HomeComputers & InternetPC DesktopsDell Dimension 8200 Series
Opinion Summary
I will never buy a Dell again
by kenfromil | Jan 06 '02
Pros: decent monitor
Cons: Over priced, terrible case design, problems with drives, lack of support, dishonest sales people

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OVERALL RATING
Product Rating: 1.0



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Comments on I will never buy a Dell again" (12 total)  
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Date Written
Dell is still #1 (Reply to this comment)
by diesel04
Compared to other PC manufacturers, I would say that Dell is still the best.Dell is a computer manufacturer (which is on the hardware side), so anything that has to do with software is not Dell's problem anymore.Contact your software manufacturer!

Speaking of software, your problem about losing system time is definitely not a Dell's issue. It's Microsoft's! This is a known issue with Microsoft Windows XP. I have Windows XP and it's also giving me the same problem before. This is because of the Internet synchronization. Everytime you go online and if your internet synchronization option is enabled, the system will lose time. To fix this, go to control panel - Date & Time settings - Internet setting - uncheck Internet synchronization option. Then correct you system time. Observe if the system will again lose time. I bet it will not -- starting from the time you disabled the internet synchronization.

Hope this helps.
Feb 12 '03
2:41 am PST

Read the Manual (Reply to this comment)
by jdmiko
I too have a Dell 8200, and have had two items that needed replacement. (power supply box and the Processor fan) There was not even a hesitation to send new parts. Dell even offered to have a tech install if I needed it (No Charge)and I only took the free 1 yr warranty. As far as the power reset button ... You need to hold the power button down for about 5 seconds and the unit powers off .. regardless of the system lock-up it may have ... this is in the manual.
Dec 19 '02
8:19 am PST

Dell isn't the worst (Reply to this comment)
by punk_chick_16
For the past 4 years I have owned a Compaw Presario. And for the past 5 years it has been the worst computer experience in my life. Its extremely slow. At school we currently got new computers. They are also Compaq presario's. I thought that they may be good because they are newer then my computer. Still those computers had many of the same problems that I had on my old computer. On your list I didn't see compaq and i don't reccomend getting it. I'm sorry to tell you that I am going to buy a Dell. I think it will be a good investment. This is the only bad review i have read about it and it has swayed my opinions to buy one.
Dec 11 '02
10:49 pm PST

Buy a locally built clone (Reply to this comment)
by usmcdad
I have been using computers since the early 90's and I have yet to find a computer from an online purchase that worked as well as a locally built clone that used name brand components. Since my first "state of the art" Packard Bell 486, I've learned a lot. The most important thing (besides never buy anything with Packard on the label) is that when you buy online, or from one of the major mfgs. (Dell, IBM, H-P, Sony, etc) you are going to be just a number after they get your money. The reason for that is because all they care about,like all major worldwide corporations, is the bottom line. In my opinion, the reason for your displeasure could be aimed at almost any worldwide
multi-national. The symptoms you describe really come from a root called "corporate greed". They want to hire some low-wage $5.00 an hour worker to try and solve problems so that they are not out any money. Corporate greed is another reason for the unlimited immigration (both legal and illegal) that is overcrowding our cities, polluting our air and water, and in general ruining our once great nation. The supernationals want an unlimited supply of cheap labor to draw from, so they move their factories overseas, and encourage the politicans to allow unlimited ignorant people to come here. We wouldn't need a minimum wage law
if we would restrict immigration.

I know this comment is more sociological in nature than technical, but I am just as disgusted with no-nothing tech support as you are, and Dell did rip you for the extra $150 for worthless support. Thats why I will never buy another computer from someone I cannot look in the eye, and wrap my fingers around their neck if thats what I need to do to get my moneys worth. I too would recommend the Norton SystemWorks software. I have been using Norton SystemWorks for several years and they help keep things running smoothly. You might give that program a try, and if that doesn't help, go trade your Dell for a locally built unit.

Regards, usmcdad@comcast.net
Nov 09 '02
4:17 pm PST

Re: Good Write-Up (Reply to this comment)
by simplemoney
You stated "For them to do otherwise would be like telling a car owner to go to the subcontractor in Asia (who for example made the waterpump) for warrantee service even though it was installed by the factory in Detroit!"

Your point misses the point. Dell clearly states that they are not responsible teaching you how to use Microsoft Windows or any other applications that come with the system. A more proper analogy is buying a car, and having the dealer install a Sony car stereo system. Then this guy calls Honda and complains he doesn't hear any music.

Dell will put on Linux or Windows. They will give you MS Works or Office. Its your choice and if you don't know how to use them get training. Just like if you don't know how to drive you must pass the driving exam. It's not Honda's responsibility to teach you how to drive.
Oct 28 '02
3:14 pm PST

Your Problems go Way Way Beyond the PC (Reply to this comment)
by s25843
The Title explains it all, get a life
Oct 27 '02
7:57 pm PST

Good Write-Up (Reply to this comment)
by chrisfll
I've owned an IBM for the last four years and it will soon to be replaced by a Dell 8200 that is currently on order. I know you have been bashed by others in this Epinion group, but I sympathize with you.

These computers should come prepared to work properly. By Dell referring you to Microsoft for software glitches or to the CD manufacture because it won't write is total garbage. If Dell included these as their system, then they need to support it! For them to do otherwise would be like telling a car owner to go to the subcontractor in Asia (who for example made the waterpump) for warrantee service even though it was installed by the factory in Detroit!

Unfortunately, prompt and experienced tech support persons are the exception. (Although, I did find IBM's tech support staff very helpful.) Dell should have been able to field the questions that you asked.

In case you haven't already fixed these issues, you need to consider getting utility software to fix the glitches and system freezes; I recommend Norton Systemworks. It resolves a lot of the conflicts between software and hardware components. It is not perfect but it works well for me.

After chewing through 4 disks one afternoon, I had an finally realized this little gem. A 250MB drive may NOT be compatible with 100MB disks. They are formatted differently and that is probably what is causing the problem.

Good luck and thanks for your Epinion.

chrisfll
Jul 15 '02
8:21 pm PDT

Re: Be more specific, and maybe I can help you with your problems.. ? (Reply to this comment)
by mfd8806
About the fact that Dell doesn't manufacture the components... This is a Dell issue. They choose which manufacturers to use and they advertise it and sell it. Other than that I am extremely surprised at the experience that you had with a Dell, I understand your woes I have an NEC and have the same annoying quirks, but mine lean more towards Hardware issues. Yours sound like pure software. Good Luck.
Feb 18 '02
6:07 am PST

Not Dell's Fault (Reply to this comment)
by simplemoney
When I see a long review like yours I get excited to read all the details. Unfortunately most of your details aren't about Dell, they're about Microsoft or other companies. You wrote about three kinds of CD-R's where only one works (memorex). That is exactly the same where I work (with Compaq computers), the cheap Hi-Vals don't work and we need to use Sony's, Memorex or TDK in our burners. That just isn't a DELL issue, it's junk CD-Rs.

You really hate the case, and that's fine, but you also harped on the lack of a reset button. All of the other companies you recommended have also removed their reset buttons - its current industry practice.

As for renaming files (not a DELL issue), most likely a TSR (terminate and stay resident) program is holding them (like Norton Anti-virus).

The script errors you're getting from Internet Explorer - again, not a DELL issue.

I gave your review a poor rating because I don't believe you stayed on the subject, which is DELL. You complain that you paid $150 for support, but then expect that $150 to buy you non-DELL support. This should be a anti-Microsoft epinion, not an anti-DELL one.

Good luck. From the sound of your review you got a good machine. Also - Iomega has been banned from my company for multiple failures and bad disks - something you should watch out for.
Feb 12 '02
12:24 pm PST

Re: Yeah (Reply to this comment)
by kenfromil
Hey Charlie Brown, don't assume people with opinions who are different than your opinion are "knuckle heads". And by the way I know how to use a computer very well.

I am computer programmer. I was a DBA (database administrator for 5 years). Developed core technology for one of the world's largest insurance companies. I am CEO of an internet company, can program in 4 programming languages and 3 database languages. I have worked on computer PCs and mainframes on numerous platforms. I have worked with computers for 18 years. I know how to use a computer.
Jan 26 '02
10:37 pm PST

Yeah (Reply to this comment)
by slt
You know, it might help to actually learn something about the system you're complaining about. I've always owned a Dell, and very rarely have any problems. Anything encountered, I could address myself.

The Dell prices are fine with me... it's a quality company with the best product on the market. Try an HP... you'll be writing a worse review than this one.

It's a shame they'll let anyone own a computer. Knucklehead.
Jan 23 '02
6:37 pm PST

Be more specific, and maybe I can help you with your problems.. ? (Reply to this comment)
by nhawkGT
The problems you described seem rather far-fetched. For example, deleting and renaming files in Windows Explorer? Hmm.. maybe you were trying to do this on a ROM? This doesn't sound like a hardware issue, at all.

Copying files off a CD-ROM drive taking forever.. well, what speed is your drive? Are you sharing the IDE channel with another drive? What else were you doing when trying to eject the ZIP disk?

Things like that aren't Dell's fault. If you're unhappy with the speed to eject a ZIP disk, wouldn't you think it might be the manufacturer of the ZIP drive? You do realize that Dell doesn't make the ZIP drive, hard drive, CD-ROM drive, graphics card, etc, etc.. ?

I'll have to agree that their systems are overpriced, but that's true with all the companies you mentioned.

Anyway, I'd be glad to try and help you out with some of your issues. I don't work for Dell or anything, but I'm pretty well-versed in computer issues.
Jan 12 '02
10:44 am PST