Get the PC you want (Dell)

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Product:	Dell
Date:	25/05/02 (38 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Choose the extras you want, Cheap Prices, Easy Payment Plan

Disadvantages: NONE

Having encountered a number of problems with our previous PC, which we purchased from a Home Shopping Catalogue, we decided that it was time to upgrade. On looking around a number of sites, we decided that for what we wanted it would be cheaper to buy a new PC rather than spending out getting the old one up to spec. This is where Dell came in.

We decided to look at the Website and see what was available, and settled on a Dimension 2200, as the product fitted both our needs and our budget. The basic system starts at around £585.00 (including VAT and Delivery) with a printer, scanner or digital camera, although when we ordered we were able to chose a system without any of the above as standard, which was what we wanted as we already have a printer and scanner.

One of the advantages with Dell is that once you have decided on the basic model you would like, you can upgrade parts of the machine to meet you specific requirements. For example, you may want a DVD-Rom rather than a CD-Rom, or a Zip Drive, more Hard Disc space, Speakers to go with the onboard sound, Windows XP pro, or more software. We had already decided that we wanted a faster processor, as an increase in RAM had not improved the problems we had encountered with the old computer, a DVD rom so that we could use the PC Friendly software on the DVD?s that we already had, and a CR-writer so that we could save programmes that we have downloaded without having to download them again.

The ordering process is simple, you decide on the basic system you want, and are then presented with the details of the system with a cost and details of the repayments if you decide to take a ?Dell Personal Loan?. Any parts of the system that can be upgraded have a drop down box with details of the upgrades available and the additional cost, once an upgrade has been chosen the page reloads with an updated total cost, and monthly payment plan. Once you have finished getting the system you want, you s
imply add to basket, then click to see basket, click on buy and are taken to the payment details page, where you can choose to pay by Credit or Debit card or apply for a Dell Personal Loan. There is also a number to call if you wish to pay another way, e.g. Cheque through the post.

We opted for a Personal Loan and completed the form, which was simple and took less than 30 minutes, and then waited. We didn?t have to wait long. We received an email informing us that the Order had been received and that we would hear within a few days regarding the loan. The loan agreement arrived in the post within 3 days, and we sent it back. We were then able to track the order online and were pleased to see that the computer was in transit, we were able to see who the carrier was and that the contact details were correct, it also informed us that we would receive a telephone call to inform us when delivery would be. This came on the Friday, having placed the order on the Saturday, and if it hadn?t been for the bank holiday would have been delivered on the Monday. As it was it came on the Tuesday, we were given a time of between 9am and 11.30am so no hanging about all day, and it arrived soon after 11.00am. All items present and correct and colour coded so it was easy as pie to set up, even if you weren?t sure what you were doing.

Once everything was plugged in, I switched on and within a minute was finalising the settings I wanted and registering the system with Dell and Microsoft.

The computer starts up quickly, and has automatic settings for up to 5 people, great Mum, Dad and Three Kids, but once logged on you can add more. Each setting can be individualised with a different desktop and you can prevent people from installing programmes by only giving them limited access.

We haven?t had the computer crash on us once, even when multi-tasking, and the sound are excellent. The DVD plays properly, but we haven?t managed to get a CD-RW yet t
o try, although the software included looks ok. The only problems that we have encountered were due to software conflicts from the old Pc which was on Windows 98SE to the new one which is Window XP Home Edition, but we have been able to overcome this with the nifty Programme Compatibility Wizard, but that is another op.

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