When I started college, I wanted a reliable, fast computer that didn’t empty my parents’ bank account. My older sister had bought an e-machine two years earlier; the next year she replaced it with an HP computer because the e-machine was so horrible. I had heard good things about Dell computers, plus the fact that I could customize my own computer and features seemed really exciting.

So I bought a Dell Dimension 4100 Desktop computer on 8/31/2001. In a nutshell, it included:

• Dimension 4100 Series, Pentium III Processor, 1.1 GHz with 100 MHz Front Side Bus
• 128 MB SDRAM at 133 MHz
• QuietKey Keyboard
• 32 MB NVIDIA GeForce2 MX 4X AGP Graphics Card with TV-Out
• 40 GB Ultra ATA Hard Drive
• 3.5” Floppy Drive
• Dell 2 Button Mouse
• V.905/56k PCI DataFax Modem
• 16X Max Variable DVD ROM Drive
• Soundblaster 64V PCI Sound Card
• Altec Lansing ACS-340 Speakers with Subwoofer

Plus I got a bunch of CDs and programs, including Microsoft Works 2001, Image Expert 2000, Music Match 6.0, Norton Antivirus 2001, Windows XP home Upgrade, and some backup drives. I did not purchase a monitor because my father gave me his (but we eventually bought one separately from Frys Electronics because our home monitor broke; I ended up with a really nice Samsung flat screen SyncMaster 753DF for $150.00, which was cheaper than buying a mediocre Dell monitor).

I also received a free DVD ROM or CD Burner with my purchase—I chose the DVD ROM because we had a PlexWriter 8/4/32A that I installed separately. I received a free Epson Stylus C40UX printer that is worth $69.00 (according to Epson’s website) that runs through a USB cord, which has turned out to be a giant pain.

I can’t remember the exact cost of the 4100, but I think it was a little bit more than $1,000. Shipping and handling was a killer. It cost about $100.00. However, I did end up getting the free DVD upgrade and Epson printer, which probably cost more than $100 together.

I also bought a one-year warranty—but I probably should have got a two or three year. I didn’t anticipate all of the problems I would have.

I received the computer fairly quickly—it came on 9/05/2001. It arrived in two large boxes and was fairly easy to put together and set up. When I first turned it on, it didn’t boot up, but stayed in DOS mode and kept asking for the boot disk. I didn’t know what to do, couldn’t find it in the manual, so I called Dell for help.

I can vouch for all the other opinions written that claim Dell has horrible customer service. The first time I called, I was put on hold for half an hour, then I was suddenly hung up on. I called again. It happened again. The third time I was on hold for an hour before being connected with a very rude sales rep. However, he did fix the problem, and the computer booted up fine.

I’ve had the computer for a month and a half now, and have been very pleased with it. The speakers and subwoofer are fantastic, the colors are great, the DVD player (although a bit loud) plays movies with no problem at all. The only problem I’ve had is with this stupid printer (which works, because I've tested it out on other computers, just doesn't work with mine).

I’ve had dozens of people try to fix the printer and my computer, but all have gone away defeated. I finally broke down and called Epson (not a 1-800 number), and after following a whole procedure, the sales rep had to go get her manager for help. She told me nothing like this had ever happened before. The manager then told me they didn’t know how to fix it because it wasn’t in any of their manuals, and I should call Dell. I called Dell, and was promptly disconnected by the phone system because I chose the option that would help me with any non-Dell software. I didn’t want to deal with their phone service anymore after the first nightmare I had, so I e-mailed them with my problem. I received an e-mail back the next day—they told me they were sending me a new printer (which should arrive in a week) and a prepaid address label to send the old printer back (which should arrive in 3-5 days). Well, I received the new printer, but the address label never came.

After installing the new printer, it still didn’t work. Again, everyone I knew came and tried to help, but to no avail. I called customer service again and they told me I didn’t have the file USBreg.exe, which I needed to print. They said they would send me the file within the next five to ten minutes. I waited two days before calling Dell again. Turns out they wrote down the wrong e-mail address, so they finally sent me the correct file. The file doesn’t help so now I’m stuck with this dud printer. Plus, I still haven’t received the prepaid address label to send the old printer back—which, I found out through a sales rep, I will be charged for if I don’t send it back soon. (I e-mailed them and they said they would send another label—hopefully it will get here this time.)

Two of my floormates have Dell 4100s and they are very happy with them. Another floormate has the Dell 8100, which is better than the 4100 but also a lot more money.

I am overall extremely happy with the computer. The quality is fantastic and much better than anything in its price range at a computer store. It runs great, and except for the printer, everything works perfectly. It is easy to use and things upgrade and install easily in it. I highly recommend Dell computers. Just be aware that there may be problems. And if there are, you will be forced to deal with Dell’s awful customer service.

Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 1,000
Operating System: Windows
Processor: Intel Pentium III
Processor speed: over 1000
RAM: 128
Internal Storage: CD-RW and DVD
Hard Drive (GB): 31-40