JeevesBond — Wed, 13 Apr 2005 12:20:56 +0000

I think this is more a case of what your requirements and ability is, personally I would always build my own because I have special requirements, know exactly what the machine' applications will be and can therefore buy less cutting-edge parts that are not required for those applications. But then, as said, not everyone has the time or ability to build their own PC.

If you're happy with what you've got, then you're happy and that's all that matters we can argue the merits of Dell Vs building your own Vs local dealers for days - all of which is moot, the requirements have been fulfilled.

cpellizzi — Wed, 13 Apr 2005 00:07:16 +0000

It seems better to just build one. After doing a little research last year, I found parts to a computer in total it was $300. Dell is ok. I have had some trouble with them in the past. The only reason I would buy a computer from them is if I wanted the support.

SearchBliss — Sat, 09 Apr 2005 19:32:04 +0000

I own a Dell portable PC I purchased about 7 years ago (pentium III), and it runs perfectly without a hitch.

Ashish — Fri, 08 Apr 2005 03:52:36 +0000

hi cinfinity,

FYI i have already bought the PC and am very happy with it, mailed dell about a technical issue and got the really good reply back within a hour.. and i think that it was from a outsourced centre so yeah i am not complaining

cinfinity — Sun, 03 Apr 2005 23:47:54 +0000

go to reseller ratings: http://www.resellerratings.com/seller1867.html
Dell has life time reseller rating of 4.49 and six month rating of 3.44 out of 10. If you think waiting for an hour to talk to customer service person in India is fun by all means get a Dell...

mairving — Tue, 19 Oct 2004 20:02:47 +0000

cinfinity wrote: Dell has a customer satisfaction rating around 4 out of 10. Seriously the best PC you get by building your own. I don't want to do a shameless plug here for my company which also custom builds computers so let me just say look around for a custom computer builder in your area you will probably end up paying lot less.

Actually it is more like 8.5 out of ten. I am not crazy at all about Dell's consumer line, Dimension Desktops and Inspiron Notebooks. Their Optiplex and Lattitude lines are really solid units. I have about 10 Lattitudes at work and have never had problems with any except for one. I have 3 Inspirions and they have been nothing but trouble.

While the best PC might be one that you can build some people don't have the time or the aptitude to build their own. It is also difficult sometimes to find reputable local dealers. If you don't buy from reputable people, you won't find them when you need support and oftentimes will have unlicensed software installed. I prefer building my own since I can generally do it a bit cheaper and can have more say about the parts that are on them.

Now about Dell. Where Dell makes their money is by addons. For instance, a base system might have only 256M of RAM. Well upgrading your RAM with Dell will cost you 2-3 times what it would if you bought and installed it yourself.

Keep in mind too that I am speaking from experience in America. I have no idea how Dell does in Australia.

cinfinity — Mon, 18 Oct 2004 21:08:35 +0000

Dell has a customer satisfaction rating around 4 out of 10. Seriously the best PC you get by building your own. I don't want to do a shameless plug here for my company which also custom builds computers so let me just say look around for a custom computer builder in your area you will probably end up paying lot less.

brady.k — Mon, 18 Oct 2004 00:40:51 +0000

The best PC is one that you build. Always.

You are the tech support and customer service. No outsourcing.

teammatt3 — Sun, 17 Oct 2004 14:50:37 +0000

Quote: Dell is very good. The best IMO

I guess you have never seen an ABS PC run

Ashish — Wed, 13 Oct 2004 05:39:52 +0000

hi,

thanks for the reply.... just wanted to make a small update... instead of going for the X300 series.. i am opting for the X800 one (i think that is the 9800 series)... dell is giving me a pretty good deal on it... and i am also opting for the ultra sharp 17"in instead of the normal one.. and plannig to buy a corded keyboard and mouse instead of the wireless one