Grelby, why does this shock you? Notebook computers are NOT modular. They have NEVER been modular systems. Since the dawn of time, if a single built-in component dies, the motherboard must be replaced. The only exceptions being RAM, CPU, cooler/fan, and drives.
So it’s not just Dell in this regard, it’s all notebook manufacturers.
sam
The problem is, that peoples luck in this regard tends to run in obscene streaks. Some peole never have any trouble. Others can’t hardly get a mouse shipped right.
I did build my current PC. Trouble-free from the first boot.
It’s difficult to build a laptop at home, though, and is it really too much to ask that they don’t step on them at the factory before they’re wrapped and boxed?
Just a guess, but it might have something to do with their absurd markup.
Actually, it doesn’t shock me, I understand it. It’s annoying, but it makes sense. More disturbing to me is the fact that I have had to have this motherboard replaced twice in the year and half that I have owned the computer. So far it’s going strong on something like 8 or 9 months since the last failure, but the combination of two minor component failures and the need to remedy such components by effectively replacing the computer’s “brain” twice in such a short period of time has me a wee bit concerned about problems which may occur once the computer is out of waranty. To Dell’s credit, the repair was performed no questions asked, as quickly as the folks at the IT center could get to it, and the computer has otherwise been pretty solid (it’s sluggish for a 2.8 Ghz machine, but it’s a friggin’ laptop, of course it’s sluggish!). Hopefully, the last two mobos were ‘lemons’ and this one is good, set to last another 5-6 years.
But I sure do wish notebooks were modular! Would make my life easier, that’s for sure.
Currently I am a database developer at a sports marketing company (Doesn’t that just sound so much cooler than it really is?), but for about 6 months after college I sold computers for Dell. I had so many people who called in talk about how much they love Dells and how they never get anything else. Then I would have people call in complaining about how much Dell sucks. Go figure.
One of the most interesting conversations I had was when a lady told me she buys Dells becuase her husband worked at a testing facility for computer components. I forget which component they tested, but she said that Dell always had the highest standards for the components.
And I don’t know if the markup is so high. I lost money on about 15-20% of the computers I sold.
Yes and they take giant shits all over their customers. I’ve never dealt with a company so unwilling to help and downright hostile to a customer.
I’ve noticed that the people saying Alienware is good haven’t purchased a computer from them lately. A few years ago they were still small and had an appreciation for quality, but recently they’ve become popular and bloated. Take a look at the crap they try to sell you when you put together a custom computer. The “Alienware video optimizer” or whatever it’s called kills me. I feel like a chump buying from them.
I dealt with Falcon Northwest’s tech support the other day, and I’m happy to say I’ve never experienced such wonderful customer support. Turns out the BIOS settings got mixed up for some reason. They called back immediately, knew what the problem was, and told me which settings to change with a calm and professional demeanor. No forwarding to different tiers of tech support, no asking for your order number, no BS, and no 20 minute wait to talk to a human. It was completely oposite from Alienware.
My friend showed me this . Just look at the reports on Alienware’s customer service.
Carnick, that’s been my impression of Falcon too. They aren’t just people reading off scripts, they’re intelligent guys, thinking through your problem. I’ve actualy enjoyed talking with them, on occaision!
I think he was talking about AlienWare, not Dell.
Anyway, i’ve had my Dell desktop for about a year and a half now, and for the most part its been great. I agree with gotpasswords about the fan noise—mine sounded like a jet motor.
The fan, rather fortuitously, died after aobut a year, and i spent $20 to replace it with a much quiter model. I’ve been really happy overall with the computer.
My knowledge of computers has increased quite a bit in the last year or so, and i’ve even gone inside the box to make some additions (some RAM, and recently a second hard drive), so next time i need to upgrade i think i’ll build it myself.