Excuse me while I find my socks...
Written: Mar 12 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Fast, great salesperson, fully customizable, fast shipping
Cons: Unfortunately, like most computers, will be an antique within a year :(
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| readnbead's Full Review: Dell Dimension XPS T700r |
I knew I would be pleased with my new desktop computer, but I never imagined it would blow my socks off! Considering I've come from using a PII-266 machine, I imagined I'd be pleased with anything. However, I put a lot of weight on a company's customer service, sales, support, pricing and delivery policies. I've been know to walk away from a sale because the salesperson rubbed me the wrong way! I had received several recommendations from family members, and of course, from Epinions reviews. After careful consideration, I went with the Dell Dimension.
I am extremely pleased with this purchase for several important reasons.
The Sale:
The salesperson I spoke with on the phone was refreshingly KNOWLEDGEABLE about the product he was selling. He answered all my numerous questions, and was able to help me configure the computer with all the peripheral devices I wanted. He never once suggested selling me any item I did not ask for. For me, this is key. I hate "friendly suggestions" from a salesperson, as I usually do plenty of research before making a major purchase. Also, I waited all of about 2 minutes on hold before reaching a live person, which has to be an industry record! (At least it's a personal record :) )
The Delivery:
In short, I received this computer in record time. Ordered on Monday evening, delivery attempted via UPS 3 day select on Thursday. I was working, unfortunately, and had to wait for a second delivery attempt on Friday. (UPS's ridiculous delivery policies can wait for another epinion!) If you are ordering a computer with a somewhat standard configuration, I believe you can expect to see it within a week!
The Computer:
This computer could not have been easier to set up. I happen to be fairly adept at setting up a computer, but I belive this would have been fairly easy for a first time buyer. All cords and connections were color coded, and there was a poster sized set up visual. Everything was preinstalled, with the exception of the free quicken software. I was up and running in no time at all. One bonus: the computer is actually configured with dos drivers for my Epic Pinball games! I Couldn't get Dos games to run on my ABS to save my life!
The Dell is fast, as I would expect for a PIII-700. The optional Logitech wheel mouse is wonderful! I like this one even better than the Microsoft wheel mouse I've reviewed for Epinions. It is ergonomically designed and very comfortable to use. It actually has four buttons, which you can custom configure with the software provided.
I replaced the DVD rom drive with a Sony CD-RW which is easy to use, and comes with a nice software package. I have already begun the process of archiving my digital photos on the CD-RW instead of the zip disks. I have read of the difficulty of burning your own CD's. I have done 4 since this purchase, with only one "coaster" to my name. It is a fairly easy process and Dell provides great online documentation for the device and its software.
My son is enjoying a number of games which had lackluster performance on the old computer. (Quake, Unreal, Need for Speed, and others) The Nvidia geForce AGP card, with 32 MB ram provides excellent gameplay. The Harman Kardon Surround Sound speakers with Subwoofer are nothing short of incredible sounding. The kids love the fact that the desk actually vibrates with the bass, and I've actually seen my son jump from the sound effects, as he's playing a game!
I purchased mine with a NIC card for my RoadRunner cable modem, and was up and running in no time at all. I simply connected the modem, and I was online!
Support
Included in the price for this computer is a 3 year limited warranty, and 1 year next business day on-site service. If they can't get it fixed, they'll send a technician to your home. I hope that's one feature I never have to experience, but it's peace of mind. Dell also has extensive support options via their website, which I checked out before making this purchase. I would suggest anyone who is interested in a purchase to do the same! Drivers, faq's and a site search are a few of the features available.
Price
My advice is to decide how much you want to spend, then buy the best you can get for that amount. It is just too easy to keep adding on extras! With that said, I found Dell to have the best for my dollar, and surprisingly, I was able to ship my new computer for $130 less (including shipping) than what I had wanted to spend. More than enough for a supply of CD-RW disks and a few new games for the family!
This is a new purchase, and only time will tell of my satisfaction. I can say one thing, however. Of the 3 computer we have owned in the past 8 years, the Dell is the first to be fully functional out of the box. I will be sure to update this epinion, as I continually evaluate its worth.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
readnbead
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Reviews written: 70
Trusted by: 46 members
About Me:
Teacher, mother of 2, wife. Opinions on games, household, travel, restaurants, family, computers and more!
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