marcotrov wrote:Nicely spotted Birddog! It'll be great if they do cause I have bought my last three computers from dell and their quality, prices and service is unbeatable so if they extend their trade options that will only be a bonus for all. I just hope they offer it to australian customers and not just USA.
Marco,
I have been a long time Dell user and have recommended them in the past. I have never had problems with their after sales services, warranty etc, even if all of that is offshore, I think Dell has zero on-the-ground presence here in AU, but...
One "b" wireless router that was problematic but not a warranty job. If I pushed it, maybe a refund for "fitness for purpose". One day I pulled it out to get it working to see if I could get working and it decided to work properly (all I did was plug it in)... to late, I had already replaced it.
Wireless drivers that have been my only cause of
BSOD (and a lot of them) with XP + other software preinstalled from Dell that have caused software conflicts.
My Inspiron 8500 creaks and groans like it is about to fall apart - has done since I pulled it out of the box. I thought that this would be a one off. Nope, successive
models, most notably the 8600 have been just as bad. This lappy has been in twice for warranty repairs. It would not be unreasonable to expect more for my $6.5k. These days it is desk bound.
My Inspiron 500m (nice basic, small, light lappy) works flawlessly, but I am unimpressed by the lack of (non existant) rear protection for the LCD. The amount of print through to the LCD from the rear of the lid has to be seen. This is important to me because the 500m is my mobile computer. As it is I need to be careful. Toshiba look after their LCDs.
Both laptop cases are slightly deformed around the internal hotspots.
I have had three P3 dektops, 2 have been given to my sisters, I kept one which serves router duty. The power supply packed up recently. I had heard something in the past about Dell power supplies (notably voltages), but found a little more than expected. Pin configurations were different as well. I repaired the busted power supply rather than pay too much for a new "Dell"
PSU.
I have managed to lay my hands on a couple of current
model Dell laptops (6000 and the current flagship 9300). What a load of rubbish - both of them. Functional - yes. Build quality and design - Dell engineers should be sent back to school. The 6000 is sold as a mobile computer. It is a brick. I am unimpressed by both. I did not want to burst the proud new owners bubbles.
The specs on most Dell desktops are very ho hum. Their laptops are just as bad. The 8500 was bleeding edge when I bought it and some
models before it were impressive, but Dell has gone backwards.
These are but a few of my experiences, there are more. I am also just one user. I have at least one major "event" each year. "Dell" and "quality" are, IMHO, mutually exlusive. The turning point for me has been the current
models and the sum of the problems over the past 3 years.
Want a new laptop? IBM, Toshiba, Asus, hmmm... Apple(?). Want a new desktop? Anything but Dell.
BTW Gary, I have seen the light!!!
Judging by the link posted here by Birddog, Dell is on its way to sliding even further into the abyss of mediocrity. It looks like (maybe I am wrong) that Dell is positioning itself to become the next big online electronics superstore. If this is the case, we should see some bargains, but also an overwhelming amount of crap!