Hi Folks,

We are thinking about buying a Dell Desktop System for Christmas.

I’m a bit blown away by the different desktop systems they have and would appreciate some advice on the best one to buy.

We download a fair bit and watch a lot of films on the computer. I tend to work with numerous windows open at the same time and get impatient if things don’t happen quick enough! Internet is connected all day. My husband does a lot of burning to disk and editing of films. Occasionally play games such as Medal of Honour/Seadogs etc. We both do quite a bit of word processing/adobe documents.

http://www1.euro.dell.com/content/products/category.aspx/desktops?c=uk&cs=ukdhs1&l=en&s=dhs

Thanks,

Louise

no idea, but if you're buying a dell, make sure you puchase it via the forum link, to help with the upkeep of SF :thumbsup:

Shop around, you can do much better than Dell :)

Even if you ordered it today you'd never get it for Xmas.

Their delivery is SLLOOOOOOWWWWWWWWW

Dell have great deals and prices but their business model is a bit crappy. With only doing business via web and phone tracking down a clued up human is a bit tough and original consumables for dell printers seem only available from them direct.

Dell, not for me I'm afraid. If I was to purchase a PC, I would choose Mesh (http://www.meshcomputers.com/)

Do Dell still use non-standard ATX design mainboards? I know they use to use non-standard power connectors, or have they moved towards standardized components.:suspect:

Just be aware that if you do buy a dell package that includes one of their printers you can only use dell ink cartridges. These are vastly more expensive than others . Though of course, you could get them refilled at ink exress on London Road (I do!). I have a dell and personally, the next time I upgrade I'll get a different make. :rolleyes:

I love my dell. Ive been using their el cheapo model they advertise (for about £200??) for well over 3 years now and its done me fine. Ive been able to upgrade and add harddrives, dvd burner, memory and video cards without a real issue. It was able to move countries with me (from the US to the UK) though I had to BEG a friend for a kettle lead. lol.

I download loads of music and movies (and watch!) without any problems.

If youre looking for a starter machine this is perfect for it for what its worth.

I will say one thing. Stay far far away from their laptops, unless youre looking to purchase a new one in the next 12 to 16 months, its not a wise investment.

If you have the extra cash to invest maybe look into the Sony VAIO desktop systems. HPs are pretty decent. If you know the right people they can probably build you a tower for not a lot of money.

In October Computer Shopper magazine readers voted Dell best PC manufacturer for 2006.

93% of customers said they would buy from the company again.

Stay far far away from their laptops, unless youre looking to purchase a new one in the next 12 to 16 months, its not a wise investment.

Damn, and I've had nearly 2 years perfect (and heavy duty) use out of mine. Oh well, guess I'm the exception then!

Just be aware that if you do buy a dell package that includes one of their printers you can only use dell ink cartridges. These are vastly more expensive than others . Though of course, you could get them refilled at ink exress on London Road (I do!). I have a dell and personally, the next time I upgrade I'll get a different make. :rolleyes:

Dell printers are mostly rebadged Lexmark models.

Damn, and I've had nearly 2 years perfect (and heavy duty) use out of mine. Oh well, guess I'm the exception then!
Most of my mates who work in IT see the Dells come back faster then the Levenos ThinkPads or VAIOs.

But theres always an exception to the rule. My partner swear by Macs but Mac and I dont get along every well. So I try to stay far far far away.

Dell hardware is reasonably good, BUT...

- delivery costs £60.

- it's a drag getting rid of all that 'useful' bundled software they pre-install.

- their customer services/support are pretty bad.

- the hardware (in the past at least) tends to be non-standard, so you need 'special' spares when things go wrong.



.

The on-site warranty is well worth it. If the slightest hardware thing goes wrong, they try to diagnose it on the phone then send a nice man round to replace/fix the offending parts.

Next day too.

I've had my Dell Dimension 8300 since what, 2002, and it's been running solidly, quietly and reliably ever since (although the operating system is a different matter, but that is mostly my fault). One one occasion the PSU went and the chap came round and installed a new PSU and updated motherboard (yes non-standard) the next day.

I'd recommend them based on my past and current experience.

Hi guys,

I've noticed some buying guides on Dell which might help you in making your decision. I had a Dell laptop for 3yrs ,never had any problem.

take a look at,

computers.dell.co.uk
laptops.dell.co.uk

I've never been let down by a Dell, but you will get more for your money elsewhere. You are paying for support and warranty etc.

As has been referred to already, the non-standard components will limit your options for cheap upgrades of hardware later on, so make sure that you get the specs that will see you through the next 2 years or so.

Damn, and I've had nearly 2 years perfect (and heavy duty) use out of mine. Oh well, guess I'm the exception then!


I've got an Inspiron 3000, which I've had since '98/'99. Only thing that has gone wrong with it was when I trod on the screen.

Still working to this day:).

Not impressed with any of the desktops though (far too many non-standard parts):(.

I wouldn't touch Dell with a barge pole - simply because their technical support is poor.

Mesh or Evesham for me :)
Evesham won best support in PCPro awards this year so I'd probably go with them.

Evesham consistently do well in many computer magazines, and have done so for years.

Even if you ordered it today you'd never get it for Xmas.

Their delivery is SLLOOOOOOWWWWWWWWW

I ordered one the Sunday before last and it was delivered on the Tuesday morning following - and delivery was free as well (just keep an eye out for their offers).

Not bad I reckon.

Once you've got rid of all the bundled broadband offers it's fine - I've found the network assistant to be very helpful in setting up a wireless network with my wifes laptop and my lads PC (helped by Linksys WAP/Router + usb adapter currently a steal at £40 from PCWorld).