Many times I read comments in forums essentially saying that Dell PCs are are not very good, but I have never really seen explanations as to why. If you think Dell PC's aren't that great, please give me solid details explaining why this is so.
Thank you.

Most people say this out of No real basis. Usally it's just the matter of liking a brand name.

Me? I don't like any Name Brand Computer. I build my own. This way I know what parts are going in and I have no generic componets.

Kinda like ford vs Chevy, argument. Thay all have there problem spots and positives.

Bottom line, Look at the components, and look at what you're going to be doing with your PC before you rush out and buy one.

Another point, Most of the time you get what you pay for. you buy a Whole complete PC for 500 bucks you can expect problems. That boils down to cheap components and a ton of junk programs installed on it that you'll never use.

So do your homework on the PC before you buy it and don't beafraid to ask about the pc, dont buy it because it has a cheap price tag.

They aren't...
I bought my first computer from Dell a little under a year ago (yes, I'm a complete newbie). I always used computers at work, so I knew os/software; but I never had my own until I bought the Dell, so I knew nothing about hardware. Since then I have learned alot, and I'm still not an expert. Since it was my first computer, and I really didn't know what I was doing, I don't think I could have made a better choice. If I want to upgrade or want a new computer, I'm going to build my own. The only complaint I have about Dell is all the crappy little programs they put on it before they ship it. I wiped my hard drive a few weeks after I got it, and it's been great ever since.
If you know enough to build your own, do it. But I don't think you know enough or you wouldn't be asking this question. Another option would be to visit your locally owned computer store and see what they can do for you and compare the components to what Dell has.
On another note, I know alot of people who have gateways, and none of them have anything nice to say about that company.

I own a dell and have had two problems:
1. customer service is horrible.
2. had problems the the oem o/s (have since purchased an upgrade version).

I have had no problems with the machine itself.

If you are going to purchase a store-bought pc, Dell is a good option if you can deal with: bad service, many delays on when it will be shipped (with "date unknown" when components will arrive)and sales people who will seemingly say anything to get a commission.

Dell's are good computers. As good or better than most prebuilts out there.

Just be aware that Dell tends to use proprietary pinouts on the ATX power connector to the motherboard. It looks like a normal ATX connector but can fry a non-Dell motherboard. If you intend on replacing the motherboard on your own then be prepared to replace the power supply as well.

Like with all things you have to educate yourself before you buy. Do some reading on the components and do your own conjecturing with some educated help.

The only people that bad mouth Dell are the ones that don't have a good experince. Same with Gateway, Compaq, HP, etc. You can purchase a Dell and never have a problem or have the biggest nightmare in the world. Everyone has lemons. It happens.

KTTD

if you have to get a name brand pc, then Dell's are considered the best. At my school, every pc is a dell...whether in the computer lab,an office, or in the library lobby

Other minuses for Dell's, low powered PS, limited upgrade ability and not very overclocker friendly (though my P200 Pro went to 233 no problem).

Like KTTD said, everyone has lemons. So barring the occasional lemon, I recommend Dell's over IBM/HP/Compaq to all the GENERIC users that ask me. I've fixed them all and prefer the Dells. I don't know how many people I have talked out of buying the biggest/badest when all they do is surf, email and office (thought those Barbie games are getting up there in the requirements ;) end of things).

For power users, gamers and experimenters I usually suggest hand builts. Better quality parts (NOT a 250 watt or lower PS) with the resultant higher price tag. Including a FULL install CD and NOT a Recovery CD (or a recovery partition in some instances) like so many OEMs are dumping on the public. Pay for your OS once I say.

Servers are of course, an other story.

Yeah, shipping was a huge problem for my friend. They sent my friend the wrong computer twice (it was a better computer, but still).

They use Some proprietary parts (like most major places) which is bad.

Other than that. They are the best Major Brand because they seem to build quality computers and their deals arent horrible.

I fix EVERYONES computer and ive dealt with all the major brands too many times. HP/Compaq is the most disgusting thing ive ever seen (and ive seen plenty). Gateway seems fine, a little Generic though. Their new cases are great. Tooless upgrades. The dell people have had no problem with their computers, just upgrades.

Suggesstion: Build your own computer if you have the know-how, if not, Dell IS a good choice.

I own two, a laptop (2001) & a desktop (1999).
Negatives first: Customer service has suffered greatly since 1999 & is documented in most consumer report-type mags & forums.
Dell has also decided, for some strange reason, to have India take over their phone support- I can't tell you how many times I've been put on hold for 10-20 min. only to be connected to a tech that I cannot understand- AT ALL. This has nothing to do with the hardware but it's something to consider.
Dell uses proprietery main parts(motherboard, power supply, sometimes case, power/reset button wiring)which prevent what should be an inexpensive upgrade- all while touting how "upgradable" their PC's are.
Power supplies could be larger.
They used to give full versions of MS software & applications- now I hear it's the "recovery" type CD's.

Positives: Good reputation. Also reported is the fact that Dell has fewer DOA type PC problems than others. They seem to be well built machines as I've never had a single hardware related issue in either PC since purchase.

If you're a new user who never plans to upgrade the previously mentioned parts, play it safe & buy Dell. Learn all you can, & build the next one.

T