Well I am actually on this computer right now writing my review so of course this computer gets two thumbs up. I can download anything at anytime without any issues. I also have a cd and dvd burner that goes super fast when I download my music or movies all legal I must add. This computer never lets me down I can do so many different things, and always have great connection to the internet, and my connection also goes fast, Overalll it is a very nice computer yes it is a desktop, but it is not huge to me it is the perfect size for me and also my children can use it, and I do not have to worry about it breaking easily. It is a great computer, and I love it never had any issues with it I have had it for two years now, and it still looks new. I get compliments all the time. So I would recommend this to anyone in the market looking for a computer. It was also very affordable when I first got it two years ago so it might be even more cheaper now good deal.

tynesha

Norfolk, VA

By far one of the fastest, smoothest running desktops I have ever used in my life. The first setup was so easy and simple, then once it was set up I never wanted to shut it down. I have to be honest, the outer desktop design was originally what made me want to purchase it the most, but It's so much more than a slick looking desktop. It has never crashed on me, unlike MANY other computers, it has a great shortcut to many different device slots in the front, and a decent weight to it incase you need to be moving it around your home, it's not a huge heavy block like other desktops are. I think the E521 is definitely one of Dell's best models for a desktop. After having the Dell Vostro laptop, then looking for a desktop, I knew I wasn't going to look at another brand. I stuck with Dell and it payed off. If you want a computer with absolutely no software and speed issues, this is definitely it. I'm actually using it right now to type this review!

OneTreeHill

Beverly Hills, CA

The Dell Dimension E521 is a nice budget friendly desktop system. The processor is fairly decent and it has only lagged me a few times. The processor is an Intel Core 2 Duo (E6320) that is rated at 1.86ghz. The clockspeed is a bit low and I wish one can turn it up and overclock it. But, well, nothing that can be done about that as far as I know. The ram is two gigabytes of DDR2 memory, which is fine and fitting for a budget system such as the Dell Dimension E521 system. For those wanting more, you can upgrade your memory to go above the stock two gbs of ram. The harddrive is large enough, though not huge. The harddrive space is 320gb. Remember that the OS and other software that is bundled with your system will take your available space down some (it will not be 320gb). I mostly watch dvds on this rig so it's nice that I did not have to go out and buy a dvd player. The gpu seems fine to me. It's a lowly ATI mobile gpu but it does movie playback without any real hiccups. Nothing too fancy about this E521 but if you want a basic system, this is a good start.

smithbarney87

Los Angeles, CA

I have owned this computer for five years and have not had any serious problems with it.The one problem i had was the disc drive quit working for awhile.I had a friend who works with computers come over and he fixed the problem quickly.The problem was in the door it had jammed.The computer has been pretty reliable.I have had it cleaned and cheked by the same friend two times after that the computer has run just as fast as it did when it was new.I guess for a computer that is that old it is pretty good compaired to other computers i have owned in the past.when i need a new computer again. I will buy another dell.The support they have was very helpful when i had a problem with it.I did not have to wait very long to talk to there support staff.I was able ti fix all the problems i with there suggestions on hoe to fix the problems.I would definitly recommend this computer to anyone looking for a reliable desktop computer.

troodon

Andover, MN

I bought my Dell computer in the year of 2002. I had never had a computer and did not know a thing about it. I called Dell and after some questions about what I would be using it for etc they made up my computer.It is so funny now I could not remember what the "ICON" was called and called it an "ACORN". Everyone got a big laugh out of that.I have only had one problem with it and that was because i deleted the hard drive. Dell was always quick to replace anything.Then about four years ago we bought our granddaughtr a laptop from Dell I  just love mine and use it about everyday. The girls download music on it and for Christmas we got a new digital camera now we can put our pictures on it.Hardly do we ever install programs . It came with about all we needed.I especially love to e mail my friends and family and share pictures of our new great grand son.It is mind boggeling to think how far technology has gone.I believe Dell has a good product and would definitely purchase another if necessary,

nycgirl7

Crooksville, OH

My family uses this computer in the family/living room. So far we have found it to be fantastic with zero issues. The processor I believe is a dual core Core 2 Duo E6320 5000+. I have been told that it's not the fastest out there bu i'm not sure how fast I need it to be as it has been quite good to me and my family so far. Perhaps my opinion would change if we did some strenuous tasks but at the moment we only use it for the basic things, with some child games thrown in (Leapfrog for my little daughter). Memory only has 2 gigs of the older DDR2 but it is enough for our needs. The harddrive space is 320gb big, which is mediocre. This Dell Dimension also features a dvd rom that can read at 48X. The graphics card on this thing is pretty poor but that's what you would expect out of a prebuilt desktop. For those looking for a desktop that will handle typical activities, then this Diell Dimensions E521 is most likely a great fit. I would buy this again if I had to do it all over.

leonstennio

Los Angeles, CA

Me and my family purchased a dell computer In 2007,And it is a amazing Piece of work. We use it for Personal,Work and other stuff.Even Though we had to get it repaired a Few times (5 times total;Viruses),It still has the same ability as when we got it.The features are great,, I mean the Ram,Memory, Multiple USB ports and the  design is Sharp. The Built-In features are amazing;its ability to Support Multiple programs at once is Mind boggling. The ability to surf the web at high speeds,Check email,Listen to music, share photos with friends and family,and just do everyday computer tasks is one of a kind. Many of my friends that have other brands of computers somewhat are jealous of Mine.:). Even though It was expensive and Took 2 Weeks To be delivered,It was worth the wait.The accessories that came with it were sweet, a webcam, speakers,a mouse and a Keyboard.Now,i'm not saying That it does not have a few bugs,But heck,What computer does not. these bugs Do not go against the Great performance of this computer.To end i Just wanna say thank you Dell For Making Such a Great computer . And Thanks To my parents who Bought This Computer For a very Good Price.  

naj25

Tampa, FL

While this desktop is obviously not the highest rated nor best-performance producing desktop, it fulfills basic computer requirements. It runs on Windows Vista, and you can store a lot of music as well as picture files in the computer. It is quite large and requires a good amount of space in your office to store it, so keep that in mind. It isn't an All-in-One PC. However, it runs smoothly and is oftentimes fast. Startup time is quick, and it connects to the internet through the wifi network fairly quickly. The worst thing about it is rather obvious- that you can't take it with you wherever you go. The monitor is easier on your eyes than a laptop's monitor usually is, so make sure to keep that in mind when you are trying to decide between desktop computers and laptops. The speakers are great, and the buffer has proven to be a useful addition to the set. There is a dvd/cd drive which is also rewritable, so that's a plus.

rocksoul

Brooklyn, NY

I received my Dell for my Birthday and am very pleased with it.I have high speed internet and it performs very fast on this Dell.The picture quality is magnificent...better than any computer I have had so far.This computer thinks for itself...it is always working on something in the background.I bought the 19" screen model and it is beautiful.Plus,on the Dell website you can "build" your own Dell computer (you can choose what features you want it to have,etc.) I think this computer will last for many years as I have had no problems with it yet.

tangelt

San Marcos, TX