Dell Dimension 4600C - Speed, Sweet Speed!!
Written: Aug 19 '03 (Updated Oct 06 '03)
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Pros: Fast and sleek
Cons: Speakers; expiring software
The Bottom Line: I would recommend this to most users, especially those needing something easy and fuss free. It probably won't please gamers or fussy audiophiles.
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| renata77's Full Review: Dell Dimension 4600C (D46CRM) PC Desktop |
A few specs:
Pentium 4 Processor 2.4 Gig
512 MB DDR SDRAM @ 333 MHz
80 GB ULTRA ATA Hard Drive, 7200 RPM
24X CD-RW/DVD
Windows XP Home Ed/ SP 1
Mini-tower measurements: Width = 3 1/2" Height = 12 1/2"
Depth = 13 1/2"
It has been a joy to use this system. It is a replacement for my old Gateway 400 Celeron, so maybe I am in the market to be easily impressed. This system makes the Gateway look like a dinosaur running uphill.
I was able to use it right out of the box with a minimum of fuss. All the connections were easily made using the large poster included. The connections are solid; no bending around of the framework while trying to get them securely attached. The box is small enough that one can reach the back while standing to the front or side of the desk if necessary. It is narrow and quite light, and is easily lifted and moved about for perfect accessibility. It has the clamshell design which easily opens by pressing a button on the top of the case and another on the bottom, which allows it to open like a book for upgrades or repairs.
My system came with an LCD flat panel 17" monitor free upgrade that I love. The colors are beautiful and fuzzy text is a rarity. I upgraded to the "multimedia" keyboard and I love that as well. I am fussy about keyboards, and this is the best touch I've experienced outside of the classy "Selectric" typewriter. There is a rheostat dial for volume and "blinkenlight" buttons for the media player as well as for caps lock and num lock. There are 8 "hotkeys" for mail, calculator, "My Computer" and Internet usage.
I also received a free upgrade to an Hitachi CD-RW DVD drive, which smoothly makes CD-R's without a hitch, unlike my old Iomega which gave me plenty of pretty coasters and not much else. I played a DVD and was amazed that there were no skips or jitters. I still have a free drive bay.
There are 6 (!) USB 2.0 connections, with 2 in front for cameras, etc., a firewire connection, and a network card. It is upgradeable in many areas.
I've read reviews of other Dimensions which faulted a noisy fan, but this is so quiet I sometimes want to hold a mirror in front of it to make sure it's breathing. ;)
It's extremely fast with the apps I use - which hogged up every bit of memory in my previous computer. I've been told more than once that my computer problems were due to "too many programs!" Not that I try to run them all at once - they are just there. Workhorses like Word, Quicken, Printmaster and a few other graphics programs, and Incredimail, Handy Backup, Acrobat Reader and Auction Tamer. Eye-candy like Desktop Architect, Plus! and a whole load of themes to go with them. Sheer fun such as eSheep, Picture Studio, and Media Player. I haven't even scratched the surface. I use my computer several hours a day for letters, email, cards, bookeeping, and all sorts of home office jobs. Now I have plenty of free memory and quick access to these programs. It's great to be booting up in less than a minute instead of waiting 2-3 minutes.
The only downside is the Altec Lansing speakers which are really tinny. I planned for that, and instead use my old Boston speakers w/sub-woofer for a good sound experience.
There is plenty of software included, such as WordPerfect 11, Quicken 2002, a Roxio DVD and CD recording program and a load of other ware which has not slowed the speed down and which made it unnecessary for me to install some of my previous programs, thus helping the out of the box experience. However, a lot of the software is either bare bones unless you pay for an upgrade, or it expires in 90 days. Not fun!
I was happy to have gotten in on the free shipping special, CD-DVD burner upgrade, and $150 discount.
My grade for tech support is based on online help available, documentation, installed Dell "help" program, and frequent reminders of where and how I can obtain support. I have not needed to contact tech support at all. Now that's how it ought to be. Sweet!
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 1399 -150
Operating System: Windows
Processor: Other
Processor speed: over 1000
RAM: More than 256
Internal Storage: CD-RW and DVD
Hard Drive (GB): Over 50
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Epinions.com ID:
renata77
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Location: The Vast Midwest
Reviews written: 23
Trusted by: 6 members
About Me:
Eccentric, indefinable, not suitable for stereotyping. :)
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