Dh and I are thinking of buying a new computer. Just curious what people think is the best? Dh would like to have a dell? But just wondered if they are really worth the extra money? Also don't they have codes are coupons you can get? TIA

By Ginny~moderator on Tuesday, March 23, 2004 - 08:34 am:

I bought a Dell a couple of months ago, based on what I have read here and in other places from Dell customers. They certainly have the best rating for satisfaction with customer service. I am very pleased with my computer. I also very much liked the multiple options offered when you buy from Dell's web site.

There are coupon codes, but I don't know where they are - do check the Momsview home page for starters. Others may know of some. I did get a $50 coupon reduction and free shipping.

By Kaye on Tuesday, March 23, 2004 - 08:36 am:

We are in teh market also. We are buying for the kids and want the cheapest one available. So far we have found Dell to be that one. So I am suprised that you felt like they were higher. Our main computer is a dell and we love it.

By Texannie on Tuesday, March 23, 2004 - 08:37 am:

I have always used Gateway computers. I LOVE their customer service! Even on a 4 year old computer, they will stay on the phone trying to help you fix a problem! I like how you can custom design the computer to fit your needs.

By Sunny on Tuesday, March 23, 2004 - 08:53 am:

I heard that Dell's customer service satisfaction rating has gone down. It was just a few weeks ago that I heard this. If I'm not mistaken, you can't just take a Dell computer to the store if you have any problems, but instead need to call their customer support line. Anyone else know more about it?

I have had a Compaq for 2 years without any problems, but I know they don't have the best ratings, either. I believe HP and Compaq are one and the same now, so keep that in mind if you look at any of them.

By Kittycat_26 on Tuesday, March 23, 2004 - 09:36 am:

We just bought a computer from Dell and their customer service was frightening. They were short with their answers and just down right rude. When I complained about it, I was offered a $50 coupon for my trouble. It was to be delivered to my e-mail address within 24 hours. After waiting for two days, I called to see what had happened since they had promised it would be taken care of. I was told by the lady that I talked to that it had been denied. After just about blowing a gasket over this, they did give me the coupon but I would never rate Dell high on the customer service end of things. Their products are great but they need some real lessons in manners.

By Ilovetom on Tuesday, March 23, 2004 - 09:36 am:

I have a Dell, but my old one was a Gateway.

Comparing the two: Gateway.

By Ladypeacek on Tuesday, March 23, 2004 - 09:55 am:

Well we also just bought a computer. We don't use it for much more than games and internet so we wanted something that was cheap but worked good, since we aren't computer people, we needed something that wouldn't require regular maintenance. We ended up getting and emachine and we have had it a year now. We love it!! After a 400 dollar rebate we paid only 400 for it, with the printer and everything.

By Kolbysmom on Tuesday, March 23, 2004 - 09:59 am:

I just ordered a Dell on Sunday and you guys are starting to make me worry!

By Rayanne on Tuesday, March 23, 2004 - 10:13 am:

My husband bought me an EMachine. I love it!!! I haven't had it long since it was a Christmas gift, but it hasn't given me any problems. (Knock on Wd)

By Karen~moderator on Tuesday, March 23, 2004 - 10:25 am:

We own 3 Dells, and I have no complaints about the computers or the customer service. My problems were with Windows ME, and a *my bad* moment when I downloaded an *updated* cable modem driver.

We've had GAteways at the office and we hate them.

I also got my mom an HP computer which, so far, is really good.

By Palmbchprincess on Tuesday, March 23, 2004 - 10:53 am:

I've got a Dell, and love it. I pretty much custom ordered it, so I payed WAY more than I had expected, but I'm really happy with it.

By Dawnk777 on Tuesday, March 23, 2004 - 11:52 am:

A computer with all the latest and greatest gadgets on it built by my husband! LOL! Oh, that doesn't help you out, does it. Hubby was quick to rebuild his and the kids' because they had the oldest and chumpiest computers in the house. Well, now my computer is the slowest one in the house!

My Dell is almost 3 years old and other than having to replace a hard drive early on, has given us no trouble. We had the 3 year in-house servicing, so a guy brought the hard drive to us. He put the hard drive in and then stayed here while DH installed the operating system.

By Kernkate on Tuesday, March 23, 2004 - 03:14 pm:

We just bought an emachine and so far I have had good luck. Don't know what the customer service is like, haven't had to use it yet.

By Mcrosby57 on Tuesday, March 23, 2004 - 03:42 pm:

We have both Dells and Macs in our house (four computers in all). Three of our machines are laptops and one is a desktop. My son's Dell needed repair and was under warranty. We called Dell and they make a house call at our convenience, to fix the laptop. How can customer service be any better than that? We have never had any problems with any of the Macs. They are more expensive but are not prone to any viruses that we have found on our son's computer. In fact, we have never gotten any viruses on any of our Macs. One of our Macs is 8 years old and going strong. Our oldest PC gave up at 5 years. All in all, I think Macs are easiest to use. I have three PCs and two Macs in my classroom as well as those we have at home. I'm am fairly comptuer literate on both and still find Macs to be the user friendliest, most reliable, least prone to viruses, but the most expensive. So, weigh convenience with cost. We have found dealing with viruses on my son's computer to be somewhat costly, too.

JMHO,
Mary

By Mommyathome on Tuesday, March 23, 2004 - 10:26 pm:

We are on our secon eMachines computer. Have no complaints!!
My SIL just got a dell and they've had quite a few problems with it.
I can share something else with you that I'd rather not post here, but you can e-mail me at hessey@sisna.com