Have It Your Way, At Dell
Written: Dec 19 '00
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Pros: You Get Just What You Want, Fair Price
Cons: None Thus Far
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| kcfoxy's Full Review: Dell Dimension 4100 Series |
Being the cautious type, who likes to do plenty of research and comparison before plunking down a large chunk of change, I was impressed with what I found at Dell's on-line website. There were a variety of both desktop and laptop computers to choose from, and this Dell Dimension 4100 Series had my name all over it!
My price range was $1,500-$2,000. My main interests were upgrading to a larger (17" or 19") monitor, upgrading processor speed, SDRAM, sound and video card, and getting a tower with both DVD-ROM and CD-RW capabilities.
I didn't mind ordering on-line, and was pleased that I could pick, Chinese menu style, something from column A, a little from column B and so on, to get just the power, storage capacity and audio-visual components I required.
Processor: Intel Pentium III. There was a choice of between 866MHz up to 1GB. My Packard Bell was a 266MHz MMX-fine 3 years ago-and the standard 866MHz would be over 3 times faster. For rapid page loading, one of my Web Surfing needs, this would be suitable for me. Incremental upgrades are available for $50 each.
Hard Drive: Comes standard with 10GB, upgradable to 80GB. Since my Packard Bell had the then awesome 10GB, I wanted to upgrade to a storage capacity that would not become obsolete in the next 3 years. I picked the 40GB Ultra ATA hard drive, and immediately noticed with greater response with the 7200RPM I selected. 5400RPM comes standard with the base model, but after doing my research here at Epinions, I knew faster was better, and even more important than overall size.
Memory: I shudder to think how under-powered my Packard Bell was. Since I like to run a few games, (The Sims, Rollercoaster Tycoon), plus my voracious Windows and 3D Home Architect stuff, crashes and blue screens were a regular experience. 128MB comes standard, and for $100 more, the 256MB at 133MHz will allow me to multi-task and have the satisfaction of better graphic rendering, walk-throughs of new floor plans, and what have you, all at once.
There are plenty of expansion slots when the demands of new technology cause the need for more memory, and the single screw side panel access makes that a breeze, for even a non-computer type such as myself!
Monitor: It's amazing that I have composed over 400 Epinions and designed over 50 log cabin floorplans using the itty-bitty 14" (13" viewable) Packard Bell monitor that came packaged with my last machine. This had becoming glaringly obvious at my Triage Nurse job, where 17" Dell monitors were the norm.
Working up to 10 hours a day on a computer, the amount of time scrolling and clicking was making carpal tunnel syndrome and eye strain a very real prospect! The 4100 Series comes standard with the 17" screen, and there are options to upgrade to either Trinitron models, or Dell's own 19" screen. I went for the 19" screen, (18" viewable), and the difference is truly amazing. Besides being noted as a reliable brand, this monitor has no discernable flicker and the semi-flat screen is still perfect for 3D applications that flat monitors can't handle. The .26 dp refresh rate is equal to the .24 Trinitron version, and is crisp throughout-no fuzzy
drop-off at the margins.
Keyboard: The Dell Quiet Key is standard with this series, and is the product I am familiar with on the job. It is appropriate for a room full of clacking keyboards, (and RN's on headsets), but there are two upgrades available. For only a few dollars more, the Dell Microsoft Internet (ME) addition is a great buy! First of all, there is a built in wrist rest that is visually pleasing and ergonomically correct. Instant buttons take you to your e-mail, back and forward, search, favorites, stop and home, performing much as the tool bar at the top of your browser, but with much, much less use of your mouse. After a few days trial, my wrists noticed the difference.
Mouse: The MS IntelliMouse comes standard, and is a nice upgrade from the generic, and less intuitive mouse packaged with most older computers. It conforms to your hand, providing that egg-like shape that Risk Management staffers at our hospital have been advocating as both less tiring and less prone to cause poor (bent) wrist posture. There are the usual 2 buttons on the top, which can be programmed for whatever uses you'll need most. A third option is provided by pressing both buttons at once. A handy tutorial eases you into these new possibilities. MouseMan is available at an upcharge.
CD-ROM Drive(s): a 48X CD-ROM comes standard with the base model Dell Dimension 4100 Series. Other possibilities include 12 Max Variable DVD-ROM, one featuring Software Decoding. I upgraded to this, knowing I could watch movies as well as my usual CD-ROM applications. 2 bays are available on the ATA tower, and I couldn't resist the additional $199 for the 8x/4x/32x CD-RW.
I've always made mix tapes, and used in-store systems like Personics to get just the perfect tracks for gift tapes. Now, I can burn my own CDs a well as have huge storage discs for household inventory, music collections, all my Epinions articles, and more. This is a Sony product, and comes with built-in tutorials, and sample CDs, to both record and re-write. Since the recordable (one-time) CDs are compatible with my CD changer and portable player, this is the feature I'll use most.
The re-write function is one I'll use least, but it's there if I need it.
Speakers: Harmon-Kardon external speakers come standard with this system. It was only a few dollars more to upgrade to the more pleasing Altec Lansing set, with separate subwoofer. While the system only puts out 40 watts, this is a substantial improvement over my built-in, no name, Packard Bell speakers.
Sound Card: the basic sound card is still better than what I've had before, but the optional SB LIVE! Value Digital Pack is a good compromise; the Turtle Bay card being top of the line with the Dell 4100 Series.
Video Card: The ATI 16MB Pro Rage is the baseline card, and there are plenty of options, right up to the uber gamer GeForce 64MB Platinum level. The 32MB NVIDIA TNT2 APG card I selected, is adequate for the casual to moderate level of gaming I do, yet supports all my mini CAD needs as well. The graphic rendering are crisp and smooth, without the jerkiness and primitive rendering I previously endured with my under-powered generic 4MB PB model.
The operating shell is Windows Millennium (ME), the home version of Windows 2000. You have your choice of modems, all of which are V.90/56K. I chose the Telephony model, a slight upgrade. As always your connection speed will vary, depending on your provider; I'm averaging about 33K, not bad, all things considered.
Also included are MS Works 2001, with Encarta 2001, MS Word, MS Money, (I like Quicken better), and a few other titles included. A Holiday Bonus Pack wasn't mentioned on-site, but is available for the asking when registering at www.educateu.com. Basic tutorials at that site are included with this package.
Previously this computer came with 1 year AOL internet access. I never would have purchased that, but the free year of Dellnet by MSN access service, will replace the MSN account I already have, a savings of $240. Norton Anti-Virus for Windows ME is included, with requisite updates available on-line. A 3.5" Floppy Drive is standard equipment, though I have the feeling I will be using this much less than my CD-RW Drive.
You have your choice of the 3 years parts, 1 year next-business day parts and labor standard Contract, or for $99 more, may upgrade to 3 full years of parts andlabor. Since access to the tower is simplicity itself, and upgrades are all of the plug-and-play variety, the additional coverage didn't appeal to me. Of course, 366 days after purchase it might!
I was promised delivery 12 days after placing my order. Since I paid by credit card, (48 month financing, 90 days same as cash, and electronic check transfer are other options), I expected to receive my brand spanking new Dell within a week. UPS delivered my computer, (plus lugged it up 15 steps), just 3 days after ordering. All parts were properly cushioned to prevent damage en route.
The one page package slip, and Quick Start-type set-up diagram made quick work of inventory and connections. As with my Packard Bell, the various color-coded inputs on the back of the processor, had me up and running within an hour. So far, the fan is very quiet, the Bios Version 4 has not shown itself to be wonky, and I am highly pleased with everything I've got.
I'm also pleased with what I haven't got: no bundle of space-hogging software, (mostly intro games-the equivalent of ads), or stuff I couldn't care less about but was forced to buy. This way I spend my money where I want to: bigger monitor, more memory, faster processor, quality sound and video cards. It was well worth the $1,800 I spent, and the $100 delivery charge is more than offset by the lack of state tax.
Sure this is more computer than a beginner might want, but it is perfect move-up model that can grow with me, and is easily upgradable in the areas that count most. Dell has a wonderful reputation for reliable, fair-priced computers and responsive support services. And with the new Windows ME built-in protections, even I probably won't be able to delete anything essential!
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 1,800
Operating System: Windows
Processor: Intel Pentium III
Processor speed: 801-900
RAM: 256
Internal Storage: CD-RW and DVD
Hard Drive (GB): 31-40
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Epinions.com ID:
kcfoxy
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Member: Casey Stewart
Location: West Coast Of Mars
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