I bought my Dell two weeks ago and so far I'm satisfied 75% of the time, elated 20%, and confused or annoyed 5% of the time. I read the reviews here on Epinions before I bought from Dell, and so I would like my opinion to provide advice I wish I had read. My experience with Dell's lauded tech support was only average at best. I have been a Mac user for the last eight years and this was my first pc; I have a lot of re-learning to do. When I called about a problem regarding the lack of sound, it seemed as though the person I spoke to wasn't interested in helping me all that much. I have the Klipsch pro media speakers and since there weren't from Dell, the guy really tried hard to get me off the line. It turned out to be a simple solution regarding the sound card control panel which I figured out myself. If the support person had listened to me rather than trying to dump me, saying the problem was with the Klipsch and that he couldn't help, I would have saved an hour or two and some grief.

Buy the Trinitron version of whatever size monitor you want, rather than the cheaper version. The 19" Dell monitor gives me eye trouble after just a few hours. I have messed around with settings to no avail. We have the Trinitrons here at OSU's library and they are superior. Its worth the extra money to save your eyes. Now I have to save up for a replacement...

The Dell comes with a 200 watt power supply. I have read on tech websites that 300 watts is a safer minimum if you ever want to add anything. I had plans to eventually add a zip drive and another hd but now I don't know...

Some final notes:
Dell's selection of video cards is about a year behind.
The software package is weak.
Buy online ONLY when they have a special offer, you will save at least $100.
Delivery time is oddly phenomenal. You order it, eat a sandwich, and UPS is knocking on your door.
Dell cannot be beat for price/value.



Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 2068
Operating System: Windows
Processor: Intel Pentium III
Processor speed: 601-700
RAM: 128
Internal Storage: DVD
Hard Drive (GB): 31-40