Page 1 of any thoughts on Dell

Looking to buy a new computer and Dell seem to be good value, I am looking to set up a wirless network so would be looking to upgrade bits of the system.
I have heard that dell parts are bespoke so i would have to go to Dell for any new/ replacement parts
any truth in this?
thanks
n

Sounds like rumours and lies to me. We used to get IBMs at work, now get Dells. Sometimes there are little "racks" to holds PCI cards in place but standard bits n bobs.

Shops like Crucial memory even have a selector so you can enter you Dell model number and it will tell you what memeory you need!

Now I think about it, Compaq used to have custom memory, but AFAIK Dell didn`t, and certainly don`t know.

Also when I was at Uni, and where I used to work Dells were pretty shoddy, unreliable, slow performence. Nowadays they seem much better. If you had asked me a few years ago I would have suggested not going near one, now I would consider buying one myself, as their special offers can be v v good.

Another thing to look at though is if the PC has an onboard card (most Dells are Intel Extreme), does it have an AGP slot. It`s just that these onboards are fine for internet, office type applications, but really bad for games, so if you wanted to play games you`d want an AGP slot to buy a good card.

Anyway, enough rambling, in answer to your question, no, not bespoke parts, but they probably encourage you to get overpriced graphics cards, hard drive etc upgrades for them cos otherwise they won`t tech support you.

Al

Thanks so much for your help, is there anyone else you would recommend?
n

Careful, some manufacturers now use custom edged PCi cards etc, sort of half width ones that standard ones will not fit into.

My opinion of Dell can be noted on other postings within the forums, but suffice to say, I would never part with me dosh and hand it to them

Jimbo : oÞ

My Dell Dimension 8200 has been a great machine for the last 2 1/2 years. I have added/replaced a few bits (firewire card, DVD writer) and have had no problems.

I beleive the power supply is proprietary and possibly the motherboard but other than that I have had no problems. If you have questions why not try the forums at the Dell website.

Nick



Download it here

Thanks
but the dell forums???
nick

They have tucked them away but they are here. There are users and Dell support people on there. I don`t use them much myself but have found them pop up in Google searches when I`m looking for information about my pc.

Nick



Download it here

Hi, the only other companies I know that I`ve heard good things about from friends and colleagues are www.evesham.com and www.meshplc.com

Al

This item was edited on Monday, 4th October 2004, 13:09

Quote:
www.evesham.com

I`d rather buy from Dell!!
Now ya know what I think of them! Lol

Jimbo : oÞ