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...then slap yourself in the face for me and say, "Macs are not expensive."

Why is it then, that Apple's least expensive offering, the base eMac uses the G4 1 Ghz processor that debuted in Apples just over 2 years ago (January 28, 2002) and costs $799, while $599 on a Dell Dimension 2400 ($100 mail-in rebate brings final price to $499) gets you a processor (Pentium 4 2.66 Ghz) that debuted 1-1/2 years ago (August 26, 2002)?

That seems about the same, right... read on... for a comparison of the specs:

Sources: Apple Specs - Dell Specs - Dell E-Value Code: 6V212-D24TVP

Apple: 1 Ghz G4 (133mhz FSB) - Dell: 2.66 Ghz Pentium 4 (533mhz FSB)
Apple: 128 MB SDRAM (PC-133?) - Dell: 128 MB 333 Mhz DDR RAM
Apple: 40 GB HDD - Dell: 80 GB HDD (free upgrade)
Apple: 17 inch Flat CRT display (16 inch viewable) - Dell 17 inch CRT display (16 inch viewable)
Apple: ATI Radeon 7500 Integrated - Dell: Integrated Intel(R) 3D Extreme Graphics
Apple: Single Combo drive (DVD-ROM/CD-RW) - Dell: Dual Drives: 48x CD-ROM Drive + FREE UPGRADE! 48x CD-RW Drive
Apple: No charge ground shipping (two to five business days after shipment) - Dell: Free ground shipping (3-5 day)
Apple: N/A - Dell: $100 Mail in Rebate

With the exception of the Intel 3D "extreme" video card (maybe the same, but probably less desireable than the eMac's Radeon 7500) and the lack of standard DVD-ROM drive on the Dell (but it's only $30 extra by selecting this option: Dual Drives: 16x DVD-ROM Drive + FREE UPGRADE! 48x CD-RW Drive [add $30 or $1/month1]) the Dell, for is definitely a comparable (probably a better) value for the hardware, dollar for dollar. Now, if we're talking $499 after a rebate for the Dell vs. $799 for the Apple, that's a $300 Apple premium on a low-end Apple vs. a low-end PC (by today's standards).

Putting $799 total into a PC would definitely get you far closer to today's cutting edge than $799 would in an Apple. CLEARLY, Apples ARE comparatively expensive (even the lowest end Apple IS expensive compared to a low end PC). Of course, Apple folks don't tend to buy them for the cheap prices so my post clearly just addresses purely monetary values you brought up (and comparison is how one generally determines what "expensive" means).

What strikes me is that, for the most part, Apples use more or less the same commodity hardware PC parts that drove PC prices into the gutter (except motherboards, processors, and special Apple versions of graphics cards (probably VERY similar to PC brehteren)) but they just cost more. Unless Apple is using uber-cool american master craftsmen to hand assemble these beauties (they are perty), which I somehow doubt... their origin is most likely very geographically similar to their PC brehteren, how can anyone call them any

...then slap yourself in the face for me and say, "Macs are not expensive."

Why is it then, that Apple's least expensive offering, the base eMac uses the G4 1 Ghz processor that debuted in Apples just over 2 years ago (January 28, 2002) and costs $799, while $599 on a Dell Dimension 2400 ($100 mail-in rebate brings final price to $499) gets you a processor (Pentium 4 2.66 Ghz) that debuted 1-1/2 years ago (August 26, 2002)?

That seems about the same, right... read on... for a comparison of the specs:

Sources: Apple Specs - Dell Specs - Dell E-Value Code: 6V212-D24TVP

Apple: 1 Ghz G4 (133mhz FSB) - Dell: 2.66 Ghz Pentium 4 (533mhz FSB)
Apple: 128 MB SDRAM (PC-133?) - Dell: 128 MB 333 Mhz DDR RAM
Apple: 40 GB HDD - Dell: 80 GB HDD (free upgrade)
Apple: 17 inch Flat CRT display (16 inch viewable) - Dell 17 inch CRT display (16 inch viewable)
Apple: ATI Radeon 7500 Integrated - Dell: Integrated Intel(R) 3D Extreme Graphics
Apple: Single Combo drive (DVD-ROM/CD-RW) - Dell: Dual Drives: 48x CD-ROM Drive + FREE UPGRADE! 48x CD-RW Drive
Apple: No charge ground shipping (two to five business days after shipment) - Dell: Free ground shipping (3-5 day)
Apple: N/A - Dell: $100 Mail in Rebate

With the exception of the Intel 3D "extreme" video card (maybe the same, but probably less desireable than the eMac's Radeon 7500) and the lack of standard DVD-ROM drive on the Dell (but it's only $30 extra by selecting this option: Dual Drives: 16x DVD-ROM Drive + FREE UPGRADE! 48x CD-RW Drive [add $30 or $1/month1]) the Dell, for is definitely a comparable (probably a better) value for the hardware, dollar for dollar. Now, if we're talking $499 after a rebate for the Dell vs. $799 for the Apple, that's a $300 Apple premium on a low-end Apple vs. a low-end PC (by today's standards).

Putting $799 total into a PC would definitely get you far closer to today's cutting edge than $799 would in an Apple. CLEARLY, Apples ARE comparatively expensive (even the lowest end Apple IS expensive compared to a low end PC). Of course, Apple folks don't tend to buy them for the cheap prices so my post clearly just addresses purely monetary values you brought up (and comparison is how one generally determines what "expensive" means).

What strikes me is that, for the most part, Apples use more or less the same commodity hardware PC parts that drove PC prices into the gutter (except motherboards, processors, and special Apple versions of graphics cards (probably VERY similar to PC brehteren)) but they just cost more. Unless Apple is using uber-cool american master craftsmen to hand assemble these beauties (they are perty), which I somehow doubt... their origin is most likely very geographically similar to their PC brehteren, how can anyone call them any

...then slap yourself in the face for me and say, "Macs are not expensive."

Why is it then, that Apple's least expensive offering, the base eMac uses the G4 1 Ghz processor that debuted in Apples just over 2 years ago (January 28, 2002) and costs $799, while $599 on a Dell Dimension 2400 ($100 mail-in rebate brings final price to $499) gets you a processor (Pentium 4 2.66 Ghz) that debuted 1-1/2 years ago (August 26, 2002)?

That seems about the same, right... read on... for a comparison of the specs:

Sources: Apple Specs - Dell Specs - Dell E-Value Code: 6V212-D24TVP

Apple: 1 Ghz G4 (133mhz FSB) - Dell: 2.66 Ghz Pentium 4 (533mhz FSB)
Apple: 128 MB SDRAM (PC-133?) - Dell: 128 MB 333 Mhz DDR RAM
Apple: 40 GB HDD - Dell: 80 GB HDD (free upgrade)
Apple: 17 inch Flat CRT display (16 inch viewable) - Dell 17 inch CRT display (16 inch viewable)
Apple: ATI Radeon 7500 Integrated - Dell: Integrated Intel(R) 3D Extreme Graphics
Apple: Single Combo drive (DVD-ROM/CD-RW) - Dell: Dual Drives: 48x CD-ROM Drive + FREE UPGRADE! 48x CD-RW Drive
Apple: No charge ground shipping (two to five business days after shipment) - Dell: Free ground shipping (3-5 day)
Apple: N/A - Dell: $100 Mail in Rebate

With the exception of the Intel 3D "extreme" video card (maybe the same, but probably less desireable than the eMac's Radeon 7500) and the lack of standard DVD-ROM drive on the Dell (but it's only $30 extra by selecting this option: Dual Drives: 16x DVD-ROM Drive + FREE UPGRADE! 48x CD-RW Drive [add $30 or $1/month1]) the Dell, for is definitely a comparable (probably a better) value for the hardware, dollar for dollar. Now, if we're talking $499 after a rebate for the Dell vs. $799 for the Apple, that's a $300 Apple premium on a low-end Apple vs. a low-end PC (by today's standards).

Putting $799 total into a PC would definitely get you far closer to today's cutting edge than $799 would in an Apple. CLEARLY, Apples ARE comparatively expensive (even the lowest end Apple IS expensive compared to a low end PC). Of course, Apple folks don't tend to buy them for the cheap prices so my post clearly just addresses purely monetary values you brought up (and comparison is how one generally determines what "expensive" means).

What strikes me is that, for the most part, Apples use more or less the same commodity hardware PC parts that drove PC prices into the gutter (except motherboards, processors, and special Apple versions of graphics cards (probably VERY similar to PC brehteren)) but they just cost more. Unless Apple is using uber-cool american master craftsmen to hand assemble these beauties (they are perty), which I somehow doubt... their origin is most likely very geographically similar to their PC brehteren, how can anyone call them any

...then slap yourself in the face for me and say, "Macs are not expensive."

Why is it then, that Apple's least expensive offering, the base eMac uses the G4 1 Ghz processor that debuted in Apples just over 2 years ago (January 28, 2002) and costs $799, while $599 on a Dell Dimension 2400 ($100 mail-in rebate brings final price to $499) gets you a processor (Pentium 4 2.66 Ghz) that debuted 1-1/2 years ago (August 26, 2002)?

That seems about the same, right... read on... for a comparison of the specs:

Sources: Apple Specs - Dell Specs - Dell E-Value Code: 6V212-D24TVP

Apple: 1 Ghz G4 (133mhz FSB) - Dell: 2.66 Ghz Pentium 4 (533mhz FSB)
Apple: 128 MB SDRAM (PC-133?) - Dell: 128 MB 333 Mhz DDR RAM
Apple: 40 GB HDD - Dell: 80 GB HDD (free upgrade)
Apple: 17 inch Flat CRT display (16 inch viewable) - Dell 17 inch CRT display (16 inch viewable)
Apple: ATI Radeon 7500 Integrated - Dell: Integrated Intel(R) 3D Extreme Graphics
Apple: Single Combo drive (DVD-ROM/CD-RW) - Dell: Dual Drives: 48x CD-ROM Drive + FREE UPGRADE! 48x CD-RW Drive
Apple: No charge ground shipping (two to five business days after shipment) - Dell: Free ground shipping (3-5 day)
Apple: N/A - Dell: $100 Mail in Rebate

With the exception of the Intel 3D "extreme" video card (maybe the same, but probably less desireable than the eMac's Radeon 7500) and the lack of standard DVD-ROM drive on the Dell (but it's only $30 extra by selecting this option: Dual Drives: 16x DVD-ROM Drive + FREE UPGRADE! 48x CD-RW Drive [add $30 or $1/month1]) the Dell, for is definitely a comparable (probably a better) value for the hardware, dollar for dollar. Now, if we're talking $499 after a rebate for the Dell vs. $799 for the Apple, that's a $300 Apple premium on a low-end Apple vs. a low-end PC (by today's standards).

Putting $799 total into a PC would definitely get you far closer to today's cutting edge than $799 would in an Apple. CLEARLY, Apples ARE comparatively expensive (even the lowest end Apple IS expensive compared to a low end PC). Of course, Apple folks don't tend to buy them for the cheap prices so my post clearly just addresses purely monetary values you brought up (and comparison is how one generally determines what "expensive" means).

What strikes me is that, for the most part, Apples use more or less the same commodity hardware PC parts that drove PC prices into the gutter (except motherboards, processors, and special Apple versions of graphics cards (probably VERY similar to PC brehteren)) but they just cost more. Unless Apple is using uber-cool american master craftsmen to hand assemble these beauties (they are perty), which I somehow doubt... their origin is most likely very geographically similar to their PC brehteren, how can anyone call them any

That is absolutely not true about Dell. There are somethings Dell won't take back but most of the systems they sell are customized and they do take them back. Here is a link to their policy.

Not true. Especially because virtually 100% of Dell machines are custom configured.

If you want to buy someone else's custom Dell that was returned, try the Dell Outlet. Big savings.

Read: "Total Satisfaction" Return Policy (U.S. Only)

Dell has Gigabit ethernet on all their laptops now.

Uhhh, not even close to true. Spot the missing checkbox.

But really, it doesn't matter what Dell (which isn't exactly dominant in laptops for education) includes in their newest machines, or what Intel included in their chipsets (Dell certainly is dominant in desktops, yet Gigabit is an optional add-on that few users will bother to get).

What matters is that they only specified in their requirements that users bring 100base-T. And since 100base-T is still far more common, that is exactly what most people will be bringing, and what the organisers will have to settle for.

There also needs to be a way to load bootstrap code remotely. For instance, having a TCP/IP enabled BIOS be able to run TFTP or some other protocol to load a netboot floppy image. Then you could give it a LILO command instructing it where to find a boot image, preferably one on a server in the same hosting center.

Sun hardware has had serial consoles that can boot from the network for years. The syntax for the current OBP (OpenBoot PROM) revisions is here: http://docs.sun.com/db/doc/817-2701/6mibjioqr?a=vi ew

Coupled with with a terminal server/power management module such as this you'll get all those features.

For x86 hardware, some vendors are shipping with serial console capabilities which include network booting, such as Dell's DRAC

Remote floppy boot. DRAC offers remote media access, allowing the server to boot from remote media. DRAC II uses floppy redirection. Administrators can insert a bootable DOS diskette into the diskette drive of the desktop machine and boot a remote server to that floppy. Administrators can then run operations from the floppy, including functions such as flash BIOS to recover servers with BIOS problems.

DRAC III uses Trivial File Transfer Protocol (TFTP) to transfer an image to the card and lets administrators enhance remote floppy performance by downloading floppy images to the memory on the card (see Figure 5 ). Functions on the "diskette" are executed in a DOS environment for 32-bit systems.

Dell Dimension 4100 Desktop

The Dell Diagnostics are free to download and (last I checked) work on non-Dell PCs as well. They test just about everything you could think of and with a little work you can burn it all onto a bootable CD.

An IBM service tech told me that's they use.

Keep a copy of the Dell Diagnostics. This is the prime tool that their techs use to find hardware problems. Other companies have simialr products.

The error codes generated by these disks will save you a ton of time on the phone, since they'll tell the tech on the other line what needs to be replaced. I'd also recommend getting hardware certs from any of the OEM's you'll may deal with.

Then let's go to the Apple store and do a comparison. The new dell has a 15.4 inch display, so it's going up against a 15 inch Powerbook.

Dell: 9 motherfucking pounds. Mac: 5.6 pounds. That's an enormous difference, many people would simply be unable to carry the Dell with them wherever they go. Anyone who says otherwise is just trying to pretend to be macho. Why don't you drag around a destop with you if you don't care about weight?

Dell: ATI Mobility Radeon 9700 128 MB Mac: ATI Mobility Radeon 9600 64 MB. The Dell has a better card, but only incrementally better-it's still a Mobility, and it's only 9700 vs 9600, with more ram. Any game you can play on the Dell will work on the Mac too, and almost as well.

Dell: 60GB 7200 drive Mac: 80GB 4200 rpm.
The dell has a much faster drive, but the Mac's is bigger. And a 60 gig 7200rpm usb 2.0 drive can be had for $80 on pricewatch. The Mac has two 480 Mbps USB 2.0 ports, the article doesn't say what the dell has.

Dell: 1GB DDR400 ram Mac: 1GB DDR333 ram
Slight performance advantage to the Dell.

Dell: DVD+RW drive Mac: Apple SuperDrive, same capabilities.

Dell: DVI output, a first in windows notebooks. Mac: DVI output, standard in powerbooks for some time.
Both have integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and gigabit ethernet, and IEEE1394.

Dell: Subwoofer integrated into battery. Mac: Uses standard batteries interchangeable with any normal battery. Which one is a win here? How many people need a subwoofer while they're on the road, which usually means being in public places where you have to use headphones anyway? Anyone that cares about audio will use external speakers while at home anyway. And the Mac uses standard batteries, not some weird model-specific thing you won't find in most stores.

Dell: Interchangeable covers for a custom look. Mac: Brushed metal Titanium style only. That's right people-now if you want to spend more money just for looks and style, Dell is the way to go. How did that happen? Assuming the interchangeable covers don't suck, we haven't seen pictures yet.

Dell: Read about it in an article. When will you actually be able to get your hands on one? This is Dell's next-generation notebook.
Mac: Been out for a while, using current-generation technology. The matchup will look a little different if we compare them the day Apple releases the specs to the next new powerbook model.

Dell: $3350
Mac: $2999

The Mac is substantially cheaper than the Dell.

In conclusion: with Dell you pay hundreds more for incremental performance improvements (slight video card upgrade, DDR400, faster but smaller drive)
The Dell weighs nearly twice as much, but has interchangeable covers.
And remember, this is a newly announced Dell vs a Mac that's been on the market for some time.

Best bang for your buck: The Powerbook.

Best bang for people who like paying too much just because they read about it on Slashdot and it has interchangeable covers: The Dell.

Apple Store and specs. Dell and specs.

But the parent post does have one good point-As a mac lover, when I read what he said I fell over laughing and bumped into the side of the desk, so it *does* sting.

Here's one
20.1" 1600x1200 LCD, MSRP $999.99

According to Dell's Site, the "Essential Solution" is $3279, down from $3259. The "Extreme Solution" is $4129.

The top of that same page states:"Currently, all Dell N-Series Precision Workstation desktops are available and supported with Red Hat Linux"

written by hand. The author of the home page did not close out the html tag.

Dell offers only Red Hat Advanced Server or Red Hat Professional (which is obsolete), so I bought the PowerEdge with no OS. P4-2.4 GHz, 1 GB DDR, 36 GB 10K rpm SCSI for $817 plus tax. SuSE 9 Pro installed without a hitch.

Dell must be moving a lot of these no-OS boxes. Their official support has been quite RH-centric, but the new website has a page that directly addresses other distros. SuSE recently announced that Dell was working more closely with them, and SuSE has certified a bunch of Dell machines.

I'm afraid Dell is tired of being screwed around by their buddy, Bill Gates. There's an alternative and Dell has grabbed onto it. No more one PC one OS charges, I presume. I also expect commerce.euro.dell.com to be run off a usefull OS soon. A few years ago, Dell recommended Win3.1, what they recommend tomorrow is clear for all to see.

It sounds to me like the digital music scene is going to continue to move towards the legal download of music, with companies like Apple and dell leading the way. Imagine the lack of need for services like Morpheus and Kazaa if you could find any track in one place...

They have failed to say which RAID controller is installed in the PowerEdge 2650, but I'm assuming it's the default Adaptec ROMB PERC 3/Di card. Following development of this driver on linux, there are issues with Linux and this driver. While I'm for a fair benchmark, this will most likely effect the Linux results.

A controller card agreeable to all OSs/Distros would be a good idea (if such a thing is even possible).

There are lies, damn lies, and benchmarks. I'm sure different configurations would produce similar complaints from other OSs/Distros.

This has been discussed to death on the DellTalk Forum.

Basically, it should work. It sounds like your problem is more of a Windows driver/installation problem. Try going to Device Manager and deleting/removing your 802.11 mini-PCI card. Then reboot and see if it works. If not, you might need to play around with installing/uninstalling the driver, and deleting the card from Device Manager until it works.

The longer answer is that unless the manufacturer prevents unknown mini-PCI adaptors (IBM Thinkpads prevent non-IBM 802.11 adaptors), any mini-PCI card should be compatable. There are some complications, however. Unless you want to do some soldering, you must insure that the mini-PCI card has an antenna jack that is compatable with your laptop's antenna. Even then, there can be problems - I installed the mini-PCI card from a D-Link DWL-G520 in my Dell Inspiron 4100 laptop. I had to do some soldering, since the G520 doesn't have antenna jacks, and even then, the reception is really bad. The 4100 antenna(s) are in a bad location to begin with, but I suspect that the G520 is tuned to the much larger antennas that D-Link provides.

So in conclusion, it is possible to save some money by removing the mini-PCI card from a desktop adaptor. But unless you have a really good reason (for example, you need a specific chipset for a non-Windows OS), it is best to stick with the mini-PCI adaptor that is designed for your laptop.

You can get the Dell DJ 15 for $224 which includes 15GB compared to Apple's 4GB. Dell's DJ 15

You can get the Dell DJ 15 for $224 which includes 15GB compared to Apple's 4GB. Dell's DJ 15

Not only are they selling PC's with FreeDOS as an option, they are offering Red Hat as well. On Dell's small business website, they offer PC's with RHEL already installed!

Dell's website.

And at the top of that page: "Dell recommends Microsoft(R) Windows(R) XP Professional."

Ya, but if you go HERE it still states in the upper left that they recommend XP. Are they contractually obligated to say that?

FreeDOS included in the box, ready to be installed, or Red Hat(R) Enterprise Linux WS

"Please note that the Red Hat(R) Linux operating system offered on Dell Precision systems is Dell factory-installed and therefore will receive the same support as other Dell factory-installed operating systems."

Read their own words. "Ideal for companies with proprietary software images"

Remember the *double Microsoft Tax*? A large company pays to purchase a system (which has Windows), then they pay again for their special corporate image of windows? If they buy a system like this one, then they've got a single Microsoft tax. It makes sense.

And it makes sense for people who run alternative OSs, of want more of a kiosk, or perhaps have a MAME box they want to get going. For $320 with free shipping, that's one hell of a MAME box.

BTW: I found the URL given in the story a bad choice. I found this one instead.

Preinstalled Linux on these machines.

That link is straight from the parent's link.

interesting.

here's your link: http://www1.us.dell.com/content/products/compare.a spx/desktops_n?c=us&cs=04&l=en&s=bsd

Dell also ships with Red Hat Enterprise Linux. But I don't know if it's installed though, but comes with the CD and you can purchase a one year or 3 year subscription. I don't know if people familiar with linux would want it to be installed versus having control over what to put on the system. This is for their Precision line. When they have a linux system pre-installed for the home user, that'll be something big. Until then, this a small step in the positive direction until Linux is ready for the home desktop user.

Check out this. Looks like you can order it with Red Hat (enterprise) installed. I think that's pretty positive..

Neither was I, but then I found the page. N-Series

$399 at dell.com/tv gets you a similar box PLUS a 17" CRT PLUS speakers PLUS whatever else they have that day on special--the system always comes with a upgrade or two, like more RAM, a bigger HDD, better optical drives, etc. This week you get an upgrade to a CD-RW. Even if you don't need all those things (esp. the CRT & speakers) you could always sell them, easily getting your $80 back.

Unless you a) live in the boonies, can't sell the extras, and need every penny or b) hate MS so much you're willing to screw yourself not to be contaminated by them, you're better off getting a system from the /tv site.

Their website seems pretty light on the details about linux but this page tells you what systems it is available for. Then again, anyone who actually wants linux on a desktop machine probably knows how to obtain and install their favorite distro anyway.

According to their news entries, this is new for US customers, but it's been available to Canadians for a while.

I like the sound of fans in my computer, it's reasurring. I know that everything is working properly. Now, when it gets a high workload, the fans speed up. If I'm not doing anything to it at the time, I'll look to what's causing it. Or, for example, if I turn it on, and the fans spin up, but nothing else does. Noise has become a diagnostic tool of sorts. Now, I've heard my share of windtunnel cases (not my computers, other peoples), but I've never owned a computer considerably louder than my P-166. I use my Dell as white noise when I sleep too. (the second quietest computer I own is my Dell XPS, that model has 5 fans in it, though you wouldn't know by listening to it)(don't flame me over that either, I build my own computers in most cases, but in this case it was $400 cheaper than building my own (seriously!), gotta love gotapex and Dell e-mail coupons, but I'm getting off track)

It's not worth the cost in my opinion. Especially not that $1400 monetary cost, but the loss of my fans as diagnostic tools is too much.

no desktop mentions, but cool: linux.dell.com

Why not buy 2 Dell Notebooks @ $999 USD each for the price of 1 PowerBook G4 notebook $1999 USD each? That way, he can have a new notebook and have a brand new one for replacement instantly if something ever goes wrong out of warranty.

Considering that repairing the same problem (replacing the bezel, and, hence, the LCD) on a PowerBook G4 (DURING the included 1 year limited warranty) would cost, according to Apple, $1308.95 USD for repair, shipping, handling, and support (Tier 4 repair for "LCD"... this would be out of the warranty because it is assumed that it was "Damage caused by accident, abuse, misuse, and misapplication" causing the broken bezel that is explicitly NOT covered under Apple's limited warranty.").

Alternately, he can purchase AppleCare for his PowerBook G4 for $349 USD at the time of purchase, unless he lives in Florida (according to the Apple web page, at the bottom: "This plan (AppleCare) is not available for Florida consumers or where prohibited by law.").

On the other hand, the AppleCare plan only covers manufacturer defects for a longer period than the usual (and a longer period of complimentary telephone support). It still does NOT cover, According to Apple's Terms and Conditions for AppleCare"Damage due to accident, abuse, neglect, misuse (including faulty installation, repair, or maintenance by anyone other than Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider), unauthorized modification, improper environment (including lack of proper temperature or humidity), unusual physical or electrical stress or interference, failure or fluctuation of electrical power, lightning, static electricity, fire, or acts of God;"

Not that Dell, or any other manufacturer's warranty usually covers repairs of damage caused accidentally, but it really wouldn't help the gentleman in this situation to have an Apple PowerBook G4, as he could probably buy an entire new notebook for the $1308.95 USD for repair, shipping, handling, and support it would cost to solve the same problem if he owned a PowerBook G4.

Of course, your entire argument is that it would simply NEVER happen to an Apple notebook because of the quality, worksmanship, design, materials, etc. Interesting, but defects DO happen (browse some Apple forums (such as MacFixIt (here and here (for instance there was a White Spot issue that affected as many as 25% of PowerBook 15" Firewire 800 G4's and an assortment of iBooks... apparently, it's still ongoing (probably a manufacturing and design problem)!))) and see for yourself unless you're into denial in a big way), and probably as often to Apples as to other distributors (Dell, etc.). They ARE manufactured in the same plants with underpaid workers in third world countries as Dells, etc. are manufactured. They are just sold for more to consumers.

There should be a new moderation category called "-1 Apple Advertisement".

too lazy..
Dell

here's a link from dell's website selling an NEC 84inch plasma monitor!

Dell is marketing it as an 84-inch Plasma Monitor, but it's just "four NEC PX42VP4 Plasma Displays and the required wall mount bundled together". Not the same.

Good. Then go here and look at the specs of a Mac of your choice. Then go here and compare a machine with the same specs.

This is a pretty huge sign that the PC world is impressed with what Apple has done. From a company that clearly has the ability to enter a new market behind other market leaders and have success (iPaq PDAs), they recognize that they can't build something to defeat the iPod (unlike Dell's DJ move) and their best move is to join 'em.

Beter still, HP is preloading apple software on their systems. This will be a boon to Apple as it makes it even easier to access the music store.

With AOL, HP, and Pepsi all endorsing iTMS and the iPod, 2004 is shaping up to be a big year for Apple and On-line Music.

Lesson I recently learned from Dell... their e-mail tech support is a lot less hassle than the phone version. Both are still mostly based overseas, judging from the names on the e-mails, but the techs that handle the e-mail support seem to be a bit more knowledgeable than their phone counterparts. Of course, for all I know, it's the same people.

Anecdotal evidence, sure, but it's worked on personal and work laptops about 8-9 times in the past month or two so far... Use the PremierSupport website, click the link on the left navbar called "Request Support," explain in normal terms what the problem is and the standard procedure you used to diagnose it, and you'll get a response back, generally within a couple hours, saying which parts will be replaced and to expect a technician to call you about the best time to come and fix it. As long as you use the usual magic words: "problem follows part", you escape 99% of the useless scripted "reboot and call us back" diagnosis.

One time when I said "Battery will not hold a charge" in somewhat vague terms, it wasn't a part replacement right away but they e-mailed back with a full and nicely detailed procedure of things to check, some of which I hadn't thought of.

Of course, most of this probably wouldn't work for the usual clueless user, but for us geeks here who know what we're doing, it'll save a lot of time.

[Yes, I am aware Premier Support is for the business/edu/govt customers, but they replaced most of the internals and the screen hinges on my personal Inspiron 4100 without a problem. Last time I checked, it didn't check any personal info when you registered.]

Check this on DELL site, The technical specification for a DVD+RW drive says it can write to a DVD-R media at 2.4x speed.

...your competition is selling your products.

Now, Dell may not be selling iPods anymore since they've debuted their metoo!Pod-- but Dell is, astonishingly, selling a variety of Macs to the NYC school system. Talk about a bunch of whores who will do anything for a buck, huh? :-)

~Philly

...your competition is selling your products.

Now, Dell may not be selling iPods anymore since they've debuted their metoo!Pod-- but Dell is, astonishingly, selling a variety of Macs to the NYC school system. Talk about a bunch of whores who will do anything for a buck, huh? :-)

~Philly

Dell Recycling will pick up your old computer for like $10 AND give you a coupon for Dell's website.
Dell Recycling