Dell 700mhz computer for $389, free ship add tax.

Page 2 - Seeking answers? Join the AnandTech community: where nearly half-a-million members share solutions and discuss the latest tech.

Alesmith

Member
Jan 16, 2001
136
0
0
Duron vs Dell Celeron....

Dell vs Homebuilt....

We're talking two different markets here.

Me, I'd never buy a big-name computer for myself. I've built every computer I've ever owned.

But, when my boss, a nice lady who's looking for a computer for her mom, asks if I know of any deals, this Dell suddenly sounds like just what the doctor ordered.

Basically, if Dell will build, ship, and warranty a computer for within 15% of the price I could build it for, after spending hours at shows and sites, and waiting on rebates, it sounds like a great deal to me.... and to my boss's mother.


Cheers,
-Dave
 

dafatha00

Diamond Member
Oct 19, 2000
3,871
0
76
And you guys have to realize a Dell is a Dell. They put the computer together for you and offer their awesome services. I'd definitely agree this is a great deal for anyone who doesn't know much about computers.
 

HIREDGOON

Junior Member
Jan 23, 2001
5
0
0
I believe you probably could build a duron system for around the same price, but the system I ordered from Dell is $392 - this includes shipping, tax, operating system, 1 year MSN dial up (good for casual internet user), lexmark printer, and other assurances that come from getting a computer from DELL. This is pretty hard to beat.
 

yellowperil

Diamond Member
Jan 17, 2000
4,598
0
0
The extra $30 upgrade from 90-day warranty to 1 yr warranty might be worth it (but not the upgrade to 2-3 yr parts delivery for another $70).

I was thinking about upgrading the HD to 7200 rpm for $30, but it doesn't seem worth it...I dunno
 

fruitgum

Member
Nov 28, 2000
38
0
0
This isn't working for me.

If I click on the "Integrated Video, Audio & NIC card" option I go to a screen complaining about an invalid e-value code..

Have Dell caught on and disabled this offer ?
 

3steps

Junior Member
Sep 14, 2000
17
0
0
This may be a dumb question, but can you still order this system if you don't have a company credit card? I noticed that the company field is required. Is there any way around this.....other than different payment options. -3steps-
 

dougjnn

Senior member
Dec 31, 2000
474
0
0
Incorporate yourself.

E.g.:

John Q. Public, Inc.

Or if you don't want to even imply that you have formed a corporation, which is a legal step, just call your organization, e.g. your family:

John Q. Public Associates

(You guys are associated, aren't you?)

Just a thought.
 

ElFenix

Elite Member
Super Moderator
Mar 20, 2000
102,395
8,558
126
dell runs different deals in the different parts of their site, check around between the home and small business bits to figure out which system is better/cheaper
 

FrankRizzo

Senior member
Nov 27, 2000
289
0
0
While Dell requires a company name in the small biz store you can still use your personal credit card. I just put the name of the company I work for (since it's getting shipped there anyway). It went through without any problems.
 

theSpartan

Member
Jun 30, 2000
87
0
0
I have used many a Dell PCs in my time and have found the Dimensions L's to be total crap. Even for the price they are asking. I have not seen one Celeron or PIII that could even closely compete with my 2 year old Celeron 450 machine, at close to twice the same clock speed. I think the 4100's seem to be good running quick machines, but I have not seen a Dimension L that impressed me at all. Anyone else feal this way?
 

KawLiga

Member
Oct 23, 2000
37
0
0
WeinerDog, what were the part numbers for your ValueRam. A friend bought a Compaq 5WV254 a few months ago and he wants more ram.

Thanks
 

RossMAN

Grand Nagus
Feb 24, 2000
78,950
405
136
theSpartan - Back in October 2000 I almost bought my sister a Dell Dimension L but didn't want to limit her expandability by limiting her video card and how many free drive bays she would have. So I decided to pay about $500 more and got her a really nice Dell Dimension 4100 which should easily last her about 2 years since she uses it mostly for web surfing, a little gaming and some graphic artwork.

If everyone here really wants a decent budget system (I said decent, not top of the line) do a search for the word OD (Office Depot) you'll probably find around half a dozen Compaq and HP deals for PCs ranging from $299 - $499 some even have $50 - $250 off rebates plus you can go pick it up at your local OD TODAY! If I had to choose between a Dell or Compaq/HP I'd naturally choose Dell but come on $399 isn't going to deplete your life savings.

Consider paying just a little more to get the Dimension 4100 without monitor (buy a good 17" or 19" elsewhere and save a lot of money), you'll get a better motherboard, MUCH BETTER case with a lot more room to grow, your choice of a graphics card, and so much more. You can get a fairly souped up machine for barely over $1,000 which unfortunately is 3 times $299 so I'll shut up now :)

One last thing I only have 2 complaints about my Dimension 4100:
1) It came with Windows ME wish I had either Windows 2000 Pro or even Windows 98: SE
2) It came with a Western Digital hard drive, an IBM would have been nice.

Last but not least I LOVE my Dell P991 FD Trinitron monitor, it's the best 19" you can buy, bar none.
 

NICKel

Golden Member
May 7, 2000
1,774
0
71
RE: Ponyboy

>>>Hey rub4luv, how would you setup a new system without a floppy??:confused:

Can't you just adjust bios to boot to CD-ROM first?
 

Souka

Diamond Member
Sep 25, 2000
4,728
1
76
Agree with Rossman (two posts above this)....

Stay away from WinME.


A couple of our branch offices have bought Dell and Gateway computers with WinME loaded....some of these computers BSOD on boot up. Some can't get the NIC to work. And this is with the image that was pre-loaded by Dell/Gateway!!!

Oh yeah, even with a "large corporate" account, support is pretty weak for WinME.

We're rolling on Active Directory bigtime, so we just have the branh upgrade the systems to Win2k Pro....things run just fine.


I see it like what was said in Seattle over a year ago during the WTO conference..."hey hey, ho ho, W-I-N-M-E has got to go, hey hey..."


Okook...I'll stop bashing WinME...I know it's not all that bad, just a tad young.


BTW, IMHO, this Dell system is a great deal....
 

Ducati

Member
Feb 8, 2000
192
0
0


<< Last but not least I LOVE my Dell P991 FD Trinitron monitor, it's the best 19&quot; you can buy, bar none. >>



I saw a current issue of PC World or PC Magazine and that particular monitor was not rated as high as the others in terms of picture quality...I thought that the P991 was the best for the money too until I read that article...

what's your take on this Rossman? I'd like to purchase a new 19&quot; monitor....
 

vegasbabyy

Member
Oct 20, 2000
95
0
0
PCWORLD Rated the Dell L Series the best budget desktop.

I'm giving it a shot -- $429 + tax. I'm tired of my mediocre emachine.
 

tjones

Junior Member
Dec 3, 2000
1
0
0
Heres a direct quote from dash ebates:
&quot;Receive dash rewards at DELL on software, accessories, and Home/Home Office computers. Currently, dash cannot offer rewards in the following DELL computer departments: Small Business; Large Business; Healthcare; Government; Education; or Faculty, Student and Staff Personal Purchases.&quot;
and since this deal is through the small business section, the 2% does not apply.
T.
 

RossMAN

Grand Nagus
Feb 24, 2000
78,950
405
136
Ducati - I asked PC World why they listed the Dell P991 monitor at 4 out of 10 in their review chart and what they said makes sense. They judge on quality, features, reliability and most of all value. If you'll notice the Dell costs $589 but the three models listed before all go for under $400. I would say that the Dell P991 is comparable to the top of the line Sony G400 which is the best 19&quot; monitor IMHO.

What helped me to decide on getting the Dell P991 monitor was these factors:
1) FD Trinitron tube, super fricki flat and beautiful.
2) Since my Dell Dimension 4100 has a 3 year warranty the monitor is also covered for 3 years, if ANYTHING goes wrong they will fix or replace it free of charge. That's nice peace of mind to have on a such a heavy and expensive monitor.
3) A few months ago PC World rated the Dell P991 as their NUMBER 1 pick for about 2-3 months in a row until other manufacturers drastically reduced their prices and introduced new models.
4) Every AnandTech General Hardware form, UseNet NewsGroup and magazine article post I had read had nothing but RAVE reviews for the Dell P991.
5) It matches my CPU :)

Two other monitors I would strongly suggest considering are the Samsung SyncMaster 900NF and KDS AV195TF (great warranty).

Go to the General Hardware Forum here, do a search for the word monitor and you'll have HOURS of reading. It's input from REAL people which I tend to trust more than PC World reviews.

If you can afford it, spend a few bucks more and get the Dell Dimension 4100, they recently cut prices really steep my same $2000 setup would cost around $1600 today, OUCH!
 

RossMAN

Grand Nagus
Feb 24, 2000
78,950
405
136
jonnyfin - Yep as far as I know the free shipping expired on 1/25/01 but Dell is always having new promo's here and there. It's best to save your money now, wait for another promo hopefully on the more powerful and expandable Dell Dimension 4100 which gives you a lot more bang for your buck than this one.

If you're looking for strictly a budget machine then check out this Compaq for $335 after $50 rebate:
AMD Duron 700 MHz CPU
64MB PC100 SDRAM (3 slots 1 taken)
20GB Quantum HD
Real AGP Video (not on-board, like that Dell deal) TNT2 8 MB
On Board sound
56K Actiontech Modem
Reasonably Quiet 250W PS
40X CDROM
floppy
3 PCI 1 AGP
2 external 5 ½ in bays
2 external 3.25 in bays
2 hidden 3.25 in bays
Nice USB Multimedia Keyboard
Logitech Mouse

There's still a few left scattered around the U.S. I'm trying to convince myself that I don't need one, let's hope that I come to my senses and real soon!
 

Thunderkiss

Member
Jan 17, 2001
46
0
0
I guess I am lame cuz I cant find the $100 coupon. I would appreciate someone stating where it is.

Thanks a bundle