The problem with Dell...

[Priam]

I continued my enquiry about Dell. Some parts are proprietary. The PSU and
the mobo, for instance. Or maybe the memory is notched in such a way that
you have to use their own. The parts clerk only told me "Some parts are
proprietary, some aren't. It depends." I inquired about the price
of an Inspiron 530 350W power supply.

The price is nowhere to be found on the site, even at:

dell.ca/parts

You have to call. You then learn that the (most probably) Chinese made 350W
PSU costs $211.05.

I was dumbfounded. Your power supply gives up after warranty, you're done,
you might as well buy a new computer.

It's a deal akin to that on cheap printers: they almost give you the printer
and make their money with ink. Here they sell you a cheap computer for next
to nothing, and make their money on parts.

As if that wasn't enough, whereas I can get a new PSU in 15 minutes, this
one "Usually Ships 1-2 weeks".

<http://accessories.dell.com/sna/category.aspx?c=ca&l=en&s=gen&k=FU909>

Definite end to dreams about Dell.

 

[Michael C]

If you pick a Dell that is a full sized mATX or ATX
midtower, you can get one that uses a standard mobo and PSU.
The mobo may still have a Dell unique bios but could later
be replaced by a standard motherboard bought elsewhere
instead of from Dell, although then the operating system
would require reactiviation and depending on what MS CSR you
talk to and what you tell them, they would possibly deny
activation when the motherboard is changed.

Are you sure this is not a myth. I've reinstalled my copy of OEM XP at least
10 times (more if you count installing it on Virtual PC) and have not had
the slightest hint that they even consider not activating it.

Michael

 

[Michael C]

As if that wasn't enough, whereas I can get a new PSU in 15 minutes, this
one "Usually Ships 1-2 weeks".

<http://accessories.dell.com/sna/category.aspx?c=ca&l=en&s=gen&k=FU909>

Definite end to dreams about Dell.

This is why second had name brand PCs are worth so little.

Michael

 

[DevilsPGD]

In message <[email protected]> "Michael C"

Are you sure this is not a myth. I've reinstalled my copy of OEM XP at least
10 times (more if you count installing it on Virtual PC) and have not had
the slightest hint that they even consider not activating it.

You're talking end-user OEM, as opposed to BIOS locked VAR type OEM
(Dell, etc), right?

Entirely different balls of wax from Microsoft's side, although in both
cases if you talk the good talk, your activation will usually go through
anyway.

I've had an activation refused in a couple cases, although requesting a
supervisor always resolved the problem.

 

[Priam]

If you pick a Dell that is a full sized mATX or ATX
midtower, you can get one that uses a standard mobo and PSU.

Yeah, well, yes, of course. It's only that this Inspiron 530 is a rather
unpopular model and has a vhuwtqdATX mobo. (That's for very high ultrawide
though quite deep ATX). All other Dell models are totally compatible, no
doubt. You look, you find.

Err... Having fun at a party or Dell damage control?

 

[Priam]

This is why second had name brand PCs are worth so little.

Shit, you pay anything for a second hand, you're toast!

What's a pity is that kind of dishonest "deals" kills honest business.