Buying Dell verse buying locally

[mccoady]

I need a new computer and will either buy a Dell Dimension 9200 with somethings upgraded or will buy from a local retailer/wholesaler who build their own and do their own service. My local dealer is maybe slightly higher but he's close buy if I need anything or need to ask a question. They actually have pre-built systems or will build to order. What do people think of Dells? Who makes their flatscreen LCD monitors and are they any good?

More questions in general ( I don't do gaming but I like to multitask like shrinking and burning dvd backups, etc. while doing other things):

1. I'm currently using XP Pro but do you think if I wanted to save some money I would be happy with XP Home and probably not miss Pro? Are they layed out the same?

2. I'm going with a Intel Core 2 Dual Processor either a E6300, E6400, or E6600. As far as the E6300 and the E6400 there's only about $50 difference but jumping up to the E6600 there's a $214 jump when putting together the system. Do you think either the E6300 or E6400 would be satifactory for most people?

3. I'm going with either 1GB or 2GB of Ram, do you think 1Gb is sufficient? I had 1750Gb in my old computer but my processor was only a 1.6 MHZ so I was trying to compensate with more Ram.

4. Is there anything I need to be aware of when I picking out a 19" flatscreen LCD monitor?

[psx_pirate]

1750gb of ram .... are you sure .... i doubt theres a mobo out there that could support that much ram or even have enough slots to actually install it

[lenti_75]

ALWAYS, it's a better idea to build your own pc, you have more control on what you put in there, and that is VERY important. one of teh most important parts is the motherboard, and in any dell, hp or any brand systems, they put junks in there.

I would pick a locally, and have them to build it by your specs...

1. use a Asus, Gigabyte or Abit motherbord, these are the best.
2. 1Gb is enough for now, when vista is out, and want to upgrade, 1.5 or 2Gb is recommnended and use brands as OCZ, Corsair (more expensive but better)
3. use dual channel memory, 2x512 or 2x1gb
4. sata hdd, with 16Mb cache Western digital or Seagate
5. DON'T spend that much on the processor, dual core at 2.5-3G or so is good enough.
6. XP pro has some features that probably you won;t miss them.
7. I would pick up the monitor from store, most of them either come with dead pixels, or image problems, like blur, some area not sharp enough.....but this is up to you.

these are my options, the rest is yours....

[Lucifers_Ghost]

Ok .. first things first. I hate to point out errors as I am not perfect either but you did NOT have 1750GB of ram .. this I can guarantee. Perhaps you had 1750MB of ram. This is definately possible.

Having said that, to your original question.

Either the E6300/E6400 is generally more than enough for most people at this point. You never really mentioned what you will be using the computer for but on a day to day basis, most people wont use the full functionality of a dual core.

As for Dell vs locally bought ... it all comes down to quality vs. cost.

DELL: Definately cheaper but as in all things in life .. you get what you pay for. Most of the components on a Dell are all integrated and when purchasing, your upgrade options are fairly limited. Their customer service is NOTHING to be desired .. and I know this from having worked with them in the past.

Locally built / clone: Probably be going to be a little more expensive, but you know exactly what is going into the guts as you are choosing it. You can go as crappy or as top of the line as you wish. As well, if you "know" the person you are buying from, when you need tech support, it will be more personal. As well, future upgrades are WAAAAY easier on a clone than on a pre-built.

Honestly, after 10-ish years of building pc's and having dealt with Dell (although not having purchased one), I think I can speak for about 85% of the people on this forum and say that a locally/clone is the way to go.

Good luck. Let us know what you get.

LG

[mats.hogberg]

Locally. There's one good thing about Dell - they are quiet - amazingly so. But that's it. Many proprietary solutions, custom "restore" discs instead of std Windows disc...

/Mats

[TBoneit]

If the Dell even comes with restore discs these days. OTOH the older Dells that came with XP discs, it was almost a standard XP disc, the main difference being that when installed on a Dell it doesn't need to be activated and passes the WGA check. A saver if you like to reinstall windows periodicly (sp?).

Quiet, very true. I'm not sure where Lenti buys LCDs, I've only ever seen one with bad pixels out of the box.

On the Dell if not in a rush you can get some big LCDs cheap during some of their promotions... Or do a 32" LCD for HDTV and Computer display not cheap, OTOH you can play video on the computer if it will be a one time play and erase. Wireless KB & Mouse. Computer in next room so it doesn't matter how much noise it makes. If you are a gamer you can also have a Xbox 360 hooked up to it as well a Tivo and DVD etc. PIP window so you can monitor shrinking for example while watching TV.

You mentioned shrinking and burning so yes a dual core makes sense. Even more sense if you plan to go to Vista.

[SingSing]

If you built one before, then build one.

[mccoady]

Sorry I mistakely said the wrong amount on the Ram, I have 1.75GB or 1792MB installed in my old computer. Just to be clear I won't be building the computer myself but would have the dealer do it with me choosing what goes in it. It seems like the consensus is to have my local dealer build one for me as long as it's not alot more than the Dell.

I will have to check into which Motherboard they would be installing. As far as the harddrive I know it would be a Western Digital Sata 250GB but I don't know if it has 8 or 16MB of Cache.

I mainly use the computer for internet, video processing and burning. It sounds like then either the E6300 (Dual 1.86GHz,2MB L2) or E6400 (Dual 2.13GHz,2MB L2) would be good enough for my use without having to spend a couple hundred more for the E6600 (Dual 2.4MHz, 4MB L2).

After reading all your replies it looks like I can save some money by going with the Intel 6400 Processor and using XP Home instead of Pro. By doing that I can maybe go ahead and get 2GB of Ram as I do plan on upgrading to Vista at some point.

I also guess I wouldn't necessarily have to buy a monitor right now but could wait for any sales on them. Any particular brands or specs I should look for?

[Eyedoctor2]

Scroll down to my post at https://forum.videohelp.com/viewtopic.php?t=308831 for a Dell configuration you can compare to what you are thinking of building.

[MJA]

http://www.techbargains.com/


Dell 9200 Core 2 Duo Desktop $529, Sep 10

Price drop. Dell Small Business has the Dimension 9200 Desktop Core 2 Duo 1.86Ghz Free 1GB/80GB Serial ATA, Free CDRW/DVD, 7.1 Audio, Geforce 7300LE Video, 1yr warranty, XP Home $529. Free shipping.

Click E-Value graphic. Enter E Value code - AFFT - dim92min in box at lower right. Select Core 2 Duo E6300, no monitor.

Additional 2% discount for checking out using Dell QuickLoan. Select Credit card as payment to see this offer.

[mccoady]

Yes that's a great price but when originally posting my topic I knew Dell was the cheapest way to go but I was merely inquiring if it was smarter to pay more for a locally built / clone. It has been mentioned that Dell uses Proprietary solutions and most of the components are integrated and upgrading is far easier on a clone than a pre-built. These things would be important to me unless the price difference is drastic.

[classfour]

Dell Advantages: Usually very stable in most situations. Hardware tested and matches up well to drivers. Obvious pricing advantages. Assembled in USA

Local / Custom Built: Usally well sorted components - just be certain to get all driver discs.
Disadvantage: Price (even I can't buy just the components for what Dell can build a whole machine for), shoddy workmanship - Choose a good builder.

[JerryB]

I need a new computer and will either buy a Dell Dimension 9200 with somethings upgraded or will buy from a local retailer/wholesaler who build their own and do their own service. My local dealer is maybe slightly higher but he's close buy if I need anything or need to ask a question. They actually have pre-built systems or will build to order. What do people think of Dells? Who makes their flatscreen LCD monitors and are they any good?

More questions in general ( I don't do gaming but I like to multitask like shrinking and burning dvd backups, etc. while doing other things):

1. I'm currently using XP Pro but do you think if I wanted to save some money I would be happy with XP Home and probably not miss Pro? Are they layed out the same?

2. I'm going with a Intel Core 2 Dual Processor either a E6300, E6400, or E6600. As far as the E6300 and the E6400 there's only about $50 difference but jumping up to the E6600 there's a $214 jump when putting together the system. Do you think either the E6300 or E6400 would be satifactory for most people?

3. I'm going with either 1GB or 2GB of Ram, do you think 1Gb is sufficient? I had 1750Gb in my old computer but my processor was only a 1.6 MHZ so I was trying to compensate with more Ram.

4. Is there anything I need to be aware of when I picking out a 19" flatscreen LCD monitor?

Hi,
these are my thoughts.... I firmly believe in buying from a good reliable customize shop.. that way I can control and get what I want.... plus the fact there right around the corner... smile.... when something goes wrong.....
note: in my case for what I wanted I actually saved about $400 by buying customized than getting a dell with something close to what i wanted...

other reasons...
a. customize pc... you get the windows cd disk... with a brand name such as dell.... they don't like to give them!!!!
note: if you go with dell... make sure they give you the disk!!!!!
b. dell believe in embedded chips on the mother board... and if your going to be doing music and video..... it better to have a seperate card for your sound and graphics!!
c. dell teck support , if you need them, in most instances you have to talk to india!! there lanquage problems and experience problems with those tecks!! overall the last 2-3 years dell teck support has gone down! ...
d. buying from a name brand your really lilmited on what yo can get.... a customize shop get what you want and need..!!

Now most of the other questions you have.... seems like they were answered very well .....
1. as far as windows xp ome or pro.... I know for me.... windows xp home quite sufficient...
2. lcd monitors.... read the guarentee!!!!!!!! you can expect to have dead pixals ..... however if you do the manufacturere will not always give you a replacements... there guidlines if they do that or not such as..... if there more than let say 5 pixals in a given area or the some total of dea pixals is high... then they give a replacment but otherwise your stuck!! ... bottom line be fully aware !!!!!!!!

[TBoneit]

Dell cheap computer = Built-in Video & Sound

Dell good computer = Separate Video & Sound

No way is a $300 Dell the same machine as a $800 Dell even for the same speed. You do get what you pay for.

[bbanderic]

I don't think you can go wrong either way, just be sure if you go the custom route, choose a good builder. I have a Dell computer and I'm very happy with it. If you go with a Dell, you can have it custom built with NO integrated components at a very good price. As far as the windows and other discs go, I think you have to pay an extra $10 for the physical discs. I also recommend you get the extended 3 year warranty for $99.

[ozymango]

Great replies from everybody so far 'bout the hardware considerations (disclaimer: I work with a lot of Dells and mostly they're very decent machines, but I do like tweaking my own hardware so I'd say go with your local supplier).

I'll just add (because I didn't see anybody say much about this yet), if this is just gonna be your video machine and you don't plan on doing a lot of network stuff and/or file security isn't an issue (e.g. it's just you and your computer, no shared users), XP Home will do you just fine. The major differences between Home and Pro are in the network and file security area -- you can't put a Home computer on a domain, and you can't lock down individual file security on a Home install.

Other than that, you won't notice any performance differences. So if you plan on someday being part of a domain, or you have other people using this computer and care about locking files and/or folders, then it's worth it to spring for Pro. But otherwise I'd save the $100 and use it towards cooler hardware.

[Captain315]

The customer service with Dell is about the worst you can imagine. I have had nothing but headaches trying to get even the smallest problems solved. Personally, I will attempt to build my next computer as I would never buy a Dell again.

[classfour]

Dell doesn't GIVE you a restore disc - it's usually $10 or so at the time of purchase. I shudder to think what it would cost down the road if you really needed one, but hadn't purchased it.

I can't speak for their customer service. I did have one machine involved in the battery recall and it was handled well. I own 2 Dell laptops, and at work use 2 desktops - as none have so much as hiccupped, customer support hasn't come up.

The desktops that I use at home were all built by myself. Not the fastest/best, but usable for video and other work. Not usually quiet, as I tend to pack the case with as many fans as I can cram in.

[mats.hogberg]

Not usually quiet, as I tend to pack the case with as many fans as I can cram in.

That's usually how to make it quiet - as many, as big, as slow fans as possible. One small high RPM fan makes more noise than 10 slow big ones.

/Mats

[handyguy]

I've built dozens of computers. But Prefer Dell. Everything works & I can throw in anything I want into & never have to reactivate because they use bios activation.

Vista is going to be out
in a couple or months or so, are you sure you don't want to wait?

[TheFamilyMan]

If you go with a local builder, check to see how they warantee their product. This is where using a reputable local shop can really shine: they will take care of ALL problem for the first few months, and it's local so it's no big deal to bring in your rig. I was glad I bought my rig at a local shop for that reason (check my specs). Example: after a few weeks, my GPU card started misbehaving. They gave me loaner GPU card while the original was being RMAed by the vendor. Sure, I probably could have saved about $100+ doing it myself, but I also saved myself the hassle if things didn't integrate well, which I know from experience can happen.

[oldandinthe way]

[quote="mccoady"]I will have to check into which Motherboard they would be installing. As far as the harddrive I know it would be a Western Digital Sata 250GB but I don't know if it has 8 or 16MB of Cache.

WD offers models with 8mb or 16mb. With SATA the cache pays off in performance.

[BSpielbauer]

Dell doesn't GIVE you a restore disc - it's usually $10 or so at the time of purchase.

Nope.


Not true today. I just double-checked, when I read your claim.

It specifically says "with installation CD -- included in price." There was no other option.

There have been times in the past wherein the user could choose to have the discs, or choose not to have them. The cost was the same, regardless. (I always chose to have them, of course). Today, you have no choice. You get the discs.

I have been buying Dells regularly for 11 years, typically 20 per year, for the school where I am employed.

-Bruce