Hi, i was planning to buy this DELL : http://configure.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?c=ca&CS=CADHS1&l=en&OC=OCDIM2400C_FEAT_CHB24W4 I am on a budget here, i was just wondering if the parts of the computer are worth the money or not? And is there anything i should upgrade in this computer to make it perform even better ( i don't want to update like a sound card and stuff like that.. i wan't to know if i upgrade the other stuff will it make it faster and stuff... ) i hope you understand what i am saying.. i am new at this stuff.. thankx

There are no free lunches. If price point is the most important consideration, then buy the Dell. Keep in mind that computers are like any other consumer product. There is a point at which you can realise the best value for the dollar. If you are a casual computer user and need the complete package, including OSystem, then Dell or Gateway make some sense. To folks like myself, who are more than casual users, and don't need the OS and software bundles, we can build faster, more reliable machines for the same cost or less. The biggest problem I find with Dell, Gateway, Compaq, Etc. is that they are less suited to be upgraded, for a variety of reasons.

Let's face it, no small builder can compete with $568 delivered. However where they can compete AND exceed is in the service area. Dell support is based in India and nearly impossible to deal with. It is truly a nightmare for the "non power" end user like yourself. IBM is currently the only major OEM that has American based support. They plan to start outsourcing within a in a year however. If you can swing it, I suggest you buy local. NOT from a Best Buy or Circuit City, but a local system builder from your area. Jimi_l

Hey, are you saying that service calls that go to india are bad, i mean dell is helping a 3rd world country.. try to think of the pros .. instead of critizing them of there accent!! p.s. and it helps us out.. dell saves money on customer service.. which saves us money!

Yes, I am saying it's bad. It is a nightmare on both ends of the phone. Neither party can understand or communicate effectively with each other. Dell India reps are also very limited to what they can say or authorize from a service standpoint. There are no "pros" to the situation you mention, nor did I criticize anyone's accent. It is a lose lose situation for everyone involved, except for the worlds highest paid CEO...Michael Dell. Jimi_l