best computer deal

[Little L]

I have had 2 Dell computers and would never buy another again. The hard drive was defective on my current computer and the computer crashed and I had the computer for less than one year. I lost everything. Fortunately it was still under warranty and was fixed for free. But getting to that point was pure hell. Every time I called tech support I talked to someone with such a heavy accent I could not understand what they were saying, nevermind the fact that every time I called I had to tell them my problem each time. One phone call was 3 hours long!!! Never again. I liked being able to customize what I wanted and get the software I wanted but next time I need a computer I will have it built locally. I'll pay a little more but it'll be well worth it after my last experience.

[lexi_kaye]

I have heard numerous horror stories about Dell. Years ago, they moved their customer service overseas. I, myself at work, have had nothing but problems with any dealings we have had with them (trying to get payments applied correctly, etc). I was shying away from Dell. Aside from customer support, I also hear they use inferior components to save some money (thusly how they are able to offer so cheaply). I hear about people only having a computer from them for a few years. I have computers that are more than 20 years old! Granted, they are now used by my nieces and nephews, and each time I upgraded, another one got the latest toss, but I have never had any problems and I outgrow it long before something would "break" with it. I am currently leaning towards building one on HP's website, but still searching for that perfect deal. I thought if Dell was tons cheaper, I might consider it, but it really doesn't work out that way.

[poundwise]

Dell's are fine computers.

Dell Financial is a horrendous company/sector.

Also, if you need service... hahaha. But that's kind of true for most computer makers.

That's why I suggest you buy cheap and plan to take care of service yourself, if needed.

[Hot dog]

I have also heard people tell horror stories about Dell and their tech support. I have never bought a computer. I think I'm the last one out here and don't know what to look for at all. Is Dell a good brand or not? What do you all think is the best? I heard bad about HP too. Haven't heard anything bad with Gateway. We have Dells at work and they seem to be fine.

[Broken Arrow]

Well... Dell is a good brand in my opinion. Overall. Especially when you consider the fact that they're always cost-cutting-- which often translates to using cheap parts-- I'm actually quite amazed at how well their machines have serviced. Overall.

Had the original poster asked for a laptop, I would not have recommend Dell, but for desktops, they should be fine. Laptops are much more likely to take a beating, and brand-wise, I highly recommend IBM/Lenovo.

Having said that, I don't think one should focus on the brand. Even the best brands out there can and will have defective machines. That and some company's design parameters may not always fit your personal needs. For example, while I love Sony's push towards micronization of... everything, this doesn't always translate into a sturdy, reliable laptop if that's what you're looking for.

And actually, Dell's tech support is not that bad either. But you have to take into account that tech support is a difficult proposition to begin with. And that's before taking a jab at out-sourcing....

The original poster also asked for bundled deals, and for that, HP and especially Dell constantly has good deals going. They also have lots of refurbished and end-of-lease machines that can be had cheap. For example, I found a Dell Pentium 4 desktop for as low as $150 once.

In the end, the best solution is to plan on servicing it yourself. Or know someone knowledgeable to do it for you. Even if it has to be Best Buy.

[kimiko]

would you consider a refurbish laptop ba?

I'm looking for one with 1GB ram, around 2GHZ, DVD-RW and wireless card. Dells fit all the categories and low price, but this doesn't sound good. What's the expected life of a dell laptop anyway?

[Little L]

I respectfully beg to differ with Broken Arrow. Dell's tech support is HORRENDOUS. Language barriers are big and each time you talk to them they have you go through the same steps the last tech person had you do. Then they put you on hold while the "research" the problem. It was awful.

BTW, they sent someone to replace my hard drive last December and guess what? I got the dreaded blue screen yesterday telling me that my computer had a "problem" and Windows had been shut down. The same message I got last time my computer crashed. Needless to say, I backed up everything important.

NEVER AGAIN WILL I BUY DELL. I'll have it built locally so I can take it in, talk to someone who speaks fluent english and have THEM repair it. It's worth the hourly labor rate to me rather than to spend hours on the phone and end up being utterly frustrated .

[Broken Arrow]

would you consider a refurbish laptop ba?

My kneejerk reaction is "Definitely Not". However... if it is being offered by the original manufacturer and comes with limited warranty, who am I to say no to a good deal?

As for shelf life, I don't have any numbers handy. I can only say that the computers people buy should really reflect their real life uses. For example, an older machine will be fine for users who want to do simple productivity tasks. However, people who have serious video, audio, and gaming needs will want more.

If for some reason, you're worried about just technical specs, then buying older machines will already put you behind by some degree.

Just some food for thought....

[Broken Arrow]

I respectfully beg to differ with Broken Arrow. Dell's tech support is HORRENDOUS. Language barriers are big and each time you talk to them they have you go through the same steps the last tech person had you do. Then they put you on hold while the "research" the problem. It was awful.

Hehe. I think you will find that I quite agree with you.

Troubleshooting most anything can be painful enough as it is, but when you add to the fact that you can not see it or touch it, and you have to have someone who may or may not be as technically fluent describe it to you over the phone.... Well, it's a recipe for disaster really. And again, that's before getting into the um out-sourcing.

I also think opinions on the matter will vary depending on personal experiences, right?

In the end, I think we've both come to similar conclusions about the best way to maintain a computer.

[JoyJoy]

Let us know how the E521 works.

Received my new E521 and so far I am very pleased! I still have the old Dell that my son purchased for me in 2001. I never once had to call Dell about that computer. Going to keep that one as well.

This E521 has Vista!! Okay I'm going now so I can enjoy the features on my new computer Hot Dog! You asked me to report back!

My husband has purchased his second HP since my son bought me that Dell in 2001 because he had problems with his. I love Dell! To each his own.

Good luck in your choice.

[Hot dog]

Thanks!!