From First Glance to Running it
Written: Jan 20 '01 (Updated Jan 20 '01)
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Pros: Interactive Web Site outstanding customer service
Cons: None
The Bottom Line: If your looking for support behind your purchase, Dell seems to have it all together....
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| readhttp's Full Review: Dell Dimension 8100 Series |
Several weeks ago I began to realize that we needed to become a two-computer family. With that in mind, I knew that I was going to only settle for the best that we could afford for my use, and pass my ancient (two year old) computer to our children. After checking out several options, I settled in on Dell.
From first glance of the newest Dell product the Dimension 8100 with its sleek black and silver case to the power hidden under its hood I became anxious to begin the process of customizing it to fit my needs. The web site, (www.dell4me.com) is loaded with a myriad of options to configure and price out your new computer including financing options.
The beginning…
After more visits to the website to configure this computer than I can count, I felt that in the best interest of this review that I begin here. I began with allowing Dell to offer me a factory spec computer, which was fully loaded and carried a price tag of just under three thousand dollars. After I was able regain normal heart rhythm, I realized that I could customize the PC to fit my needs and settled in for my shopping spree. After you select the model, you choose your processor and bundled software then off to the fun stuff. Over and over I added options, removed items and added others and each time you get an instant update to the cost. As I did this for several days I found that almost each day Dell changed pricing on these options, one day the monitor was free, the next a CD-RW. All in all, you should be aware that as you configure the PC the overall price does not seem to change greatly. Simply put, the marketing folks at Dell are geniuses and you need to be aware of these changes. One day I decided to look at one of the lower models and began to customize it, once I was complete I found a link to “upgrade to 8100” so I did. I was amazed that the PC that I configured the day before was now over three hundred dollars less. Could it be that the Dell folks gave me a better deal on the 8100 because I was looking at the lower end? In any case, I strongly suggest that you work the web site with a critical eye and check back often before you jump.
OK, I am ready….
Yes, I finally did it and configured it just the way I wanted it. (I would be remiss if I did not mention that I read several epinions on this PC prior to making the commitment!) It was now time to finance and order this unit. As I began to fill out the questionnaire for financing I did not feel comfortable giving all this information via the web site so I disconnected and picked up the phone. After being on hold for about ten minutes a young man (Aaron) answered and within ten minutes I had a ninety-day same as cash account set up. We then began to discuss the configuration of my new computer. Since I had printed out my configuration prior to making the call the process of ordering the computer was very simple and quick. Aaron offered several suggestions and ideas during the process and made ordering this unit a real joy. At the conclusion, he repeated each option that I ordered and confirmed the price. Once we agreed, I was updated that the shipping would be ninety-five dollars and that since I am in Illinois that Dell did not collect sales tax on my purchase. He then proceeded to give me an estimated shipping date and an order number. Furthermore, he explained that I could visit the website anytime to receive live updates on the status of my order.
The excitement is building…..
Since the estimated shipping date was nine days from my order date, I waited five days before I checked in on the status of my order. As I waited for the page to load to see where I was in the process, I longingly looked at the estimated shipping date to only see that it had increased by three days. The next day, it had changed again and by another three days. All I could do now was show pictures and tell my friends about my new computer but inside I was dying for my satisfaction. I checked again on the day of the original estimated shipping date, could it be true. The page reflected that the computer had made it to shipping and was scheduled to makes it’s journey. A few hours later I checked again and YES I had tracking numbers. Directly from the Dell page I was able to link into the UPS site and had instant updates on where and when my package would arrive. The only thing that was left to do was to wait for that brown truck to show up.
It’s HERE….
Around noon on the day after the original estimated shipping date that big brown truck showed up. In my excitement, I helped the driver unload and I found it interesting that along side my three packages from Dell were several others that were also ready to be delivered to homes/businesses waiting for that same brown truck.
In the end, I found that both the Dell web site and their customer service were outstanding. The overall content of the site makes it fun to play around and once ordered the ability to track the progress is an asset. Since most of the things that we all purchase really are similar, the people behind this product make me feel that I made the right decision.
Three boxes have arrived….
After spending several days getting the configuration of the computer just the way I wanted it, the day of opening the boxes has arrived. First off, let me detail the configuration of this unit:
Dell Dimension 8100 Pentium 4 processor at 1.4Ghz
128MB PC600 RDRAM
Enhanced Quiet Keyboard with Intellimouse
40 GB Ultra Hard Drive
32MB DDR ATI Radeon Card
17in Flat Display Trinitron Monitor
Windows ME
3Com V.90/56K Telephony Modem
12X DVD ROM Drive
8x/4x/32x DR-RW Drive
Harmon Kardon HK-695 Surround Sound Speakers
Norton Antivirus and MS Works Suite
One year of MSN Internet Access
Three years parts and labor on site
Ok there it is the configuration all packed into a sleek black and silver case.
Unpacking and setup:
The actual time unpacking the unit from its container took longer than the setup of the computer. If you have never setup a system in the past, Dell includes a large graphical description of each component and how to connect each. Within ten minutes the system was hooked up and powered up.
Dimensions of the Dimension….
It should be quite obvious that this computer can handle just about anything and is quite a powerhouse of equipment, at least by today’s standards. But the actual size of the computer is also important; here are the actual dimensions of this computer.
The CPU stands a tall seventeen and a half inches tall by seventeen and half inches deep by eight inches wide. The selected monitor is sixteen and half inches tall fifteen and a half inches wide by sixteen and a half inches deep. The selected speakers are nine inches tall by two inches wide and the subwoofer stands ten inches tall by eight inches at its base.
How this little box handles…..
I use my computer primarily for business applications and internet related business. In both applications I am very pleased with the performance. All Microsoft applications run perfectly and load in just seconds. The computer truly performs outstanding when surfing through the wonders of the internet.
The main DVD-CD ROM Drive performs perfectly and with the added internal CD-RW making copies or backups is simply a dream. I upgraded the monitor to the Dell P780 Flat Display Trinitron monitor, which is better than I could ever have imagined. The upgraded Harmon Kardon HK-695 speakers are only good at best.
After reading several epinions about this computer I upgraded the video card as listed above due to the standard video card being less than desirable. Although I am not much of a gamer, I felt that my fellow epinionators were right on the money with this one. The standard Dell Enhanced Quiet Keyboard takes a little getting used to. It is much smaller and lighter than other keyboards I have used, but the keystroke is just perfect. The standard Intellimouse is large and fits perfectly in my hand.
Too buy or not to buy….
In the end, what started as a three thousand dollar dream turned into a two thousand dollar investment in my enjoyment of computing. I spend an average of ten to twelve hours a day behind a computer and I have found my time behind this one to be near perfect. Is this computer right for you, I do not know, but I do know that it is not a low-end priced machine nor is it a low-end performer.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 2068.00
Operating System: Windows
Processor: Other
Processor speed: over 1000
RAM: 128
Internal Storage: CD-RW
Hard Drive (GB): 31-40
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Epinions.com ID:
readhttp
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Member: Sal
Location: CHICAGO, Illinois (Northwest Burbs)
Reviews written: 95
Trusted by: 232 members
About Me:
Chicago native, married with three daughters,Siberian Husky & a stang in the garage.
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