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General discussion

RE: Who makes the best computers

Apr 17, 2005 11:24AM PDT

Dell.Dell.Dell.Dell.Dell.Dell.Dell.Dell.Dell.Dell.Dell.

Discussion is locked

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RE: Who makes the best computers
Apr 17, 2005 11:30AM PDT

No.No.No.No.No.No.No.No.No.No.

Dell is a horrible OEM:

unupgradble
unmodable
unresellable
bad support
bad products
under performing
over priced
pieces
of
junk

they are a waste of space

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Re: Dell.Dell.Dell.Dell.Dell.Dell.Dell. Dell
Apr 18, 2005 5:18PM PDT
Silly
Not the best IMO, but they do make a pretty good computer with latest technology in the desktop 8400 (6xx) series that is upgradable and can be configured at a less cost than their top end XPS. Dell also comes up with very good bargins, but you need to keep track of them weekly as they change their setup sales, prices, free items, each week, usually on Tuesdays. I would suggest observing for at least 6 weeks and somewhere in that time frame getting a very good deal.

Course' like HP there are complaints about the off shore support service. Every third desktop computer sold in the US last year was a Dell, so we hear about Dell complaints more than others Wink
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Of course you know...
Apr 19, 2005 3:12PM PDT

that Dell is planning to get out of the "unprofitable PC business", and concentrate on selling wide-screen TVs, etc. Their plan is to withdraw from the "unprofitable consumer market" first, and then follow up by exiting the business PC market later on. (It's uncertain whether they will continue to sell printers, but they will continue to sell servers.)

-JDM

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(NT) (NT) How about sharing the link (URL) of your news?
Apr 21, 2005 8:18AM PDT
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(NT) (NT) Where is the LINK on this crud you are spouting??
Apr 23, 2005 4:17AM PDT
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A retraction
Apr 24, 2005 3:37AM PDT

In light of more recent statements made by senior Dell officials, the information I posted appears to be invalid. I would, therefore, like to retract my earlier statements, and apologize for any confusion.

Sincerely, JDM

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John Robie is right on. Go to with a DELL.
Apr 21, 2005 1:46AM PDT

Follow his instructions exactly. Go to the DELL website to "DEALS OF THE WEEK." (Sometimes they are deals of the day.) If you want a desktop, you want the Dimension 8400 because of the superior 600 series pentium 4 processor not available on lower ended models. I got 25% instant savings on the base unit plus, free shipping, and free upgrades for a GIG of RAM, 160 GB Hard Drive, 24 bit soundblaster with surround sound speakers, 17 inch flat panel monitor, dual cd/dvd burners, 3 year warranty, Microsoft Office instead of that worthless Word Perfect, 15 Months free virus scan & firewall, etc. I paid $134 to upgrade to premium 4 year warranty and support which means you bypass tier 1 support in INDIA, $20 for premium CD burner, $30 for a floppy drive and $50 of misc items for a total of about $1300. The thing runs like greased lightning. Right now the same 8400 I got goes for at least $500 more but the good deals will be back. The deal I got lasted for only one day.

As for DELL getting out of the computer business as posted by "culture_of_one" I cannot imagine where he gets that information. The post by "ozos" is simply off base about overpricing and nonupgradable (he must work for HP or Gateway). I still can add more RAM in my two extra memory slots, another hard drive, and a better sound card and more graphics if I wanted to. Best wishes to you.

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I guess you don't read the news much, huh?
Apr 21, 2005 5:04AM PDT
Silly JDM
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(NT) (NT) And the link (URL) of what you read??
Apr 21, 2005 8:20AM PDT
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You wouldn't believe it even...
Apr 21, 2005 2:20PM PDT

if you heard it from Michael Dell personally--so, if you really want the info, you can Google it! Silly

I will, however, give you this URL instead:

http://chipchick.blogs.com/chip_chick/2005/03/dells_lawsuit_a.html

Dell is in big trouble--and anyone with half a brain knows it. They've been making junk, disrespecting customers, making excuses, and telling people that PCs are "unprofitable". Just watch and see what happens to them.

-JDM

(Personally, I don't think Dell will be able to leave the PC business. Who's going to buy big screen TVs from them after being cheated on computers?)

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Still at your regular belittlement and vendetta
Apr 22, 2005 4:12AM PDT

agains Dell huh. Is your post to Prandy because he bought a Dell, or to me? I ask because of your curt remark to Prandy on not reading news.

Anyone with half a brain can see that Dell has been selling 42" Plasma TV's like wildfire since the middle of last year and can see why. Their price is quite a bit lower than other retail businesss like Best Buy, Circuit City, etc..and it is a quality TV built by Phllips with Dell's name on it. Phillips has also been supplying cathode-ray tubes and flat-panel monitors, storage devices, and other components to Dell. In December 2004 Dell made final agreements with Phillips for quite a bit of business to market and sell a comprehensive range of Phillips brand computer peripherals and other related products.

Dell is not in big trouble and you are wrong. Del shipped 33,831,000 computers last year and had a 23% growth in shipments over 2003. Dell sells more personl computers than any other provider on the GLOBE, and its on a GROWTH spurt. Recently Dell is even expanding,
opening a new computer factory in the southern Chinese city of Xiamen.

Dell has been selling their (quality) 42" Plasma so quickly that they are behind in orders. They expect to rake in nearly $60 BILLION this year on the sales of computers and Plasma TV's. Analyst predict that the year 2005 will see a general slow down in the sales of PC's by all companies as a natural cycle of buying. Dell is probably smarter than other companies by providing another hot item (plasma TV's), but you are as usual showing your extreme bias agains Dell. Dell is not getting rid of their computers.

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And you're still...
Apr 22, 2005 5:24AM PDT

"stumping" and "apologizing" for Dell--so I guess that makes us even, huh? You consistently act as if none of Dell's screw-ups exist, and continue to ignore anything you don't want to hear. In your book, Dell can do no wrong. In my book, they not only can--they have!

As for whether or not Dell is in trouble--well, let's just wait and see, shall we? I'm not saying that they can't turn things around. All I'm saying is that they can't keep doing what they're doing and continue to get away with it. (The lawsuit is proof enough of that.)

Wink JDM

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And you are
Apr 22, 2005 6:31AM PDT

Again still wrong. I take up not only for Dell, but all capitalistic American computer companies when I see extreme bias like you are continuing to spout. You made your first post in these CNet forums on March 13, 2005, and for the first 2 days the only post you made were nine derogatory posts concerning Dell, and after that I lost track (can be traceable with search), but you have continued to spout your vile against Dell whenever and wherever you can. Your facade is showing. You indicate you are not working for a competitor, but I find that hard to believe, and even more so since this recent thread. You exhibit all the signs of a fired or disgruntled ex-employee with the trolling to go along, or perhaps you are being compensated to launch a vendette against Dell in particular.

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My posts were in response...
Apr 22, 2005 7:46AM PDT

to people recommending Dell to unsuspecting potential buyers. I believe that everyone has the right to have "all the information" before they make a major purchase of any kind.

Dell burned my friends, and a lot of other people I know...so yes, I'm going to do my best to make sure that they either shape up...or go out of business. I'm not willing to sit by and watch other people get cheated and/or mistreated. If I were in the market for a computer, I would sure as hell want someone to tell me the whole story!

Dell has to stop jerking people around! They've been selling too many "lemons" and disrespecting paying customers. As soon as they stop doing that, I will **** (as you would so clearly like me to do). Until then, I intend to continue to "speak my conscience".

There's a Chinese proverb that says, "If you don't want anyone to know about it, don't do it." Well, Dell has really done it...and to far too many people...so now they'll have to "face the music". (The lawsuit is a good first step.)

Despite all the evidence that Dell can be a terrible company to deal with, I have never once heard you tell anyone to be the least bit cautious when buying from them. And you keep telling me that you don't work for Dell...

Wink JDM

(*I learned the truth about Alienware from people who cared enough to share their experiences with others. I have never bought from that company...and, thanks to those brave souls who came forward and spoke the truth, I never will.)

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Huh???
Apr 22, 2005 8:34AM PDT

Crap One......
I've been posting in these CNet forum, even before when they were ZDNet forums, almost daily for some years. I believe it is well known that I do not work for or am associated with a computer company in any way what-so-ever. You are stabbing for straws.

Sure Dell has problems just like other computer companies and there will be bitching, keeping in mind that the volume of computers sold out there and that these CNet forum are mainly 'help' type forum where the millions of people who do not have problems with computers are not posting here. IMO your constant vendetta against Dell is well beyond what the routine bitching of a company is seen, is unwarranted, and is suspecious.

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Okay...
Apr 22, 2005 9:39AM PDT

So, if anyone says you work for Dell or have any kind of vested interest in protecting that company, it's unfair--just another "cheap shot". Despite the fact that you seem to ignore or minimize all of Dell's failings, regularly recommend them to potential buyers, and constantly jump to the company's defense like some kind of rabid dog on a bad day--it would be extremely unreasonable to suggest that you have any kind of ulterior motive...is that it?

However, it's okay for you to accuse me of "working for a competitor" and/or being "a disgruntled former employee"...someone with a massive vendetta against Dell. It's also okay for you to question my intentions and call me a liar...that's all completely fair, right, and good. Is that what you're saying, John?

-JDM

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I have to admit...
Apr 22, 2005 10:28AM PDT

...I just registered on this forum about a week ago to ask some advice on purchasing a good pc for my mom. I NEVER thought a Computer Forum could be so exciting... Had I known what I would think would be a boring old site with a bunch of dry material on processors, ram etc would actually be such a hot bed for conversations like the ones that proceed my post I would of come to this site years ago!!!!

I am 1/2 kidding about this, but only 1/2... This is better than "Deperate Housewives" ha ha

just trying to lighten it up a bit, hope that is ok

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Welcome to CNET Forums!
Apr 22, 2005 11:19AM PDT

Now, place your tongue firmly in your cheek and repeat after me:

"I, Chip Leader, do hereby swear that I will do everything in my power to stir up controversy..."

Silly JDM

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Well, get this straight JDM
Apr 22, 2005 12:41PM PDT

I routinely recommend Hewitt Packard, Compaq, Sony, VPR Matrix, Emachine, and Dell computers to members. I have also suggested looking at Falcon Northwest, Polywell, Alienware, Voodoo, Monarch, Cyberpower, Velocity Micro, ABS, and Totally Awsome Computers. In the years I've been on these forums, I don't recall ever criticizing any of them individually as they all have faults, and Dell is no worst off than any other considering the amount of Dell computers out there.

Didn't you read my post in the survey where I said
I did not participated in "Who makes the best Desktops" survey, as from my observation and experience quite a few different companies make excellent computers depending on what model being looked at.

Members have been critical of Dell and other computer companies, yet you don't see me getting on them, but you are being a fanatic bordering on being..like you say a rabid dog, in your constant (how many) critical posts of Dell in the little over a month you have been here in CNet. I have never seen another member act as repeatable and consistent as you in belittling a computer company with such a grudge.

Calling you a liar, well if asking you for a link of what you read is calling you a liar, then so be it.
BTW, when are you going to provide a link to your other post in this thread where you stated:

"Of course you know...that Dell is planning to get out of the "unprofitable PC business", and concentrate on selling wide-screen TVs, etc. Their plan is to withdraw from the "unprofitable consumer market" first, and then follow up by exiting the businessPC market later on."

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(NT) (NT) Opps, forgot to include Gateway ;-)
Apr 22, 2005 12:47PM PDT
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And I've criticized...
Apr 22, 2005 3:29PM PDT

Dell and Alienware--because they suck! Silly

-JDM

(*Don't take my word for it people...check out some of the other forums on CNET and on the web!)

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I would like to apologize...
Apr 24, 2005 3:40AM PDT

for this "rude" comment.

Sincerely, JDM

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Dell 8400
Apr 22, 2005 3:36PM PDT

How did you find this deal?... I tried looking for it and i can't find it....

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It was a great deal I got on "DEALS OF THE WEEK" See below.
Apr 27, 2005 7:06AM PDT

As noted in my CNET post (link below), the same deal configuration costs $500 more now. I think I got a one day "mistake."

http://reviews.cnet.com/5208-7586-0.html?forumID=68&threadID=98945&messageID=1142234

Here is what I said (copied and pasted):
John Robie is right on. Go to with a DELL.
Follow his instructions exactly. Go to the DELL website to "DEALS OF THE WEEK." (Sometimes they are deals of the day.) If you want a desktop, you want the Dimension 8400 because of the superior 600 series pentium 4 processor not available on lower ended models. I got 25% instant savings on the base unit plus, free shipping, and free upgrades for a GIG of RAM, 160 GB Hard Drive, 24 bit soundblaster with surround sound speakers, 17 inch flat panel monitor, dual cd/dvd burners, 3 year warranty, Microsoft Office instead of that worthless Word Perfect, 15 Months free virus scan & firewall, etc. I paid $134 to upgrade to premium 4 year warranty and support which means you bypass tier 1 support in INDIA, $20 for premium CD burner, $30 for a floppy drive and $50 of misc items for a total of about $1300. The thing runs like greased lightning. Right now the same 8400 I got goes for at least $500 more but the good deals will be back. The deal I got lasted for only one day.

As for DELL getting out of the computer business as posted by "culture_of_one" I cannot imagine where he gets that information. The post by "ozos" is simply off base about overpricing and nonupgradable (he must work for HP or Gateway). I still can add more RAM in my two extra memory slots, another hard drive, and a better sound card and more graphics if I wanted to. Best wishes to you.

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To be fair...
Apr 22, 2005 8:28AM PDT

Dell does take pretty good care of its large "business" customers. This proves that Dell is capable of making good equipment and supporting it properly. If they treated "every" paying customer as well as they treat their big business customers, I wouldn't have a word to say against them.

-JDM

(*unfortunately, we're all part of what Dell officials refer to as "the unprofitable consumer market"...so it's "caveat emptor" for us.)

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Columbus Micro Systems
Apr 22, 2005 12:32PM PDT

I will throw my 2 cents in for my pic of the BEST PC I have ever had. To be fair, I have only owned two in 13 years, but I got both from the same place.

The two PC's I have bought have BOTH come from a small dealer in Columbus, OH called Columbus Micro Systems. As I said above, I have owned two from them, including the 7 year old Pentium II I am using right now to write this post. Both PC's I have pretty much left on 24/7. I did not have ANY problems with the first, and and again the one I have now is 7 years old and still going strong.

I DO NOT know how their prices rate now a days with all the Dells, Gateways, Best Buys, etc out there now. I don't have time to spend 2-3 days looking at their prices and comparing (sorry) but below I did include the link and you can check them out. The prices may be a bit high, but from my experience the quality cannot be better. Can't beat a PC that is 7 years old, used and abused DAILY, and still runing strong. PS I don't do any gaming on this thing, and have a 128 MB video card, 312 mb ram and a 20 gb and 60 gb hard drive, so despite the age it is still working just fine for me. I do kind of wih it would die so I COULD buy a new pc, but I am holding off until fall/Christmas until the 64 bit processors go down a bit more.

http://www.columbusmicro.com/

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You should've...
Apr 22, 2005 3:38PM PDT

posted this in "Who makes the best desktops?", Chip.

Wink JDM

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RE:
Apr 22, 2005 1:29PM PDT

i have to agree with john, not all oems are evil. My relatives have bought from dell and have not experienced any problems as far as i know. I think the problems of ppl have been greatly exaggerated.
Roger

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To John Robie
Apr 22, 2005 3:23PM PDT

I give up! You don't even know which instances I'm referring to, which proves that you don't even remember what you've said in the past. Up till now, you've ignored every bit of evidence you've seen...and you will continue to do so--so I'm not going to waste anymore time on you!

All the information is out there for anyone who wants it--but "you" simply don't want it. You've never even mentioned the "bait-and-switch" lawsuit against Dell--because it doesn't support your side of the story. It "proves" that Dell is not a good company to do business with, and that it's "dishonest"...and you don't like that.

Well, here it is for anyone who wants it:

http://chipchick.blogs.com/chip_chick/2005/03/dells_lawsuit_a.html

And don't forget to follow the links!

You can rest assured that I will continue to tell people what I know, and let them make their own decisions. If they run into trouble with Dell, it won't be on me...and if they don't, I won't take credit.

Caveat Emptor!

Wink JDM

(I wonder what you'd say about some of the verbatim quotes from Michael Dell? Probably nothing--because your mind would delete them. And what about the tech support people who refer to customers as "scumbags"? Well, I guess they're not really Dell employees--and they must work for competitors, huh?) Silly

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(NT) (NT) Just another example of your hatred and vendetta.
Apr 23, 2005 1:35AM PDT