Dell Dimension 4400 - I Love This Computer
Written: May 01 '02 (Updated Sep 19 '08)
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Pros: Reliable computer. You can customize to get the computer you want.
Cons: None
The Bottom Line: The Dell Dimension 4400 is the best computer I've had. If you watch for specials, you can get a computer within your budget from Dell.
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| dragonfire88's Full Review: Dell Dimension 4400 (A-D0314) PC Desktop |
I have been using computers for several years, but I am far from an expert. I don't normally write reviews in this area, but I am so pleased with this computer I wanted to write about it. I hope I haven't missed anything. Please let me know in a comment if I have.
For the last few years I have been using a computer that I hated. When I got it, it didn't have everything I wanted - mainly the amount of RAM - but I settled for a computer that was on sale. It was a good price. The computer wasn't good though. I had trouble with it right from the start. I don't know how many times I had to reformat it. I did have a rescue CD with that computer, so that did make the reformatting easier, but it was still a pain. Also, I didn't have a separate Windows 98 CD, or different CDs for drivers for some things in my computer like the modem and CD-ROM drive. All of that stuff was on the rescue CD. So one time when I messed up big time my accidentally deleting my modem driver - I was having internet problems at the time and trying to fix that when I hit the wrong button - the only way to fix it was to use the rescue CD and reformat the computer. I was fed up with all the problems with that computer. In December of 2001 I started doing some research on a new computer. I knew basically what I wanted in a new computer, so I was mainly comparing prices. I had decided that I wanted either a Gateway or a Dell. I kept checking the sites for both computers, and after a few months of comparing prices, I decided on a Dell Dimension 4400.
When I went to the Dell site, www.dell.com, I started with the base model for the Dimension 4400 series and customized it to get the features I wanted. There were a few things I absolutely wanted on the computer, and I wasn't going to change my mind about them. I was more flexible on some other things. I did know I wanted to get the most I could get within my price range. I want this computer to last me a long time, and I took that into consideration when making some of my choices. When I ordered my Dell, there were a few specials going on that I took advantage of.
MY COMPUTER
The Dell Dimension 4400 computer is midnight grey in color. The monitor, keyboard, mouse, speakers, and CPU are all midnight grey in color. The CPU is a tower. The tower and monitor both weigh about 40 pounds. I can't remember the exact weights now. The tower is the same height as the 17-inch monitor. My computer looks like the picture that Epinions has for the Dell Dimension 4400 with one difference. The computer in the picture has four drives on the CPU. Mine has three. I have a one year-limited warranty. I also got a $75 mail in rebate on the system. Once I received my computer, I had to go to the Dell site to download the rebate form. I had some trouble finding the form, so I sent an email to Dell. They answered me within a few hours with the URL to the page where I could find the rebate.
My Dell Dimension 4400 has a 1.6 GHz Pentium 4 Processor. I could have chosen a faster processor, but I decided this one would be fine. The computer is very fast in loading programs and doing different tasks. The installation of new programs is done in no time at all.
My experiences in the past with two different computers greatly influenced my thinking when I decided on the size of the hard drive and the amount of RAM. The hard drive was completely full on my third computer and the RAM was upgraded as much as it could be. Once the computer got to that point, it was locking up on me constantly. Even though I saved often, I still lost parts of papers for school when that happened. With my last computer, I didn't get as much RAM as I originally wanted, and I regretted it almost from the day I got it. I had problems because of the amount of RAM not being high enough. I even upgraded the RAM once, and it still didn't help. For my Dell Dimension 4400, I wanted to make sure I would have enough RAM to run any program I wanted, and a big enough hard drive so I wouldn't have to worry about running out of hard drive space any time soon. I decided on an 80GB RPM Ultra ATA hard drive and 512MB DDR SDRAM.
A 3.5 inch floppy drive comes standard with the Dell Dimension 4400. When I ordered my computer, there was a special going on where you could choose a free DVD-ROM drive or a CD-RW drive. I definitely wanted the CD-RW drive, and I also wanted the DVD-ROM drive too. I used the option to get a 16x DVD-ROM and the decoding software for the drive. Then I added a 24x/10x/40x CD-RW, with Roxio Easy CD Creator 5, to the optional second CD-ROM drive bay. A program called Dell Jukebox by Music Match was also included. That program pops up when an audio CD is put in the CD-RW to play. I have used both drives since I got the computer. DVDs and CDs play wonderfully on the Dell Dimension 4400. I have burned a few CDs with this computer. I wasn't sure what I was doing, but there were very good instructions, so I had no trouble burning CDs. It didn't take long to burn the CDs either. I have also formatted a few CDs for saving data files. I didn't have any trouble with that, or saving some files to a blank CD-RW. There was an option to add a zip disk, but I didn't think I needed that since I was getting the CD-RW.
My Dell Dimension 4400 has a 64MB NVIDIA GeForce2 Mx graphics card with TV-out. I don't really know what that means, but the graphics are wonderful on this computer. I had trouble with a game not running right on my old computer because of the graphics card. That game runs with no problems on this computer, and the graphics are great. A friend, who knows a bit more about computers than I do, did say that it would be a good idea to get a 64MB graphics card.
For the monitor, I picked a 17-inch monitor (15.9 in viewable). I had been thinking that a flat screen monitor would be nice since it would take up less space and be lighter, but in the end I decided on a regular monitor. I had a 15-inch monitor on my old computer, and I decided that I wanted a bigger monitor this time. I spent a lot of time using a computer at work too. That computer is so out of date and slow it isn't funny, but it does have a nice 17-inch monitor. I got use to that monitor at work, so my 15-inch seemed small here at home. Also, the flat screen monitor was a bit more expensive, and I decided I didn't want to pay extra for a flat screen monitor. The picture on this monitor is beautiful. The picture is sharp and clear no matter what I am doing - playing a game, playing a DVD, surfing the net, or using some other program. DVDs look great when played on this computer. The power button is on the front of the monitor, at the bottom, where it is easy to get to. The power button was on the back of my last monitor. There are also four buttons on the front of the monitor to adjust the color, brightness, and a few other options. I haven't had to adjust any of the settings on the monitor.
My Dell Dimension 4400 has Integrated ADI 1885 Audio and Harman Kardon HK-206 Speakers. I have no idea what that means, but the sound is great. I have played a few audio CDs on this computer, and they sound terrific. The speakers have a full, rich sound. The sound quality produced is very good. I can pick up on little things in the songs that may not be obvious at first, or that I don't hear on my CD player. This computer has better sound than my CD player. There are two speakers. They are rather small, but they do put out a lot of sound. I've never had the volume all the way up on them. On one of the speakers, there is a small knob that you turn to turn the speakers on and to adjust the volume. When the speakers are on, there is a little green light that is on. I have one speaker on each side of my monitor, but the cords for them are longer, so you could have them farther apart if you wanted to.
I do still have to connect to the internet through a dial up connection, so I needed the computer to have a modem. It is a V.90 PC Interface Data/Fax Copper Modem. Since I live out in the boonies and the phone lines out here are lousy, I can't connect that fast. I am still connecting at the same speed I was on my old computer, but pages are loading faster for me now. I did choose to add a 10/100 PCI Fast Ethernet NIC to my computer because cable and DSL internet are now available where I live. If I switch over to one of those later, this computer will be ready.
On the front of the CPU, there is this little flap thing that lifts up. Under there is a jack for head phones and a USB port. On the back of the CPU, there are two more USB ports, for a total of three. Right now, I don't have anything that uses the USB ports, so three of these ports are plenty. Someone that has many things to hook up to the computer through USB ports may need more than three of these ports, so a Dell Dimension 4400 may not be a good choice for them. I can't remember for sure now, but I don't think you can change the number of USB ports when customizing a Dimension 4400.
I got a normal keyboard. It is called a Dell Enhanced Quiet Key Keyboard. It is very quiet when I'm typing things. My old keyboard was very loud, especially when I was typing faster. I can type fast, so my old keyboard frequently made a lot of noise. This one makes hardly any at all, even when I am typing faster. The keyboard does have a few extra buttons on it, shortcut buttons for email, search, and something else. Those three buttons are above the function keys. I don't know how they work because I've never used them. There is also a button between the F10 button and the Print Screen button that has a picture of a moon on it. I've never used that button either. My Dell Dimension 4400 has a mouse with a scroll wheel. I've never used a mouse with a wheel before, so I had no idea how I would like that, but I figured if I hated it, I just wouldn't use the wheel part. Well, after one night of surfing, using the wheel, I was hooked on using it. I really like that and I wonder how in the world I managed without one for so long. The next day at work, several times I caught my fingers automatically trying to move the wheel and I was trying to figure out why the screen wasn't scrolling. The mouse on my computer at work has no wheel. A midnight grey mouse pad, with the URL for Dell also came with the computer.
Some software did come with the Dell Dimension 4400. It came with Symantec Norton Antivirus 2002 EM Package, Dell Picture Studio for Windows XP, Works Suite 2002, Quicken Tax Suite 2002, and AOL 7.0. I have no need for AOL since I'm happy with my current internet provider. Also, there is no local access number for AOL where I live. The Works Suite 2002 includes six programs - Microsoft Picture It! Photo, Streets & Trips 2002, Microsoft Encarta Encyclopedia Standard 2002, Microsoft Money 2002 Standard, Microsoft Works, and Microsoft Word. CDs for each of the programs came with the computer. The programs were installed by Dell, but I discovered for a few of them, I needed to put the CD in to install some other component. For the Streets & Trips program to work, the CD must be in the drive.
I had a choice between Windows XP Home Edition and Professional Edition. I choose the Home Edition because I didn't think I would need the Professional Edition. I did receive a Windows XP CD. I also received several different CDs, containing drivers and things that were installed by Dell. There is an owner's manual that covers things like installing printers, solving problems, adding parts, and contacting Dell.
SHIPPING
I ordered my Dell Dimension 4400 on a Monday. I was given an order number so I could track the progress of my computer, which I did several times. I was anxious to get it once I ordered it. By Thursday morning, it had shipped out by UPS. By Friday evening, it was an hour away, but I had to wait until Monday to get my new computer because UPS doesn't deliver on Saturdays. Shipping charges were added to the cost of my computer, but the mail in rebate I got covered almost all of the shipping cost. Sometimes Dell will offer free shipping on certain computer systems. Just keep your eyes open and watch for the commercials or check the website every so often.
The computer arrived in three boxes. Two were rather large and heavy and the third was small and light weight. The monitor was in a box by itself. It was packed well and not damaged in any way. The tower, keyboard, mouse, and CDs that came with the computer were in the other large box. That box was also well packed, so the tower, keyboard, and mouse were well protected. The third small box contained the speakers.
SET UP
The Dell Dimension 4400 is very easy to set up. A large poster illustrating how to connect everything comes with the computer. Even without the poster, it is easy to set up and connect everything. The cables are color coded with the spaces on the back of the computer where they plug in. So if you have a cable with a purple end on it, you plug it into the purple space on the back of the computer. People who have never hooked up a computer before should have no trouble with the Dell Dimension 4400. I had it up and running in just a few minutes. It actually took me longer to unhook my old computer, untangle the cords, and move it out of the way.
When I turned on my Dell Dimension 4400 for the first time, it loaded up very quickly. It took me few a few things to get the computer set up, like registering my copy of Windows XP, that just took a few minutes and were very easy to do. I didn't have to register the computer itself. There is a service tag number for the computer, so if I have to contact technical support at Dell about something, they can identify the computer by the tag number.
The first time Windows XP loaded, it recognized my printer, a Lexmark z22. A window popped up saying that Windows as detected a new device - I can't remember exactly what it said now, but it was something like that. I was able to click on a button, and Windows XP installed the driver from my printer. I never had to put in the CD that contains my printer driver. I was taken though the set up procedure for my printer and it was ready to print in a few minutes. The first time I tried to print it didn't do anything. I had to go in Control Panel to Printers and other Hardware to change the default printer from the internal fax to my Lexmark z22. That just took me a few minutes to do, and I haven't had any other problems with the printer. I have printed several documents since then with no trouble.
I haven't had any trouble using Windows XP. It is a little different from Windows 98, what was on my old computer, but I have gotten use to Windows XP. It has taken me a few minutes to find some things in Windows XP, like how to get to the Control Panel, but I have always figured it out without too much trouble.
Before I got my Dell Dimension 4400, I heard from someone I work with that many of his programs wouldn't work on his computer after he upgraded to Windows XP. So I was a little worried about that. When I started installing programs, only one of them wouldn't work on my new computer. All my other programs installed for me with no trouble. Installing programs is quick and easy on the Dell Dimension 4400. I can have a program up and running in just a few minutes. The game that I had trouble with on my old computer works just fine on this one.
I love my new Dell Dimension 4400. It is the best computer I have ever had, or even used. It has been very dependable and reliable since I've had it. I haven't had any trouble at all with it. I'm thrilled to have a computer that will do what I want it to without giving me all kids of errors and illegal operations. I had to put up with that so much on my old computer that I got to the point where I expected the errors and lock ups. Now I don't have that problem anymore.
A Dell computer can be expensive, but, if you do as I did, and watch their site for a while for specials, you can get a good price for what you want. You can go with one of their standard models, or customize to get the computer you want. A person could go overboard and end up with a very expensive computer because of all the options, but if you are careful, you can get the system you want at a price you can afford. Just know what your price range is, and stick to it. You may need to compromise on a few options. Or you may be able to get a bit more than you originally thought if there is a special going on. Dell seems to offer different sales and specials at different times. If there isn't any kind of sale when you first check the site, just be patient and keep checking back.
I would definitely recommend a Dell Dimension 4400 computer and I wouldn't hesitate to get another one. I am very pleased with this computer and don't regret getting it at all.
Www.dell.com
www.dell.com/tv
support.dell.com
1-888-799-3355 - You can order a computer from this number, talk to someone about the status of your order and a few other things.
1-800-915-3355 - This number was on one of the pages I printed out when I was customizing my computer. I'm not sure if it is for customer support or ordering or both.
1-800-317-3355 - Fax number
Dell Computer Corporation
One Dell Way
Round Rock, Texas 78682
Computer Related Reviews
Dell XPS 210 Computer ~ Lexar JumpDrive Secure II 256 MB USB 2.0 Flash Drive ~ Lexmark X5150 Printer ~ Lexmark z22 Printer ~
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 1200
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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