Dell: overpriced, never the leading edge unless you want to pay a king's ransom. Does not and will not support 64-bit technology because its not from Intel. Better hope you don't depend on your system for a living because the on-site support often consists of clueless parts swappers who show up late. Don't plan on upgrading the motherboard when something newer comes out.... you're stuck with it. Biased employees post testimonials on web sites in violation of the registration guidelines.

Home built: best bang for the buck. Buy locally, get the leading edge and you know you're not stuck using slower memory technology (Dell), slower video cards (Dell), proprietary parts (Dell) and someone else's idea of an operating system installation (Dell). Not recommended for the newbie.

 

I agree with Ken on Dell, check out this URL:

http://www.thesqueakywheel.com/compl...st.cfm?ID=1686

 

<!-- Everyone has their opinions, and that's all I was expressing.

For one, hardly over priced. You can get the cheapest one on a good day for $399 with a monitor. Go to newegg, build a top of the line P4 machine, loaded, and build the same thing on Dell's website, and you'll see they're more comparable than any other machine like a Alienware box. You're right, they don't support anything but intel technology, and they won't, and I know why. The onsite service is through Qualxserv, ****, & BancTec service, so if you have a problem with the guy in your local area, take it up with them, b/c all they are doing is doing the dirty work for Dell. (All of which probably hold more certifications/degrees than you probably do) About the part pushers, they send out "party packs" of parts to have your problem fixed, that was most likely user error in the first place with a software issue. They use standard Intel motherboards, so you can upgrade if you want to, and you can certinally pop in a new cpu and whatnot into it. I wasn't trying to be a biased person, but if you want me to be over your ludacris statements, then I can be. I did have good comments about other machines.

If you can find me someone with better service, bring it on.

They user standard DDR memory. They user standard 8x AGP cards, and you have the choice of ATI, or Nvidia. Only proprietary part is the motherboard, which is an intel motherboard, and the only reason it is proprietary is b/c of the chassis it's in has a different back panel. Oh, and the operating system..You don't get a factory image of Windows with the machine. You get a real copy of Windows, on it's real cd. It may be an OEM, but it's the same as the retail, and doesn't put the Dell logo anywhere in the machine. You have to put drivers and whatnot in yourself off of a seperate cd. The O/S installation is just like on any other home made machine.

Before you start talking trash, know what you are talking about first. Your last statement sounds like rediculous information you heard from some angry Dell customer, that is very inaccurate. Only half of 1% of Dell computers ever have a problem. And that is is a fact. -->

 

IBM offers IA64 machines:

http://www.pc.ibm.com/us/eserver/xseries/x455.html

 

Don't some people get it? I posted "Biased employees post testimonials on web sites in violation of the registration guidelines" in my post and another promotional post gets made!

Any further discussion/promotion of an employer's products/services will result in strict enforcement of the guidelines. Content removed as well.

 

There are good pc's from every manufacturer. Where I work we use Compaq, and I am very happy with the pc's. They are always on and the hardqare is never a problem. My sister got a dell for college and has never had a problem. I build my own and have problems, just because I like to mess around with stuff. If you just want a computer to get on the interweb with and play some games, they will all suit you pretty well. If you need something hardcore either built it yourself from scratch or get an alienware pc. my $.02

 

I'm on my second Gateway. I bought the last unit because of the 7/24 tech support. When the "wormblaster" virus hit, I went on their telephone support and got the repair in short order. We have Dell units at the office. Both have been great computers. If you are technically oriented enough to troubleshoot your hardware/software, you can build a great system on your own. If not, go with a box system.

 

I'll just stay out of it, and this part of the forum from now on. Some of you people sure can't handle a heated debate.

Have a nice day.

 

Huh? My mother has a Dell Dimension, & it has a Pentium IV processor.

I have a really-old Packard-Bell Pentium 200, with a 28.8K dialup. Dude, I need a %^&*&^% Dell!

 

It started off harmless enough. I think if your going to allow someone to post a thread on what specific brand of computer they own, it's only fair to allow everyone to post their opinions. If a member happens to work for one of the companies, so be it, he's still entitled to his opinion. Since he wasn't hiding the fact that he worked for that company, and didn't start the thread, everyone could judge for themselves the nuetrallity of his information. I have seen many posts where members have solicited professional advice and opinions on subjects/products from other members on the forum. To me, that's what makes it fun and informative. Just my 2 cents

 

Which P4? Dell gets the stuff...but lets say when the next gen prescott cpu comes out from Intel...If Dell has it first it WILL cost an arm and a leg to get it, can't argue that. At the intel conference I was at the other day Intel was giving lots of praise to Dell (I think at the moment they are their biggest buyer) so why wouldn't they? Doesn't mean they are the best.

Sure Dell has Xeon servers. Big deal. Dell doesn't have Itanium servers that I have seen. I don't think they carry anything bigger then a 4-way (correct me if I'm wrong)

But I dont think this was about servers.

P4's have been out for some time now...they aren't state of the art, the P4-3.0G/800FSB just came down in price enough to warrant grabbing (since the P4-3.2 is now old news and the prescott will be out Q1 2004)

Anyway, not attacking you or saying your ma's computer is slow...just backing up what Ken said as true.


Chado

 

Sorry administrator, but where are you getting your info on dell? the dell we have has a pentium 4 processor. So if you know you want faster memory technology (DELL), Faster video cards (DELL), new parts (DELL) and someones idea of a good operating system (DELL). Then Dude, you need to get a DELL! I dont know how you could say its not good for newbies either? My parents had it all put together and running before i got home, and they're like the most technologically inexperianced people there are. I doubt the'd be able to "go and build their own" computer also! About the web site, ragging on dell, you cant make every person happy, the world just doesnt work like that, but you sure can try as best you can. I"m sure there are other complaints on other computers too.

 

Right now AMD holds the crown with its 64-bit platform though Intel is stomping AMD in the 32-bit world with really fast front side bus speeds. Really cool to see AMD take the lead and have Intel follow. Hasn't been that way since AMD had its 120Mhz 486DX4 to Intel's 100Mhz 486DX4.

Dell does make some very good computers, no doubt about it. They just aren't everything for everybody, just as Ford isn't everything for everybody.

 

Not the leading edge, from either Intel or AMD, unless you live in the past.

Wrong again. They don't support the fastest DDR speeds nor, last time I checked, support CAS 2 timing.

Dell does not have the fastest video cards either. I can go to any mail order site, Fry's or Microcenter and get better.

New parts does not equal leading edge. You can still buy new 60gig PATA IDE hard drives....

Dell doesn't make operating systems.

Like I said, building your own isn't for the newbie.... which is why the newbie rarely has the leading edge. Building your own, if you know what you're doing, results in more power for less money (or at least more power for the same).

I ragged on Dell because one of their employees took the opportinity to violate our guidlines, promoting his employer. Don't take it so personally, the world isn't orbiting around a purchase made for your parents.....

 

bought a 1.3 on ebay for 299.00