Re: what computer to buy

esmerelda · ‎03-10-2010

On 3/9/2014 Ford1224 said:
On 3/9/2014 glb613 said:
On 3/9/2014 Ford1224 said:
On 3/9/2014 Reever said: Rule of thumb: best to but it online. Cheaper than QVC.

Not always. I went to Dell directly (I have bought computers from them before) and they could not match the price and include all of Microsoft Office as well (which each module sells for $109 in the stores). Also the four years of free tech help (you can get it for less than QVC says, but it's still not free), and also Trend Micro four years free.

I checked with Amazon also. Sometimes the computer itself was a little less (like $50) but when all the other programs are added (and I don't mean the ones that I had no interest in), it was hundreds more to buy it all online separately.

The two days I spent online with the various techs were also well worth the price. The second day I was on the phone with them from 9 AM to 4:30 in the afternoon. All free.

I wouldn't keep a computer that required me to be on the phone for 2 days fixing a problem.

It wasn't "fixing a problem," it was setting it up. I wanted it a certain way and they helped me set it up exactly as I wanted it. I am quite demanding when it comes to my computer, and they were patient, knowledgeable and very helpful. There is nothing wrong with the new computer at all. Why would you just assume that?

[Other than because you're you, that is.]

I thought it was just me, but it looks like you're a little cranky with anyone.

How about this...someone noted above that their computer had a problem (sticking keys, I think) right out of the box. So there CAN be something wrong with a new computer.

I have a Dell almost 10 Y/O. My next one will be a Dell.

I've looked at the Dell site. One like the TSV is $739 after all discounts, before shipping and tax, and without software.

*********************
Keepin' it real.

Surfnturf · ‎03-09-2010

On 3/16/2014 nutmeg3 said:
On 3/16/2014 wookie said: I was a satisfied Dell customer for years until the last one I bought directly from them. We purchased Dells for our office, as well as for our personal use. The last one purchased was a laptop for me a year and a half ago. From the moment I called to place the order, I was unhappy. First, they always claim they can find no record of prior purchases. This way, no discounts are given for being a repeat customer, and the salesman you are speaking to gets the commission instead of sharing. Keep in mind we had purchased multiple computers from them for our office. The salesman then proceeded to try to sell unneeded and unwanted software to me. He seemed annoyed with me when I declined. Moving on...I ordered the Dell Inspiron laptop that day. As soon as it arrived, and I set it up, I looked over at my husband, and told him the build quality wasn't as good as his Inspiron, or my previous one. He scoffed at that, but I was right. I had nothing but problems with it, and then 6 months after the warranty expired,so did my laptop. I was not surprised at all. I had repeatedly felt it was a lemon because it had been quirky from the outset. Each time I spoke with The Dell tech dep't, they said there was nothing wrong with it. The day it quit working I resolved I wouldn't spend a penny to get it fixed. I was done with the computer, and most definitely done with Dell products. My husband just bought me a MacAir this week. I am very excited to get it set up, yet not looking forward to the learning curve. If it seems too intimidating I will take the classes they offer. LOL
I have been buying Dell computers a long time. I will not buy an Inspiron desktop or laptop, because the build quality is not consistent. A person who buys computers for an office should have been directed to a business computer. You could have found your customer number online.

Hi Nutmeg. I should have been more clear. We did not buy Inspiron computers for our business. I bought one several years ago for my personal use, which was casual use. That computer performed flawlessly. It just got old and slow. Since I was happy with that one I decided to buy another, but unknown at the time to me, the quality had declined considerably since I bough the first one. My husband bought a much better model for himself as it was loaded with important business software. We also bought a good one for our son when he entered college, and paid extra for engineering software for him. My point was we were loyal to the Dell brand for many years, and regardless of the build quality of the current Inspirons, the computer should last longer than 18 months. Never again.