omg I'm actually considering a DELL!!!

[g0gie]

So yeah,

the 15'' powerbooks have been a HUGE dissapointment and now im actually considering a dell lattitude d610. You can get one with some REALLY nice specs for 1500 without any coupons (even cheaper wtih discounts ect). What do you guys think? Will the intel pb's come out by feb? should i wait? Technically i can wait, but it is a inconvienence to not have a laptop to take with me places. I guess im looking for some reassurance on waiting for the next pb's. CONVINCE ME!

[Anawrahta]

does your mom think you're cool? cause thats all that counts really

[janey]

why should i convince you?

get what fits your needs. if you need a laptop NOW, get one NOW. If you need a PowerBook for some reason - software, most likely - get a PowerBook.

Just think about how you'll feel a few months from now, and have fun shopping.

[Lacero]

why should i convince you?
Because you'll get brownie points... duh!

I'm considering getting a dual-core Pentium D Sony VAIO to use with Sony Vegas 6. It's pretty cheap coming in at around $1100. Haven't made the purchase yet, since I have an abhorrence to all things Microsoft software-related.


Here's to the Crazy Ones http://forums.macrumors.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=35452 (http://www.uriah.com/apple-qt/movies/think-different.mov)

[Deepdale]

I guess im looking for some reassurance on waiting for the next pb's. CONVINCE ME!

Nobody knows if the next wave of PB's will be saddled with additional problems unique to them. When it is time for a computer purchase, you have to go on the basis of prior experience, faith in the company and then you need some luck.

Even when a product line is free of a persistent defect, there will still always be some poor souls who get stuck with the occasional lemons that make it through production. It is terribly disappointing to find yourself in that position, but there is no insulation from problems. In 1995 I was not pleased while watching an Apple technician disassemble my Performa 575 all over my desk once the audio stopped working after two weeks.

Reassurance is something we all love to have, but the likelihood of design flaws and other miscellaneous problems on future releases is not that high. If the problems with the lines on the PB's has left you with serious doubt, you might want to wait until the new ones are out and get a solid feel from the feedback posted here before buying.

[Dagless]

why would anyone consider a Dell PC? don't americans build their own computers? it just seems like every american has a Dell thats all :) or an Apple of course.

[Metatron]

Well, if you can't wait, I would point you towards the 630m. We just bought a few for work and our guys lov'em.

But wait if you can for the new PBs. I am sure they are worth the wait.

And compared to what other people think, I feel very confident that the rev A's of the new PB will be perfect in design.

1) Apple swithing processors again...can't afford to piss us and developers off...

2) The whole damn board is going to be made by intel with the exception of the GPU. Same chips they put on all there PC boards (meaning they are tried and true with millions of MS users), just a different layout. So I see no hardware issues except on apples part getting the drivers for OS X.

cheers...

[mad jew]

I'm looking at getting a Dell. I want another desktop PC to replace my old one and I've never done Dell so I figure I may as well give them a try.

Of course, I still have my iMac and iBook as the main computers.

[FFTT]

Gee maybe with the help of OSX86project.org you'd have a MacDell :o

[generik]

So yeah,

the 15'' powerbooks have been a HUGE dissapointment and now im actually considering a dell lattitude d610. You can get one with some REALLY nice specs for 1500 without any coupons (even cheaper wtih discounts ect). What do you guys think? Will the intel pb's come out by feb? should i wait? Technically i can wait, but it is a inconvienence to not have a laptop to take with me places. I guess im looking for some reassurance on waiting for the next pb's. CONVINCE ME!

The PBs are decent actually, just pump it up with upgrades.

Why not a Thinkpad? Dells are really shitte.

[kretzy]

Dells may be cheap, but don't forget, they look it too (ugh, all that nasty plastic)!

[MacRumorUser]

Its quite simple.

If your buying a mac for looks alone then you are a fool. The only reason to buy a mac is for a) the operating system b) the specific mac software c) the synergy / compatability for proffesional work (design work matching a printers color and format etc..)

I need to work on mac to guarantee all my design work integrates without any fiddling with both press (newspapers) and printers who all use macs. It allows me not to worry about making sure the color reproduction is 100% accurate or that the person recieving my work at the other end will be able to open and work away on my files, as they all use macs.

If you don't rely on any of those MAC facets, and if the software you use is available more-over on PC, then thats the reason to buy DELL or any other windows hardware.

If the Dell offers you everything you need and you have no need for any mac benefits; then the desicion should be simple. Your need or lack of; for mac hardware probably wont change in three months regardless of what apple do. :rolleyes:

[generik]

Its quite simple.

If your buying a mac for looks alone then you are a fool. The only reason to buy a mac is for a) the operating system b) the specific mac software c) the synergy / compatability for proffesional work (design work matching a printers color and format etc..)


If that's the case maybe you should present a business case to Steve, the Dell-line of products.

Basically this line will be a play on Dell's piss poor quality by making this line in particular having the same quality that Dells are known for. Being cheap and shitte in quality.

And trust me on this, while some will probably buy them, for the most part it will probably never ever happen!

[edesignuk]

We have hundreds of D610's at work.










DON'T DO IT.

[doucy2]

dont get the newese PB then
get like a Ti book 1ghz those are classsics that look great and wont let you done
or go with a new ibook and pimp it out (those are solid)
i cant belive im sating this go with sony at least
anything but dell

[Chaszmyr]

Its quite simple.

If your buying a mac for looks alone then you are a fool.

There are a lot of people out there that we may or may not agree with, but they think Windows XP is at least as good as OSX. All other things being equal, I'd say it's better to buy a Mac for the looks than to buy a PC.

[stevep]

or go with a new ibook .......... (those are solid)
No they're not. Just the voice of personal experience talking. I've treated mine like a baby for a year, and so have 2 colleagues at work. All 3 have (or have had repaired) screen hinge and bezel problems, due to the material not being up to the job. Maybe they don't dent like an aluminium case, but thats no consolation when the bloody things break.

[MacRumorUser]

If that's the case maybe you should present a business case to Steve, the Dell-line of products.

Basically this line will be a play on Dell's piss poor quality by making this line in particular having the same quality that Dells are known for. Being cheap and shitte in quality.

And trust me on this, while some will probably buy them, for the most part it will probably never ever happen!

Ok i'm being thick I guess, but I dont quite follow you?

I prefer Mac, but the gOgie does'nt seem to care or have any specific reason to use a mac and that's my point.

He's not happy and feel's dissapointment with the hardware, in which case if he's happier to go over to pc hardware - in this case DELL and feels no need to stick with Apple and its associated benefits, then he may as well do so.

I'm not saying DELL are great quality, they are not (you basically get your monies worth) and you wont find much nicer looks laptops than apple's but that's not a reason alone to part the cash for a mac over anything else.

My cousin recently bought a 6100 laptop for college and whilst it's white thick plasticness offends every pore of design sensibilitys I own, for her it looked ok and as it's only word and excell she is ever going to use I couldn't justify her spending twice the amount of money for a 15" powerbook with similar spec.

if for gOgie 'bang for buck' is a large priorty than OSX, design ethos etc.. Then the Dell would be a good choice I guess. Though I wouldn't change my powerbook for anything other than another powerbook :D

[gnasher729]

...and now im actually considering a dell lattitude d610. You can get one with some REALLY nice specs for 1500 without any coupons (even cheaper wtih discounts ect). What do you guys think?

Since you are buying it for yourself: Go ahead, buy it. It's not my money you are wasting.

[MacRumorUser]

Since you are buying it for yourself: Go ahead, buy it. It's not my money you are wasting.

Exactly !!! gOgie already feels like he's wasted his money on a PB and if going over to Dell or anything else will make him happy, then go ahead... It's himself he has to please, somthing he certainly is not at the moment. :rolleyes:

[Les Kern]

It's just a tool, so whatever fits your needs. But a Dell? See if the proper mental treatment is covered by your HMO.

[savar]

So yeah,

the 15'' powerbooks have been a HUGE dissapointment and now im actually considering a dell lattitude d610. You can get one with some REALLY nice specs for 1500 without any coupons (even cheaper wtih discounts ect). What do you guys think? Will the intel pb's come out by feb? should i wait? Technically i can wait, but it is a inconvienence to not have a laptop to take with me places. I guess im looking for some reassurance on waiting for the next pb's. CONVINCE ME!

oh my god! heavens no! the sky is falling! :confused:

seriously, whats the big deal? buy what you think makes sense...you shouldnt feel bad for what you own, even though the weirdos here might want you to think otherwise.

[FF_productions]

Be prepared for spyware, viruses, and all the crap windows xp has to offer!!

But seriously, I've had a pc for about 3-4 years now, and I just can't stand windows xp anymore. I'm sick of maintaining my computer so often, such as defragging, virus scanning, spyware scanning, all that optimization crap. In your situation, I'd get a PowerBook despite the poor upgrades, just because it runs OSX. I've been happy with this iMac G5 for a while now, not just because of it's good looks, but its efficiency.:D

[TodVader]

Before my iBook G4, I had a dell laptop. You probably have a defective unit cause for me, its all but deception!

[eva01]

yeah if i were to ever get a PC laptop it would be a Thinkpad

[Xephian]

If I were you, I would atleast get a iBook for only $999.

[adk]

The D610 is a solid machine. it even has bluetooth as an option. if you want one, don't listen to all of these guys.

[YS2003]

I have a company-issued Dell X200. Even though it is a decent notebook for works, if I am going to spend my money, I won't go for Dell. The aestheics and appearance of Dell computers are not to up to Apple, Sony, and Fujitsu standards.

It is a very shallow way to evaluate the PC but most people make a decision by looking at things during the initial 15 or 30 seconds (in my case, I put emphasis on both appearance and specs). The plastic look (Dell computers especially screams "PLASTIC" and "BLAND.") really cheapens the look of the notebook computer.

Notebook computers are used very close to the actual users (keyboard and screen are connected) and the look of the machine will make you aware constantly how ugly or good-lookng your machines are.

[FFTT]

I say go ahead and get the Dell.

It'll be great for his image.

You know, conformist, company man, goes with the flow,
never causes a stir, takes order well, nothing original or innovative,
inside the box, no muss, no fuss just an average worker bee.

[plinden]

I've just changed jobs and had to hand in my Thinkpad. My new employer has given me a Dell D810. It has similar specs to the D610 but is about 2lbs heavier.

Man, after only a week using the Dell, I miss my Thinkpad. The Dell is 15.4" widescreen, compared to 14" 4x3 ratio on the Thinkpad, is twice as thick and seems to weigh twice as much. Not to mention it's plastic. Also, it's too big for my favourite laptop backpack.

I also haven't been able to get it to work with my wireless network at home after a week trying - "zero config" my ass - even though the Thinkpad connected first time. It may have a 2.26 GHz P-M vs 1.6 GHz P-M, 2 GB RAM vs 1.5 GB RAM, 80 GB HD vs 60 GB HD, 15.4" widescreen vs 14" standard, but if I were paying for a Windows PC myself I would get a Thinkpad any day.

At least, if you get it, put Linux on it.

[iEdd]

Yet another consideration made off webserving theoretical specs vs price. Just get some knock-off brand pc laptop off ebay from china, think of the money you'll save :rolleyes:

GET THE BLOODY POWERBOOK, FOOL! I'm waiting til intel for mine.

[Megatron]

Be prepared for spyware, viruses, and all the crap windows xp has to offer!!


A little bit of a dramatization :)

There aren't that many things to do to keep XP running fine:

1) Make sure to run windows update and get the latest fixes from MS.
2) Use Firefox for browsing, not IE.
3) Use thunderbird for mail, instead of Outlook
4) Make sure you are using a router / firewall instead of simply connecting your computer straight to your cable/dsl modem.

Occasionally, if you want, run ad-aware and spybot, defrag etc. (minimized by using firefox)

The funny thing is that all of these steps have counterparts for a mac.
1) Download security updates from apple
2) use firefox, or safari, not ie
3) some people use mail, some use thunderbird
4) you should use a router/firewall whether you have a mac or pc

You don't have to run adaware/sypbot for mac, but I do read a lot of threads about "repairing permissions" etc. So there is maintenance to perform with a mac.

Now, saying all that, I've recently switched and am not looking back. So get whatever makes sense financially and does what you need. :)

[Veritas&Equitas]

Be prepared for spyware, viruses, and all the crap windows xp has to offer!!

But seriously, I've had a pc for about 3-4 years now, and I just can't stand windows xp anymore. I'm sick of maintaining my computer so often, such as defragging, virus scanning, spyware scanning, all that optimization crap.

What a load of crap. I've been a PC user for years, and don't have nearly the problems you are talking about. The only people that have these types of problems are ones that simply click "Accept" on every pop-up, and have no general idea of what they are doing. Personally, I rarely, if ever get spyware. I maybe run Ad-Aware/Spybot/etc once every couple of months, and even then only find maybe a couple of pieces of spyware, usually harmless. First off, I've never had to defrag my PC once, or had to get hardcore with "all that optimization crap."
The bottom line is PC's, especially Dell notebooks (compared to Powerbooks) are a much better value for performance. If you want your machine to "look pretty," that's one thing, but you guys really can't offer up that for the price Powerbooks are better. I have had numerous PC's, and multiple laptops; trust me, I love my Powerbook. But with the documented problems with the current line, in addition to the price/performance difference between them and the new Dells, I think you'd be crazy not to pay less than 50% of the price for a new Powerbook on a Dell for a better machine, that is, until the new MacTel powerbooks come out. He's talking about buying a laptop RIGHT NOW, and given the current situation, I think it's a no-brainer.

[tristan]

What do we care? Buy a Dell. Save the Powerbooks for those of us who appreciate them. You're not going to change my mind - I owned two dells and now have a Powerbook and would never go back. And I'm not going to bother changing your mind. You'll probably change your own mind after dealing with a Dell for a while. Or you'll decide its good enough for you, and that's fine too.

[tristan]

Plinden - I had the same experience, old client used Thinkpads and new client used Dells. No comparison. My personal feeling is that if someone puts a dell on your desk or in your notebook bag, its a signal that they don't really care about your work environment. Let's see, I'm helping you manage a multi-million dollar IT project, and you give me the absolute cheapest computer you can buy. Yeah, that makes a lot of sense.

[FFTT]

Yup chalk up another one to lowest bidder mentality

[emmawu]

Just call the Dell support line and when you hear, "Hello, I'm from Bombay, no Mr. Simpson you may not take items from the KwiK E Mart for free, excuse me sir while I put you on hold"...45 minutes later someone else may answer but you dare not hang up and dial back because then there will be another 3 hour wait. Customer service is just awful. And Apu in one of my favorite Simpson characters; I just don't like it when he moonlights for Dell.
Truly, awful customer service which has made grown men weep. And let's not forget that lovely blue screen of death.

But, hey, go ahead, buy a Dell, it's a free country. :D

[PCMacUser]

What a load of crap. I've been a PC user for years, and don't have nearly the problems you are talking about. The only people that have these types of problems are ones that simply click "Accept" on every pop-up, and have no general idea of what they are doing. Personally, I rarely, if ever get spyware. I maybe run Ad-Aware/Spybot/etc once every couple of months, and even then only find maybe a couple of pieces of spyware, usually harmless. First off, I've never had to defrag my PC once, or had to get hardcore with "all that optimization crap."
You're right, it's usually only the people who don't know when to say "NO" that will get into trouble with viruses and spyware. This principle can be applied to other areas of life, can't it? ;)

As for maintenance, I've found that my iBook requires more maintenance than my PC did. I've had to reboot my laptop twice today because of malfunctions (colour calibration not working, and DVD drive not responding), and have had to repair permissions on my hard drive three or four times in the last few weeks. I still love it though haha. But it does kinda destroy those arguments that I started to believe before I bought a Mac about 'low maintenance', etc.

[Chundles]

You're right, it's usually only the people who don't know when to say "NO" that will get into trouble with viruses and spyware. This principle can be applied to other areas of life, can't it? ;)

As for maintenance, I've found that my iBook requires more maintenance than my PC did. I've had to reboot my laptop twice today because of malfunctions (colour calibration not working, and DVD drive not responding), and have had to repair permissions on my hard drive three or four times in the last few weeks. I still love it though haha. But it does kinda destroy those arguments that I started to believe before I bought a Mac about 'low maintenance', etc.

I've just broken through 24 days of uptime on my iBook, it feels just as fast as when I last rebooted it. Can't believe how stable these things are, everytime I go back to my parents' house my father is downloading virus updates, MS updates, spyware/adware updates, he has to restart about a million times to get them all to apply. He has to use Windows cause his remote software for work is Windows-only (yes yes Virtual PC etc, for $500 it's not an option) but I'm always amazed at what he has to put up with. Reminds me of my days on my college network, every week we'd be booted off until we could download the new definitions and get rid of whatever worm was doing the rounds that week.

[manzanaloca]

What a load of crap. I've been a PC user for years, and don't have nearly the problems you are talking about. The only people that have these types of problems are ones that simply click "Accept" on every pop-up, and have no general idea of what they are doing. Personally, I rarely, if ever get spyware. I maybe run Ad-Aware/Spybot/etc once every couple of months, and even then only find maybe a couple of pieces of spyware, usually harmless. First off, I've never had to defrag my PC once, or had to get hardcore with "all that optimization crap."
The bottom line is PC's, especially Dell notebooks (compared to Powerbooks) are a much better value for performance. If you want your machine to "look pretty," that's one thing, but you guys really can't offer up that for the price Powerbooks are better. I have had numerous PC's, and multiple laptops; trust me, I love my Powerbook. But with the documented problems with the current line, in addition to the price/performance difference between them and the new Dells, I think you'd be crazy not to pay less than 50% of the price for a new Powerbook on a Dell for a better machine, that is, until the new MacTel powerbooks come out. He's talking about buying a laptop RIGHT NOW, and given the current situation, I think it's a no-brainer.


Yeah, unless you are going to frequent warez and pr0n sites, you will be ok. I have two Windows computers at home and I've never had a problem with viruses or spyware. I do a scan maybe every few months as well, so it's not like I'm staying up all night maintaining them.

Here's the deal, yeah, a Dell laptop isn't going to be as pretty as what Apple can offer. But as a desktop technician working for a corporation that has hundreds of Dell laptops and work stations, they aren't as horrible as people make them seem. Sure you are going to come across a lemon or a bad experience, but it's no reason to dismiss them entirely. I can't say I've had a bad experience with their tech support because at work we have the upgraded platinum service, which I hear is better than the standard service.

The Dell 700m is a good laptop that has received many good reviews. It's extremely portable and you can probably get a good deal on it now with the discounts Dell is offering.

Dell 700m (http://reviews.cnet.com/Dell_Inspiron_700m/4505-3121_7-30975241.html)

[generik]

Just call the Dell support line and when you hear, "Hello, I'm from Bombay, no Mr. Simpson you may not take items from the KwiK E Mart for free, excuse me sir while I put you on hold"...45 minutes later someone else may answer but you dare not hang up and dial back because then there will be another 3 hour wait. Customer service is just awful. And Apu in one of my favorite Simpson characters; I just don't like it when he moonlights for Dell.
Truly, awful customer service which has made grown men weep. And let's not forget that lovely blue screen of death.

But, hey, go ahead, buy a Dell, it's a free country. :D

Contrary if there is anything to be said about Dell it is there GOOD customer support, have you actually done as you just described?

The reality is they will probably get a box sent down asap and have your machine looked at.

Contrast this with my experience contacting Apple where I spent 30 minutes trying to get an indian to escalade my call, but having to jump through all his hoops (System preferences... Color Calibration... MY SCREEN HAS ****ING LINES DAMNED IT), then speaking to a specialist who says something along the lines of ("I have the same identical laptop as you right now, truly beautiful display... very bright and clear.. I work with it the whole day and don't notice anything", and when I finally got him to notice the lines "Well it is due to the matrix on the LCD panel, if you try it on another LCD you will notice the same thing... it is perfectly fine.... within specifications").. who then transferred me to "Customer relations" (aka Steve RDF acolytes) who keep going "The screen is fine.. it is perfectly ok".. who finally transferred me back to the webstore "Sorry, Apple's policy on returns is we do not accept returns on opened items that are not defective".

Oh for ****'s sake.. if you call that good service I will be very keen to see what bad service is. It is the same shitte service except they polished it, except you can't polish a turd.

Oh, and I should add that the Dell probably is half the price of the Apple.. low involvement purchase! I wouldn't mind getting lines on the Dell you know, definitely not on the Apple!

Trouble with fanboys comparing Apple with Dell is this, due to the ridiculous pricing on the Apple (you even have to shell out $56 to CALL Apple's helpdesk before they even listen to you after 90 days) and Steve's money grab, if you have specific needs that can be met by the Dell, go for it.

Btw, I never see Windows BSOD.

[JasonElise1983]

first let me point out that the person who started this thread has never come back, and second, his signature says that he has a Powerbook HD... so why does he need our help?

[Peter Griffin]

first let me point out that the person who started this thread has never come back, and second, his signature says that he has a Powerbook HD... so why does he need our help?

Funny thing is people who usually post with titles such as "OMFGHGFSDJDF I'm Getting a Dell" already know the difference between getting an Apple as opposed to Dell. No convincing is needed. If you've been around here long enough the general rule is buy whatever the heck you need and keep the boards clean.

[steve_hill4]

I'd consider a Dell in the future, but probably scrub the hard drive and install Linux. When you can get a Dell laptop for very little cash, it's worth taking the risk, even if it does develop problems and they refuse to look at it because you tampered with the hard drive and software. To be fair though, if it's a software problem, it's easily rectified, if it's hard drive related, chances are they wouldn't be able to tell what you had on there anyway.

[manzanaloca]

first let me point out that the person who started this thread has never come back, and second, his signature says that he has a Powerbook HD... so why does he need our help?

He has a Powerbook and is unhappy with it, if you read some of his other posts on different threads he has had hardware issues with it.

[Chrispy]

The Latitude D610 is a very solid computer (we use them at work and I may be getting one from them soon). I have a Latitude D400 something with me right now that is a good performing computer but it runs windows so I almost never use it. I understand your frustration with the powerbook 15" as they pretty much suck right now with the screen issue. If you are going to go PC and don't want to shell out for a Thinkpad (best PC notebook in my opinion) then get the Latitude. Just make sure you are ok with the upkeep required by windows and how fast windows slows down after being used for awhile. If I was going to use a windows computer it would be either a Thinkpad or a Latitude. You won't be disappointed by the build quality of the computer at all but you may be disappointed with the OS. Best of luck on whatever you decide.

[ezekielrage_99]

Dell..... Don't do it, you'll be wasting your money, Dell laptops are trash.

About 12 months ago a set up a portable lab of 20 Dell Inspiron 8600s in a small primary because that's what the school wanted, all jokes a they are complete garbage a present for Ocar the Grouch if you will. With in the first 2 months 18 had to be sent back to Dell for problems ranging from replacing the HDD, the DVD-ROM, to replacing the mainboard, so no minor problems. Plus Dell's customer support is crappy, it cost the school thousands to repair the laptops because Dell's stupid cheap cover nothing warranty covered nothing at all, their attitude from a call center somewhere in India was 'well you bought them it's now your problem not ours'.

I know some people would be saying that it probably the kids be rough with computers, if that was the case the previous Apple iBook lab would have had the same causualties but the school never had any major hardware failures with the Apples, they were replacing them because they were old.

I don't know if the Dell's were all damaged in transit or it was just a really crappy batch of Inspirons but from this experience and their warranty conditions I would never use Dell ever again.

[manzanaloca]

Dell..... Don't do it, you'll be wasting your money, Dell laptops are trash.

About 12 months ago a set up a portable lab of 20 Dell Inspiron 8600s in a small primary because that's what the school wanted, all jokes a they are complete garbage a present for Ocar the Grouch if you will. With in the first 2 months 18 had to be sent back to Dell for problems ranging from replacing the HDD, the DVD-ROM, to replacing the mainboard, so no minor problems. Plus Dell's customer support is crappy, it cost the school thousands to repair the laptops because Dell's stupid cheap cover nothing warranty covered nothing at all, their attitude from a call center somewhere in India was 'well you bought them it's now your problem not ours'.

I know some people would be saying that it probably the kids be rough with computers, if that was the case the previous Apple iBook lab would have had the same causualties but the school never had any major hardware failures with the Apples, they were replacing them because they were old.

I don't know if the Dell's were all damaged in transit or it was just a really crappy batch of Inspirons but from this experience and their warranty conditions I would never use Dell ever again.


Yes, Dell's bare bones support is crap. But most (I guess yours didn't) corporations or schools usually get the platinum level support. I at first was not informed that we had that so I had to deal with the Indian call centers and it was a nightmare. I finally got fed up and found out about our platinum support helpline. In the U.S. that means the call center is usually located in the States (in my case it's Round Rock, Texas.) I have had nothing but great experiences with this level of support. If I make a call in the morning they usually send out a tech by that same afternoon. If I make the call in the afternoon the tech will be there by the next morning. If it's something simple like a hard drive replacement I will get it shipped to me the next day.

[ezekielrage_99]

Yes, Dell's bare bones support is crap. But most (I guess yours didn't) corporations or schools usually get the platinum level support.

True about the platinum support but in Australia Dell has 'shifted' all of there buy/sell/help thing to India and the computers are built in S/E Asian, so there isn't really any great support to talk about. When Gateway computers was operating in Australia they did a similiar thing as well which utterly ruined Gateway, they seemed to have the attitude you buy now it your problem. That's probably why people stop buying I.T. equipment from certain companies, no decent aftersales support.

To Apple's credit I have never bought a product from them where all I wanted to do was throw it out of the window (still not too sure about the new PB though). The only major problem I have had with an Apple product was with my G2 iPod, the hard wired remote stopped working after a month, no problems there they replaced with a new one, no fuss, as they should.

[thegreathobo]

I would get something with an AMD...and Dell service has not impressed me lately. It's the same as Gateway's except they'll answer the phone sometimes.

[ddrueckhammer]

My last computer was a top of the line Dell Dimension XPS. It was a workhorse machine but I didn't get low end on board graphics or any such nonsense. Windows is defiantly more work to keep optimized but it can be done and yes Dell does have ridiculously bad customer service. I believe that it is a bad idea to have tech support sent out to countries where english is a second language and the concept of customer service is defined by how FAST a customer's problem is solved. (i.e. how fast they get off of the telephone...of course that's once you are taken off of your 45 minute hold) I have had computers in my life since I was five and am now in my mid-Twenties so I really didn't need that much technical support from Dell, but when I did need it, my experience was that their customer service is indeed very poor.

Mr. Jobs should consider offering to let Disney again have a chunk of Pixar's profits if Disney employees would take over customer service at all Apple call centers and stores. And before a Genius opens his mouth he should have to clear his statements with a Disney employee for politeness. (Is it just me or are Geniuses sometimes condescending? Maybe they should be called something that won't blow up their egos like "Fairly Well-Informed Apple Employee")

I'm not saying that Apple's customer service is bad, but there is always room for improvement and I know of no company better at customer service than Disney.

Finally, if I were going to get another Windows laptop and thats a big "IF". I would get an IBM because I have personally had good experiences with them and because they have a reputation of building rock solid machines. I would however, expect them to have the same level of customer service as Dell.

[MacRumorUser]

Just call the Dell support line and when you hear, "Hello, I'm from Bombay, no Mr. Simpson you may not take items from the KwiK E Mart for free, excuse me sir while I put you on hold"...45 minutes later someone else may answer but you dare not hang up and dial back because then there will be another 3 hour wait. Customer service is just awful. And Apu in one of my favorite Simpson characters; I just don't like it when he moonlights for Dell.
Truly, awful customer service which has made grown men weep. And let's not forget that lovely blue screen of death.

But, hey, go ahead, buy a Dell, it's a free country. :D

Obviously Apple in the states provides better support than Europe, as the main customer call center for Apple in Europe is also based in India.

[generik]

Obviously Apple in the states provides better support than Europe, as the main customer call center for Apple in Europe is also based in India.

Yeap, and the irony is we pay a lot more than the Americans.