Dude, did you get a Dell ?

[tp4tissue]

Tp4 never got a Dell..




What's it like to haz a Dell..

Please share ur Dell Experience.

[noisyturtle]

Never had a cow box.

Did have a HP and a Packard Bell though. The latter was a genuine POS.

[SpAmRaY]

I'm on my third  warranty replacement.

[tp4tissue]

Never had a cow box.

Did have a HP and a Packard Bell though. The latter was a genuine POS.

cow box ? u mean gateway ? dell didn't have cow box did they?

[noisyturtle]

Never had a cow box.

Did have a HP and a Packard Bell though. The latter was a genuine POS.

cow box ? u mean gateway ? dell didn't have cow box did they?

Oh yeah, that was Gateway. I always get them confused.

[LXXXIX]

I had a Vostro that was a beast. It was my favorite laptop I ever had. I also had 2 desktops from them with no complaints.

Overall I like them over the other companies. They don't bring fluff liks HPs and Compaq.

[inanis]

I bought a Dell a while back when you had the option to have it ship with Linux. I then harvested the CPU out of it and built another PC with it a few years later. That **** lasted forever and cost next to nothing.

[smknjoe]

I've worked on hundreds of them, in the past. They seem okay. Just like anything else really. The cases for the business class workstations and servers were always well designed; allowing for easy maintenance.

[Hak Foo]

I had a Venue 8 Pro for two weeks.  Wi-fi was unreliable, and one day it shut down permanently.  I bought an Asus Transformer Book for my Win8 tablet itch, used it for a year, decided touch wasn't all that and got a T420.

[exitfire401]

I've only ever had the XPS line from dell, and those seem to last forever (still have an old one from 2008 running Chromium for my grandparents). Had a few HP that fell apart completely within a year, and currently have a lenovo that has been a ***** to deal with getting a replacement for (Yoga 2 Pro that has a USB port that doesn't work and touchscreen that works when it wants to). Also had a Razer blade which was an amazing machine. Build quality was second to none and the hardware held up great. Only ever had to have the charger replaced in the 2.5 years I had it.

[FoxWolf1]

I had a Dell laptop in the early 2000s. It broke a lot. One time a bunch of smoke came out of the power cord, which it probably wasn't supposed to do.

[ThoughtArtist]

The slowest i7 computer I've ever used!

[gain]

Ah yes. 2004, Dell Insipron 5150. Wikipedia says it all.

"The laptop was infamous for a huge number of design failures, overheating, battery failures, connector loosening, motherboard failures."

[jonathanyu]

using a dell inspiration right now. i don't hate it, but i don't like it either

[rowdy]

We mostly use Dells at work.  Plastic boxes with shiny bits, cheap.  Nasty to average keyboards, some with abominable layouts.

Most of our servers are Dell, they work.  We've only had one HDD die, and one motherboard in a server got too flaky.

[tp4tissue]

I still remember when that 1ghz pentium 3 first came out,  and Dell had that Commercial for it..

I was so jelly of my friend who got a Dell with that cpu..

I think what was it, like some command and conquer was out and it ran really well.. maybe tiberian sun.. not sure.

[nmur]

our office all use dell, for everything

their monitors are pretty nice for work

their laptops are slow and run at like 90C

[tp4tissue]

our office all use dell, for everything

their monitors are pretty nice for work

their laptops are slow and run at like 90C

The smaller laptops run hot.. the big ones are cool no ?

[chyros]

We use Dell PCs of some variety at work. It's not great, but it's not horrible either, it's just a cheap computer.

Can't exactly do 3D imaging on them though .

[nephiel]

My workplace just bought some 15.6" Vostro laptops. They're pretty well built for their price point. The BIOS menus are very well thought out. Only 2 screws to open the maintenance cover: RAM, HDD, wireless card and CMOS battery are easily accessible, CPU fan not so much though. Matte screen. AC adapter is really small in size. Keyboard is a rather usable chiclet one with numpad, but it lacks a Pause key. Also missing is HDMI output.

Runs cool, but no dedicated graphics card means no demanding games/3D design stuff.

These came with Win8.1 preinstalled and too many partitions on the drive for my taste (one for UEFI, three for Windows, and three more for Dell recovery/diagnostics/factory image). I removed most of them on mine, but I'll write that within a "more" tag so as not to clutter this thread.

More

First thing I did on mine was run built-in diagnostics to check all was working out of the box. Then boot preinstalled Win8 to create recovery DVDs using the Dell utility (which thoughtfully puts drivers and software on a separate DVD). With these I no longer need the recovery and factory image partitions. Then boot a live Linux distro to backup the diagnostics partition (hidden 40MB primary FAT32 labeled DIAGS). Then repartitioned the whole drive. Disabled "secure" boot and enabled legacy boot options in BIOS, put Win8.1 on a single primary partition just in case, restored the DIAGS partition to another, and Debian (soon to be upgraded to Devuan because systemd sucks) root/swap/home on an extended partition.

[dgneo]

Our whole fleet at work is Dell, mainly because their ProSupport is really solid, and we get good bulk deals. The OptiPlex line has been really solid so far. We ended up upgrading a lot of PCs to SSDs, but I really can't complain about them.

[iLLucionist]

I've only ever had the XPS line from dell, and those seem to last forever (still have an old one from 2008 running Chromium for my grandparents). Had a few HP that fell apart completely within a year, and currently have a lenovo that has been a ***** to deal with getting a replacement for (Yoga 2 Pro that has a USB port that doesn't work and touchscreen that works when it wants to). Also had a Razer blade which was an amazing machine. Build quality was second to none and the hardware held up great. Only ever had to have the charger replaced in the 2.5 years I had it.

Sounds like it is hit or miss with Dell. I thought of getting the new XPS but dat issues with trackpad, screen, and coil whine.

[iLLucionist]

Dell is hate for me. Except for maybe the XPS. But I don't trust Dell. Dell raped me. Dell has been unfaithful to my trust. It has to deserve it again.

Also, this:

[ThoughtArtist]

Our whole fleet at work is Dell, mainly because their ProSupport is really solid, and we get good bulk deals. The OptiPlex line has been really solid so far. We ended up upgrading a lot of PCs to SSDs, but I really can't complain about them.

I think that would help the ones I use A LOT to have SSDs, some have i7s but they still feel so slow. My custom Q9550 feels faster.

[smknjoe]

The Precision Workstation Laptop is one that I'm looking at.

Xeon
16GB
supports 2 HDD/SSD
comes with thunderbolt to Ethernet
add a docking station

all for ~$2000

I already have 2 512 SSDs. So, that's close to $1000 less than the MacBook 15".

Edit: It's also smaller and lighter than the 15" MacBook and comes with Linux...which I'd switch to my own flavor.

[ThoughtArtist]

The Precision Workstation Laptop is one that I'm looking at.

Xeon
16GB
supports 2 HDD/SSD
comes with thunderbolt to Ethernet
add a docking station

all for ~$2000

I already have 2 512 SSDs. So, that's close to $1000 less than the MacBook 15".

Edit: It's also smaller and lighter than the 15" MacBook and comes with Linux...which I'd switch to my own flavor.

Thar's GOLD in dem MacBooks!!!

[romevi]

Wait, Dells are good now? I've been using them at offices for a couple of decades and they're...all right.

[smknjoe]

I've had good and bad experiences with all brands I've come across. They all use pretty similar hardware. So, it comes down to specs and price for me.

[thatsmrdoctortoyou]

Every hospital I've worked in at in the past several years have had dell workstations and laptops for healthcare workers. In my experience they are not the most reliable, although they do seem to have improved since 10 years ago when my family had one - that thing was a piece of s***.

[rowdy]

The Precision Workstation Laptop is one that I'm looking at.

Xeon
16GB
supports 2 HDD/SSD
comes with thunderbolt to Ethernet
add a docking station

all for ~$2000

I already have 2 512 SSDs. So, that's close to $1000 less than the MacBook 15".

Edit: It's also smaller and lighter than the 15" MacBook and comes with Linux...which I'd switch to my own flavor.

I priced up some desktop machines for me for work recently.  With equivalent specs, the Dell turned out noticeably more expensive.

So I got a Mac (well, ordered - it should arrive early next week).

[smknjoe]

OzBucks

[rowdy]

OzBucks

Yeah.

But everything is more expensive.

[ThoughtArtist]

The Precision Workstation Laptop is one that I'm looking at.

Xeon
16GB
supports 2 HDD/SSD
comes with thunderbolt to Ethernet
add a docking station

all for ~$2000

I already have 2 512 SSDs. So, that's close to $1000 less than the MacBook 15".

Edit: It's also smaller and lighter than the 15" MacBook and comes with Linux...which I'd switch to my own flavor.

I priced up some desktop machines for me for work recently.  With equivalent specs, the Dell turned out noticeably more expensive.

So I got a Mac (well, ordered - it should arrive early next week).

At least they are ahead of the curve in regard to UI scaling and high PPI screens (or so I've heard). I'll never buy one myself to find out, but that does sound like a main advantage they have.

[zombimuncha]

The Latitude and Optiplex machines at work are solid, reliable, indestructible.
Only problems I've ever heard of is 1) with my Optiplex where it only recognizes 12gb of my 16gb RAM sticks. But I only asked IT for upgrade from 4 to 8gb, so 12 is 4 more than I need anyway.
And 2) with my latitude, my fc660m fits perfectly on top but the laptop case can flex a little so sometimes the four feet don't sit flat on top, and it rocks a little while typing. I just give it a quick bend and its fine.

I never owned a consumer-grade dell, but reports from friends suggest they're very hit and miss. Some are great, some are terrible, and there's no way to find out which is which until the thing is obsolete  already.

[rowdy]

The Precision Workstation Laptop is one that I'm looking at.

Xeon
16GB
supports 2 HDD/SSD
comes with thunderbolt to Ethernet
add a docking station

all for ~$2000

I already have 2 512 SSDs. So, that's close to $1000 less than the MacBook 15".

Edit: It's also smaller and lighter than the 15" MacBook and comes with Linux...which I'd switch to my own flavor.

I priced up some desktop machines for me for work recently.  With equivalent specs, the Dell turned out noticeably more expensive.

So I got a Mac (well, ordered - it should arrive early next week).

At least they are ahead of the curve in regard to UI scaling and high PPI screens (or so I've heard). I'll never buy one myself to find out, but that does sound like a main advantage they have.

Apple?  Yes, definitely.  They produced the first retina displays (didn't they?) and OS X does tend to have good support for it.

[iLLucionist]

The Precision Workstation Laptop is one that I'm looking at.

Xeon
16GB
supports 2 HDD/SSD
comes with thunderbolt to Ethernet
add a docking station

all for ~$2000

I already have 2 512 SSDs. So, that's close to $1000 less than the MacBook 15".

Edit: It's also smaller and lighter than the 15" MacBook and comes with Linux...which I'd switch to my own flavor.

I priced up some desktop machines for me for work recently.  With equivalent specs, the Dell turned out noticeably more expensive.

So I got a Mac (well, ordered - it should arrive early next week).

So you bought a retina macbook pro?

[iLLucionist]

The Precision Workstation Laptop is one that I'm looking at.

Xeon
16GB
supports 2 HDD/SSD
comes with thunderbolt to Ethernet
add a docking station

all for ~$2000

I already have 2 512 SSDs. So, that's close to $1000 less than the MacBook 15".

Edit: It's also smaller and lighter than the 15" MacBook and comes with Linux...which I'd switch to my own flavor.

I priced up some desktop machines for me for work recently.  With equivalent specs, the Dell turned out noticeably more expensive.

So I got a Mac (well, ordered - it should arrive early next week).

At least they are ahead of the curve in regard to UI scaling and high PPI screens (or so I've heard). I'll never buy one myself to find out, but that does sound like a main advantage they have.

That's the advantage of controlling both hardware and software. Only issue in the early days was Adobe software and high PPI screens (of course.. adobe sucks nowadays).

[rowdy]

The Precision Workstation Laptop is one that I'm looking at.

Xeon
16GB
supports 2 HDD/SSD
comes with thunderbolt to Ethernet
add a docking station

all for ~$2000

I already have 2 512 SSDs. So, that's close to $1000 less than the MacBook 15".

Edit: It's also smaller and lighter than the 15" MacBook and comes with Linux...which I'd switch to my own flavor.

I priced up some desktop machines for me for work recently.  With equivalent specs, the Dell turned out noticeably more expensive.

So I got a Mac (well, ordered - it should arrive early next week).

So you bought a retina macbook pro?

No, a 27" 5K retina iMac

[iLLucionist]

The Precision Workstation Laptop is one that I'm looking at.

Xeon
16GB
supports 2 HDD/SSD
comes with thunderbolt to Ethernet
add a docking station

all for ~$2000

I already have 2 512 SSDs. So, that's close to $1000 less than the MacBook 15".

Edit: It's also smaller and lighter than the 15" MacBook and comes with Linux...which I'd switch to my own flavor.

I priced up some desktop machines for me for work recently.  With equivalent specs, the Dell turned out noticeably more expensive.

So I got a Mac (well, ordered - it should arrive early next week).

So you bought a retina macbook pro?

No, a 27" 5K retina iMac

Nice... nice... is one display enough for you? Or you hooking up an external one as well?

[smknjoe]

The Precision Workstation Laptop is one that I'm looking at.

Xeon
16GB
supports 2 HDD/SSD
comes with thunderbolt to Ethernet
add a docking station

all for ~$2000

I already have 2 512 SSDs. So, that's close to $1000 less than the MacBook 15".

Edit: It's also smaller and lighter than the 15" MacBook and comes with Linux...which I'd switch to my own flavor.

I priced up some desktop machines for me for work recently.  With equivalent specs, the Dell turned out noticeably more expensive.

So I got a Mac (well, ordered - it should arrive early next week).

So you bought a retina macbook pro?

No, a 27" 5K retina iMac

I need a laptop though. Like I said, for me it's all about the specs vs price. I don't care about brands. They're all pink on the inside.

[rowdy]

The Precision Workstation Laptop is one that I'm looking at.

Xeon
16GB
supports 2 HDD/SSD
comes with thunderbolt to Ethernet
add a docking station

all for ~$2000

I already have 2 512 SSDs. So, that's close to $1000 less than the MacBook 15".

Edit: It's also smaller and lighter than the 15" MacBook and comes with Linux...which I'd switch to my own flavor.

I priced up some desktop machines for me for work recently.  With equivalent specs, the Dell turned out noticeably more expensive.

So I got a Mac (well, ordered - it should arrive early next week).

So you bought a retina macbook pro?

No, a 27" 5K retina iMac

Nice... nice... is one display enough for you? Or you hooking up an external one as well?

I have 2 monitors on my old Dell now, and I plan on keeping the 24" as a second monitor on the iMac.

[iLLucionist]

The Precision Workstation Laptop is one that I'm looking at.

Xeon
16GB
supports 2 HDD/SSD
comes with thunderbolt to Ethernet
add a docking station

all for ~$2000

I already have 2 512 SSDs. So, that's close to $1000 less than the MacBook 15".

Edit: It's also smaller and lighter than the 15" MacBook and comes with Linux...which I'd switch to my own flavor.

I priced up some desktop machines for me for work recently.  With equivalent specs, the Dell turned out noticeably more expensive.

So I got a Mac (well, ordered - it should arrive early next week).

So you bought a retina macbook pro?

No, a 27" 5K retina iMac

Nice... nice... is one display enough for you? Or you hooking up an external one as well?

I have 2 monitors on my old Dell now, and I plan on keeping the 24" as a second monitor on the iMac.

I was thinking to get a 27" retina iMac as well... but with the 1 TB SSD, 32 GB ram, higher GPU it costs 4789 euro's!!! I do run a business though but it is still a freakin' lot of money.

[rowdy]

The Precision Workstation Laptop is one that I'm looking at.

Xeon
16GB
supports 2 HDD/SSD
comes with thunderbolt to Ethernet
add a docking station

all for ~$2000

I already have 2 512 SSDs. So, that's close to $1000 less than the MacBook 15".

Edit: It's also smaller and lighter than the 15" MacBook and comes with Linux...which I'd switch to my own flavor.

I priced up some desktop machines for me for work recently.  With equivalent specs, the Dell turned out noticeably more expensive.

So I got a Mac (well, ordered - it should arrive early next week).

So you bought a retina macbook pro?

No, a 27" 5K retina iMac

Nice... nice... is one display enough for you? Or you hooking up an external one as well?

I have 2 monitors on my old Dell now, and I plan on keeping the 24" as a second monitor on the iMac.

I was thinking to get a 27" retina iMac as well... but with the 1 TB SSD, 32 GB ram, higher GPU it costs 4789 euro's!!! I do run a business though but it is still a freakin' lot of money.

Mine will have fastest CPU, 16GB RAM, 2TB Fusion drive, and lower GPU.  And 3 years Apple warranty, just in case.

[smknjoe]

What's a Fusion drive?
What's the total, pre-tax and shipping?

[iLLucionist]

What's a Fusion drive?
What's the total, pre-tax and shipping?

Sorry, I meant 2TB SSD. Fusion drive = large spinning disk and smaller SSD and software / algorithm to decide what you use most frequently, which is put on the SSD. Everything else is moved off to the slower spinning disk.

pre-tax? uuuhm 4789 with 21% tax included leaves me at...3957 without tax, so 830 euro's in tax here in the Netherlands. Shipping is free.

[rowdy]

What's a Fusion drive?
What's the total, pre-tax and shipping?

A fusion drive is an Apple device the combines a conventional mechanical hard drive with a large flash cache, kinda like half SSD half HDD.

Price I dunno - prices were listed GST-inclusive and I wasn't worrying too much about that.

[smknjoe]

Thanks for the info. Fusion must be the Apple moniker. I had one of those hybrid drives from WD a few years ago and I couldn't tell a difference between it and a standard mech. I use 2 512 SSDs in a RAID 0 for better performance than a single 1TB SSD. Then, external HDDs for data that's not accessed daily.

[rowdy]

Thanks for the info. Fusion must be the Apple moniker. I had one of those hybrid drives from WD a few years ago and I couldn't tell a difference between it and a standard mech. I use 2 512 SSDs in a RAID 0 for better performance than a single 1TB SSD. Then, external HDDs for data that's not accessed daily.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fusion_Drive

[iLLucionist]

Thanks for the info. Fusion must be the Apple moniker. I had one of those hybrid drives from WD a few years ago and I couldn't tell a difference between it and a standard mech. I use 2 512 SSDs in a RAID 0 for better performance than a single 1TB SSD. Then, external HDDs for data that's not accessed daily.

Isn't raid 0 a bit risky given read/write limits for a ssd or is it safe now?

[smknjoe]

Thanks for the info. Fusion must be the Apple moniker. I had one of those hybrid drives from WD a few years ago and I couldn't tell a difference between it and a standard mech. I use 2 512 SSDs in a RAID 0 for better performance than a single 1TB SSD. Then, external HDDs for data that's not accessed daily.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fusion_Drive

Yep, "Fusion Drive is Apple Inc.'s name for its implementation of a hybrid drive"