RE: Dell vs. Gateway

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I need computer advice! We are looking to buy a new computer to replace this one. I have talked to people I know here, but nothing has swayed me either way when considering Dell and Gateway.
 
 I do like the fact that Gateway has a local brick-and-mortar store that I can go to. They also have an in-house service area and classroom. The Dell is just a mall kiosk where I can t keep the salesman s attention because of all the people milling around. Pricewise, they are close to the same, although Gateway is offering a pretty sweet $100 off to go with cable internet access.
 
 So, I like Gateway.
 
 Any comments for or against either one?
 
 Larry

[tricia hicks]

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Larry,
 
 My company was strickly Gateway for years but in the last year or so, we have switched over to Dell.  I sought out the advice of several computer geeks here at work when we bought my son a new computer earlier this year.  The overwhelming recommendation was with Dell.  Price wise, I think it was a little cheaper than Gateway because of an employee discount program, but not much.  We have been very pleased with our Dell,and I actually ordered mine off the website.  We got it in about 2 days!  I don t know for sure if it was actually made up the road in Lebanon TN, but I did think that I might be putting $ back into the local economy.  
 
 Happy shopping!
 
 Tricia Hicks
 
 

[MtnCamper]

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IMHO, I wouldn t buy one from either place. I want a generic computer I can install drives on whereever I get them. I bought mine from [link=]Tigerdirect.com[/link] Never had a problem with them. This computer went on sale a couple weeks after I bought it, so I called them, they refunded $100. I did buy the warranty (onsite) for $50. I had a problem with the CMOS not booting up right. They sent a guy 60 miles, and replaced the motherboard at no charge. To my house! Seriously look at them too. 3 years old now, and no problems.

[bearbait]

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[MTNDAVE]

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Well, I have both a Dell and a Gateway as well as a Generic .  Don t as why, but I do.  Each has it own features and characteristics.
 
 The Gateway has been a trooper with no major faiures as well as the Dell.  The Generic dose have some problems, but the initial price offset this.  
 
 My recommendation is find the one that will do what you want it to do for the next 2 years (by then it probably won t be able to run future software well if at all).  Also find the price you are comfortable with.
 
 Unless you are hardware capable Generics are lower on my list.
 
 Now, if I could just find a CHEAP laptop for the Pop Up.

[Viking99]

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At work and at home I use Dell. Never had a problem with either one. Space can be a little tight when installing a new card or drive but other than that no problems. No compatability problems and it seems well built.

[bikolee]

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Dell without a doubt.  All our machines and servers here at work are Dell. No problems at all. My machine at home is a Dell and has never given me a bit of trouble. Also, if you order your machine over the net from Dell, you can customize it to your suit your needs/wants. Gateway has severe limitations. Also with a Dell you get great customer service. If they can t get you back running over the phone, a tech. will come to your house as long as you are under warranty. Mine was for 3 years. The few people here y=that have built their own are constantly having compatability problems.
 
 FWIW, I am a senior Printed Circuit Board designer and our 3 major clients are T.I, Compaq(HP), and Dell. I have laid out mother/system boards for both Dell and Compaq.

[birol]

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Bikolee, do you know anybody who needs a good IT person ? You would have all the right contacts

[Turn Key]

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When I purchased the computer I have now (HP) I came very close to buying a Gateway for the same reasons you give.  Only thing that changed my mind was a major price savings with the HP.  In fact, I gave the Gateway salesman an opportunity to talk me out of the HP.  He advised that given the price, I should go with the HP.
 
 FYI: I m not very computer savy but did spend a great deal of time researching this purchase.  Given all that I have read, seen and heard from those who know more then I, Dell was never an option.  I may be wrong but my decision was based on the info I could gather.  I m very happy with my HP but I believe I would be just as pleased with a Gateway.

[whippetwrun]

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We have an older Dell that still works like a charm, a newer generic that adores shutting down at the worst of times.  The Dell was and is very easy to add on to, more memory, cd recorder/rewriter.    DH s laptop is an HP, but only because it was on sale at the time he really needed it.  Otherwise he would have gone with Dell.    Can t say much for Gateway since we never had one.  But Dell and Dell s support have been great (not that we have needed their support much at all.)

[bikolee]

 birol

 

ORIGINAL:  birol
 
 Bikolee, do you know anybody who needs a good IT person ? You would have all the right contacts
 

 Unfortunately Birol, I don t. But, If I hear of anything, I ll be sure to let you know.

[Dayton Dave]

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Our company also uses Dell exclusivly.  We have had good service form the systems.  As a former IT Manager, I have utilized both and even gave Gateway a government contract due to end of the year deals.  Computer systems change so much so quickly that the one you pick out could be from a great run or sometimes from a bad run/  By this I mean that the components that are used to build your system all come from a " lot"  that the company buys to build a set of systems.  As long as these " lots"  of components work as designed, chances are that your system will work without any issues.  With any computer builder, any given line or models could have problems or work great.  If you have a lemon, someone else has a wonderful system.  Both of you will have deceidly different views of the same company.
 
 Go to the web site of both Dell and Gateway to build a configuration of the system you want.  You then can take it to the local kiosk or store to see if they can meet your expectations.  They probably will have simular deals but might not have the exact configuration options due to individual sales insentives or limitations.  As was mentioned in an earlier post, if you are comfortable with building your own computer, then that is the way to go.  But if you do not want to deal with the hassles, then either Dell or Gateway will do a good job for you.  Sometimes you can find a local store that will build a system for you as well.  They will be motivated to keep you as a customer, and should provide good service.
 
 Under the covers, all systems do the same basic functionality.  Load up on memory, get a CD-RW, get a DVD (for fun), get lots of video memory.  
 
 Good luck.

[4Sharps2Camp]

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Our company is all Dell as well. Since we have a corporate account with them, service has not been an issue. Very solid machines to begin with.
 
 I noticed now that they also have an " accidental"  coverage to cover liquid spills, drops, or electrical surges.
 
 One thing to keep in mind when buying any computer, buy as much memory (RAM) as you can afford. As the operating systems, and programs, get larger and larger, this is where your performance will come from (after the CPU speed that is)

[oldmoose]

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I ve had a Dell laptop for 2-1/2 years with no problems. We just bought a new Dell desktop and it s great. No problems with the set up. Our office bought a Dell and my SIL has a new one. Everyone is happy with their Dell s.

[GeneF]

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I am on my second Gateway and both have been trouble free.
 
 Customer service at Gateway has been very good.  I purchased the 3 year warrantee for parts and lifetime support for software.
 
 DS has a Dell and has had no problems.
 
 Both pc s were purchased over the Internet.
 
 Only thing that bothered me about Dell was their free shipping.  I noticed everytime the free shipping was offered, the price of the pc went up about $50.
 
 Dell tends to offer more software than Gateway.