You can get a much better deal than that at the Dell Outlet. Just go to the Dell website and click the outlet link and see if you can do better.
Question for Dell folks: Are Dell desktops still one of the best deals? That's the rec I'm getting from friends. I have been told Dell laptops suck though. Any people with experience?
Dude, I get a catalog every couple of weeks from Dell. I get regular e-mails, although I didn't ask for them. I've had Dell computers since '98, not a statement that reflects well on me. I'm very familiar with the current Dell models and their specs. One can say whatever one cares to with specs. Quality and reliability are something else altogether. Save the "roll-eyes" for someone else. In my opinion, that emoticon is the last refuge of someone who doesn't know what to say.
You have a notebook that is older than my previous car. I havent had any problems with my notebook and I will admit that XP home edition isnt very secure. I know many people with Dell notebooks that havent had any problems and I know a few who have ruined their notebook by not maintaining it (spyware removal, etc) Of course, there will be isolated incidents like yours. As far as quality, you can get AMD too and the new XPS 710 H2C (dell-patent technology) is simply ridiculous. I get the privelage of playing Fear with my co-workers on it in the demo lab everyday.
Dell laptops don't suck NOW. I agree that they were garbage up until about a year ago, but they are great now. Dell has gone up on quality AND price, and it's shown. Out of 20 that my department has ordered over the past year, none have come in for repair. Including my XPS m1710. I should add in that I don't consider software issues when I consider the quality of any computer. If you futz up your OS by installing junk, there's an easy fix- just whipe it and start over.
