buying a computer (extremely OT)

[Thythe]

So I've been looking at getting a new computer since this one (still with Windows98) is getting quite old. I tend to want to get something top of the line so it will last for at least a few years. I definitely need either Dell/Gateway or some company to pre build it for me as I would never be able to buy all the components separately at say Best Buy and assemble it myself. These are the specs of the one I have in my cart. The price seems extremely high (and this price is with free shipping/10% off). Am I getting extremely ripped off with a final price of $2237? I know I could put it together for somewhat less...but would I be paying A LOT less? Thanks for the input.

D50619 ] - [463-0537]
DIM XPS GEN 2,P4,3.2GHZ/1MB
[512M4 ] - [311-2903]
512MB DDR SDRAM AT 400MHZ - 2X
[WIREKM ] - [310-4164]
WIRELESS KYBD/ MOUSE,DIM
[E172FPP] - [462-8567]
17IN (17.0 IN) E172FPB,DIM,MG,
[128PRO ] - [320-3817]
128MB DDR ATI RADEON 9800 PRO,
[80 ] - [340-9051]
80GB 7200 RPM ULTRA ATA,DIM,X
[FD ] - [340-1927]
3.5IN,1.44MB,FD,MG
[WHXP ] - [420-1921]
[WHXP ] - [313-7222]
WIN XP HOME,SP1,ENG,DIM,TIED DELL APPLICATION BACK-UP CD,FA
[N ] - [310-1966]
MOUSE INCLUDED IN WIRELESS PAC
[IN ] - [430-0742]
INTEGRATED INTEL PRO 1000 NIC
[N ] - [313-3607]
NO MODEM REQUESTED
[DVDCDR ] - [313-1946]
[DVDCDR ] - [313-2643]
[DVDCDR ] - [462-7810]
[DVDCDR ] - [430-0945]
16X DVD-ROM DRIVE 48X MAX CD-RW DRIVE,DIM,2ND BATHANK YOU FOR CHOOSING DELL DECODING SOFTWARE,DVD,CYBERLIN
[SBA2X ] - [320-0667]
SB AUDIGY 2 THX CERT SC W/DVD
[D5650 ] - [313-2246]
DELL 5650 SPEAKER SYSTEM W/SUB
[NIS90 ] - [412-0626]
NORTON INTERNET SECURITY 2004,
[MMBASE ] - [412-0691]
MUSIC MATCH 8.2,BASIC,DIM/INSP
[DPS ] - [412-0521]
DELL PHOTO ALBUM STANDARD
[AOLDHS ] - [412-0585]
[AOLDHS ] - [412-0625]
[AOLDHS ] - [420-3224]
AOL DHS DELL/MY WAY HOME PAGE BROADBAND ICON FOR CONSUMER
[XPESBM ] - [412-0485]
MICROSOFT OFFICE 2003 SMALL BU
[S111OS ] - [950-1260]
[S111OS ] - [950-3337]
[S111OS ] - [950-9797]
[S111OS ] - [412-0360]

[gabyyyyy]

[ QUOTE ]
So I've been looking at getting a new computer since this one (still with Windows98) is getting quite old. I tend to want to get something top of the line so it will last for at least a few years. I definitely need either Dell/Gateway or some company to pre build it for me as I would never be able to buy all the components separately at say Best Buy and assemble it myself. These are the specs of the one I have in my cart. The price seems extremely high (and this price is with free shipping/10% off). Am I getting extremely ripped off with a final price of $2237? I know I could put it together for somewhat less...but would I be paying A LOT less? Thanks for the input.

D50619 ] - [463-0537]
DIM XPS GEN 2,P4,3.2GHZ/1MB
[512M4 ] - [311-2903]
512MB DDR SDRAM AT 400MHZ - 2X
[WIREKM ] - [310-4164]
WIRELESS KYBD/ MOUSE,DIM
[E172FPP] - [462-8567]
17IN (17.0 IN) E172FPB,DIM,MG,
[128PRO ] - [320-3817]
128MB DDR ATI RADEON 9800 PRO,
[80 ] - [340-9051]
80GB 7200 RPM ULTRA ATA,DIM,X
[FD ] - [340-1927]
3.5IN,1.44MB,FD,MG
[WHXP ] - [420-1921]
[WHXP ] - [313-7222]
WIN XP HOME,SP1,ENG,DIM,TIED DELL APPLICATION BACK-UP CD,FA
[N ] - [310-1966]
MOUSE INCLUDED IN WIRELESS PAC
[IN ] - [430-0742]
INTEGRATED INTEL PRO 1000 NIC
[N ] - [313-3607]
NO MODEM REQUESTED
[DVDCDR ] - [313-1946]
[DVDCDR ] - [313-2643]
[DVDCDR ] - [462-7810]
[DVDCDR ] - [430-0945]
16X DVD-ROM DRIVE 48X MAX CD-RW DRIVE,DIM,2ND BATHANK YOU FOR CHOOSING DELL DECODING SOFTWARE,DVD,CYBERLIN
[SBA2X ] - [320-0667]
SB AUDIGY 2 THX CERT SC W/DVD
[D5650 ] - [313-2246]
DELL 5650 SPEAKER SYSTEM W/SUB
[NIS90 ] - [412-0626]
NORTON INTERNET SECURITY 2004,
[MMBASE ] - [412-0691]
MUSIC MATCH 8.2,BASIC,DIM/INSP
[DPS ] - [412-0521]
DELL PHOTO ALBUM STANDARD
[AOLDHS ] - [412-0585]
[AOLDHS ] - [412-0625]
[AOLDHS ] - [420-3224]
AOL DHS DELL/MY WAY HOME PAGE BROADBAND ICON FOR CONSUMER
[XPESBM ] - [412-0485]
MICROSOFT OFFICE 2003 SMALL BU
[S111OS ] - [950-1260]
[S111OS ] - [950-3337]
[S111OS ] - [950-9797]
[S111OS ] - [412-0360]

[/ QUOTE ]

I could build you that exact system for 1250.00. The monitor, you would have to get from dell.

[Thythe]

So assuming the monitor is a few hundred, then Dell is taking a nice cut of $700 or so for their trouble? Do you all prefer Dell or Gateway in general if you buy through one of those companies? Any other suggestions?

[gabyyyyy]

See my pm for more info.

Personally I would not buy from dell or gateway. The mark up is simply too high. Everyone uses the same parts, and gets them from the same companies, with the same warranties.

[Chief911]

Thythe,

1. Remove Office. Download it using kazaa, and save yourself $300.

2. Buy from dell refurbished. Same things, same quality, with a 15% discount. Search google for "Dell Outlet"

3. Once you select the system you want, put it in your cart, and call dell refurbished. Tell them you are ready to buy, but want an extra 10% off. They'll give it to you. If that person doesnt, hang up and call again.

4. With all due respect to gabyyy, do you really think if something (anything) fails, someone from an internet message board is going to send you a replacement part that gets there the next day? Will they even be around in a year? Two years? Three?

You'll pay an extra bit over what it would cost to build, but gain alot. Think in poker terms. Is saving a small amount with a high amount of risk?

Nick

[gabyyyyy]

[ QUOTE ]
4. With all due respect to gabyyy, do you really think if something (anything) fails, someone from an internet message board is going to send you a replacement part that gets there the next day? Will they even be around in a year? Two years? Three?

You'll pay an extra bit over what it would cost to build, but gain alot. Think in poker terms. Is saving a small amount with a high amount of risk?


[/ QUOTE ]


I get your drift. But..

First of all he would be saving over $700.00 that is hardly a small amount. Second, I use the same parts dell would be using, and would provide all documentaion and warranty cards.

Also, Dell is hardly the company you would go to for "Piece of Mind". I have a buddy who bought a system from them a year ago, and has spent the past 3 months trying to get his motherboard replaced.

[Thythe]

[ QUOTE ]
Thythe,

1. Remove Office. Download it using kazaa, and save yourself $300.

2. Buy from dell refurbished. Same things, same quality, with a 15% discount. Search google for "Dell Outlet"

3. Once you select the system you want, put it in your cart, and call dell refurbished. Tell them you are ready to buy, but want an extra 10% off. They'll give it to you. If that person doesnt, hang up and call again.

4. With all due respect to gabyyy, do you really think if something (anything) fails, someone from an internet message board is going to send you a replacement part that gets there the next day? Will they even be around in a year? Two years? Three?

You'll pay an extra bit over what it would cost to build, but gain alot. Think in poker terms. Is saving a small amount with a high amount of risk?

Nick

[/ QUOTE ]

Gabyyyy, thanks for the quote but Chiefs is right that I should probably buy from someone who has a support line/will for sure send replacements etc. With all the trouble my computer gets in, I'll probably need it. Chiefs, thanks for all the input too. I was definitely thinking of dropping Office and then getting it from somewhere besides Dell. What a rip off for $300. Currently the Dell sales are free 15in flat screen, 10% off desktops, and free shipping. I have a coupon code myself for 15% off which kills the 10% off one. Do you think come Wednesday there will be better deals so I can use my 15% off coupon and get whatever they are offering then? I don't want to lose the free monitor deal though. Any other thoughts?

[gabyyyyy]

[ QUOTE ]
Gabyyyy, thanks for the quote but Chiefs is right that I should probably buy from someone who has a support line/will for sure send replacements etc. With all the trouble my computer gets in, I'll probably need it. Chiefs, thanks for all the input too. I was definitely thinking of dropping Office and then getting it from somewhere besides Dell. What a rip off for $300. Currently the Dell sales are free 15in flat screen, 10% off desktops, and free shipping. I have a coupon code myself for 15% off which kills the 10% off one. Do you think come Wednesday there will be better deals so I can use my 15% off coupon and get whatever they are offering then? I don't want to lose the free monitor deal though. Any other thoughts?


[/ QUOTE ]

Any time.

I know you guys don't know much about computers, but it is very rare for a part to fail after the 1 week burn in period. If a part does not fail during the burn in period, it usually won't fail during normal operation.

I get your drift about a support line, just know you will hardly be using them. If you know how to hook up the computer and turn it on, there should be no need for support. If you ever do need support, your warranty will have probably long expired. I suspect the reason you have had so many problems recently, is because your computer is very old. Of course I offer support via e-mail and my home phone. I have yet to have someone call me.

Oh one more thing. The price I quoted you, was $50.00 above my wholesale cost. I offered this deal, because you are a member here.

I guarantee, that if you purchase this computer from dell, or hell anyone else, you will be paying atleast $500.00 more.

Good Luck!

[Chief911]

Gabyyy,

Like I said, nothing personal intended. Hell, I could make one for him and save him a bit of money too. But I dont want to have to think of "supporting" something. And I wouldn't base your decision on a sample size of 1. I've rolled out over 200 dells, and the few times we have problems, the replacement part is in the mail the day we call, and arrives the next day. Worth it.

Thythe,

There will always be deals. A good place to watch if you aren't in a BIG hurry, is www.fatwallet.com, and go to their forums, and go to the deals forum. Watch for a dell deal, they come around once or twice a week.

Dell will always have some sort of % off deal going. WHATEVER you do, dont just order online. Call and ask for an extra 10% off, they'll almost always do it. Just say you're ready to buy right now on the phone if they give you the extra 10% (If in fact you are ready to buy). The price you mentioned seemed pretty high though for the system you are looking at. Try configuring with several other systems, and see what you come up with.

Lastly, really consider the refurbished. They're the same thing.

Nick

[gabyyyyy]

[ QUOTE ]
Gabyyy,

Like I said, nothing personal intended. Hell, I could make one for him and save him a bit of money too. But I dont want to have to think of "supporting" something. And I wouldn't base your decision on a sample size of 1. I've rolled out over 200 dells, and the few times we have problems, the replacement part is in the mail the day we call, and arrives the next day. Worth it.


[/ QUOTE ]

I have owned several systems over the past 10 years, and never once had to replace a major part because of failure.

Nothing personal taken. BTW, if you want to see dell complaints just go to resellerratings, or type in dell sucks in yahoo. There are thousands of people who have problem machines that they got from Dell.

I guess it is neccesary to replace parts with ease, when you are selling an overpriced substandard product.