Dell Doesn’t Suck

…when they want to get your money. A few weeks ago I was mailed a coupon for $50 off any computer system over $800. Plus, I’d get free ground shipping. Dell saw me coming a mile away. I’m sure I was flagged “addcit” once I bought two LCDs and opened a Dell Preferred Credit account.

Rightfully so.

…I’ve always built my own computers. I think it was a mixture of having an abundance of free time and lack of abundance of cash. My “barebones” system was slowly upgraded over the years. I was running at a whopping 200mhz when I first started computing. Yikes. It was uber exciting when I upgrade my 4G drive to an 8G. It was so expensive too. I had no choice though: XP and Office took up like 3.5G alone. Oh the memories. I even remember installing my motherboard, looking at the processor, playing with Serial ATA cables. I hated putting in drives becuase of those cables. They were old and un-keyed so it took about 3 reboots to realize that something was upside down. Sigh.

I’m currently working on my second generation DIY machine. I’ve been pleased with it. I built it about 4 years ago after doing all kinds of research. So far I’ve had no issues with it… which is why I’m scared. I’m worried that these older drives will crash soon. If they don’t the PSU is going to go (it’s getting a bit noisey). Something is bound to happen and I don’t want to wait for that day.

I’m done building computers, though.

I used to know a decent amount about PC hardware. Lately I feel like I don’t know jack. I feel like I’m surrounded by a world of Pauls that could jump on NewEgg and build the best computer imaginable. I don’t think I know nearly enough of that stuff anymore. I didn’t even realize people were actually installing 1TB of RAID drives… in PCs!? I hadn’t even heard of a Pentium D, now I’m supposed to find out which motherboard to get for it? Ugh.

I’ll let Dell do it for me.

I played around online and made a bunch of configurations the other night. I ignored one minor detail: each time you hit submit order your coupon is rendered as ‘used’. I guess I forgot to tell Dell.com that I was just looking for the subtotal and tax. Jerks. My coupon was quickly labeled ‘invalid’ though I hadn’t even bought anything. I had to call Dell.

The guy I talked to was friendly and clever enough to solve my problem. I walked him through my configuration and we arrived at my subtotal. He understood my situation and disappeared to talk to a supervisor. In the end I got a free video card upgrade and my free shipping. That’s in addition to the free 19″ LCD upgrade. Overall I’m pleased with the experience.

…but that’s becuase they wanted my money. He made sure he “verified my needs” and made sure I was completely sure I didn’t need dual-DVD drives. No guys, I really know what I want, thanks for being so “helpful” though. I’m sure the post-sales experience won’t be the same. Oh well, I don’t plan on having to verify that anytime soon. I’m just excited to play with a new toy!

Oh, and if anyone is looking to buy a 19″ LCD (Dell 1907) for a good price be sure to let me know. I figure two monitors is enough for me.

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About Devin Reams

My name is Devin Reams and I founded this site to provide a useful news and review resource for Colorado skiers and snowboarders (and mountain enthusiasts). I've been skiing since I was a little kid (we moved out here when I was five years old) and I plan to ski for years beyond that. Although cosnow is not my full-time job it is my full-time winter hobby. I've been an "Epic Local" passholder since 2006 (when it was called a "Colorado Pass" or "Five Mountain Pass"). My favorite resorts are Beaver Creek and Breckenridge.

5 thoughts on “Dell Doesn’t Suck

  1. Brian Balfour

    Ha, my first PC was an incredible 266 MHz….My friends were thorougly impressed because I had them all beat by 100Mhz.

    Well about 3 months later they were already making computers at over 400mhz….my bubble bursted :(

    I eventually built a computer myself as well right before I went to college. I gave it to my parents once I got a laptop, but the thing still runs cleaner and faster then any other comp I have bought.

    Now, just like you, I don’t have the time. Ahhhh well at least we are beyond 266mhz

    -Brian Balfour
    http://www.brianbalfour.com

    Reply
  2. Max

    I, like you, used to know massive ammounts about building computers… But I kinda fell out of the loop, and with all the knew technology that’s coming out now, I’m actually finding it somewhat hard to keep up with all the new innovations. Part of it probably happened after I built my computer, and then I just stopped caring as I stopped buying upgrade parts.

    Reply
  3. Debbie

    Dear Devin,

    Congratulations on your new Dell! It was great to read your post from May 16, and glad to hear it was a good experience for you overall.

    Feedback remains an important tool for Dell. Our direct relationship with our customers, gives us the opportunity to share your comments with our service and support group. If you have questions, or would like to provide additional feedback, please feel free to contact me directly.

    Thank you,

    Debbie
    Dell Customer Advocate
    Email: [email protected]

    Reply

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