Re: OT - Better yet, build your own...
- From: "Technobarbarian" <d_murry-ztopzpam@xxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Fri, 30 Sep 2005 11:23:46 -0700
"ElAlumbrado" <elNOSPAMalumbrado@xxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:29fa2$433d6423$943f9512$11139@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> <Lou@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message news:433D3F74.A24C9A90@xxxxxxxxxxxx
>> "Carl A." wrote:
>>
>>> http://biz.yahoo.com/bizwk/050930/b3954102.html?.v=1
>>
>> A tip learned in another group.
>>
>> Buy computer stuff from Dell as a "business" i.e. "Bubba Associates"
>> If you are shipping to an apartment call it a "suite"
>>
>> Dell business customers get better support.
>>
>> Or buy at Costco or Sams Club, bith of which have 6 month warranties.
>
> I have a better tip: instead of a name-brand like Dell, buy your computer
> from a local computer shop. They will construct a system to your order,
> using generic off-the-shelf parts instead of expensive custom-made bits
> and pieces. This means when something breaks (as something always does),
> or you want to upgrade your system, you can buy cheap parts almost
> anywhere instead of having to buy the "custom" parts from the manufacturer
> at inflated prices (many of these "custom" parts are "custom" only in the
> sense that the generic components have been re-packaged in unusual ways to
> force you to buy them from the manufacturer; they have few if any
> advantages over the generic parts you can buy at your local Fry's, Best
> Buy, or Wal-Mart). You can also go back to the local shop and scream at
> the manager if you're not getting the support you think you deserve.
>
> An even better tip: buy the parts you need from your local store and
> assemble your system yourself (it's really pretty easy, and anybody that
> can turn a phillips screwdriver can build a computer in about an hour).
> That way you'll know exactly how it's put together and will probably be
> able to diagnose and fix your own problems without having to scream at
> anyone but yourself.
There are several problems with what you're saying. #1 There are no
"custom made bits and pieces" in current Dell computers and there hasn't
been for quite awhile. Their machines are just a collection of the pieces
that you suggest that people buy. #2 There is considerable cost savings to
be realized by buying a machine already assembled. The biggest savings to be
realized is actually in the cost of the software. About the only way you can
beat Dell or whoever's price by going this route is if you already own most
of the parts and software from previous machines. A big stumbling block will
be getting a current and legitimate version of Windoz for a reasonalbe
price. #3 Assembling the pieces is so simple and basic that it will confer
no knowledge of the inner workings of the computer. Your solution doesn't
solve anything, It's just a way to spend more and end up with even less.
This is why this idea went out of vogue.
The last time I dealt with Dell support I swore I'd never buy another
Dell. All I wanted was the damn invoice and I never did get it despite hours
on the phone and online. When the time came I couldn't even come close to
beating their price. I did buy the next one as a business. Fortunately I've
never needed support for this machine.
The big problem with Dell or any other computer "manufacturer" is
getting them to take care of their own problems. For home buyers the Indians
you end up dealing with can and will send you in circles unless you have a
very simple and basic problem and sometimes not even then. I don't need any
hand holding. What I want is the same thing I want with any other appliance.
When something goes wrong while the thing is under warranty I want them to
take care of it. In the computer business the main function of the support
department seems to be to strenuously avoid doing just that. I've seen a
large and supposedly reputable printer manufacturer absolutely refuse to
repair a machine that was still under warranty. And I've seen several people
who went the local shop route you suggest end up with absolutely no support
as well.
My need for support is very limited and that is all I want to buy. If
something is defective while the thing is under warranty I want them to
replace it and I would settle for just having them mail me the part. In the
computer business today you often can't even get that very basic level of
support, regardless of what you paid or what "support" plan you bought--and
regardless of who you bought it from. The only possible exception I've seen
is if you buy very expensive insurance from a large company with local
onsite repair facilities.
TB
.
- References:
- OT - For the Dell lovers amongst us
- From: Carl A.
- Re: OT - Better yet, build your own...
- From: ElAlumbrado
- OT - For the Dell lovers amongst us
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