Buying through Dell.co.uk

[haych83]

I'm considering replacing my PC and someone has suggested getting one through Dell's website.

I was wondering what other people's experiences were buying a Dell PC - did it meet your expectations? Were there things you were expecting to come with the PC but didn't? Are there things you wish you'd known beforehand? Etc etc

Any help will be very much appreciated!

[Richard1966]

I've bought two pc's via Dell. In both cases I have had no problems at all.

Everything i ordered arrived, I was given an estimated delivery and this was firmed up after a few days with an earlier date, I was given a 3 hour time slot for deliver and on both occasions delivery happened on schedule.

Now windows vista on the other-hand......but thats not dells fault

[Eve]

We got some work printers from them and have loads of problems and it's really not been easy to get it sorted with them.

[ACtheTROLL]

lol .... this is one of those questions .... you'll get lots of conflicting answers and alternative ... and the problem is - most of them will be right.

I've never had problems with dell - their business machines are good solid kit - theit home stuff is good looking (in my opinion) good quality ... but not necessarily the fastest.

don't forget dell now sell through retail outlets .... save yourself the delivery charge

[pug100]

Got a couple of pcs through Dell some time ago, found the website was really easy to use and had no hangups or problems, but it helps if you know what you want before ordering . Both have proved really reliable and had no problems so far. Delivery was spot on as per Richards experience. Would def use again.

[haych83]

Thanks for the responses so far guys :)

Richard1966, I am wary of getting Vista instead of XP but I've been told that's the only option with Dell's home PCs.

However, some of their business models do come with XP instead - what's the difference between the business and home models?

With regards to retailers selling Dell PCs, do they allow the same customization Dell offer? Also, do I need a modem to get onto the internet?

[vehelpfulguy]

Note that the PCs Dell sell through outlets such as Tesco, PC World are MORE expensive than the ones bought online.

Dell sometimes do have hefty delivery charges (�60), but I saw one PC the other day that was only �20 so maybe they have reduced the delivery charge.

The ones on the Dell web such are totally customizable, the ones in Tesco etc are NOT, they are pre-built systems.

I have bought 5 Dell PCs over the last few years (for me and relatives) and they have all been fine. Dell were very efficient and delivery was exactly when they said it would be.

They are the biggest PC seller in the world (they may have slipped to second recently) and you dont get to be like that if you are not good at your business.

[beso]

I have bought Dell online. Everything was very straightforward and the product was great quality and excellent value. The computer turned up a week before they had promised.

Dell is one of the world leading computer manufacturers. They have a full recycling program which is something to be admired. For example when you buy a new printer cartridge from Dell you get a fully paid return for the empty one.

I believe they will still ship XP loaded computers even though you are technically buying the inferior Vista OS.

[Prescott]

I concur with all the good messages above. I have bought two laptops from Dell in recent years one in UK and one in France.
In both cases the service has been excellent and the delivery charges minimal. My latest purchase from them included Vista but they happily changed it to XP when asked.

[haych83]

Prescott, did you request the change from Vista to XP via email or telephone?

Thanks for all the responses guys, they are all very helpful :)

[stevenm1]

Hope I am not too late but my family and I over the past few years have purchased 2p.c's and 3 laptops direct from Dell and have had no problems and we are now looking to upgrade our p.c. through Dell. I would strongly recomend Dell to anyone.