Dell Computers: Are they worth the extra $

[TimeforMe]

We are *considering* a new computer. Right now Dell is running a special with free shipping, free CD burner and $50 off. Still, we can get a Compaq with a few more features for about $300 less at BJ's. I know Dell is known for its support and service. Anyone have any experience with a Compaq? Is it worth the extra $ to go for the Dell? The above special expires tonight HELP!

 

[Poohbear123]

DELL! We have had ours for 4 years and its great!

 

[Beauty]

LOL! Well you are in the same boat we were in this time last week. Dell was running a special free memory upgrade, free monitor upgrade plus 150 off (It ended LAST Wednesday). Anyway we did go with the Dell because it is what DH has at work and he really loves it. We got it in today and he is playing with it now.

Of course I still love my old reliable Gateway!

Honestly though, I would go with the Dell. They stand behind what they sell and have such great support.

 

[cmbelle]

According to my husband (a computer guru), he would go with a Dell over a Compaq. We have a Dell in our house - no problems for 2 years. He said that in "PC World", Dells are usually listed in the 10 Best PCs, but Compaq never are. If you are looking to save $, he said try a Gateway. They are also very good and a little less pricey than a Dell. After this post, my husband now ants to buy a new computer. LOL

 

[TimeforMe]

Originally posted by Beauty
LOL! Well you are in the same boat we were in this time last week. Dell was running a special free memory upgrade, free monitor upgrade plus 150 off (It ended LAST Wednesday).

LOL! Maybe I should hold off and see what next week's special is?

 

[SplshMtn99]

And don't forget to check here:
http://www.amazing-bargains.com/index.html
for whatever Dell discounts you can find to add to whatever Dell is offering on their own site.

When we got ours last yr, we combined Dell's free printer & memory upgrade (from Dell's website) along with $50 coupon code found on above site.

 

[crazelion]

I would go with Dell computer for the support. But if have a Sam Club by you then I check there prices because you can get more computer for your money. I would stay away from compuq.

 

[aahmom1]

Are they worth the extra $

Yes

 

[Goofyposter]

personally....I wouldn't touch either dell or compaq......IMHO....the best PC is a non propriotary (sp?) open artitechure...industry standardize system without the 'special' parts that require me to go back to the OEM to get service or replacement parts!

 

[SplshMtn99]

Originally posted by Goofyposter
the best PC is a non propriotary (sp?) open artitechure...industry standardize system without the 'special' parts that require me to go back to the OEM to get service or replacement parts!

My head hurts.

LOL.... actually I understood every word of that.

BS in computer science will do that to you.

 

[Mskanga]

Having three DELL's my answer is YES!!!

 

[helenabear]

Originally posted by Goofyposter
personally....I wouldn't touch either dell or compaq......IMHO....the best PC is a non propriotary (sp?) open artitechure...industry standardize system without the 'special' parts that require me to go back to the OEM to get service or replacement parts!

Acutally both my DH and I will agree with that. While Dell is still good, I don't think they are quite as good as they were a few years ago. If I want a desktop, we'll build it ourselves. But if you asked, yes I would spend the extra on a Dell over a Compaq.

 

[caitycaity]

though the next computer we buy will be self-built, i would go with a dell over a compaq, and definately over gateway.

we have dells at home and at work right now and we have been happy with them.

 

[Dancind]

I'm on my third Dell, just bought an 8250 last month. My DH has a Dell, and my DD a new Dell laptop. The second Dell crashed when it was a year old, and a service tech came to my home and replaced the hard drive the next day. And that only costs $100 extra, lasts for three years! No other problems with any of our computers. Do spring for the Windows NT Professional version, though. Windows NT Home is a pain. Diana

 

[robinb]

I have a brand-new 2.8 GHz Pentium IBM next to me. It was delivered 2 days ago. I choose it over the Dell because I got a faster processor for less than the Dell ... and my DH works for IBM . The only thing I currently have a problem with is I receieved no (zero, zilch) software on CDs. It was all pre-loaded with no backup if I need to do an fdisk. *sigh* I'm calling IBM tomorrow. Is this common in the PC industry? My last PC (a Micron) lasted 4 years and it had the OS plus all the hardware drivers on CDs and (shudder) diskettes.

 

[Planogirl]

I would choose a Dell over a Compaq in a heartbeat. We had a Compaq and it gave us a lot of trouble. My brother has several Dells and never seems to have problems. We have an HP now and they do have good customer support but I just wish that we didn't need it quite so often.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Have had a Dell for about 2 1/2 years, and it is great. Dell does use a lot of standardized, non-proprietary components, more than most. 3-year in-house/business service was part of basic purchase. 2 weeks after purchase I had a problem (don't recall what) and service was at home next morning, 12 hours after service call. My next PC's will be Dell.