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I don't like Dell. I bought a Dell laptop and it

Posted By: me on 2007-05-20
In Reply to: Yeah, I know I don't want the Vista right now. - sm

was a piece of junk, so I'm not the one to ask if you should buy a Dell.   I'd get at least double that processor speed.  My computer is about 10 months old and I have 5 times that, which means that there is probably something faster out now, or soon will be.  It is more than I need for work, but I also use computer to download music/pictures, and a bunch of other stuff.   The Dell I had had 650 mHz and it was slow and that was almost 6 years ago.   You may have to customize anyway to get XP unless you buy one previously owned, which you can also buy from Dell.   It is always a good idea to buy bigger than you need currently just to allow for updates to any software or new software you may add.    You need to also think about tech support.  I know Dell has tech support in India, which can be extremely frustrating.  I don't know that other computer companies don't offshore their tech support, but that would be a question I would ask and find out if there is a locally authorized dealer to handle warranty repairs or if you need to send off the computer.    I would not recommend a Gateway computer and I would not recommend any computer that has a Celeron processor.   They tend to be in all the lower end computers. 


 




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I have both a Dell Latitude Laptop and a Dell Dimension desk top PC and bought both...
off of Ebay.  The laptop I paid $300 for had Windows XP and works great.  It wasn't wireless, but they sent me a PCI card with it and it works fine.  The desktop PC has XP on it as well and I paid $250 for it.  Both have Pentium IVs.  Both work great for work.  I have no complaints and I feel like I got a great deal both times out on Ebay.
I bought a new laptop at dell.com yesterday with XP
The deal they were running was that you can buy certai new computers and have them preloaded with XP. You also get the Vista CD so if you ever want to upgrade you alread have it. It cost an extra $150 but worth it to me. Also they do a free upgrade in memory to 2 GB.Check it out. I think the deal is limited time only. My is set to ship on 08/04/08. I am SOOO excited.
Getting my ducks in a row for my big job search. I just bought a Dell laptop for X-mas. SM

It was used when I bought it and I want to make sure that I have everything I need to work from home on it.  The PC I'm on now will be going back to the hospital.  It is a Dell Latitude.  It has a Pentium IV processor, 512 mg of RAM, 40 gig hard drive, wireless internet plus ethernet card, Windows 2000.  Will that laptop suffice for working from home?  I assume it will, but I just want to make sure before I starting applying places.


Thanks!   


Ugh, we bought a new Dell in December. First off...
the thing sounds like a meat grinder the entire time it is on.  Makes so much noise I think I'm on the tarmac at the airport.  Secondly, we installed a new video card and then somehow disabled it and needed tech support to sort it out.  Yep, got "Jimmie" from Calcutta or Bombay or some other such place (who do they think they're kidding?), who walked us through a process which we thought was going to reset the video card, and he had us RETURN TO FACTORY SETTINGS!   Just as I hit the last button, I realized what he had me doing.  I lost all kinds of documents, taxes, you name it.  I was livid!  Not happy.
I just bought a Dell last month, had
them put 1 gig of RAM, much, much faster.  My only comment is the computer is okay, but I will never buy a Dell again.  Any problems you have (they got my order mixed up and gave me the wrong info on the computer), your call is routed to India.  They outsource big time.  All their phone people, IT, orders, followup, everything for individual customers, goes to India.  They were very hard to understand, I had to speak very slowly and enunciate for them to understand me and they did not seem to know much at all about computers.  I said I wanted a KV switch, they did not even know what that was.  Next time I am going to a company that uses Americans and does not take jobs away from my fellow citizens.
I just bought a new computer through Dell and they had a few
new ones without Vista so I got a new one with XP. If you know a computer whiz, they can take Vista off and load XP--I had a friend who said he would do that for me if I couldn't buy one with XP. Just have to call the company, if getting a new one, and ask.
Laptop preferences.......I currently have a Dell...

Hi Everyone!


 


For those of you who use laptops, I was just curious if you would share your brand preference.  I currently have a Dell and I love it.  I am thinking of getting a second laptop so my son would be able to use this one for school and I would then have one just for work.  Like I said I have a Dell and love it (and will probably purchase another Dell) but before purchasing another, I want to make sure I am not missing something with another brand. 


 


TIA.


I used a Dell laptop for 5 to 6 years and I never had

a problem with the monitor.  I did turn it off at night though and used a screen saver.   I now have a Toshiba that I've had for about 18 months.  I turn it off for the weekend because I also have a desktop I use for non-MT stuff, but I leave it on most of the time otherwise, unless going out of town.  I have not had a problem with this monitor either.  I also have an HP laptop that I've had for about 5 years.  I don't use it on a daily basis, but I have never had a problem with the screen on it either. 


I have never used an external monitor, though I do use an external keyboard. 


 


Right now I have a Dell, HP, and Toshiba laptop

and an HP desk top.  The Dell is a piece of junk and I'm fixing to piece it out.  I haven't had any problems with the Toshiba but I still prefer my HP and if I were to get a new computer it would be HP. 


The cheaper computers of any brand tend to have Celeron processors and they are really a cheap processer and I personally wouldn't buy one, but otherwise there is nothing wrong with the computers, they just don't have all the bells and whistles.  If they last 2 years you've gotten your money out of them and they have become practically dinosaurs by then anyway. 


Just bought a new Dell computer, needing XP
and knowing that Dell at 1 time did not offer XP anymore, only Vista. Am wondering if I bought XP how much is that as opposed to what Dell charges to put XP on now.
I bought a Dell because I got a better deal than buying locally.
I got the computer, Windows XP, WordPerfect, other software, a photo printer and a digital camera shipped to my door for $398.  However, I worked as a computer technician for several years, so I know I can add components, fix it, or upgrade as needed.  I don't like the fact that Dell offshores so many jobs, because they totally forced technical pay rates down, laid off thousands of American workers, and forced computer prices down.  However, I figured they'd be losing money on this deal if I just bought their basic system on sale with nothing added.  Some guy from India called wanting to sell me an extended warranty and service plan.  I told him NO because I can do all of that myself, as well as working any job at their company.  I didn't want to buy locally because most of the local computer stores are staffed by idiots.  There's a high rate of bankruptcy and computer stores going out of business here, then they won't honor their warranties.
I bought a dell computer and financed it at their site

Company provides a Dell for work, I have a Dell for personal use, too.
x
Dell customer service is overseas. I have had a Dell, a
Toshiba Satellite, and an HP.   The Dell was a piece of junk from day 1.  The HP hard drive crashed after 4 to 5 years, but otherwise no problems.   I bought a Toshiba about 6 months ago and it is okay, nothing special.  I was looking at the Sony Viao and the salesman said that some laptops are made to be portable, but that the Sony was not one of them, but the Toshiba was.   My keyboard also has a numerical pad on it, but it throws the other keys off a bit, so when I'm in a portable mode and don't have room for an external keyboard it really slows me down.  I have a Duo Core processor and notice no difference whatsoever in speed, the number of programs I can have open, etc.   I have also noticed that even when I am not on battery power that every so often the battery is charging.  I don't know if this is a defect or something that is supposed to happen, but I need to investigate it. 
I've had two dell laptops and 5 Dell PCs. Here's the thing...

Make sure you get the extended warranty, again, MAKE SURE YOU GET THE EXTENDED WARRANTY. And, here is why.


My first laptop went out on my, though it was a couple of years old.  Because I had the extended warranty, a service tech came to my house, replaced motherboard, hard drive, heat sink, and keyboard.  He was able to back up everything first and restored it once all the new stuff was in place. 


One of my PCs kept giving some weird blue screen error and I couldn't get to go even in safe mode. I called up Dell, told them the problem, they looked up my extended warranty and they sent someone out to repair it.


Overall, I have been happy with Dell products.  The only drag is that everything Dell sells regarding accessories is proprietary and you have to order it through Dell.  No generic accessories will work.  My suggestion is if you decide to buy a Dell laptop, make sure you get the car power supply and you might even get a 2nd regular power supply because I have been known to leave town and forget the power supply at the house.  Now, I have everything in my laptop bag for when I go out of town and can just throw my laptop in the bag and know everything is there.


Lastly, some Dell laptops require a special aircard to connect to the internet.  I ended up getting a 2 cabled USB air card and I'm glad I did because 2 USB plug ins give better reception than one.


If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask. I'm happy to help.


Anyone that bought a Dell computer are you happy with it and what happened if you needed anything

fixed under warranty. I guess you Fed Ex it back and wait on it. Can you tell me how this went please.


I bought a new one from Dell almost a year ago and talked with the CS person. She told me the
models they still had available with XP. If you buy a new one though with Vista you can always remove it and reload with XP.
I have a desktop Dell and it has been alright so far, but I've never owned a laptop.
What brand are you currently using then?
Gosh, do you have a Dell laptop. Both mine and my sister's E kept falling off..

We had to call them because then the mouse broke down and so they finally replaced the own keyboard etc..best use of buying a 3-year warranty that I ever saw...especially with Dell.


Made by Dell. I have had no problems with any of my laptop or desktop Dells.
.
Dell will finance at a very reasonable rate, just bought one and my payment is $50 a month with no i
just start charging interest. I am using my IC job to pay it off. Medquist does furnish computer, Amphion furnishes but with a monthly fee that is refunded at the end of a year's employment, I think.
Update..bought computer today and Dell and found out it couldnt get here as fast as I needed it so I
Got the same computer for like $400 less and they'll ship it out tomorrow. Should be here in 4 days..Same everything including warranty. Try Ebay.!!!
Buy a Dell!! You can't go wrong with a Dell but
I bought an Emachines and had trouble with it from day one. I returned it, as the store I bought it from a six month return policy, so I returned it after about five months. I bought a Dell two years ago and have had no problems since!! Buy a Dell, you won't be sorry!! :)
I am not a Dell lover. My Dell has been
a lemon.  I just replaced mine with a Toshiba Satellite and I have seen a few others here recommend this.  Dell's customer service is in India.   The only thing I dislike about my Toshiba is that because it also has a number keypad the shift key is in a different position than I'm used to and I end up deleting and retyping when I use the laptop keyboard.  I normally use an external keyboard, but I travel a lot and try to work on the road and just don't have space for an external keyboard.    
Where did you hear that everything you buy for a Dell has to be from Dell?

I have LOTS of peripherals on both my laptop and desktop Dells and they certainly didn't come from Dell. You've been misinformed.


I love my Dells.


My Dell
My computer is an Inspiron 5150... it ran about $1200 and I have had it going on 3 years  now.  Probably more computer than I needed, but I figure if you can afford it  try to get the best, especially since I use it mainly for work and got a tax write off for it. Mine has a CD burner and other stuff which I probably could have done without, but I have been very happy with it.
Dell
You should have gone to Best Buy or somewhere and gotten an E-machine. Superior computer, best sound quality, fantastic amount of RAM, top of the line. Second one for me, have had nothing but success. First one still going strong after 6 years and 1 lightning strike. I think they're now merged with Gateway, but no matter, still the best.
Dell!
I found it so ironic that when I called to order a laptop for my kid, they were all American good ol boys that spoke just like me...that is to secure the order and make sure it's on it's merry way to the customer.  Once delivered well, then all communication heads offshore and you can here all the little Dellites just  cracking up saying suckers! 
Dell -
I bought a Dell and then found that I had to purchase Microsoft word for it - and then some footpedals are not compatible, plus tech support is $99 a question or $260 a year - wished I would have bought a Compac or Emachine. Expensive lesson learned.
I have 2, a Dell and an HP. The

Dell has been a lemon, no problems with HP.  I do not have a docking station, not really needed unless you plan on moving the laptop a lot without using any of the peripherals such as foot pedal, external keyboard.


Just about any laptop you buy off the shelf will have 256 RAM, I would recommend more if available.  I have a 15" screen, which is pretty standard, although I have seen some with I think 17" screen.   I have a serial port, game port, and USB port.  These are pretty standard too, but you can get adapters for any of these if your computer doesn't have them.


I don't understand why laptops confuse people.  They perform all the same functions as a desktop, come with the same options, just in a smaller package. 


go to Dell.com but look under ...
Make sure you choose the small business section for the laptops and not the home use. I just ordered and received mine within the last 2 weeks with Windows XP and NOT Vista!!!!
Dell XPS
Dell customer service is US based when you are first ordering your computer. Then if you call back later with any issues your call will be handled from India. BUT If you buy one of the new Dell XPS series computers, you will get all US based customer service and technical support. All XPS computers come with "rapid-response support from XPS trained technitions" who are American.
My Dell ...
Is in my closet collecting dust!!!
I have a Dell and might have to
get some memory taken out to load on more ram. Mine is 2002 but everything loaded and darn if I don’t hate to have all that done again. Are you talking desktop when you talking about closeouts? Mine is 2002 XP model. I hear some of the newer models equipped with a program we cannot use in our platform- that is another reason I am not so anxious to buy another right away.
I would go for the Dell
Simply because they offer better warranty service options. I have a Toshiba, have had a couple of problems, and have had to mail it out for service.

I just did my first MTing trip about a month ago. It worked out wonderfully. I packed all my stuff up in a backpack and carried it on the plane so nothing would get lost or damaged. The hotel set up was comfortable. Check reviews for where you are staying to make sure the internet connection is a reliable one.

Where are you going? Mind sharing?
Dell
The Dell computer I have came with a printer.  (My mom gave it to me for my kids to use.  It is a couple years old, but works great.)  I tried to setup a network with the Dell, my 2 HPs, and the Dell printer.  I had problems because the Dell CD containing the Dell drivers would not run on anything but the Dell.  I did finally get it all worked out, just took me a lilttle longer.  When I buy print cartriges they have to be ordered through Dell either online or by phone.  Otherwise, all software is compatible. 
Dell (SM)
Better to order on-line.  A real live person will try to get you to purchase other stuff you don't necessarily need.  JMHO.
exactly why I won't buy Dell-
since Gateway has been bought by Acer do you know if it is the same?  I really want to deal with Americans if I need help.
Dell
call theur 800 # and talk to them vs. online
Dell
The only experience I have had with Dell was my daughter's. . it was cheap enough but when there was a problem with it, it took MONTHS to get them to fix it. . . That has been a few years ago and I have heard that their customer service/tech support is better now. .
Yes, says Dell rep
I just bought a laptop with Vista on it, and will be using LogMeIn to access my desktop which has XP. The Dell guy says Vista works downward, which means it works fine with other versions below it. Anyone else have comments on this?
Yes, Dell has XP still
I am not sure about other companies, but I do know Dell has XP in a section of their website. Most any computer you would buy new now has enough memory to work well in MT. I would just advise you to buy the most memory that you can (2 Gb or better) and stay away from AMD or Celeron processors. I am currently in the market for a laptop and just yesterday received this advice from a friend who is an IT/networking specialist. My desktop PC has a 140 Gb hard drive and 1 Gb of memory, and I function very well working online...no problems uploading/downloading files with several applications running at once. Hope this helps!
Dell for XP
You can buy a Dell with XP and put it on a credit card.
My Dell did this too.
After 4 hours on the phone with Dell and nothing working, they had to send me a new drive. If I had wanted the info off of it, I would have had to take it into a local shop to get the data recovered, which was very expensive.
Dell is no fun
I had a dell. It died. I spent 3 days of h**l trying to call them over it because it was under warranty.

They wouldn't do any thing about it because they said my name was not transferred to it yet. Doesn't matter if you have a warranty or not, apparently they aren't going to help you anyway.

BTW Dell customer service center is in INDIA.

I was told if you buy a dell, get the extra warranty because it lets you talk to AMERICANS.

To me, Dell = Satan's Computer Company
Dell
Does still sell XP but you have to pay more for it. It comes loaded with XP and a CD to install/convert to Vista if you choose to at a later date.
XP on Dell - sm
I just bought a Dell Laptop and had the option of downgrading to XP from Vista, having licensce for both, if Vista needed in future for an additional $99.00. I checked out buying XP Pro on my own at Software Surplus.com and you can get it for several different prices, starting at about $139.00 and up, but I'm not a technical person, so taking Vista off and putting XP on would have also involved paying someon else for this service. Not sure if the same applies for desktop, but if you can do it yourself, check out that surplus site. Hope this helps.
New Dell, need XP, have a new one but
I just ordered a new Dell this past Friday. I have a brand new, never opened reinstallation disc for an XP and knew I needed XP but thought, well I can use that one (belongs to my husband who got XP already on his brand new computer). I am now hearing from my computer guy that the new disc will not work, configurations, etc., etc. Should I just go ahead and call Dell and ask them to install the XP, would that be the best thing for me right now or what? Can you even buy XP anymore in the stores or ?
I got a new Dell 01/08 that did not have - sm
a serial port, failed to notice that it did not have it when I ordered it. You have a couple options, use a converter plug 15 or 9-pin to USB, or put in the board you need yourself. I ended up buying the board I needed and installed it myself, very simple. If you go that route though make sure you get the right size. My computer is one of the thin CPUs so you need the "thin" board. Forget what it is called but it is not the standard size which is twice the width. Look at your packing slip, should say whether it has XP on it or not, if you special ordered it then that is what you should have unless they messed up. I special ordered XP, if you don't then Vista is what you will get. I think you only have 7 days I think to return it, so you need to find out pronto what you got, look at the packing slip, and/or call them and find out what their records say. Good luck.
Try dell.com/recycling
:)
New dell or refurbished
why would you need to install a video card if you bought a new dell? no need to reply just curious