Dell computers - any users?

[NeilMcRae]

Folks,
We've been testing a few Dell machines here at work and so far so good. So much so that I'm considering buying one of their new gaming laptops that have 6800 graphics. Just wondering if any of you guys have had problems with dell machines and how well Dell handled them? Typically I avoid big dealers but Dells latest Inspiron is a top machine and has quite a few positive reviews.

Also anyone got any Dell discount codes ?

Neil.

[Mardigan8]

I have a year old Dell machine and I have had no problems with there set-up, etc. Wasn't a gaming specific PC but def has the ability to churn out some great gameplay. Battlefield 2 is running nicely on it

aint had any problems so not sure how they would be to deal with if things went wrong. hope dont have to fast and easy order and delivery process aswell.

[PeteBrant]

Dell are great value, as long as you don't change any of the standard spec's. As soon as you add an extra half gig of RAM, of upgrade the Graphics card, you will be charged way over the odds. (the reason being they have stacks of ready configured machines, and ther eis an overhead charge to open the boxes, fit the new components and reconfigure).

So, best bet is to buy a standard machine, and then add a 6800 after (unless it seems good value with one fitted as standard)

THe other thing that adds is obviouly the 3 year service plan (which is selceted by default), remove that, and you save ?150 odd - The standard offer is 1 year collect and return.


The Dell outlet store occasionally has the odd bargain too.

[SaijoBob]

I've had a couple of Dells in the past. Tech support has always been pretty good for me to be honest. They solved one problem I had with a desktop over the phone, and after a few emails they offered a replacement motherboard for my laptop.

I don't think they are the best quality, but the price and support are nice providing you don't add any extras as PeteBrant says.

[charlesr]

Have you tried speccing your own one at www.komplett.co.uk?
Dell lead time is a couple of weeks, whereas komplett is a couple of days (ordered Sunday, turned up Wednesday), including full build and software install, and lots of upgrade options. Fairly impressed with the machine I got sent.

http://www.komplett.co.uk/k/cl.asp?bn=10627 <==direct link to gamer pc section.

[charlesr]

Doh... Just noticed, you said laptops. sorry

[JibberX]

Dell laptops are totally and utterly rubbish... completely freaking terrible. At least thats from the three I've had contact with.

[SaijoBob]

My Dell laptop has been great for price and performance - picked up a 5100, which is pretty much a desktop in a laptop case. Eats through batteries like a PSP on heat of course.

[MikeRox]

do the words gaming and laptop actually go together? from my experience I would have to say no.

[SaijoBob]

The desknotes do ok, but you can't upgrade them easily. Obviously not going to compete with a cheaper desktop though.

For a discount code, try www.couponmountain.co.uk They had a 5% off code when I bought from them before.

[SubparMario]

That top end Dell laptop is amazing for gaming from what I've seen. 5000 odd 3dmark05 marks beats all but the very best desktop PCs.

[wod]

i haven't used a dell pc before but there tft screens are very nice, the 24" one