I've been thinking about getting a New Brand Name, Pre-Built Computer System.

Anybody have any suggestions for a good Reliable one?

I took the List of Components from the Dell Site, but I've heard a lot of

Horror Stories from some of the Reviews I've read on the Web.

Here's what most of the Components should be, or pretty much equal to.

The List of Options came from a Dell Dimension XPS 600 with a Couple more Options for about the same Price or a few Bucks more if you include the exta Warrenty.

=====================================================

Windows XP Home / SP2

Processor -- Pentium® D Processor 830 with Dual Core Technology (3.0GHz,
800FSB)

Memory -- 2GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHz- 4 DIMMs

2 Hard Drives -- 160GB Serial ATA Hard Drive (7200RPM) w/ Native
Command Queuing

Floppy Drive -- 3.5 in Floppy

DVD Drive: - 16x DVD+/-RW w/ dbl layer write capable or something comparable.

Video Card -- 256MB PCI Express™ x16 (DVI/VGA/TV-out)
nVidia GeForce 6800

Sound Card - SoundBalster Audigy Live.

Integrated Eathernet Card - 10/100

Oh Yea. A good PSU around 350 to 400 W.

Complete Hardware and Software Installation.

At least a 3 Year Warrenty.

Reliable and Expandable.

TOTAL PRICE IN THE $2,600.00 (CAN $$) Range.

Edit: The reason I'm not listing a Monitor, Mouse or Keyboard is because I can use my own, unless it's Included.

Thanks in advance. Any suggestion appreciated.

Ken:

You've essentially copied the XPS 600 but you don't want a Dell.

Have you looked at VoodooPC or Alienware?

Any particular reason you don't want to build it yourself?

Sorry Allyn, I should have mentioned that I Physically can't build one, and I don't know of anyone who can for me.

Yes, I pretty much Copied the Spec. from the Dell Site, but that was just to give anybody here an idea of what I was looking for as far as Performance and Storage Capacity.

I really have no idea of what all of the Components to look for as far as Model Numbers for Motherboards and types of Drives to look for that are Compatible with each other anyway.

I pretty much used Dell's System as sort of a baseline. (ie) If they work for Dell, that type of setup should work for other systems.

I'm just looking for a good Brand-Name, Pre-Built Computer System that's Reliable, and falls within my Price Limit with the Specs. I've Listed, if possible.

Ken:

And you don't want a Dell because of the reviews you read?

You will find mixed reviews about any brand. It's probably better to get opinions from people you know who have bought the brands you are looking at.

Behind every good computer... is a jumble of wires 'n stuff.

Sams Club has HP Dual Core with almost identical specs for less than $1500. Compaq also has Dual Core at Best Buys for about the same price.
I have had good luck and bad luck with Dell, Compaq, and HP. Seems that it is the luck of the draw.
Custom Built is best option if you have one nearby.

OK. I'll start over again.

To anybody on this Website that has Bought a Dell On-Line, or even uses a Dell Computer, Especially a Dimension XPS, Has anybody found your Model of Dell to be Stable and fairly Reliable or have you had problems with your Computer?

How about On-line support? I've heard a few stories here, but is that the Exception or normal for Dell Support.

Ken:

I have bought both of my Dell Dimension desktops online. The first was in 1999 and the other was in 2005. Both have worked fine. Their hard drives were the only hardware that gave me issues. Both were Maxtors.

Then Laurie, I supposed I'd have to ask you, did you get a New one because of the Hard-Drive Failure, or were you just Upgrading to keep up with Technology?

Damn, I wish they sold Dell at local Stores around here.

Edit: I should have looked more closely at your Posts to see that you Owned a Dell.

Ken:

No, I installed a new hard drive myself into the old Dell and I keep it in our family room/basement for the kids to use. I bought the new Dell for me and hubby to use in the dining room. I wanted a newer faster PC that was up to date with technology.

I bought my Dell Dimension 8200 online a few years ago and have not had one problem with it so far! (Knock on wood ) The only thing I'm bummed about is that to upgrade my RDRam it's a bit more costly than most, but you won't be getting this type of RAM anyways.

Happy Camper here.

Adirondack Girl

My father has an older Dell with that expensive RAM also. He bought more off of EBAY to save money and it is working fine.

Well, I think I've probably heard enough for me to reconsider buying a Dell. I think I let those Horror Stories get to me.

I've been going back to the Webpages to look back over those Reviews, and guess what! I seem to see one Poster Repeatedly posting in Multiple Reviews under different User-names, but the Posts are to much alike to be different people.

Like Everybody says. If It's on the Internet, it must be True.

Yea, Right.

Thanks again to all of you for Posting your Opinions. Especially you, Laurie. and Debbie.

Ken:

I support 4 Dell Systems, P3 866MHz, P4 1.4MHz, P4 3GHz, P4 3GHz and all have been fairly good systems. The only real problem I have had is Hard Drives(WD, Seagate, Maxtor). Support has been only fair when I could get in touch with an actual knowledgable person, most repairs have been done on my own since they were out of warranty. I got more support from the Dell Forum than from Dell itself.
I would reccommend Dell XPS as a good system for someone that can't build their own.

Are you planning on purchasing the 3 year extended warranty??

Yes Laurie. I get at least that, and if I can scrounge up some more money maybe another year.

Ken:

Thanks wlbandy35. I think I'll be going with the Dell Outfit.

Ken:

Good choice. I suggest an XPS 400 for cost savings and because it's likely quieter than the 600.

My computer club has three Dimension 9100's which are essentially the same as the XPS 400. They have P4 HT 600 series processors with 1 GB RAM each, an ATi X600SE HyperMemory card (not for fast games) and work flawlessly.

You'll do fine with the Pentium D 830 processor.

Enjoy!

>Thanks wlbandy35. I think I'll be going with the Dell
>Outfit.
>
>Ken:

Hank52:
I have two Dell computers and had a problem with one of them, but it was fixed under Dell warranty. Prior to Dell machines I had an HP ---- which was a problem from day one.

The complaint I have with Dell is they contract their Tech Support out to India ------ and with my hearing problem and the East Indian accents, we have "fun" communicating.

The other complaint I have with Dell is they load their Laptops up with too much junk software ---- to my liking.

Other than above complaints I probably would still buy a Dell.

trapper

I have one more Question to ask before I do any Phoning. I'm not sure if anybody here can even answer me, but I'll ask anyway.

Would anybody know if I can place an order without any of their Software Installed? I'm talking about "Word-perfect", which would be Easy to Uninstall, so I'm not to worried about that, but what I'm really talking about is "Mcafee Trial-ware", and other Stuff they want to Dump on you.

Thanks.

Ken:

I think you can get get the XPS configured without an anti-virus program/suite. The anti-virus programs aren't "trialware". Most are good for at least 15 months. There will be other stuff that you can remove if desired.

One possible advantage with Dell XPS I've read of is that you get a dedicated XPS tech support person to contact in case of problems. The article I read made it sound as if the this individual would not be overseas - but I have no personal knowledge if this is true.

Jim.

I've purchased approximately 20 Dell computers over the last 2 years for work. I typically buy low-end models (around $500 US each). I even bought a couple of their "Dell Outlet" computers if they were smoking deals. The only problem I've had was 2 of the power supplies died after about a year and a half. Since this was past the 1 year warranty, I replaced the power supplies with new ones purchased at the local computer store. Overall, on a scale of 1-10, I'd rate Dell a 9.

Please note, I've never purchased any higher-end models from Dell so I can't comment specifically on that.


I also it annoying that Dell loads all the "extras" without giving you the option to opt out. I spend the extra $10 for them to send a CD of the OS. Then I format, repartition (to get rid of their rediculous recovery partition), and install a fresh copy of the OS. I've found that this is actually faster (and cleaner) than uninstalling all their extra crap.

>I replaced the
>power supplies with new ones purchased at the local computer
>store. Overall, on a scale of 1-10, I'd rate Dell a 9.

And how were you able to do so considering that Dell uses proprietary PSUs? Did you buy a special adapter for it? I've been contemplating upgrading my PSU (Dell Dimensions desktop) so I'd like to know. Thx.

Only some of the Dell models had proprietary PSU's, most are standard. We have several Dells at work (I refuse to build computers for the company). All have been reliable, but Dell support is a joke.

Shelly

>And how were you able to do so considering that Dell uses
>proprietary PSUs? Did you buy a special adapter for it? I've
>been contemplating upgrading my PSU (Dell Dimensions desktop)
>so I'd like to know. Thx.

I wasn't aware Dell used proprietary PSUs in some of their machines. Mine were standard.

One problem I have seen with putting a generic power supply in a Dell case is that the cutout in the back of the case may not fit the power cord connector and switch on the back of some power supplies. This might require some cutting on the back of the case to make it fit properly.

Behind every good computer... is a jumble of wires 'n stuff.

When I was visiting my son last year, he ordered an Enermax to upgrade his Dimension 8200. HAHA we had to cut the opening of the case to fit the power supply.
It was interesting closing the case also. They don't leave you much room for the cables.

CompPete, If you Click on the Tab that says "Expandability" and look at the Base of the System, you can see that the Power Suply would have to be Proprietory.

Nice looking Unit Though.

http://www1.ca.dell.com/content/products/productdetails.aspx/dimen_xps600?c=ca&cs=CADHS1&l=en&s=dhs&~ck=mn

Ken:

Good catch. That is the first time I have paid close attention to the XPS 600 interior.

Is that using BTX?

"Dell To Go To BTX This year"
http://www.pcqanda.com/dc/dcboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=2&topic_id=359591

"Form Factors.org"
http://www.pcqanda.com/dc/dcboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=2&topic_id=367810

"BTX (computers)"
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BTX_(computers)

That is not a BTX system. The XPS 600 has an ATX motherboard but the power supply is proprietary in dimensions, likely a Delta Electronics model. Not sure if the ATX header wiring is proprietary.

Hank52:

On the Dell Notebook that I recently purchased here in Canada, Mcafee came on a CD, which I chose not to install. So, no problem there, but rest of junk was already installed.

There is a handy site that you can find with Google: It is called "How to Undell a Dell".

Happy shopping!

trapper

>Would anybody know if I can place an order without any of
>their Software Installed? I'm talking about "Word-perfect",
>which would be Easy to Uninstall, so I'm not to worried about
>that, but what I'm really talking about is "Mcafee
>Trial-ware", and other Stuff they want to Dump on you.
>
>Thanks.
>
>Ken:

I believe it is their normal practice to ship out machines with the trail version of Mcafee. I chose not to purchase it but it was on my new machine anyway when I received it. Dell puts alot of trialware software on their new computers and alot of other stuff I didn't want. I just uninstalled most of it. They also put their owners manual on a PDF file on the hard drive. I never received a physical owners manual book on paper. As a result I copied the PDF file onto a blank disk in case my hard drive crashed and I wasn't able to access it on the same machine.

Dell gets paid for placing that trialware on all their machines. The software publishers consider it advertising that leads to a high percentage of people buying the full license.

Shelly

To uninstall McAfee, run the uninstaller for each module from Add/Remove Programs, then uninstall McAfee Security Center.

To uninstall Symantec products, do the following:

1. Uninstall the main program(s) via Add/Remove Programs. Restart the computer when prompted.

2. Check Add/Remove Programs again and uninstall the following in order. Skip any item not found and proceed to the next. Restart if advised.

Norton Security Center

Norton WMI Update

LiveReg (Symantec)

LiveUpdate (Symantec)

Earthlink Setup files, Get Highspeed Internet, and Netzero Installers can all be removed from Add/Remove Programs.

And please remember to uninstall AOL. Do not keep the PFC folders.

Thanks Laurie, I'd be really interested in finding out who the seller was and if he/she is still selling the RDRAM? I'd feel more comfortable purchasing something like that on ebay knowing someone here had a good experience. Any extra info. would be very much appreciated.

Adirondack Girl

Well...I build all my own desktop computers but needed a laptop. I went ahead and bought an XPS laptop. I like it. I had to call Support about something that wasn't a big deal but the support was okay for what I needed. Something minor and can't even remember exactly what it was. Otherwise, I provide my own support. No problems with the hardware yet......

Jazzgirl

http://www.tastycomputers.com/

Acadia

Custom built is the way to go.

I had mine custom built by a outstanding company here in Minneapolis area. It cost about a 1000 dollars without monitor, keyboard mouse and modem which I already had. Its a AMD chip ABIT Fatality board, Asus EAX 300 PCI video card Seagate 120 Gig SATA drive, and One burner dual layered and one EC DVD burner ad one LITE ON DVD play with One gig of memory later upgraded to 4 gig of memory Antec Case and a 380 watt power supply. It did not include an OS as I already had an OS to install. I have had for just about a year ad have had no problems. I get to install the programs I wanted and use.

I bought a Dell Dimension 4600 two years ago. No problems yet. Also, I bought two XPS 400's for family members about 2 months ago. Both machines are excellent so far. I also support about 35 Dell Optiplex machines at work. After 2-3 years, I have had two power supplies and one hard drive fail so far (covered under warranty). These machines are used hard 40-50 hours per week.

Overall, I would recommend Dells for home use. My next machine will probably be an XPS 400.

hey, ken,

there was a recent thread here where Grogan said he ordered a Dell for his father-in-law, i believe, with none of the pre-loaded stuff on it, and was satisfied.

i'm pretty sure, anyway.

another thing i remember reading long ago on this board was someone saying that they got a Dell and before they got on-line, they ran a spy-ware program and came up with 57 items.

so that is my contribution, not techy but info nevertheless.

If you're not looking to custom build, and you don't care about Dell's bad tech support, I'd recommend going with DellOutlet.com. There Dell sells refurbished and new systems (the latter which were custom built but then had their orders cancelled). You can get a pretty good price on a system there.

A quick check found this system which looks pretty good: http://outlet.us.dell.com/ARBOnlineSales/topics/global.aspx/arb/online/en/InventoryDetails?systemId=09ELCA08&~lt=popup&c=us&l=en&s=dfh&cs=22

(Their inventory moves quickly, so that exact system might not be available by the time you read this.)

If you do ultimately buy a Dell, don't do it without first visiting a site like http://www.gottadeal.com/dell.php to obtain a coupon code. Copy the code, then go to the Dell site. I wouldn't follow the links on any coupon site - just use the coupon code on the Dell site.

Check out the site now and you will see that a high end, competitively priced business computer is 34% off with the coupon code. Qualifying prices start at $999 before the coupon is applied. Do the math, that's $340 off a $1000 machine: $680 off a $2000, and a whopping $1020 of a $3000 machine although I don't know if the can be configured to cost that much.

XPS's haven't been discounted for about a month and a half, and even then, "only" 10%. This might mean that they will again be discounted again soon at an even greater percentage, or not.

Jim.

Well, I bit the Bullet and phoned in to get that Unit. Talk about a "Nightmare". Of course I got one of those nice "Foreign" people everybody talks about. Don't get me wrong. He really was nice and helpful, considering his "Accent". Well, I bit the "Bullet", and wasn't going to let that put me off. When I asked a Question, I'd get him to re-explain it to me until I could understand what he was talking about. For one question, which I didn't think was to complicated for him to understand, took "Five" tries at the same Question, that I think it finally Dawned on him as to what I was talking about. He almost sounded Embarrassed when he realized what I meant.

To get the parts I showed you in the beginning of this Post and to get the Deal "Finalized" took me "Two and a Half Hours". Of course we had to go over each and every Item, which is to be expected, but this Episode was something else. After I got off the Phone, I had to take a couple of Aspirin and lay down for a while. I sure as Hell hope It's worth it.

One thing that I "Insisted on, was that they "NO NOT INSTALL ANY ANTI-VIRUS SOFTWARE, ESPECIALLY MCAFEE.

I told him that if they insisted on Installing that Software, that I'd find some other Computer to Buy. After he tried to Double-Talk me into having McaFee Installed by jumping to other subjects, and then coming back and Totaling up the "Item" List, and always including "McaFee". I flat out told him that I considered having McaFee on my Computer was worse than having a Virus. I told him time and again, that any Software that they were going to put on my Computer, I was going to Remove, and having that Anti-Virus Program was going to take me a lot longer than I was willing to do....Period, !!!!

I think he then got the Hint.

Anyway, I increased my Warranty to 4 Years, he seem to be more open to any suggestions that I had.

The only thing that he said the he would have to Install, was AO-HELL. He said that he did not have a choice and would have to Install it. Well, that's going to be the first thing that Bites the Dust.
==================================================================

"trapper", you said in a Previous Post that there was a Website called "How to Undell a Dell".

I hope you have the Address for that Site still. I'll probably need it.

"DJC". Your probably right, but for the situation I'm in that's "Totally" out of the Question.

Edit: I just finished Posting this and didn't see your Post about the Coupons. I went to that Site anyway, and when I Clicked on the different Ststem Coupons, all I got was "Page could not be Displayed" or somethiing like that.

It's OK. there probably only good in the States anyway.

Thanks, for the thought.

"Jason". I'm afraid the Address to that Website you Posted only shows One System, and is available in the (US) only. I'm not sure if I Posted it but, I live in Canada. Thanks for the help anyway.

Well, for now, I'd like to give a Big Round of thanks to everybody that contributed your Opinion's to this Topic.

It's nice to have friends who are willing to go out of their way to help someone.

Thanks again... Now, I'm going to go out and get Drunk. After that Marathon Phone-Call, I need a Beer.


Ken:

Be careful when you go to Un-Dell it. I've heard that there is an .iso file on some that let's you make a CD for either restore or an OS copy. You don't want to remove that or any restore partition.

Removing McAfee and AOL is easy. You might want to review the following post in case you missed it.

http://www.pcqanda.com/dc/dcboard.php?az=set_threaded_mode&forum=2&page=&topic_id=402971&prev_page=show_topic#403046

Hank52:

Here is the site:

http://paulenglish.com/windows/undell.html

Hope that you will be happy with your purchase!

trapper

I received an e-mail from Dell at work just today with a code for 1/3 off on XPS machines.

Shelly

It's probably too late for Hank, even if the code is transferrable.

Jim.

I deleted the message two minuts after I received it.

Shelly