keyboard and the suggestion was that I part with the laptop for a month and pay £200 for the repair. The support person said they do not supply parts to the general public. Ignored the problem and the key top is still in place for No 3 son at Uni.
I'd still look at Sony as long as the spec was what I needed.
Just about to initiate the purchase of a Vaio PCG Z1XSP.CEK for client who gives educational presentations. £1999 VAT inc !
Mesh, HP/Compaq, Toshiba are the ones I'd look at as well as Sony.
But then I'm a Sony "nut". Love the design philosophy of their products. Must have had more than 30 of them in recent years.
Have recently bought four laptops with/for clients as well as for myself and now know that the drivers out of the box are also out of the Ark. Get straight on-line for the updates.
Service is so-so. I needed a bit of springy plastic to keep the letter "d" in place on the keyboard and the suggestion was that I part with the laptop for a month and pay £200 for the repair. The support person said they do not supply parts to the general public. Ignored the problem and the key top is still in place for No 3 son at Uni.
I'd still look at Sony as long as the spec was what I needed.
Just about to initiate the purchase of a Vaio PCG Z1XSP.CEK for client who gives educational presentations. £1999 VAT inc !
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I had my Dell for over 2 years now and very pleased with it. I have not had reason to try their Technical Support line though.
Some friends and family have bought from MESH and they have also been very pleased with the equipment bought.
chc
I had my Dell for over 2 years now and very pleased with it. I have not had reason to try their Technical Support line though.
Some friends and family have bought from MESH and they have also been very pleased with the equipment bought.
chc
Sub Judice Angel Lovegod
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I must say that I am delighted with my no-name clone. Huge bright 17" screen, works perfectly loads of connectivity (everything you can think of), DVD RW, 512MB, 40GB all for £1200.
I did have a problem which turned out to be the memory supplied by the shop, not the manufacturers, and the service and repair service couldn't be faulted.
I can get the manufacturer's name if you are interested.
Timothy
I did have a problem which turned out to be the memory supplied by the shop, not the manufacturers, and the service and repair service couldn't be faulted.
I can get the manufacturer's name if you are interested.
Timothy
The Oracle
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BRL,
If you are going to go with a Dell Notebook or any of the other major computer maker's Notebook you are fine. Notebooks are expected to be all proprietary.
If you are going to go with a Desktop, either build it yourself or go with someone like Mesh that uses all Name Brand parts and does not make Proprietary (a.k.a. Dead End) Computers.
Dell, Packard Bell, HP, Compaq, Gateway, IBM, Sony, etc. are all the same. They all make it so if you want to upgrade one of their desktops, you have to go though them and their price to upgrade is so close to the price of a new computer, they get you to buy a new computer. Then they own you.
My best customers for my computers are people that have already owned a Dell, Packard Bell, HP, Compaq, Gateway, IBM, Sony, etc., since they know how bad Dead End Computers are.
Take Care,
Richard
If you are going to go with a Dell Notebook or any of the other major computer maker's Notebook you are fine. Notebooks are expected to be all proprietary.
If you are going to go with a Desktop, either build it yourself or go with someone like Mesh that uses all Name Brand parts and does not make Proprietary (a.k.a. Dead End) Computers.
Dell, Packard Bell, HP, Compaq, Gateway, IBM, Sony, etc. are all the same. They all make it so if you want to upgrade one of their desktops, you have to go though them and their price to upgrade is so close to the price of a new computer, they get you to buy a new computer. Then they own you.
My best customers for my computers are people that have already owned a Dell, Packard Bell, HP, Compaq, Gateway, IBM, Sony, etc., since they know how bad Dead End Computers are.
Take Care,
Richard
Spoon PPRuNerist & Mad Inistrator
I've had no problems upgrading Compaq, Dell and Packard Bell computers. Admittedly I didn't care about warranty, so I just bought whatever parts (disks, CPUs, RAM, CDs, cards etc.) that I needed and bunged them in.
No problems, no issues.
Of course, that was for home use, not work. People are much more pernickety in corporate environments
I'm using an Evesham PC, which is OK. My father and brother have both had a couple of Dell PCs and are quite staisfied. My brother-in-law has a Dell and had a problem that I helped to fix - I was favourably impressed with Dell's support website. Only Compaq's (HP) is better IMHO.
And don't forget to look at Dell's outlet store (good deals to be had).
Cheers mate
SD
No problems, no issues.
Of course, that was for home use, not work. People are much more pernickety in corporate environments
I'm using an Evesham PC, which is OK. My father and brother have both had a couple of Dell PCs and are quite staisfied. My brother-in-law has a Dell and had a problem that I helped to fix - I was favourably impressed with Dell's support website. Only Compaq's (HP) is better IMHO.
And don't forget to look at Dell's outlet store (good deals to be had).
Cheers mate
SD
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Evesham Micro
I have only ever heard good things about Evesham Technology but have never used them myself as I prefer to build my own. Their website can be found here. Might be worth a look.
The Oracle
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Saab Dastard,
I have found inside Dead End Comps, nonstandard:
Then I have also found Stripped Down OEM:
In the end you are paying for the High Mhz CPU and usually surrounded by stripped down OEM junk. If you want quality and performance you go with Name Brand Hardware.
Take Care,
Richard
I have found inside Dead End Comps, nonstandard:
- Cases
- Motherboards
- Power Supplies
- Hard Drives
- Modems
- Sound Cards
Then I have also found Stripped Down OEM:
- Motherboards
- Video Cards
- Sound Cards
- Modems
In the end you are paying for the High Mhz CPU and usually surrounded by stripped down OEM junk. If you want quality and performance you go with Name Brand Hardware.
Take Care,
Richard
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Thank you all for taking the time to reply. Seems like a toss of the coin situation, lots of 'for' and as many 'against'.. I hate decisions like this...... 
I hate decisions like this......