Hey man dells are great computers and more reliable than gateways and other brands but like always computer screw up and stuff happens when you start downloading and changing configurations but if you are careful your computer will run very smoothly with almost no errors.

No hardware is perfect, but Dell hardware is above average. Dell's support isn't worth spit!

My Dell Dimension XPS700r arrived six months ago with a flaky USB port. I have been advised to reformat my hard drive, and flash my BIOS twice. I was sent a replacement USB keyboard (refurbished) as a possible after I convinced the tech support manager that I could not reinstall my hard drive to its shipped state since the keyboard was not being recognized during POST.

In short, I would have been better off to buy a PC from Best Buy. They at least take defective junk back. Dell technical support is non-existent for home users, and their "fix it within 24 hours during the first year" is worth taking them to court. My USB port is still broken after six months and complaints to the Better Business Bureau. My Gateway was cheap hardware, but they fixed my DOA tape drive immediately, and without any BS.

Sorry to hear you've had problems. But I have had nothing but great help from Dell. I had a Gateway,and the support they gave me was terrible. The tech's I talked to here at Dell are fantastic. I even had one call me back at home so I wouldn't have to wait in line again after I finished the instructions he gave me. Again I'm sorry about your troubles,but, my dealings with Gateway and Dell are totally different than yours.

I received my Dimension 4100 on 11/20/00. It encountered multiple problems. Dell Customer Care attempts at fixing problem unsuccessful. Replacement of MotherBoard (refurbished) 12/11/00 ineffective. Full System Exchange approved 12/12/00 (with great difficulty I might add). Delivery date of exchange system confirmed for 12/28/00 or 12/29/00. No delivery was made. Couldn't get through to Customer Care 1/2/01 until the evening due to high volume of calls. Now told won't get computer delivered until 1/17/01 or 1/19/01(Customer Care). Checked www.dell.ca order status which says computer picked up from Canadian hub by Purolator 1/2/01, although the "Order Status" web page states order wasn't processed until 12/28/00 and then shipped 12/29/00!!!!! Even Dell doesn't know what's going on.

I AM EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED AND FRUSTRATED WITH THE SERVICE I HAVE RECEIVED SO FAR FROM DELL. I have wasted numerous manhours (as have my office staff) dealing with the malfunctions of Dell's computer. I have been mislead. The only aspect I have found acceptable is the folks on the technical support line - they are quite helpful. Otherwise, Dell's quality and service is sub-standard. I have also lost several months of my warranty (3 years) which SHOULD BE "NEXT BUSINESS DAY". So much for "next business day". Dell need to seriously improve your quality and service/customer care ASAP.

STAY AWAY FROM DELL. Go to someplace where you can talk to (and grab if you need to) a living breathing person. Also, make sure they replace malfunctioning parts with NEW parts and CAREFULLY read their warranty policy before purchasing.

-a disappointed and frustrated one time Dell Customer.

I just ran across this article. P4-PCI Bandwidth. This is with the P4 CPU, and the Intel 850 motherboard (8100 systems)

There seem to be problems using DVD decoder cards, PCI video cards, and (I assume) TV Tuner cards.

There is a "related story" link at the bottom.




















































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I was told when I received a refurbished keyboard "Whether the parts are reconditioned or new, Dell stands behind their quality and will offer full support for them if necessary."

I found this offensive because i took Dell more than a month to chose this option, and only after I refused to reformat my hard drive or flash my BIOS.

Turns out I have a bad USB port, and they insist I "flash the BIOS twice". I refuse such stupidity because:

1- None of the BIOS patch descriptions have anything to do with the problem I reported.

2- BIOS updates had better be cumulative, so flashing the BIOS twice is just insane when once should get you to the latest level.

3- I consider the BIOS to be part of the hardware (motherboard), and it should "just work". If it is defective, then the hardware supplier (Dell) should fix the bloody thing!

4- The disclaimer listed with the BIOS patch quite clearly states that if I fry my motherboard that Dell assumes no responsibility for the damages.

Dells real support policy "If it doesn't work, fix it yourself"!