I'm alive, though I have my doubts about this computer.

[mongoluehring]

My computer, which cost $2,700 two years ago (Christmas gift), has had all of the following things fail on it

Comments

[krysstylanthrox]

Ernie works at/for Dell and flat out REFUSES to own one of their computers. Just FYI.

[mongoluehring]

Fred bought the Dell as my 2004 Christmas gift. He did research in various computer magazines, and decided this particular make and model would be the best for the type of computer games I like (Sims2). It really LOOKS spiffy - all black and shiny, flashy huge monitor, cable-less mouse and keyboard, etc. I just wish it hadn't self-destructed so darned quickly. My last computer before this is/was a Gateway. When I got the new fancy one at home, I donated the Gateway to the spa (am typing on it now, actually) and it STILL runs just fine, despite being 8 years old.

Next time, Gateway again, I think.

[eryn_]

Dell computers work ok for about a year. If you think of it as being a disposable computer that you get to hold you over while you buy a real machine, and thus buy the cheapest possible option they sell, it's not a terrible experience.

I paid $350 for mine new. It's not a great machine, but it works better than my old one. If I'd paid $1350, I'd be really pissed off. You don't buy a Yugo and expect a BMW. And you don't buy a top of the line Yugo either because leather seats and a sun roof don't change the fundamental problems.

[mongoluehring]

I wish we still subscribed to Consumer Reports. They rank cars based on lots of things, repair history included. It would be great if they did that for computers too. I'm not the kind of person who wants to trade in my computer every year for the newer, flashier model - I just want something that works. Sigh. No more tarted-up Yugos for me. :p

[eryn_]

We stopped subscribing to Consumer Reports because by the time the review came out, those models were no longer available.

The library may get it, and they have an online version which doesn't allow you to read the whole article, but you could find which issue would apply.

I needed a computer rather urgently when mine was near death and I bought something as an interim solution, knowing I would have to change it out sooner than is comfortable. I had waited too long... 7 years is too long. I'm not happy with my Dell computer, but $350 was tolerable.

I hope you find a happy solution.

[mongoluehring]

Thanks sweetie. I owe you an email - promised you one on Friday, but guess whose computer was DEAD again on Friday? :/ at computer

[vongdestroyer]

Man as soon as I started reading your journal, I was like, is it a Dell? Everyone I know who has one says they regret it. Im sorry you had a bad experience as well. But I guess thats how we learn, from mistakes. And now you can spread your tale to others thinking of buying a Dell.

My sister bought a Dell laptop. Cost $1700.

I wouldnt pay $10 for it.

Its only 2 years old.

And a piece of shit.

[mongoluehring]

I wonder if Dell is aware of the reputation for unreliability they're building. Heck, if people started saying the massages they got at my spa sucked, I'd want to know, and I'd do what I could to fix it.

I'm hoping my Dell will last for another year or so without me having to replace every last thing on it. Fred says next time he's getting me a laptop so I can take it with to Non Con, etc. but I don't like the dinky little keyboards and itsy bitsy monitors on those. Meh. We'll see!

[mongoluehring]

Well, that speaks volumes, if the Alpha Geek wants it. :) Do you know if it plays games like Sims2 and Black and White 2?

[joannablack]

Dude, what model is that? That's REALLY expensive for a computer. Is it a lappy? I have a emachines desktop that I got for $800 with a monitor, speakers, and a canon printer and it works wonderfully.

[mongoluehring]

See, here's where I embarrass myself...I can't answer your question. It's not a laptop - the case is big and black and sits under the desk. The monitor is big and black too, and really thin/flat. I don't know the model number or anything, but I know he paid extra for high end graphics cards, sound cards, big hunks of memory, etc. When it works, there's nothing spiffier. I just have to save everything I do very frequently, because of that whole "random hard crash" thing. Sigh.

[nucwin]

Funnily enough, I've owned a Dell (priced at 3,000$ back in 2001 when I bought it). It lasted me 3 years with no problems, and a friend of mine owned it for another 2 years before the hard drive went out on it.

My current PC (3,200$ in 2004) is coming up on its third birthday and I am thinking about replacing it, but once again, no problems here.

The only thing I can tell ya is if you don't have the technical knowhow to build it/fix it yourself, get the warranty. At least then you'll be making the company dish out some cash for your trouble.

[nucwin]

By the way... the local computer shops are going to get their money out of you moreso than the people who sold you the PC in the first place

[mongoluehring]

With those warranties, do you have to ship the computer back to the manufacturer, etc? I would be a little nervous about that, but you're probably right - I've certainly spent a whole lot of money fixing this darned thing. And it's only a little over 2 years old. Meh, again!

[nucwin]

Depends on the warranty. Some are on site, some are next business day (where you ship to them, they ship back within 1 business day after getting it), etc. Normally I don't advocate warranties, but sometimes they save headaches like what you're experiencing. Sorry you're having such a problem. :(