New computer advice-DELL - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

danny_boy · 06-02-2005, 06:54 AM

Hey,

Im a laptop guy, but my dad needs new desktop. He checks his e-mail, and his stocks, and watches occassional movie jokes he receives in e-mail....very very basic needs. He does not need a new monitor. Now, I know you can build cheap systems, etc, but I've been with Dell my whole life, and love them. Here is the system I configured, I want opinions if its alright for very basic needs, or if Im missing something:

Celeren D 2.66
Win XP Home
512mb ram
40Gb 7200RPM HD
48X CD-RW
1-year warranty
Dell speakers
quiet-key keyboard
Dell mouse
integrated audio and video

After shipping and taxes, total is $492 Canadian Dollars, or $394 USD

This is a DELL Dimension 3000

Please advice ASAP as he need s new computer badly.

bendsley · 06-02-2005, 07:09 AM

It sounds pretty good for just basic needs. It's cheap and seems like it would be plenty for what he needs.

You might check back with Dell again every week until you buy it, or look at Fatwallet.com, as you may find specials deals on the machines.

God of Thunder · 06-02-2005, 07:09 AM

Dell's are better than e-machines IMHO

Sounds like a good setup at a good price. Check for any rebates or specials they may be running.

danny_boy · 06-02-2005, 07:43 AM

Dell Canada rarely offers decent coupons. The special now is double memory, which I feel is very important. I would get 512mb for him. So, even if shipping was free, and memory wasn't would be the same price. If they upgraded the HD free, I dont need that, so this deal seems to be the best.

cyrnel · 06-02-2005, 07:59 AM

Does he already own a system he can scavenge parts or the OS from?

Have you tried craigslist? Shouldn't be difficult to locate something comparable used for $150-200.

Just thoughts to save funds. At least suggest it. Trust me, dad's like kids who want to save them money.

MiSo · 06-02-2005, 08:26 AM

personally, i would never use a celeron processor.. but thats just me.
the system sounds nice, but i would bump the processor up a bit.

d4in · 06-03-2005, 02:17 PM

2 years ago I wouldnt touch an eMachine with a 10 ft pole, but I would recommend Dell systems to customers for low end machines like you described. But today, working for a small tech shop, I would say eMachines or Gateway all the way. eMachines and Gateway merged (not sure who bought who) and from a repair standpoint Dells are crap tp work on. They use mostly proprietary parts and are the crappiest tech support known to man. The eMachines/Gateway boxes are all off the shelf parts, so a local shop can order/sell parts for them. Plus, usually they arent pre-loaded with all the "30 day Trial software" and "sign up for our internet service" crap that Dell and HP/Compaq have been sending out lately. Pretty clean out of the box, with no extra processes running in background. Usually only the updater software, which updates all the Gateway/eMachines support software bulletins is running.

I know it seems like I'm "Dell bashing" , but after having to deal with them on a support level for over 5 years, the quality I've seen from them in the last 18 months is terrifying. Like I said, I used to recommend them on a daily basis.

Jusy my 2 cents.

oiekeooiyw · 06-03-2005, 09:01 PM

what proprietary parts are used in a Dell box? I've worked on a ton of Dell boxes and I have been able to replace/swap parts with no issues.
As to the original question.. for the same price, i just bought an AMD 64bit processor and a motherboard with 1GB of RAM, hard drive, CDRW, DVD, onboard video and onboard sound, and case from newegg (as a spare box) and I love it.
Dell has some great prices lately, but instead of getting a current low end system, you can build it yourself and get something that will last much longer.

Wyodiver33 · 06-04-2005, 10:01 AM

I have to agree with d4in about Dell and proprietary parts, but first, let me get a beer. Ok, that's better. The service manager at work ordered a Dell for his work computer. The Creative Audigy sound card died. Dell was easy enough to deal with and sent him a new sound card. He installed it and went to Creative's web site to get the driver. Long story made short, he had to get the driver from Dell's web site. Also, the Geforce 4200 vid card was badged as Dell. But hey, I'm sure Dell is fine. But I will never buy from any of them. I make my own, thanks.

Marvelous Marv · 06-04-2005, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by d4in

2 years ago I wouldnt touch an eMachine with a 10 ft pole, but I would recommend Dell systems to customers for low end machines like you described. But today, working for a small tech shop, I would say eMachines or Gateway all the way. eMachines and Gateway merged (not sure who bought who) and from a repair standpoint Dells are crap tp work on. They use mostly proprietary parts and are the crappiest tech support known to man. The eMachines/Gateway boxes are all off the shelf parts, so a local shop can order/sell parts for them. Plus, usually they arent pre-loaded with all the "30 day Trial software" and "sign up for our internet service" crap that Dell and HP/Compaq have been sending out lately. Pretty clean out of the box, with no extra processes running in background. Usually only the updater software, which updates all the Gateway/eMachines support software bulletins is running.

I know it seems like I'm "Dell bashing" , but after having to deal with them on a support level for over 5 years, the quality I've seen from them in the last 18 months is terrifying. Like I said, I used to recommend them on a daily basis.

Jusy my 2 cents.

Interesting. I don't have your range of experience, but I've had a lot of computers, and historically, I've run into the most proprietary hardware with Compaq and Gateway. The most problems with Gateway, too.

You're sure right about the 30-day trial software and internet service crap on an HP, though.

Hardknock · 06-04-2005, 06:34 PM

My friend.... The only advice I can give is that here's all you need to know about dell's fabulous tech support department. If you should need to call them

Dell tech support

CityOfAngels · 06-04-2005, 08:10 PM

sashime76 hooked me up with this link when I needed some help: http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...279472&CatId=0

Go ahead and compare the specs with what you're thinking of getting. I ordered that, and paid only $475 including shipping!

bendsley · 06-05-2005, 05:31 AM

Dell proprietary? Are you kidding? What in there is proprietary except maybe the BIOS which still gives you plenty of options?

d4in · 06-07-2005, 10:44 AM

well, some proprietary parts, depending on model are.... floppy drives, power supplies and memory.

The floppy drives on some of the Dell boxes are just bare drives with no front faces so they can fit in the pre-molded dell case. But just try and find a floppy drive that will fit those bays without buying it from Dell. If you find one let me know because I'm tired of charging people an arm and a leg for that replacement.

Power supplies are another issue. I'm pretty sure that the PS in recent models are shelf replaceable, but after crap that Dell has pulled in the past, I wont pull off the shelf to replace customers' parts. More info on this page, http://www.endpcnoise.com/cgi-bin/e/dellconverter.html but main quote off of it follows

Quote:

Like many other pre-fabricated computer manufacturers, Dell has chosen to go with many proprietary computer components instead of using industry standard computer parts. When it is time for replacement or upgrade of these components, they have to be purchased from Dell. In Dell's case one of the proprietary parts is one you might not expect: your Dell power supply may look like a standard ATX power supply, but in fact cannot be replaced with a standard ATX power supply. The reason you need a proprietary Dell power supply is because Dell has been using specially modified ATX motherboards with non-standard pinout of the motherboard power connectors.

Memory is the same story in all PC manufacturer's boxes, just go to Crucial or Kingston's web site configurators and see why all pc2100 memory is not available for some ddr dells( or others). We stock lots of memory in the store, both Crucial and Kingston. but if a customer comes in for an upgrade, I'm sure as hell gonna check with those configurators before I pull something off the shelf. Last week a customer had bought a stick of PC2700 from another store and it wouldn't work in his Dell. I checked the specs and Crucial said that that specific model of Crucial memory was NOT COMPATIBLE with that specific DELL model. But, two of their other lines of PC2700 were compatible. Of course this can happen for almost every commercial PC out there.

Like I said, just trying to relate some of the experiences I've had with Dell in the last 18 months, not trying to tick anyone off.

I don't know what percentage of market share Dell has on the computer market. I'll take a wild assumption and say that 50% of all computers sold are Dell. And that is a very broad assumtion. I dont think they have anywhere near that many sales. Now, add the FACT that as a computer REPAIR shop, 70% of the computers that have walked through the door in the last 2 years are Dells, I wouldnt steer anyone towards them. Ever. End of Story.

CityOfAngels · 06-08-2005, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by d4in

well, some proprietary parts, depending on model are.... floppy drives, power supplies and memory.

The floppy drives on some of the Dell boxes are just bare drives with no front faces so they can fit in the pre-molded dell case. But just try and find a floppy drive that will fit those bays without buying it from Dell. If you find one let me know because I'm tired of charging people an arm and a leg for that replacement.

Power supplies are another issue. I'm pretty sure that the PS in recent models are shelf replaceable, but after crap that Dell has pulled in the past, I wont pull off the shelf to replace customers' parts. More info on this page, http://www.endpcnoise.com/cgi-bin/e/dellconverter.html but main quote off of it follows

Memory is the same story in all PC manufacturer's boxes, just go to Crucial or Kingston's web site configurators and see why all pc2100 memory is not available for some ddr dells( or others). We stock lots of memory in the store, both Crucial and Kingston. but if a customer comes in for an upgrade, I'm sure as hell gonna check with those configurators before I pull something off the shelf. Last week a customer had bought a stick of PC2700 from another store and it wouldn't work in his Dell. I checked the specs and Crucial said that that specific model of Crucial memory was NOT COMPATIBLE with that specific DELL model. But, two of their other lines of PC2700 were compatible. Of course this can happen for almost every commercial PC out there.

Like I said, just trying to relate some of the experiences I've had with Dell in the last 18 months, not trying to tick anyone off.

I don't know what percentage of market share Dell has on the computer market. I'll take a wild assumption and say that 50% of all computers sold are Dell. And that is a very broad assumtion. I dont think they have anywhere near that many sales. Now, add the FACT that as a computer REPAIR shop, 70% of the computers that have walked through the door in the last 2 years are Dells, I wouldnt steer anyone towards them. Ever. End of Story.

"A Focus and a Dell! A Focus and a Dell!..."
Anyone who:
a) Buys a (new) Focus...
or b) Is affected by that crappy song in their advertisements...
must not be too bright.

MikeSty · 06-08-2005, 02:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by d4in

The floppy drives on some of the Dell boxes are just bare drives with no front faces so they can fit in the pre-molded dell case. But just try and find a floppy drive that will fit those bays without buying it from Dell. If you find one let me know because I'm tired of charging people an arm and a leg for that replacement.

Isn't this the case with just about every OEM computer on the market? All of my dells (okay, mine and my fathers), eMachines, Compaqs have what you just described.

The PSU thing I wouldn't know about, but the memory thing I may be able to give a half-assed nod. My teacher told me that he needed some freak paired DDR2 for his Dell workstation in the lab. He said it wasn't ECC nor was it anything fancy - but it needed to install in pairs.

d4in · 06-09-2005, 07:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeSty

Isn't this the case with just about every OEM computer on the market? All of my dells (okay, mine and my fathers), eMachines, Compaqs have what you just described.

Some, but not all. Like I said, the NEW Gateways and eMachines do not (at least the ones I've seen). Oh, and try to buy a new Dell with a floppy, they charge you $50 for an external USB drive because they dont want them to even be installed in their cases.

Edit: I just looekd at new Gateway specs and I guess the external floppy thing isn't a Dell specific problem. I just guess that floppies are finally being phased out.

Cuatela · 06-09-2005, 07:44 AM

We've got two dells at the office...one celeron, one pentium. both are slowing down. our home-built systems aren't, and the dells are newer. my conclusion: Dell sucks :P

seriously though, Dell is getting worse in the desktop area. I'm not sure what's wrong, but I'd look for another system.

kapoho · 06-14-2005, 03:09 PM

I manage about 200 Dell computers. Overall they do not have very many hardware problems. The only problem areas are ones that ship with Maxtor hard drives; when they break, Dell ships us a Western Digital next day air. We have Celerons and P4's of all different speeds; if you can afford it, go with the P4.

We also noticed a that our computers perform much better if you reload the OS and get all factory Dell crap off of them.

d4in · 06-14-2005, 07:38 PM

Quote:

We also noticed a that our computers perform much better if you reload the OS and get all factory Dell crap off of them.

but most people will not wipe and reinstall a new computer just to gt it working right, they want it working fine out of the box.

snowy · 06-14-2005, 10:06 PM

I own two Dells, have swapped out hardware on both (new HDs in both, new CD burner in one, new memory in one, new video card in one) as they've gotten older/less up-to-date, and haven't had any problems. One of the things I love about my Dell compared to other computers I've dealt with is that mine is incredibly stable. I have had very few problems with overall system stability, even compared to friends of mine who are running the same OS (XP). It's also highly energy effecient. My case fan runs maybe 5 mins. a day--compared to other computer this is nothing, and it's so quiet when it does run I rarely notice it's turned on.

I've had the Dell I use day to day for 3 years now and have had no problems whatsoever with it. Because I'm getting into heavier gaming, I'm going to upgrade some components, but that has nothing to do with the quality of the system I received from Dell--that has to do with my change in needs.

I got a barebones Dell for my parents' use last year and we have also had no problems with that computer--I've upgraded a few things for them on the cheap (CD burner, more memory, video card) but the computer itself is perfectly stable, runs well, and also quiet. Furthermore it's a computer my parents can handle themselves--they don't need me running up every month to fix something on it. THAT is the most important thing.

06-02-2005, 06:54 AM	#1 (permalink)
danny_boy Crazy	New computer advice-DELL Hey, Im a laptop guy, but my dad needs new desktop. He checks his e-mail, and his stocks, and watches occassional movie jokes he receives in e-mail....very very basic needs. He does not need a new monitor. Now, I know you can build cheap systems, etc, but I've been with Dell my whole life, and love them. Here is the system I configured, I want opinions if its alright for very basic needs, or if Im missing something: Celeren D 2.66 Win XP Home 512mb ram 40Gb 7200RPM HD 48X CD-RW 1-year warranty Dell speakers quiet-key keyboard Dell mouse integrated audio and video After shipping and taxes, total is $492 Canadian Dollars, or $394 USD This is a DELL Dimension 3000 Please advice ASAP as he need s new computer badly.

06-02-2005, 07:09 AM	#2 (permalink)
bendsley Professional Loafer Location: texas	It sounds pretty good for just basic needs. It's cheap and seems like it would be plenty for what he needs. You might check back with Dell again every week until you buy it, or look at Fatwallet.com, as you may find specials deals on the machines. __________________ "You hear the one about the fella who died, went to the pearly gates? St. Peter let him in. Sees a guy in a suit making a closing argument. Says, "Who's that?" St. Peter says, "Oh, that's God. Thinks he's Denny Crane."

06-02-2005, 07:09 AM	#3 (permalink)
God of Thunder Talk nerdy to me Location: Flint, MI	Dell's are better than e-machines IMHO Sounds like a good setup at a good price. Check for any rebates or specials they may be running. __________________ I reject your reality, and substitute my own -- Adam Savage

06-02-2005, 07:59 AM	#5 (permalink)
cyrnel Adequate Location: In my angry-dome.	Does he already own a system he can scavenge parts or the OS from? Have you tried craigslist? Shouldn't be difficult to locate something comparable used for $150-200. Just thoughts to save funds. At least suggest it. Trust me, dad's like kids who want to save them money. __________________ There are a vast number of people who are uninformed and heavily propagandized, but fundamentally decent. The propaganda that inundates them is effective when unchallenged, but much of it goes only skin deep. If they can be brought to raise questions and apply their decent instincts and basic intelligence, many people quickly escape the confines of the doctrinal system and are willing to do something to help others who are really suffering and oppressed." -Manufacturing Consent: Noam Chomsky and the Media, p. 195

06-03-2005, 02:17 PM	#7 (permalink)
d4in Computer Nerd Location: Bishop, TX	2 years ago I wouldnt touch an eMachine with a 10 ft pole, but I would recommend Dell systems to customers for low end machines like you described. But today, working for a small tech shop, I would say eMachines or Gateway all the way. eMachines and Gateway merged (not sure who bought who) and from a repair standpoint Dells are crap tp work on. They use mostly proprietary parts and are the crappiest tech support known to man. The eMachines/Gateway boxes are all off the shelf parts, so a local shop can order/sell parts for them. Plus, usually they arent pre-loaded with all the "30 day Trial software" and "sign up for our internet service" crap that Dell and HP/Compaq have been sending out lately. Pretty clean out of the box, with no extra processes running in background. Usually only the updater software, which updates all the Gateway/eMachines support software bulletins is running. I know it seems like I'm "Dell bashing" , but after having to deal with them on a support level for over 5 years, the quality I've seen from them in the last 18 months is terrifying. Like I said, I used to recommend them on a daily basis. Jusy my 2 cents. __________________ I am not a vegetarian because I love animals; I am a vegetarian because I hate plants. -- A. Whitney Brown

06-02-2005, 07:43 AM	#4 (permalink)
danny_boy Crazy	Dell Canada rarely offers decent coupons. The special now is double memory, which I feel is very important. I would get 512mb for him. So, even if shipping was free, and memory wasn't would be the same price. If they upgraded the HD free, I dont need that, so this deal seems to be the best.

06-02-2005, 08:26 AM	#6 (permalink)
MiSo Psycho	personally, i would never use a celeron processor.. but thats just me. the system sounds nice, but i would bump the processor up a bit.

06-03-2005, 09:01 PM	#8 (permalink)
oiekeooiyw Insane	what proprietary parts are used in a Dell box? I've worked on a ton of Dell boxes and I have been able to replace/swap parts with no issues. As to the original question.. for the same price, i just bought an AMD 64bit processor and a motherboard with 1GB of RAM, hard drive, CDRW, DVD, onboard video and onboard sound, and case from newegg (as a spare box) and I love it. Dell has some great prices lately, but instead of getting a current low end system, you can build it yourself and get something that will last much longer.

06-04-2005, 10:01 AM	#9 (permalink)
Wyodiver33 Just here for the beer. Location: Ft. Lauderdale, Floriduh	I have to agree with d4in about Dell and proprietary parts, but first, let me get a beer. Ok, that's better. The service manager at work ordered a Dell for his work computer. The Creative Audigy sound card died. Dell was easy enough to deal with and sent him a new sound card. He installed it and went to Creative's web site to get the driver. Long story made short, he had to get the driver from Dell's web site. Also, the Geforce 4200 vid card was badged as Dell. But hey, I'm sure Dell is fine. But I will never buy from any of them. I make my own, thanks. __________________ I like stuff.

06-04-2005, 06:34 PM	#11 (permalink)
Hardknock Republican slayer Location: WA	NSFW My friend.... The only advice I can give is that here's all you need to know about dell's fabulous tech support department. If you should need to call them Dell tech support

06-05-2005, 05:31 AM	#13 (permalink)
bendsley Professional Loafer Location: texas	Dell proprietary? Are you kidding? What in there is proprietary except maybe the BIOS which still gives you plenty of options? __________________ "You hear the one about the fella who died, went to the pearly gates? St. Peter let him in. Sees a guy in a suit making a closing argument. Says, "Who's that?" St. Peter says, "Oh, that's God. Thinks he's Denny Crane."

06-09-2005, 07:44 AM	#18 (permalink)
Cuatela Insane Location: NC, USA	We've got two dells at the office...one celeron, one pentium. both are slowing down. our home-built systems aren't, and the dells are newer. my conclusion: Dell sucks :P seriously though, Dell is getting worse in the desktop area. I'm not sure what's wrong, but I'd look for another system. __________________ Any sarcasm was intentional.

06-14-2005, 03:09 PM	#19 (permalink)
kapoho Crazy Location: BF	I manage about 200 Dell computers. Overall they do not have very many hardware problems. The only problem areas are ones that ship with Maxtor hard drives; when they break, Dell ships us a Western Digital next day air. We have Celerons and P4's of all different speeds; if you can afford it, go with the P4. We also noticed a that our computers perform much better if you reload the OS and get all factory Dell crap off of them.

06-14-2005, 10:06 PM	#21 (permalink)
snowy Kick Ass Kunoichi Location: Oregon	I own two Dells, have swapped out hardware on both (new HDs in both, new CD burner in one, new memory in one, new video card in one) as they've gotten older/less up-to-date, and haven't had any problems. One of the things I love about my Dell compared to other computers I've dealt with is that mine is incredibly stable. I have had very few problems with overall system stability, even compared to friends of mine who are running the same OS (XP). It's also highly energy effecient. My case fan runs maybe 5 mins. a day--compared to other computer this is nothing, and it's so quiet when it does run I rarely notice it's turned on. I've had the Dell I use day to day for 3 years now and have had no problems whatsoever with it. Because I'm getting into heavier gaming, I'm going to upgrade some components, but that has nothing to do with the quality of the system I received from Dell--that has to do with my change in needs. I got a barebones Dell for my parents' use last year and we have also had no problems with that computer--I've upgraded a few things for them on the cheap (CD burner, more memory, video card) but the computer itself is perfectly stable, runs well, and also quiet. Furthermore it's a computer my parents can handle themselves--they don't need me running up every month to fix something on it. THAT is the most important thing. __________________ If I am not better, at least I am different. --Jean-Jacques Rousseau