Dell computers

[jon1968]

Hi all, buying a 'bottom end' (c.400 GBP) computer so I can do a bit of work at home and Dell seems to offer the best deal, my only concern is the 'collect and return' 90 day warranty. Does this mean they can keep my computer for 3 months to fix it if it breaks down and I have to send it back - or is it only guaranteed for 90 days (which I find hard to believe)!?

What's their 'phone support like am I likely to end up in an automated queue?

I'd order one from them now but not sure whether to pay a little bit extra and have the reassurance that I can take it back to the local PC world and bang my fist on the counter if anything should go wrong.

Any experiences anyone?

Many thanks.

[fo3nix]

how experienced are you with computers? have you had many in the past?

If you know what you're doing with computers (I suspect you don't totally), then go for it. You won't need the longer support things they offer. Otherwise, you might want to get the on-site warranty perhaps?

[rjj1972]

It means the machine is covered for 90 days. Collect and return means you have to ship the machine to Dell (normally no charge to you) and they then ship it back. Unlike fo3nix I would suggest upgrading to the 3 year support for peace of mind.

Their helpdesk is quite good and although slightly automated it is normally only a couple of steps before you speak to a real person

[vehelpfulguy]

I bought a Dell about 1 year ago and had no problems with it.

If you are going to buy Dell hunt around for the best special offer. They are a bit like MFI and always seem to have some sort of deal or sale.

Look in the various magazines and papers as they advertise a lot, and the prices are not always the same in each newspaper.

Seach the web for Dell offers. I found a code on the web that I typed in that gave me 10% off.

Coupled with a deal for Free Delivery, and another deal as they were 10 years old, gave me quite a lot off.

Here is one example site with Dell special offers:

http://www.cooloffers.co.uk/sites.php?site=16

Search on the web under "Dell offers" or "Dell codes" (some may be US only of course)

[vehelpfulguy]

Their money off codes are called E-value codes.

You can search the web to find more about them.

Also worth subscribing to their weekly e-mail. All sorts of offers there.

Go to their web site, then chose Home then Purchse Assistance. See E-mail updates.

http://www1.euro.dell.com/content/default.aspx?c=uk&l=en&s=gen

[tellboy]

No problems at with Dell and I have had 5 of them. The collect and return used once was very good and fast.

Dell support is very good but of course you need a working computer to communicate with them so perhaps a catch 22 situation. Do not buy a PC made by another company also 4 letters but begins with M. I had 4 months of non stop trouble with them.

[fo3nix]

rjj1972: that is what I was suggesting. I was only suggesting going for the less-support option if jon was well versed in all things computer.

[redmug100]

Is it a refurbished computer because 90 days is very short for a new comp.

You maybe able to bang you fist PC WORLD but dont expect the person in front of you to know more than how to opperate the till and sell you extended warrenties!

[jon1968]

Thanks very much everyone. Your help is much appreciated.

Jon