Problems with Dell

I've noticed that a good many people don't like Dell. I'm just curious as to why? I can't seem to find any clear support for all he opinions that say they're no good. Curious because I'm considering buying one ($750 coupon code = nice), but I really don't want it to end up being a POS.

So, considering that you load it full of good components, what makes them so horrible? Spare nothing, haha, I want real opinions here.

 

I spent a year and a half supporting hundreds of Dell laptops at Seattle University's Law School. First of all, the components are not that good. It seemed like almost every day we were trying to fix or replace broken keyboards, loose LCD connectors, bad batteries and power adapters. More critical and expensive components, up to and including the main boards of the systems, would fail at least once a month. We supported other brands there, and while some, like Gateway and old Compaq and IBM, had records equally bad or worse, others, such as HP and Toshiba, almost never had hardware problems.

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Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician
CompTIA A+ and Network+ Certified
"Why are you laughing? Change the name and the story is about you." ~Horatius

 

Keep in mind, that Dell sells more computer, both desktop and laptop, than any other maker in the world. Frankly, if you are a "normal" user, it's virtually a non-issue. Dells aren't the most sturdy ones in the world -- then again, IMO they are just as good as HP/Compaq, and a hella better than Toshiba. Of course you are not going to see as many HP/Compaq/Toshibas/IBM getting repaired -- they just are not nearly as prevalent as Dell. IBMs however, ARE build like tanks. Their battery is a bit weak(usually dies in about 2yrs of daily use), but the rest of the system is solidly build -- especially the hinges...

I've never had a Dell break on me, so I can't really complain. Yea the build quality is obviously not as refined as the IBMs and the Apples, but then again, Dells are CHEAP -- I seriously doubt you can get the same quality and the same components at the price you pay.

As to components -- I hardly think that matters -- as EVERY single computer maker do NOT make the components -- they are all OEMs ore retailers. Just a matter of assembly -- IBM probably have a stricter quality control than Dell does when it comes to getting stuff assembled.

Lastly, you simply cannot overlook Dell's return/warranty policy. I heard it only applies if you are in the States thou. IMO theirs is unmatched in the States. With the exception, again, of IBM. The thing is, IBM is geared more toward business world, and offers little extra.

Good luck,

yass

 

Hi russell,
Up until about 3 years ago Dell was right near the top with IBM and Toshiba; however they really cut put a lot of effort into cutting the cost to produce their notebooks and what happened was that build quality and reliability flew out the window. I figure this was becuase these are things that don't show up in the spec or website when shopping. What people are looking for is CPU speed, memory size and such, not how high the notebook can be dropped before it is destroyed or how many times the notebook can be opened and closed before the hinges wearout, you get the point. Dell cut everywhere they could, they started buying cheaper components both electronics wise as well as mechanically. The old Dell notebooks were built to last many years and many are still running and have never had a problem, but the ones made in the 2-3 years are lcuky if they make it their 1st year without having to go in for repairs. Of course those that fail in the 1st year are covered by warranty, but the worst part is that the owner is without his notebook which in many cases is their livelyhood for 1-2 weeks while being repaired. In my opinion as well as many others, it is better to just spend a little more up front and get the built in quality to avoid the downtime and headaches in dealing with an overseas support person who really doesn't know much about computers at all, speaks very broken english and is reading questions and answers off of a support helpdesk card.
I do have hope for Dell that they will turn things around in the future. Right now I just started to review a new Dell i6000, when it is completed I have hopes that there are more good things to taqlk about than bad, but no matter what I plan on giving an unbiased review.

Jack

"They who would give up an essential liberty for temporary security, deserve neither liberty or security" (Ben Franklin)
http://pbase.com/joneill

 

MacDonalds sell the largest number of burgers and fries in the world.
That does not mean they are good for your health.

General Motors sells highest number of vehicles in the world.Does it mean they are the best ?

Dell's are bought by people who do not know their BUTT from a HDD and that covers 99% of first time buyers

[ ][ ][8D][:I][ ][ ][ )][B)][8)][:0][xx(][|)][:X][^]

Cheers YASS

 

i had an inspiron 2100 that lasted me 3 years of law school. i recently bought an inspiron 6000, no problems yet, but build quality seems just fine. i called in for 1 stuck green pixel and without any hassle, they replaced the laptop.

also, the person i spoke to regarding the replacement laptop was in the states.

 

Alright, I'm beginning to see the picture painted here. They sell a LOT, and because they sell so many, quality tends to take a back seat. Got to love the mindset of corporate America.

Got my eye on a Sony as well...

Being so informed sucks. Makes the decision hard. [ ]

 

Dell built up their reputation then went down the gutter. Some years ago their products were the real deal, now they trim on costs so dont expect too much for that price.

 

I don't know that "because they sell so many, quality tends to take a back seat." is necessarily the case. I think because they sell a lot, you see more of them being repaired because there is just more of them being used. I am typing on my girlfriend's inspiron 4000 right now. It has cheap feeling plastic and its old, but it is sturdy and by no means a poor quality notebook. I have seen the newer dell body styles and they seem to be more sturdy.

Also, I have owned several dell desktops. If you pay for the extra warranty (with coupons, still cheap) I have found that they provide excellent service.

For example, on one old dell desktop, I had a hard drive that burnt out after 2 years of use and a tech showed up the next morning and installed an upgraded replacement (7GB -20GB). On another desktop, I had a problem with the CD-RW drive (and now I think it was just the shoddy CD-R discs, hehe). A tech replaced that with an upgraded one (24X from 16X).

I was going to buy the 700m. Everything about it seemed perfect for my needs, but then I found out it weighs around 4lbs and is around 1.5 inches thick. If I get a 12" laptop I expect it to be under 4lbs and 1" thick.

 

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by lapboy

 

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by yassarian

 

Service may be great, but I'm gonna pay for the machine, not their service, you know? If it doesn't screw up in the first place, I won't need it.

Besides, for the price (or probably less...) of that warranty, I can replace the part myself if something goes bad, save for like an lcd problem.

Thanks for all the input guys. Looks like I got some more digging to do.

 

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by lapboy

 

I think Dell offers a great product if you want a high spec sheet and don't have a lot of money. I question their build quality though and in general their support level has declined as they've expanded. Generally you are going to be better off on both counts with their business products.

Brian

www.BargainPDA.com | www.DigitalCameraReview.com | www.NotebookReview.com | www.SpotStop.com | www.TabletPCReviewSpot.com

 

While I don't want to get involved in the growing flame war, I do want to agree with lapboy on initial product quality vs. service. I worked for a bank for a while and I was constantly fighting my boss over that. If you buy good systems made from good parts you don't have to pay $300 more for each for some on-site warranty crap. Besides, what do you need technicians for? $300 will pay for just about any part you need to replace, just keep it in your pocket until you need it, if you need it, and replace it yourself.

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Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician
CompTIA A+ and Network+ Certified
"Why are you laughing? Change the name and the story is about you." ~Horatius

 

I was merely stating my personal experience. The idiot has to resort to personal attacks. How pathetic.

As for support and services. Everything breaks down, period. IBMs break down as well. In fact, their battery are horrible. Yes you can fix it yourself if you are experienced, but sometimes you neither have the time nor want to be bothered. I'm pointing out the fact that very few companies out there offers the level of support that Dell has. Whether you need to USE it -- is an entirely different issue.

There are more Dell PCs floating out there than any other brand of computers. You gonna hear more complaints. Period. At any rate I've just received my "consumer" grade Inspiron 9300, will see how it weather the daily use.

the bottom line is, do whatever. Get a Dell, return it if you don't like -- you have 30 days, which is more than what can be said for most other manufacturers.

cheers,

yass

 

This is my 2nd Dell...And I have their PPC. Their service is great....if you know a bit about computers...b/c they think (custumer service) that you are ignorant...

My brother's DELL got broken hinges after 3 yrs of severe usage (school/home) he uses his comp 20/24 (4hrs sleep)... the assembly is not the greatest and the material used also...but overall...it's a very value (price/quality)... As for warranty...get complete care...and IF your Dell doesn't fail on the 1st year...most likely it will last another year (so at least 2 yrs)...