The Ding-a-ling and the Dell
Written: Jul 04 '01
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Pros: It's got the latest software and the box is easy to work on...
Cons: It's got the latest software and some idiots shouldn't be allowed inside the box!
The Bottom Line: It's fine for the user that takes it out of the box, loads it up, and goes. The headaches come when you try to marry old parts to new.
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| Minx_In_LA's Full Review: Dell Dimension 8100 Series |
I resist change. As long as the computer boots up, and I only get the "blue screen of death" once a week or so, I will resist any attempt to purchase new computer parts or upgrades. Basically- I fear The Box. It's frustrating to be an intelligent, thinking sort of person, and be totally cowed by the garble of gigahertz. Not many things make me feel like a ding-a-ling, but the plethora of parts that have to work perfectly in The Box makes me think of that saying- "the village called, they want their idiot back".
But finally the old Box was driving us crazy. It needed a "clean" load of Windows, a new hard drive, and it was just time to check out the new computers available. We used the Dell website to research and purchase our 8100 model. It's a particularly well done site, and the payment terms were good. (90 days/same as cash) There is immediate credit verification online.
The computer arrived quickly. When you unpack it, I recommend keeping every scrap of paper that comes in the box, because the rebate required a nondescript bit, which could easily have gotten pitched with the wrapping. We also had to figure out that the rebate was printable from an online form- not included in the box. We're talking a hundred and fifty dollar rebate, so it's important to be meticulous.
Even I could have set up the computer. It has color coded plugs, clearly labeled connections on the back, and for those inclined to peer inside- the cover can be removed by hand, and the power supply swings up out of the way allowing access to the memory.
Speaking of memory... we purchased ours with 256MB's. When the computer arrived, a cursory examination revealed that all four slots were filled. We naturally assumed these were four 64MB's, instead of two 128MB's. When I called technical support, they agreed with my assessment after looking at the information they had from building the computer. They shipped two 128MB cards to me, so that we'd have future growth capability. Here's the "how stupid can I be", and "why didn't they mention this possibility!" part. When the replacement memory arrived, and I pulled out the old cards- imagine my surprise at finding two empty "spacer" cards! Hey, they looked like memory! Shaddup! (insert bad language of your choice here) I immediately shipped the unneeded cards back, with a one day turn-around, and have been disappointed that Dell refuses to credit my account ($460) for a full 30 days. They replied that "legally" they have that much time. You'd think a high tech e-business could do better. I was less than thrilled. Note to self: tear computer completely down to sheet metal before ordering anything!
This computer came with Windows ME pre-installed. There are many fine reviews of ME available on Epinions, and I invite you to read about the problems ME has with older Win 98 hardware and software. Norton Utilities 2000 does not work, and currently my (Win 98) Soundblaster modem is suffering a driver problem- apparently holding out for a chauffeur?!
Dell offered an ME compatible modem with the setup, but since I had a brand new modem, I elected to keep mine. Big mistake, obviously.
Other features to consider:
The keyboard has three macro buttons on it, which will start up your mail program, browser, and the Dell "resolution assistant". There's also a button on the front of the computer below the power button that "calls home" to Dell to resolve software problems.
I've used the technical support to help me put in a bigger hard drive, and load the drivers to support the macro buttons. It takes awhile to get through, but you will get someone who speaks English, and they seem quite competent. Emails are acknowledged immediately with a form letter, and a real answer follows 24 hours later.
The Harman/Kardon speakers are such a huge improvement over my Walmart bundled Reveal speakers that I might praise them inordinately. I'll just say they sound marvelous playing CD's, and are black- to match the keyboard, mouse, and the case of the computer.
A note about the Dell Net MSN Internet: If you choose to switch and use your free year of access, you will not be able to use a Pop 3 style mail server. Goodbye Outlook Express, and hello Hotmail, Yahoo, and the like.
Microsoft Works Suite includes the "full up" version of Word 97, if you're a Microsoft Office fan. I like the grammar and spelling tools on the program, and the print preview feature.
Overall the Dell has proved to be a good value for the money, with only minor (mostly self-inflicted) irritations.
What Came In My Box:
Penti 4 processor 1.5 Ghz
256 MB PC 600 RAM
Vid card: 32 MD GE force 2 MX 4x AGP graphics
20 GB hard drive
Windows ME edition
CD-RW 8x/4x/32x
Sound card- Soundblaster 64v
Bundled with Microsoft Works Suite 2001
Dell jukebox/Music Match
Digital Imaging Software- Image Expert 2000
1 year warranty
1 year at home service
1 year 24/7 phone support
1 year Dell Net MSN Internet (savings of $280 for me)
My final price, without a monitor or modem: $1268
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 1268
Operating System: Windows
Processor: Other
Processor speed: over 1000
RAM: 256
Internal Storage: CD-RW
Hard Drive (GB): 13-20
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Epinions.com ID:
Minx_In_LA
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 - Top 1000 |
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Member: Adrienne
Location: Carmel, CA and Abilene, TX
Reviews written: 105
Trusted by: 104 members
About Me:
Writer, artist, musician- everyone's favorite dilettante. Update Jan 09-still sneaking around-see below.
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