Dell - Online ordering is a joke.

Complaints Corner
21
I've had Vista Ultimate (64 bit) since the beginning of last year as a beta. I've also used the 32bit version extensively.

Whilst it's pretty and does the job generally, don't think about playing games, loading any software or expecting i-tunes to work.

Don't think about changing hardware without issues, or getting drivers to work for that matter. (hardware is linked to o/s serial, make a change = re-register with M$)

Very secure compared to XP (Only matter of time), but very much a pain in the neck.

I'd suggest anyone buying a PC now stay away, demand XP and upgrade in a year or so's time when they've sorted the mess out.

Another point is pretty much all CPU's are 64bit, so really to get the most out of it you should use a 64bit o/s. Most vista bundled in seems to be the 32 bit version.

Someone was questioning why no disks anymore to restore from. That's been happening for a while it's M$ anti-piracy idea. Not sure if you can demand the disks anymore.

No disks = No copies = F'd user = Tech Support Cash from phonecalls.

Answer = Format disk, carve partitions, load xp, linux and vista (if you really must show your friends how pretty it is.)

Not had any issues with ordering Dell pc's for others, hardware's generally of good quality and so is the build.

Saying that I always build my own pc's so I know what's in them, and I can choose to avoid prebundled cack. Plus I don't pay for it when I get a new pc up and running.

You'd be suprised how easy it is to build a pc. Plus you'll then know what to fix if it goes wrong.

22
Just a little more info on the weirdness of Vista :

No end in sight for Vista's Long Goodbye | The Register

also, for those looking to buy with XP, please note Microsoft will stop shipping the OS to its dealers in Jan 08, we just got a mail from our supplier this morning.

23
That's it. The final straw. I'm going Mac.

dave

24
Goodeee Great Idea Dave. . . . .

The path of least resistance. . .

25
I bought a Dell laptop a couple of months ago, had some initial hickups with a special offer issue. Good thing for me is that I knew exactly what and when I had ordered, date, hour, order code, etc.. After three calls I did get more than what I had ordered, as well as really exellent after sales service. Later I was told by a friend that Dell tends to works that way...

26
You mean unix then

27
Before you buy a mac, make sure the software you use is available for mac as well

28
all CPUs might be 64-bit if you add both 32-bit cores together

29
I actually use (K) Ubuntu and I love it, my Windows time is only at work or when I'm playing games at home.

30
I used to be a big fan of Dell's (they're still probably the best value for money) but after a couple of nightmare experiences with "support" I couldn't bear the thought of ever calling them again. (Be prepared to waste days of your life...)

I switched to HP which seem to be just as good. No experience yet with HP support so can't vouch for that yet but god help you if you need technical support from Dell.

Andrew.

31
Dell Difficulties

I was living in the US a couple of years ago and had alot of trouble with Dell too.

Ordering was a nightmare, they sent me the wrong compuyter twice, and their tech supprt was a nightmare.

Finally, I returned the computer, and bought a Fujitsu laptop, which has been working like a demon since then.

Dell are huge, and alot of people love them, but I'm never going to order from them again.

Oded

32
I just thought I'd drop a thread in to demonstrate how easy it is to use Dell's website and how quickly certain things are progressed when you choose their "offers" of buy now and pay in six months (with a 25 franc charge for doing so).

12.12.07 Order new Dell (XPS M1330). 10 days to delivery (claimed)

18.12.07 Call GE Money to see what the status might be as I've heard nothing. Cunningly they don't have my order yet

20.12.07 Call GE Money again (that's what I'm doing now - thankfully I am not in a rush!!)

Has anyone else done this buy now, pay later - and if so how was it for you?

PS. Whilst the automated process for the GE application is not bad, because I am a dodgy foreigner, the process assumes that my wife is a dodgy foreigner too!!

33
Update: No sign of my order in their system. Christmas is not going to be a happy time for someone (me!).

Happily I spoke to the same young lady and she's very helpful thusfar.

34
Dell - Online ordering is a joke.

Brings back fond memories.........

My issues were with Dell themselves, but hey I feel your pain.

35
Ah no, the site is better and they have added different languages for different operating systems back in.

The checkout process was reasonable and allowed me to do the GE Money submission.

And then into the abyss.....!!

I hasten to add that I have successfully ordered one machine from Dell this year albeit paid with credit card and done over the phone (and my only complaint was that I got a US keyboard as I asked for English Vista - duh).

36
Same here. Order date: November 27. Order status: not updated since december 4. Estimated time of delivery: well, they missed the promised deadline of last Friday and it progressed to January 3 (damn! ).

So probably nothing before X-mas.

37
The ever active, ever present Dell abyss ..

38
When I ordered mine a couple of years ago, they promised delivery in about a week. It took them two to even acknowledge the order. Then they tried to negotiate the spec for something that for me was an off-the-shelf purchase. Nightmare.

dave

39
I got the impression form other horror stories that the Dell abyss is triggered when you order somthing that doesn't fit within the normal package, like ordering XP instead of Vista or no OS at all, different harddisks etc..

40
I have ordered three dell machines in the past 4 years and was very pleased with the service. I paid by credit card and the systems were delivered as promised . Even before. I was able to track the systems from Ireland "where the orders were processed until delivery to my home" I personally have no problems in dealing with dell. Only bitch is about printers. When you order dell printers you are forced to buy dell the replacement cartridges from Dell. However last week I was in Media Markt and they now sell replacement cartridges for dell printers under another name.