Investigate and Invest Now or Pay Later
Written: Jun 17 '03
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Pros: Cheap, disposable
Cons: Poor architecture, Old Technology, Old New parts.
The Bottom Line: Great buy for cheap, low quality computer. Investigate other non-proprietary systems for quality builds, that also don't require support contracts. Invest a little more now or PAY LATER.
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| night_crawler's Full Review: Dell Dimension 2350 (D235RL) PC Desktop |
Wow
A computer for $499.
You know most people don't care what a computer does as long as it is fast. It looks great. And is as cheap as they can get it.
They don't care that the base model has a Celeron 2.0 GHz processor, 128MB of DDR memory, a 48x CD-Rom, a 30GB hard drive, Integrated Intel 3D graphics video, Harmon Kardon HK-206 speakers with integrated AC-97 audio, 6 USB 2.0, One serial and one parralel port, and an integrated 10/100 Ethernet.
If I haven't glazed someones eyes over by the second sentence of specs. I am probably speaking with someone literate with computers and knows what I mean by a pile of crap.
Great hook for suckers. $499. People who want that price for a computer, usually only care that it will turn on and browse the internet. You can get a more economical, better design, and more reliable system just by calling MSN or some provider who sells the TV internet boxes. Or, get on e-bay and pay $300 or less for a barebones system. The ensuing headache will all be the same.
The best thing any review has said about Dell is that you get what you pay for. Or you can pay for upgrades. And I say PAY instead of invest. Because you pay for a ton of crap that has to be Dell compatible to even function properly. If you have the money to pay for the upgrades, You should shop for a quality custom system which is more dependable and worth the INVESTMENT and investigation.
If you are interested in Specs. A Dell is a Dell is a Dell. The mother board is poor architecture. The one in the 2350 being even less as a micro board. 2 PCI slots and an AGP slot. Limited DDRam expansion. Locked down bios. Any higher quality micro board will have AC97 audio. There is a ECS-L7VMM board with 64MB integrated video as well as several others. Look at www.ecs.com, www.aopen.com, www.supermicro.com for ideas on quality motherboards. We will eventually update this review with true specs. Dell likes to hide theirs since their systems are true proprietary pieces. If you don't believe, ask the Dell salesmen about the motherboard specs. The only thing Dell direct seems to know is "It is a Dell P4 blah, blah, blah..."
You can upgrade your CPU to an OEM processor which only has a 30 day warranty once it leaves the Intel factory. Which also means any processor you purchase from dell will most likely not even have a valid warranty. Full retail Intel boxed versions have a 3 year full warranty. Almost every custom system will come standard with a 3 year manufacturer warranty on all of the internal parts. Therefore, you truly are paying for service and warranty from Dell which you shouldn't need on a quality system of any design.
Only 128MB of memory. Good thing Dell tells you that XP operating system requires a minimum of 128MB to operate. Don't plan on any other programs, without slowing your resources down. And I always get a chuckle out of people who recommend XP Home for small business. Plan on only one machine or a stand-alone system.
Dell must have millions of left over 48x CD-Roms. Even a low end custom build usually will have 52x and 56x, if they can't afford the extra $15 to their distributors to put 16x DVD-Roms in their builds.
I have only owned one Dell in my lifetime, before I got more involved in the computer and technology industry. People who have never owned anything other than a Dell will most likely remain blissfully ignorant and deal with the headaches as they present themselves. I will not write good Dell reviews even for money. We make a very good living repairing Dell machines.
The best analogy I have for systems like the Dell computers is like mentioning the Slick Rick car sales add. "We have a deal for $499. You can drive it home today!" The nice thing about cars though is that they have a lemon law for junk. I would almost bet a number one priority with Dell would be sales and sales-people. I would smile too at a commision check. Someone else has to worry about the lemon once it has been driven off of the lot. That is why I believe Dell tech support sucks. Who can honestly believe they have any customer loyalty except to the suckers who pay for an unneeded support contract, or a perspective with a large bank account. Once you sign the contract, start the lease, or the money leaves your hands, there are hardly any returns if any.
SO pay the $499 and plan on paying a company like ours $70 / hour to fix your machine. Or throw it away in 6 months to a year when it runs out of its limited warranty, Or Pay for Dell extended services and warranties a quality system does not need and be without your system for unspecified lengths of time. You can also buy a headset for your phone. That way your arms don't get tired waiting for someone to answer from Dell tech support.
Overall
The pros are that it is an affordable, disposable computer great for strictly internet surfing, or elementary level of usage. It is color coded, as is every other modern motherboard for easy identification of keyboard, mouse, monitor, etc. plug and play. The sound is great, which AC97 audio is a standard for most motherboards, even on low quality motherboards.
The cons are that with all hidden gimmicks, the trick is in the price. For upgrades you will PAY through the nose for still low grade parts. Following is a recommended parts list for upgrade or quality systems. Check out a Dell comparison for quality:
Crucial 512MB PC2100 standard for memory
Geforce MX400 Video card
WD 40GB 8MB cache 7200 RPM Hard drive
Cyberdrive 52x-56x CD-Rom
MSI 16x DVD-Rom
Cyberdrive 48x CD-RW
Sony +/- DVD-RW
XP PRO operating system
AOC or Viewsonic monitors
I will say again that if you have the money to upgrade your system, you are wasting it on Dell. If you really want cheap, low quality computers for under $1000. Buy a gateway system. You can request full version Operating system material. Which means you can format your hard drive and have a clean operating system. Of all Proprietary manufacturers, a gateway functions more as a custom computer than Dell or HP/Compaq builds. You are not as limited by manufacturer when you wish to upgrade.
Finally for those that are impressed with DELL sales and marketing skills. You can INVESTIGATE and INVEST NOW or PAY LATER!
Recommended:
No
Amount Paid (US$): Clients
Operating System: Windows
Processor: Intel Celeron
Processor speed: over 1000
RAM: 128
Internal Storage: CD-ROM
Hard Drive (GB): 31-40
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Epinions.com ID:
night_crawler
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Location: In the northwest
Reviews written: 6
Trusted by: 3 members
About Me:
Technology background in Electrical and computers. Love design and installation of Automated, Smart Homes.
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