Dell Online Review

Not only have I consistently replaced my family's old computers with Dells (3 desktops, 1 laptop), but 8 others have accepted my recommendations and apparently are equally happy with their experience with Dell. 

Reasons I recommend Dell for those buying for personal use:

Express service for home users.   Not a geek?  During the first month or so, service is incredibly responsive so you can be successful.  I  was impressed with the gentle manner of the support person who was not adverse to use terms any novice could easily understand.  I keep hearing from the others who were equally pleased to receive the same level of support.  Dell support services even fixed my geek-friend's booboo.  Either we all are consistency getting only the best or the majority of their call center is literate, knowledgeable and kind.

Consistent quality & reliability:   Based on my experience, Dell computers are great workhorses and generally are problem-free. Dell has been great at replacing the occasional bad part quickly and with a minimum of fuss.  As a rule of thumb, the useful life expectancy of a computer is only 3-5 years.  Technology is moving so fast that even though the older computers still work, they are only marginally compatible with the incessantly-increasing demands of the web and latest software. 

Caveats:       Geeks and addicted gamers, skip this part please, you need the biggest/fastest system you can get <grin>.   This is for the rest of us.  

 Although I've liked the sales staff I've dealt with, they are sales people paid for by Dell.  Please be sure you know what you want (and what you don't want).   Don't know RAM from CPU?  Find a knowledgeable friend that can explain in terms you can understand why you do/do not want to pay for a certain upgrade. Sit and go through the site and make all the choices before ordering.  Don't upgrade over your budget without a clear understanding why it is necessary and thinking about it overnight.  Remember: just because you can, doesn't mean you should.  The more you understand your own needs, the better 'fit' your computer will be for you regardless of the brand. 

As far as on-time delivery, overall, Dell appears to have delivered on/before their date with one exception.   A couple of years ago, the college ordered several thousand computers in one massive order, with a very short, very firm delivery date.  Quite a few other colleges evidently did the same.   It apparently overwhelmed Dell's manufacturing process and they had a rough time delivering that many of the same model at the same time.    Understandable but it would have been frustrating if I had ordered one for my home at the same time. 

Final thoughts:   Don't forget to buy good antivirus program, keep it up to date and renewed.  Once your new computer is up and running, take that geek friend who helped you figure out what to buy out for a great lunch to celebrate!