Dell makes it easy -- mostly
Written: Apr 28 '02
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Pros: Sharp looking, speedy, quality components.
Cons: Wimpy speakers on base model, sketchy DVD+RW support
The Bottom Line: It's a solid computer that will give most folks all the features they can handle. Ordering was easy (dare I say fun?), and the computer arrived quickly. Recommended.
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| mrleemrlee's Full Review: Dell Dimension 4400 (A-D0314) PC Desktop |
This is my second experience with Dell, and it's nearly as good as my first.
My main interest was preserving my home video on DVDs, and DVD burners had finally come down to a reasonable price (though the standard is still up in the air). After spending many long nights researching the characteristics of the DVD burner, I decided to go with DVD+RW. It seemed to support the most features and (according to some sources) is the most compatible with standard DVD players.
The ordering experience was just as pleasurable as I remembered it. I ordered the computer Monday night, and received it Friday afternoon -- pretty good turnaround. Dell's Web site lets you track the computer all the way through the manufacturing and shipping process. Once again, it was reliable and interesting to watch. I've read complaints on Dell's message boards about orders that reached one stage of the process and then jumped back several steps, but I have not had that experience.
In truth (and this is a bit of a digression), checking in every so often on the status of the order is almost addictive. I'll refer you to the works of B.F. Skinner on intermittent stimulus conditioning to explain why this might be: www.bfskinner.org.
Anyway, I received the computer and enthusiastically (and easily) put everything together. The components are nice and sturdy in general. Two weak spots: The base-model Harmon Kardan speakers are weaker than what Dell used to use for base speakers. They are black and have a space-age design, but they have a tinnier sound than earlier models. If I had the chance, I'd buy better speakers (though I still think a subwoofer is overkill unless you need to break your crystal).
The other weak spot is STILL the microphone. Perhaps it's my technical aptitude, but I cannot get the microphone to pick up much beyond static. It's like the gain is turned way way up, but I can't find the place to turn it down. It was the same story on my older Dell, so either I am incompetent, or Dell uses shoddy microphones. I'll let you decide this one.
As for the pluses, the 17 inch monitor has rich color and clear text. The upgraded versions would be nice, but unless you're really a videophile, the base model does just fine. I even like the QuietKey keyboard, and I didn't think I would.
The only other little stumble I've found is that the DVD+RW drive doesn't seem quite compatible with Windows. The driver that helps run it apparently doesn't support multiple logins. If you are logged in, and someone else logs in at the same time (which is allowed by Windows XP), the second person cannot access the D: drive; only an error message is displayed.
In sum, I would wholehearted recommend the Dimension 4400. It's all the computer most anyone would need for basic home use, including gaming, and Dell's rigs are among the most upgradable in the business. The case opens up like a charm.
One small piece of advice: Buy the minimum amount of RAM from Dell. They gouge you for upgrades. Order extra RAM from Crucial.com or another specialty vendor and you'll save a fair amount of money.
P.S.: Epinions really needs to alter their standard list of specs. The computer I bought has a Pentium IV 2.0 Ghz with 256 MB RAM.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 1458
Operating System: Windows
Processor: Other
Processor speed: over 1000
RAM: 256
Internal Storage: CD-RW and DVD
Hard Drive (GB): Over 50
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Epinions.com ID:
mrleemrlee
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Member: Mr. Lee Mr. Lee
Location: Astoria, NY
Reviews written: 24
Trusted by: 25 members
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