I've had two dell laptops and 5 Dell PCs. Here's the thing...
Posted By: Jo (sm) on 2007-07-13
In Reply to: Any advice on laptops? sm - Just me
Make sure you get the extended warranty, again, MAKE SURE YOU GET THE EXTENDED WARRANTY. And, here is why.
My first laptop went out on my, though it was a couple of years old. Because I had the extended warranty, a service tech came to my house, replaced motherboard, hard drive, heat sink, and keyboard. He was able to back up everything first and restored it once all the new stuff was in place.
One of my PCs kept giving some weird blue screen error and I couldn't get to go even in safe mode. I called up Dell, told them the problem, they looked up my extended warranty and they sent someone out to repair it.
Overall, I have been happy with Dell products. The only drag is that everything Dell sells regarding accessories is proprietary and you have to order it through Dell. No generic accessories will work. My suggestion is if you decide to buy a Dell laptop, make sure you get the car power supply and you might even get a 2nd regular power supply because I have been known to leave town and forget the power supply at the house. Now, I have everything in my laptop bag for when I go out of town and can just throw my laptop in the bag and know everything is there.
Lastly, some Dell laptops require a special aircard to connect to the internet. I ended up getting a 2 cabled USB air card and I'm glad I did because 2 USB plug ins give better reception than one.
If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask. I'm happy to help.
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I've searched and not all Dell laptops have the parallel port.
So I just wanted to check to see more specifics from those who have. Thanks.
Looking at Dell laptops, need help plz..sm
I am going to purchase my first laptop with Dell but have no clue which one to get. I will be working from home with it so I am not too concerned with wireless internet connection and all that. Does anyone have any advice?
Thanks
RUN FROM DELL LAPTOPS
Ish will never by a Dell again!!!
I just got my 5th Dell---have 2 laptops and 3 desktops - sm
My laptop which I bought used about 5 years ago has been acting up for about a year, so expect it to die soon, so bought a new/used Dell laptop to replace that (use for travel only basically). My desktop crashed last year, got it fixed, bought a backup though about 8 months ago to replace that one. My everyday one finally died right after Christmas. On my backup desktop used Dell now, but this is supposed to be my younger daughters computer (and just my backup for emergencies); so I went and ordered a new Dell last week (with XP though), just got it and plan on setting it up over the weekend. I am very happy with the Dell product. My first one lasted 6 years, my used laptop is about 8 years old and still going though it is dying, my new/used laptop is about 2 years old and in great shape; my backup is also about 2-3 years old but I expect it will last longer than 6 years as it will not be abused like my regular desktop. I am sure I will be happy with the new one. I had a Gateway before and it died after 4 years, so I find Dell more reliable.
Go do Dell.com and click on laptops. To the far right is an icon that says "looking for Windows
If you click on that, they offer computers that have XP on them already. I have not checked into this, but the prices listed are the same as for Vista computers. You might check it out, and let us know if it is legitimate. Good luck.
STAPLES is now carrying Dell PCs, laptops, exclusive retail agreement. nm
Paradox
I have both a Dell Latitude Laptop and a Dell Dimension desk top PC and bought both...
off of Ebay. The laptop I paid $300 for had Windows XP and works great. It wasn't wireless, but they sent me a PCI card with it and it works fine. The desktop PC has XP on it as well and I paid $250 for it. Both have Pentium IVs. Both work great for work. I have no complaints and I feel like I got a great deal both times out on Ebay.
Company provides a Dell for work, I have a Dell for personal use, too.
x
Dell customer service is overseas. I have had a Dell, a
Toshiba Satellite, and an HP. The Dell was a piece of junk from day 1. The HP hard drive crashed after 4 to 5 years, but otherwise no problems. I bought a Toshiba about 6 months ago and it is okay, nothing special. I was looking at the Sony Viao and the salesman said that some laptops are made to be portable, but that the Sony was not one of them, but the Toshiba was. My keyboard also has a numerical pad on it, but it throws the other keys off a bit, so when I'm in a portable mode and don't have room for an external keyboard it really slows me down. I have a Duo Core processor and notice no difference whatsoever in speed, the number of programs I can have open, etc. I have also noticed that even when I am not on battery power that every so often the battery is charging. I don't know if this is a defect or something that is supposed to happen, but I need to investigate it.
I don't like Dell. I bought a Dell laptop and it
was a piece of junk, so I'm not the one to ask if you should buy a Dell. I'd get at least double that processor speed. My computer is about 10 months old and I have 5 times that, which means that there is probably something faster out now, or soon will be. It is more than I need for work, but I also use computer to download music/pictures, and a bunch of other stuff. The Dell I had had 650 mHz and it was slow and that was almost 6 years ago. You may have to customize anyway to get XP unless you buy one previously owned, which you can also buy from Dell. It is always a good idea to buy bigger than you need currently just to allow for updates to any software or new software you may add. You need to also think about tech support. I know Dell has tech support in India, which can be extremely frustrating. I don't know that other computer companies don't offshore their tech support, but that would be a question I would ask and find out if there is a locally authorized dealer to handle warranty repairs or if you need to send off the computer. I would not recommend a Gateway computer and I would not recommend any computer that has a Celeron processor. They tend to be in all the lower end computers.
I think you should tell Dell that exact same thing
that you posted here ... about getting some guy named Bobby that can't even speak English! Let's not forget the hours of time you spend on the phone repeating sentences and questions over and over again.
I've tried Dell, which is what I prefer. sm
The reps have told me that all home desktop models now come with Vista. Period. I even asked if I could purchase one with XP if I paid extra and received a negative response. :(
I've heard with Dell if you tell them you're a business,
you'll get someone from the US. I already have two HPs but tried it anyway. I used to say home or home office but said I use it for business and still got someone from India but he spoke very, very good English compared to some I've spoken to in the past.
I have a desktop Dell and it has been alright so far, but I've never owned a laptop.
What brand are you currently using then?
I've worked on a Dell Inspiron 8600 for 3 years
I've heard they're not as good as they used to be, but so far (knock on wood), I haven't had any problem except last week my AC power pack died. They mailed me a new one within 3-4 days (I was under 4 years parts warranty). I use a USB keyboard and mouse and don't bother to try to use the scrunched up laptop keyboard.
I've lost more than one hard drive on Dell computers
That's the message you get normally if the hard drive if fried. I just called Dell and they diagnosed the problem and sent me a new hard drive and I returned the bad one. Is yours still under warranty?
Escription users: I have a question. I've about had it with Dell junk computers.
and their Indian call centers..nothing like getting help from someone whom you cant understand. Even if they hear you, they have NO comprehension skills. Anyway, I have like 3 Dell computers which goes from bad to worse. For Christmas, I got my husband an Mac IBook ...wow..what a difference, now that's a computer. Anyhoo, they now have Microsoft office programs for Macs..anyone know if this computer would be compatible at all with the Escription platform since it's so picky. If not, any laptop computers suggestions that are not a piece of junk.
Buy a Dell!! You can't go wrong with a Dell but
I bought an Emachines and had trouble with it from day one. I returned it, as the store I bought it from a six month return policy, so I returned it after about five months. I bought a Dell two years ago and have had no problems since!! Buy a Dell, you won't be sorry!! :)
I am not a Dell lover. My Dell has been
a lemon. I just replaced mine with a Toshiba Satellite and I have seen a few others here recommend this. Dell's customer service is in India. The only thing I dislike about my Toshiba is that because it also has a number keypad the shift key is in a different position than I'm used to and I end up deleting and retyping when I use the laptop keyboard. I normally use an external keyboard, but I travel a lot and try to work on the road and just don't have space for an external keyboard.
Where did you hear that everything you buy for a Dell has to be from Dell?
I have LOTS of peripherals on both my laptop and desktop Dells and they certainly didn't come from Dell. You've been misinformed.
I love my Dells.
My Dell
My computer is an Inspiron 5150... it ran about $1200 and I have had it going on 3 years now. Probably more computer than I needed, but I figure if you can afford it try to get the best, especially since I use it mainly for work and got a tax write off for it. Mine has a CD burner and other stuff which I probably could have done without, but I have been very happy with it. 
Dell
You should have gone to Best Buy or somewhere and gotten an E-machine. Superior computer, best sound quality, fantastic amount of RAM, top of the line. Second one for me, have had nothing but success. First one still going strong after 6 years and 1 lightning strike. I think they're now merged with Gateway, but no matter, still the best.
Dell!
I found it so ironic that when I called to order a laptop for my kid, they were all American good ol boys that spoke just like me...that is to secure the order and make sure it's on it's merry way to the customer. Once delivered well, then all communication heads offshore and you can here all the little Dellites just  cracking up saying suckers!
Dell -
I bought a Dell and then found that I had to purchase Microsoft word for it - and then some footpedals are not compatible, plus tech support is $99 a question or $260 a year - wished I would have bought a Compac or Emachine. Expensive lesson learned.
I have 2, a Dell and an HP. The
Dell has been a lemon, no problems with HP. I do not have a docking station, not really needed unless you plan on moving the laptop a lot without using any of the peripherals such as foot pedal, external keyboard.
Just about any laptop you buy off the shelf will have 256 RAM, I would recommend more if available. I have a 15" screen, which is pretty standard, although I have seen some with I think 17" screen. I have a serial port, game port, and USB port. These are pretty standard too, but you can get adapters for any of these if your computer doesn't have them.
I don't understand why laptops confuse people. They perform all the same functions as a desktop, come with the same options, just in a smaller package.
go to Dell.com but look under ...
Make sure you choose the small business section for the laptops and not the home use. I just ordered and received mine within the last 2 weeks with Windows XP and NOT Vista!!!!
Dell XPS
Dell customer service is US based when you are first ordering your computer. Then if you call back later with any issues your call will be handled from India. BUT If you buy one of the new Dell XPS series computers, you will get all US based customer service and technical support. All XPS computers come with "rapid-response support from XPS trained technitions" who are American.
My Dell ...
Is in my closet collecting dust!!!
I have a Dell and might have to
get some memory taken out to load on more ram. Mine is 2002 but everything loaded and darn if I don’t hate to have all that done again. Are you talking desktop when you talking about closeouts? Mine is 2002 XP model. I hear some of the newer models equipped with a program we cannot use in our platform- that is another reason I am not so anxious to buy another right away.
I would go for the Dell
Simply because they offer better warranty service options. I have a Toshiba, have had a couple of problems, and have had to mail it out for service.
I just did my first MTing trip about a month ago. It worked out wonderfully. I packed all my stuff up in a backpack and carried it on the plane so nothing would get lost or damaged. The hotel set up was comfortable. Check reviews for where you are staying to make sure the internet connection is a reliable one.
Where are you going? Mind sharing?
Dell
The Dell computer I have came with a printer. (My mom gave it to me for my kids to use. It is a couple years old, but works great.) I tried to setup a network with the Dell, my 2 HPs, and the Dell printer. I had problems because the Dell CD containing the Dell drivers would not run on anything but the Dell. I did finally get it all worked out, just took me a lilttle longer. When I buy print cartriges they have to be ordered through Dell either online or by phone. Otherwise, all software is compatible.
Dell (SM)
Better to order on-line. A real live person will try to get you to purchase other stuff you don't necessarily need. JMHO.
exactly why I won't buy Dell-
since Gateway has been bought by Acer do you know if it is the same? I really want to deal with Americans if I need help.
Dell
call theur 800 # and talk to them vs. online
Dell
The only experience I have had with Dell was my daughter's. . it was cheap enough but when there was a problem with it, it took MONTHS to get them to fix it. . . That has been a few years ago and I have heard that their customer service/tech support is better now. .
Yes, says Dell rep
I just bought a laptop with Vista on it, and will be using LogMeIn to access my desktop which has XP. The Dell guy says Vista works downward, which means it works fine with other versions below it. Anyone else have comments on this?
Yes, Dell has XP still
I am not sure about other companies, but I do know Dell has XP in a section of their website. Most any computer you would buy new now has enough memory to work well in MT. I would just advise you to buy the most memory that you can (2 Gb or better) and stay away from AMD or Celeron processors. I am currently in the market for a laptop and just yesterday received this advice from a friend who is an IT/networking specialist. My desktop PC has a 140 Gb hard drive and 1 Gb of memory, and I function very well working online...no problems uploading/downloading files with several applications running at once. Hope this helps!
Dell for XP
You can buy a Dell with XP and put it on a credit card.
My Dell did this too.
After 4 hours on the phone with Dell and nothing working, they had to send me a new drive. If I had wanted the info off of it, I would have had to take it into a local shop to get the data recovered, which was very expensive.
Dell is no fun
I had a dell. It died. I spent 3 days of h**l trying to call them over it because it was under warranty.
They wouldn't do any thing about it because they said my name was not transferred to it yet. Doesn't matter if you have a warranty or not, apparently they aren't going to help you anyway.
BTW Dell customer service center is in INDIA.
I was told if you buy a dell, get the extra warranty because it lets you talk to AMERICANS.
To me, Dell = Satan's Computer Company
Dell
Does still sell XP but you have to pay more for it. It comes loaded with XP and a CD to install/convert to Vista if you choose to at a later date.
XP on Dell - sm
I just bought a Dell Laptop and had the option of downgrading to XP from Vista, having licensce for both, if Vista needed in future for an additional $99.00. I checked out buying XP Pro on my own at Software Surplus.com and you can get it for several different prices, starting at about $139.00 and up, but I'm not a technical person, so taking Vista off and putting XP on would have also involved paying someon else for this service. Not sure if the same applies for desktop, but if you can do it yourself, check out that surplus site. Hope this helps.
New Dell, need XP, have a new one but
I just ordered a new Dell this past Friday. I have a brand new, never opened reinstallation disc for an XP and knew I needed XP but thought, well I can use that one (belongs to my husband who got XP already on his brand new computer). I am now hearing from my computer guy that the new disc will not work, configurations, etc., etc. Should I just go ahead and call Dell and ask them to install the XP, would that be the best thing for me right now or what? Can you even buy XP anymore in the stores or ?
I got a new Dell 01/08 that did not have - sm
a serial port, failed to notice that it did not have it when I ordered it. You have a couple options, use a converter plug 15 or 9-pin to USB, or put in the board you need yourself. I ended up buying the board I needed and installed it myself, very simple. If you go that route though make sure you get the right size. My computer is one of the thin CPUs so you need the "thin" board. Forget what it is called but it is not the standard size which is twice the width. Look at your packing slip, should say whether it has XP on it or not, if you special ordered it then that is what you should have unless they messed up. I special ordered XP, if you don't then Vista is what you will get. I think you only have 7 days I think to return it, so you need to find out pronto what you got, look at the packing slip, and/or call them and find out what their records say. Good luck.
Try dell.com/recycling
:)
New dell or refurbished
why would you need to install a video card if you bought a new dell? no need to reply just curious
Dell computer
Call them back and ask for a supervisor. Do not back down when telling them that you want a refund of the $54. Also keep stressing to them that you will NEVER buy another Dell if this is not resolved immediately. This kind of tactic usually works if you are persistent. Good luck.
Dell Computers
What helped me most was buying a Dell flat panel monitor AND the stereo sound bar - 14 watts, great sound and plugs for headphones.
Will never order a Dell again
I ordered an XPS400, over $1,000, with extras. I was assured this had a 15-pin game port for transcription, did not need to have it added on. Get it in the mail today and no game port. There is a 15-pin port, but the monitor is on it. They said it included a DVI adaptor for the monitor, said it was included, but it is not. So I tried Delll Chat and was not able to get through, was told I was not a customer.
I was having problems with Dell
because the got the order wrong and gave me the wrong info, but to get someone to help me was a nightmare. I want to complain to their corporate officers, tell them to quit sending work to India, because it is such poor quality service, but don;t even know where to begin. All I can get is India, if able to at all. I tried on-like support and was kicked off because it said I was not a customer. They don't seem to care about unhappy customers or anybody complaining. I would think they would want good word of mouth advertising.
Dell support
I guess I've been lucky when I've had to call them. I always speak to an "Americanized" accent. Believe me, if I get someone I can't understand, I complain and gripe until someone comes on that I CAN understand, after all, I'M the customer :-)
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