Quote:
Originally Posted by tekdiver500ft
I would caution you against Dell. HP are far better machines for far less money. Ask any qualified computer repair tech, and he will tell you that Dell used to be great, but they are now poorly built and unreliable -- this is, of course, relative. I suspect that they are as they always were, but everyone else has upped their game so much that Dell has been left in the dust.
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Well I think I qualify as a computer tech (20+ years of working in computers) and I can tell you that you're 100% wrong. They all suck in one way or another. Looking at a specific model and how it was setup is one thing but to chuck an entire company down is completely an arrogant point of view.
ALL computer companies have problems, they have bad models, they have bad installs, and yes sometimes there are even lemons. You can not and should not judge them in one paint stroke. Look at the specs you want, get a decent deal (don't go for the bottom of the barrel), stay away from the cutting edge of technology and you'll be fine 95% of the time. The other 5% there isn't anything you can do about, you have 30 days to return it, don't chuck anything out, don't rip anything and remember on how to put it back.
As far as "old" vs "new" dell. Again it's very short sighted, they all (computer companies) have moved their level 1 support off-shore. Nothing you can do about it. If you do have a problem, try to work with the level 1s, BE NICE! If you don't get anywhere after an hour or so, than ask to be escalated, NICELY. Most of the time with these companies they get a bonus on their customer satisfaction, you get further and faster if you work with them instead of yelling and screaming.
If you're not getting anywhere, call customer service which is usually not outsourced and ask to return the unit as it is defective. They will usually put you in touch with their inhouse level 3 people, so they'll either fix it or replace it for you.
Oh! Do stay away from Best Buy and Sears and such places. All they do is make support/exchanges harder. You also usually end up with 3rd generation equipment that was left over from a previous build.
I hope that helps.