I need a New Computer Update: My terrible mail order computer experience

3.25.03 | mlmr

[mlmr]

About a month ago I posted a request for infomation since I was planning to buy a substantial PC. I subsequently bought a Dell. About 2000 worth of computer. Thursday Dell is picking up both the computers they sent out... it has been a terrible experience. The returns man was abusive. He didn't have to be. He had the ability to give me the return but I had to fight for it. The customer service was the same, I had to argue for parts and service. I don't ever want to use them again. Any other computer recommendations for the kind of machine I am looking for??

I am looking for a 3.06 GH 1 GB RAM 120GB hard drive with Office XP and Windows WP a good graphics card , sound blaster, speakers etc.

[Iowa Granny]

Welcome to the REAL world. I had to wait 6 wks for a replacement after my new 3 wk old computer melted down.

Every time I saw that commercial about the Customer Service Dept. working 24/7 I had to resist the urge to throw a shoe at the TV.

I'm still angry, and intend to notify the Iowa Attnry General and the Better Business Bureau.

[mlmr]

Well maybe it wasnt all me.

[mlmr]

I had a Dimension 4550.

[mlmr]

Thanks

[mlmr]

Was it Dell that you were dealing with? Or is this just mail order computers generally?

[AgentEcho]

Which video card and monitor did you order?

[mlmr]

I didnt order a monitor, I am using my good old envision. The card I ordered was a 64Mb CE force4MX graphics care with TV out

[browardchad]

OK, I understand now. My advice to the technically challenged (and I'm not being sarcastic) is not to order mail order computers. I've learned that the best way to deal with tech support is to identify the problem before you call them, so you can be one step ahead of them when they ask you to turn the machine on and off, whether it's plugged in, etc. If you know what the problem is, you can head them off at the pass, and get things done quickly.

On the other hand, you have to be careful where you buy locally. I bought some expensive peripherals at Computer City, and within a month, they moved out of the area. Fortunately, I never needed to return them.

If possible, try to hook up with a computer-savvy person (maybe at work?) who can help you diagnose problems. If that's not possible, do as much reading as you can, and try to understand the basic elements in a computer, so you can recognize problems yourself.

Unfortunately, today's tech support is usually a warm body on the other end of the phone who is using a manual (not his/her brain) to diagnose problems.

[mlmr]

I don't take it as sarcasm. I am a big user but inside the box scares me. I wanted to buy as big and bad as I could get so I could do some interesting things and not have to think about up grade for a few years. I am now going to look locally for a good provider. I want a company that is not going to go out of business soon. I wonder how staples' stock is doing??

That last customor service rep just took it all out of me. I have never been treated as poorly on the phone. It was amazing...for the byword is customer service in most industries.

[mlmr]

What is a Costco?

[mlmr]

Bump

[mlmr]

Does that really work???

[mlmr]

Actually your opinion sounds like it makes sense.

[mlmr]

Does the Atheon compare to the Pentium 4 3.06?

[KneelBeforeZod]

my friend works at intel... he says some of the chips are 'dumbed down'

I don't think you'd need anything more than a 2mhz unless you are doing engineering or something.

costco is a warehouse store

[xm177e2]

I've had a good experience buying things from Dell, and bad experiences when dealing with their customer service.

[mlmr]

Why would chip makers dumb a chip down?


I will eventually be running a streaming live internat audio show for my website. I need processing space to take callers and stream the show.

Costco must be like BJs or Sams.

[mlmr]

BTTT

[boris]

Don't buy Dell. Try Falcon Northwest or Alienware.

[mlmr]

How is the customer service?