Vent: New Dell Laptop with Vista

[Jeff_Green]

I debated long and hard about whether to go with a Dell or with Apple. Initially I was going to go with Apple but they didn't want to extend me a line of credit. Dell would so I gave them a try with my desktop computer... paid it off in a month... and have enjoyed it.

Now my laptop is a different story... It was supposed to be (my understanding at the time I ordered it) 0% interest for 6 months... they tell me no and so does my bill ($30 a month interest). I have, for the last month had a problem with the computer shutting down after I put it in sleep mode. When I start it back up it says "an unexpected shutdown occurred". I have dealt with Dell for the past 3 weeks to resolve this running all kinds of diagnostics. Updated graphics drivers, uninstalling and reinstalling it, more diagnostics. Every time they assure me the problem is fixed. Of course one of the first people I talked to suggested that I needed to reinstall the OS and that would fix the problem. I laughed at him but now I have nothing left to do but to reinstall.

THAT is where I am... well at the intersection of Reinstall and Frustrated. I tried to reinstall earlier only to have a black screen for 3 hours and no progress. I am now trying a second time. They say this has to be done before they can send someone to replace parts... whatever.

I should have waited a couple months until I could afford the Apple and be done with this crappy Microsoft/Dell/ ARGH!!!!!

Thanks for bearing with me... if you did! lol

Jeff

[Craig]

I made the switch to Mac in April and really believe it was the best decision (for me). I still have two pc's, and use them for certain things, but IMO Mac is the way to go for photos. It was after my wife bought a G5 for my kids that got me started. I dug my heals in for a long time for staying with pc's. But after seeing my photos on the Mac, I was quickly convinced.

[rogerfsmith]

My Dell laptop works perfectly. Never had a problem. All you need to do is call and tell Dell that you've tried to reinstall the OS and it didn't work and they'll send someone out or have you return the computer for a replacement. If they try to tell you anything different, then just ask to speak to a supervisor.

I've had contact many times with Dell support over the years. I've always got excellent service and prompt attention to problems and all problems have been solved satisfactorily. As for Mac, all experiences with there equipment and support have been bad. But we can say this about any product, and any company. For every anecdotal story of bad service from one company, there will be stories of good service.

Cheers,
Roger

[Duffy Pratt]

I'm waiting to hear some anecdotal stories about good service from Microsoft...

Wait...

[mjdmike]

Originally Posted by Duffy Pratt

.........good service...........Microsoft...

You didn't just put those words together in the same sentence, did you?

[Sonny]

Sorry to hear about your laptop Jeff. I hope Dell can resolve your problems.


I'll be that guy and give my 2 cents....

Macs are over hyped over priced machines that have NO clear cut advantage over PCs as most people would like you to believe. I'll admit I fell victim to that bull****. A little over a year and half ago I bought a macbook. And for an entire year I gave Apple and my macbook an honest chance. First of all the WXGA LCD screen sucked. Oh sure the glossy finish was nice but the 1200x800 resolution wasn't as great as I was lead to believe. The performance wasn't any better than advertised. I tried to run most of the same software (CS3 suite, Office, Chat clients, and Internet browsers to name a few) as I did on my PC for comparison. What a waste of my time! Towards the entire of that year I found myself going back to the PC.

So this past August I decided to order a Dell Vostro 1500 and customize it. With nearly the same specs (same proc, RAM,vid card, & hard drive) as a Mac Book Pro @ $2500 I got me a great laptop for $1459.57 - 30% off coupon = $1122.75 + tax & shipping = $1215.36.

The Vostro came with XP Home, but as soon as I got it...I blew away the installed OS and re-installed Vista Ultimate. And I can honestly say I have not had a single problem. ALL my apps work and I have a ton. Local printers work fine, and network printer work fine too . I absolutely love my Dell. Now you want to talk about a good looking screen. The Vostro has a 15.4 inch Wide Screen SXGA+ (1680x1050). Editing photos on this thing is awesome! This little son-of-a-gun is a work horse too.

Since I received my Dell, the macbook sits on my desk collecting dust. Only time I touch the mac it to get it out of my way!

*off my soapbox and back to your regularly scheduled program*

[Concisus Cognatus]

Years of frustration from dealing with those types of PC/Microsoft issues drove me to Apple computers back in 2002. Since making the switch I can happily and honestly state the only problem I had was caused by me attempting to upgrade the cpu on my entry-level system.

Long story short, I know the frustration of which you speak.

[johnastovall]

Been there and done that about 5 years ago on a new Dell desktop I had to reinstall the OS 5 times and they replaced 4 disk drives, Controller card and mother board before they replaced it. Both the tech they sent out and I keep telling them it looked like a power supply.

The next time you have support on ask for a manager and tell them you just want replacement machine....

[Jeff_Green]

Originally Posted by Sonny

The Vostro came with XP Home, but as soon as I got it...I blew away the installed OS and re-installed Vista Ultimate.

That would be where one of my problems lie. I can't reinstall. Second time I've tried to reinstall OS and now for 7 hours it's been at the black screen with no activity. I sent an email to the guy who was helping me and I will tell him I want it replaced... not fixed. Sleep button doesn't work. Won't reinstall OS. Shuts down unexpectedly. Won't shut down when I want it to. Grrr!!!

[Charles Putnam]

Jeff

Several IT friends have reported problems with new Dell equipment. Problems range from hard drives crashing (bearings crap out) to motherboards frying themselves. If I recall, the mobo problem is related to the laptops.

If you can, see if Dell will take it back. Toshiba makes an excellent laptop (just set up my sister in law, and some friends from Austin with one). HP's are good also (although their tech support isn't the best). Even Gateway's are good.

Sonny - you got your MacBook at the workflow seminar at The Woodlands Apple Store last year, right? Thanks for your input on Apple. I'm going to need to replace my desktop soon (an old Gateway P4 1.8 with a gig of RAM, running Vista Business), and was considering switching to a MacBook Pro.

[JohnT]

Originally Posted by Charles Putnam

Sonny - you got your MacBook at the workflow seminar at The Woodlands Apple Store last year, right? Thanks for your input on Apple. I'm going to need to replace my desktop soon (an old Gateway P4 1.8 with a gig of RAM, running Vista Business), and was considering switching to a MacBook Pro.

If you're replacing a desktop, the new iMacs are great. Except for one small issue, I've been extremely happy with my MB Pro.

Having said that, I'm not pro or anti- anything. I just use what works for me and make recommendations based on my satisfaction.

I wouldn't base my Mac/PC decision on one man's rant (no offense intended). LOL

[Sonny]

Originally Posted by Charles Putnam

Sonny - you got your MacBook at the workflow seminar at The Woodlands Apple Store last year, right?

That is correct. Bought it right before the seminar.

[Sonny]

Originally Posted by JohnT

I just use what works for me and make recommendations based on my satisfaction.

Good point, John and I urge others who read my rant not to listen to me either. Instead find a friend, relative, stranger at a coffee shop, or go to the store and use the mac as you would in you normal everyday workflow.

My problem is with all the Apple sack ridas that claim the Macs are superior to PCs. This is not true! I ran into some of the same problems with a mac as other have experinced with PCs.

To Charles and anyone else, do your own homework. In my case the Mac wasn't for me. It's still a good laptop but for the cost and functionality PC made the most sense...to me.

[DeLeon]

One problem with the Dell tech support is the people hiring them. They are working for a telemarketing company (sweatshop) that jumped to outbound credit card billing, to inbound credit card support, and now to inbound tech support. They have a short tech test to take, and if they pass that and the screener thinks they have a good voice, they get the job.

I bet if you can get past the lower level support people, and on to a higher level tech or someone that actually works for Dell and not Sitel..you can get a replacement or a refund.

[JohnT]

Originally Posted by Sonny

Good point, John and I urge others who read my rant not to listen to me either.

I wouldn't go that far--your opinion is valid. My point was to not listen to just one person (that includes me) but rather ask several, do the homework, visit an Apple Store, etc. as part of the process. :-)