[spower]

Dell does make great machines - I have a wonderful Dell Inspiron 8200. That being said, I too, went through 'Dell Hell' just last year. I had to send in my laptop for warranty repair, and Dell lost it. It took almost three months to acheive a resolution - a new laptop and $200.00 to compensate me for my loss of productivity. I made a promise to only buy systems from local dealers whose faces I can see (and complain to if something goes wrong). It may be a bit more expensive, but I am tired of rewarding corporations for poor customer service.

[Vinnie]

It may be a bit more expensive, but I am tired of rewarding corporations for poor customer service.

I remember several years ago that Gateway and Dell vied for top spot in the computer retail market.
Gateway's customer service suddenly went downhill and look at where they are today, on the verge of going belly up.

Some business costs simply can't be cut. Once customer perception sets in, it is very difficult to turn around.

[anncoulteriscool]

My sister has had problems wirh Dell as well. I bought a Gateway but my next computer will definetely not be a Gateway!