Dell or HP for a new desktop computer? 1

[danimanick]

I can't decide between the Dell Dimension 8300 & the HP a250n. For about the same specs, the HP comes in about $400 cheaper.

My friend at HP says HP is better than Dell & my contact at Dell says Dell is the best around. I've bought from Dell & am happy with the product, but it took forever to ship & have not needed support to date. I've only bought printers from HP over the years, no PC experience. I need to buy 2 pc's & the savings is hard to ignore.

Does anybody have any advice? Your help is greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

 

[baltman]

You'll probably be happy with either. Personally, I'd save the $ now and use it to rationalize upgrading quicker.

Brian

 

[Kofy]

I just checked out the rebates and upgrades if you buy online at dell.. that is a sweet system...but you can build one too for less probably.. if you are so inclined.. but if not.. I'd go Dell first.. not real happy with HP's they get a little weird at times and hard to track the problems down.. great laser printers though..

 

[John Lewis]

For what it's worth . . .

HP laser printers have been rock solid for as long as I can remember. Ink jets have had problems, most widespread being driver problems. The lasers have started a downward turn in the last couple years as HP tries to make a price point, but they are still built better than most and are by far the easiest to service.

HP computers are another story. HP PCs have always been a low end POS. A new HP PC will probably provide joy when new and does offer a price point. Longer term, they tend to be more trouble. Components are often HP spec, air movement is not handled well and the power bus is not well designed. When it breaks, throw it away. If you were dealing with a high end server, the story would be different, HP does OK there but still doesn't offer a good value.

The merger of Compaq into the HP mix has not really helped, they had simlilar problems on the low end, with the added frustration of proprietary hardware and bios that further complicates repairs/reconfiguration. Again, the server products are not a problem, in fact I generally prefer their servers. Not sure how the problems are being merged at the present time, haven't dealt with the low end there since the merger, but it can't be good.

On the Dell side, I think you will generally get a good value. No problems with venting/power/proprietary hardware. Cases have gone downhill in recent years, but not to the point that I would rule them out. Recent lead times have not been too bad. Exception would be if you ask for a component that has and extended lead time, but they will usually point out if that is the problem. Service could be better, but I don't think you will get better out of the others in that market.

$400 is a good difference, but it has to come from somewhere.

It was mentioned that you could build the same machine for less, don't think you could buy components for what the Dell will cost you. Retail OS alone can be a killer. You would end up with a better machine that way, certainly a better cabinet, but you won't get a cheaper machine.

Short version, If you need a laser printer, call HP (inkjets call Epson, dot matrix call Okidata, for what it's worth). If you are looking for a $15K+ server, consider HP. Right now, you need to call Dell.

 

[danimanick]

Thanks for all your responses - they truly were helpful. I went to check out the HP's & discovered the difference. The HP's had no dual monitor support - they wanted an extra $250 to add it. Plus, the HP's were refurbished. Now, apples for apples, it's equivalent to the Dell in price, or close enough and I'm willing to pay a little extra for quality & service. (I couldn't believe how lousy the service was at this major chain, not to mention the sales people's lack of knowledge - considering they're not supposed to be on commission).

I guess I'll be calling my Dell rep this week!

Nick