dell system...optiplex or dimension

[kermalou]

for my office computer i have a choice between a dimension or an optiplex, the optiplex is more expensive. what is the difference here?

which one is better suited for a business machine? no need for upgrades or case modding, just a heavy duty computer.


the dimension specs:

Dimension 4500 P4-2.4Ghz 128MB DDR/20GB CD XP Home $679 shipped free w/free PD


optiplex specs:

OptiPlex GX260 desktop with Small Minitower, P4-2GHz, 128MB DDR, 20GB, Free 16x DVD or 24x CDRW, Intel Gigabit (10/100/1000) NIC, XP Home, for $769

 

[Electric Amish]

The optiplex are more standardized and their configurations hang around longer than the Dimension.

The Dimension is usually the latest and greates.

The Optiplex you can still get with WinNT, ATI Rage video cards, etc...

amish

 

[StattlichPassat]

...128MB?!? :Q I'd get the OptiPlex, and UPGRADE that memory for pete's sake!

 

[PsychoAndy]

i've always been a dimension fan. thats why i ordered 10.

-PAB

 

[Electric Amish]

Originally posted by: PsychoAndy
i've always been a dimension fan. thats why i ordered 10.

-PAB

That's good if you're buying them all right now. If you're going to be buying them like a company would, a few here or there throughout the year's, the Optiplex is nice. In 2-3 months, you won't be able to get the same Dimension system, but you will with the Optiplex so you can keep your business systems standardized.

amish

 

[vi edit]

Optiplexes also come with much better standard warranties. Usually parts and labor on site for full three years.

The dimension warranty is probably just a year mail in warranty, you'll have to pay $120 or so to upgrade it.

 

[kermalou]

the warranty is what i like about the optiplex.

the standard for me because every computer in my office is different, there are no two alike.

 

[PsychoAndy]

Originally posted by: vi_edit
Optiplexes also come with much better standard warranties. Usually parts and labor on site for full three years.

The dimension warranty is probably just a year mail in warranty, you'll have to pay $120 or so to upgrade it.

Actually vi, If you ask them within a month of purchase, they can upgrade your warranty.

-PAB

 

[Stark]

I have a Dimension 8200 on my desk with all the bells and whistles, but most of the boxes at work are optiplex's. Both are fine and can be ordered with 3 year warranties. I got the Dimension because it had a GF4. I would get XP Pro or even 2000 over XP Home. And 128MB really is not enough.

 

[ElFenix]

they're usually exactly the same. the opti configs stay around a little while longer. the opti is generally more expensive.

 

[RossMAN]

I've always preferred the newer hardware and cases of the Dimension systems. I'd buy a Dimension and upgrade to the 3 year warranty.

 

[Kelvrick]

The new Optiplex cases SOOOK!! The cd-rom and floppy buttons aren't regular buttons anymore. They're these weird stick thingies that almost ALWAYS get jammed into their slots. Get the dimension and upgrade the ram.

<== button hating monkey dance

 

[ElFenix]

Originally posted by: Kelvrick
The new Optiplex cases SOOOK!! The cd-rom and floppy buttons aren't regular buttons anymore. They're these weird stick thingies that almost ALWAYS get jammed into their slots. Get the dimension and upgrade the ram.

<== button hating monkey dance

cases are the same now

 

[DnetMHZ]

Originally posted by: ElFenix

Originally posted by: Kelvrick
The new Optiplex cases SOOOK!! The cd-rom and floppy buttons aren't regular buttons anymore. They're these weird stick thingies that almost ALWAYS get jammed into their slots. Get the dimension and upgrade the ram.

<== button hating monkey dance

cases are the same now

yes i just got 5 new dimensions and they have those type of buttons.

 

I've got an Optiplex GX260, and I love it.

You can't beat the case design (opens like a book) - but then again, you won't be doing much upgrading.

It comes standard with an onboard NIC that supports Gigabit ethernet.

Case looks cool, front USB ports, etc.

Great Dell service and support, if you need it.

 

[Ryan]

Get a Gateway.