The only reason why I would continue to buy from Dell is if I were to get a really good price, knowing that support would be nonexistent. For example, last month I bought a Dell 4600 desktop system, 2.4 GHz Pentium IV, Windows XP Home, 40 GB 7200 rpm drive, and 256 MB memory, but no monitor, for a total after-rebate price of $157 (with free shipping). At that price, I'll throw it away if I have a problem, sooner than I will call Dell support.
The only way that you will find deals like that (they're rare, but they happen often enough to make it worthwhile to look for one), is to look at sites such as www.edealsinfo.com or www.fatwallet.com on a daily basis (or more frequently) and be prepared to jump in on the deal as soon as you see it posted and before the hoards descend on it. But maybe you aren't looking for that much of a hassle to save a few hundred $$...