Question:
Dell Quality?
I am considering the new 9400 with a Duo. How are the quality on the Dells, as I have heard many negetive things about inspirons. Is it true they are that bad?
Answer:
Re: Dell Quality?
They aren't exactly bad, but they aren't the best quality of Dell or in comparison to other manufacturers. The latitudes have a much better built quality to them.
Good example: I didn't even have my laptop for 3 weeks, and a key had broken off. Within 8 months of my purchase, a screw broke in half on the LCD/hinge, and cause the bezel to crack and the lid to fall back easily. About 7 months after replacing the keyboard the first time, another key fell off, and i had to replace the keyboard again.
Most of my problems were minor, but a pain to deal with considering how much I spent on my laptop. There is also the factor that I'm an extreme laptop user -- meaning I take my 9300 everyday to school/work and use it about 12 hours a day or more.
Answer:
Re: Dell Quality?
I like the quality of the Dell. I actually haven't had any problems except for an ac adapter going bad, and Dell shipped a new one, arriving in three days. I don't transport my i9300 as much as SG though. A great desktop replacement the i9300 and i9400 are.
Answer:
Re: Dell Quality?
Should I build a barebone with a core duo?
Answer:
Re: Dell Quality?
I don't think building a barebone is necessarily cheaper, atleast not in the end after all the parts have been purchased. O.o;
Not knocking anybodies construction skills. But I don't see how putting a barebone together yourself is going to get better quality (Quality seems to be a major concern of yours.) x.X;
Further more I'm note sure of any barebone core duos being out yet, shot of the Asus Z62S on rawpowerpc.com. Which is in very limited supply -.-;
Maybe you should go back to square one and fill out the "What Should I Buy FAQ?" and post in the hardware section. o.O;
On another note, in my opinion Dell's build quality aint the best and it aint the worst. I've only had my Dell since December and I don't think thats enough time to really draw a good conclusion on its quality. But I dare say I like it better than I did my Toshiba and it is a superior laptop in everyway. I only miss Toshiba's power management software. =D
Answer:
Re: Dell Quality?
My thoughts on Dell quality....
I think 4-5 years ago, Dell's quality was excellent, then I believe they got significantly worse the past 2-3 years. However, I think the quality has picked up this past year. So, overall, I would have to put them in the average quality category.
My experiences:
Dell 5150: absolute crap, poor design
Dell 8600: better, but flimsy
Dell 9300: seems a bit sturdier and slightly better quality than the previous ones I owned