I think that many unnecessarily criticize Dell. Yes, they don't exactly sell the most High-End systems possible, but they're aiming their products at the majority of the public. The majority of the public isn't informed about computers, nor have they even heard of AMD. Companies such as Dell and HP/Compaq help bridge the electronics world with the computer illiterate general public.
Most consumers of pre-configured desktops have no idea that it's possible to assemble their own computer tailored to their needs for a much cheaper price. They don't know the difference between an Antec power supply and some "Bob's Best!" generic PSU. With brands such as Dell, consumers can relax knowing that their computers have an extremely low chance of failing on them because of hardware issues. And, if such a case arises, there's always Customer Support.
Now, I know that this is where many come to despise Dells. It's true that some of the Indian Dell representatives will not understand some heavy accents, they will fully comprehend most of the times. I own two Dells, one of them being a desktop. I bought it, a Dimension 4300, in November of 2001. So far, I've had one hard drive crash (last month, courtesy of a Western Digital Caviar), and just a few days ago my DVD drive started to show its age, needing several tries to successfully read disks. Despite these hardware troubles, I had my hard drive ordered in 15 minutes, including hold time, on a weekend. Yesterday, during peak times at 7PM ET, I called them up, waited 8 minutes on hold, and then talked with a representative for about 15 minutes, all that ending with a replacement DVD drive being sent to my home. Dell will cover all charges, including shipping both ways, because I purchased a 3-year warrenty. I understand that many don't like to buy extended warrenty, but that's one of the main reasons to purchase a system from a name brand company.
I don't advocate the idea that Dell computers are the most rock solid systems in the world, but most consumers are not going to lose a thousand dollars or more every hour of downtime, but that's what IBM, Toshiba, and Dell Small Business's servers and elite warrenty plans, and maybe even an onsite IT are for. Rather, Dell fullfills the need of the people who just want to get to the internet, check mail, and play the occasional game. Let me repeat, Dell Dimensions are not aimed towards the Gaming or Business sectors of consumers. Alienware and IBM take care of that. But, with those companies comes a hefty price tag. Dell's are cheaper, and pretty much bargains during good sales. I am by no means starting a flame war, but please be open-minded about computer buyers who don't educate themselves on technology by coming to sites such as Anandtech. Thanks for considering my thoughts and feel free to share your opinions and reasoning.
Most consumers of pre-configured desktops have no idea that it's possible to assemble their own computer tailored to their needs for a much cheaper price. They don't know the difference between an Antec power supply and some "Bob's Best!" generic PSU. With brands such as Dell, consumers can relax knowing that their computers have an extremely low chance of failing on them because of hardware issues. And, if such a case arises, there's always Customer Support.
Now, I know that this is where many come to despise Dells. It's true that some of the Indian Dell representatives will not understand some heavy accents, they will fully comprehend most of the times. I own two Dells, one of them being a desktop. I bought it, a Dimension 4300, in November of 2001. So far, I've had one hard drive crash (last month, courtesy of a Western Digital Caviar), and just a few days ago my DVD drive started to show its age, needing several tries to successfully read disks. Despite these hardware troubles, I had my hard drive ordered in 15 minutes, including hold time, on a weekend. Yesterday, during peak times at 7PM ET, I called them up, waited 8 minutes on hold, and then talked with a representative for about 15 minutes, all that ending with a replacement DVD drive being sent to my home. Dell will cover all charges, including shipping both ways, because I purchased a 3-year warrenty. I understand that many don't like to buy extended warrenty, but that's one of the main reasons to purchase a system from a name brand company.
I don't advocate the idea that Dell computers are the most rock solid systems in the world, but most consumers are not going to lose a thousand dollars or more every hour of downtime, but that's what IBM, Toshiba, and Dell Small Business's servers and elite warrenty plans, and maybe even an onsite IT are for. Rather, Dell fullfills the need of the people who just want to get to the internet, check mail, and play the occasional game. Let me repeat, Dell Dimensions are not aimed towards the Gaming or Business sectors of consumers. Alienware and IBM take care of that. But, with those companies comes a hefty price tag. Dell's are cheaper, and pretty much bargains during good sales. I am by no means starting a flame war, but please be open-minded about computer buyers who don't educate themselves on technology by coming to sites such as Anandtech. Thanks for considering my thoughts and feel free to share your opinions and reasoning.
