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Home > Articles >

Apple Vrs Dell Notebooks

By Erik Wrenholt

Michael Dell utters anti-Apple comments at a pretty regular interval. It appears that his time could be better spent listening to the unhappy rumblings of his customers. The table below reports CNET.com user opinions (on 7/16/01) of recent Apple and Dell notebooks retailing for around $1,300.

The sample size for the Dell notebooks is considerably lower, but it still shows a large difference in opinion among purchasers of these two notebooks. Click on the headings to read the original CNET reviews of these two notebooks. [Ed: As of Nov. 11 2003, CNET pulled the links below.]

Dell Inspiron 2500 (700 MHz Celeron, 64 MB, 5 GB)

54% thumbs up out of 30 Votes.dell_inspiron.gif

Common issues covered in the comments included:

  • Flimsy build quality
  • Large screen, but only 800x600
  • Poor battery life
  • No built in ethernet
  • No Firewire
  • Heavy
  • Unstable
  • Good keyboard

Apple iBook (Dual USB, 500MHz G3, 64 MB, 10 GB)

96% thumbs up out of 528 Votes.ibook.gif

Common issues covered in the comments included:

  • Great Price / Performance
  • Rugged design
  • Small LCD, but 1068x768 display is bright, sharp
  • Nice portable video editing system
  • Good battery life
  • Flimsy keyboard

Comments

Votes 07/16/01

I wonder if the vote was skewed at all?


Ibook 07/16/01

Apple Computers are by far the best in the market. They are backed by a strong R & D development staff at Apple, more than 5% of total costs.
The R&D at Dell is ridiculous. They can't improve their quality since Dell is a mere assembler of parts.


dell vs apple 07/16/01
jbelkin800 -at- excite.com

Of course, the votes are skewed - real users use macs - people actually have to plunk down their own hard earned money. The only people who use dell's are bulk purchases or people who buy a PC because they saw a TV ad and feel they might be left behind. Yes, Dell sells a lot of computers but Chevy also sells a crapload of white midsized sedans to rental & corporate fleets. They're fine cars but would you actually buy the same car to drive as your company car?

I use & buy macs and Pc's but why buy Dell when I can buy a white box and save another $200 bucks - Dell is basically a white box with a better warranty - and if that's what you need - great - just know what you're getting.

People seem to forget that all Michael Dell is a real good salesman - even if you hate Steve Jobs and think he's obnoxious, he at least had the vision to help foster and create a home PC market. He's no demi-God but Michael Dell is like the guy who invented whitewalls - he's gotten rich (and deservedly so) but he's really contributed nothing to the PC industry. Just like the whitewall business went away - his time is already fading. He'll be replaced by the next of the white box makers - probably China's Legend Computers. So, of course, Mike's gonna lash out - but hey, just cause you have billions in the bank (for now) doesn't mean we'll remember you in 5 years. (remember when the first clone kings of Compaq were hailed as "visionary geniuses?" who? exactly).

JB


Apple vs. Dell 07/17/01

I think that is very crude of Mr. Dell to make lewd remarks toward Apple. Apple is working its tail off to create a useful and equally attractive computer. Although Dell's warranty may be better, look at the quality of the computers. With a Dell, you NEED that kind of warranty because your computer will fall apart. Of course, I am Mac user. I love the way their computers run, I love the way they look, and I love their beautiful and functional interface. Also, I can't stand Dell and other PC manufacturers who say that their computers are the fastest computers on the planet. Apple's computers are the fastest according to Intel's own tests! The G4 is a supercomputer for crying out loud! Are there any Wintel machines that can boast 5.5 sustained gigaflops? I didn't think so.


apple haha 10/24/01
profire9 -at- hotmail.com

im sorry to admit that apple wins over a pc. but you also must know that dell sucks and their pcs suck. any real man makes his own pc. and of cource a real pc can kick the crap out of any apple. example - one anthlon xp takes a crap on a DUAL G4-800mhz. so a dual palimino system will own any mac. as far as laptops go dell sucks. apple is good but not for the price. pc laptops can get cdr-dvd-and gforce cards. this makes mac look very crappy.


apple user sez NO to dell 01/10/02
info -at- designersrev.com

I have friends that own dell desktops and portables and they mostly complain a great deal about their system quality and how much they paid for the unit. I was going to buy my Mom a dell laptop since she need's to utilize win 2K for work... can't even get win 2K on a dell laptop... and to be honest I don't see ANY value in dell products.
I am not going to compare my Apple computers to anything dell since they are completely differnt machines for different user types.
Get with it dell, make something worth buying...


If only I knew... 01/11/02


I own a Dell Inspiron 8000 notebook, PIII 1000Ghz, 384 MB memory, seperate DVD and CD-RW drives and the best screen they make. All in all- it's loaded. However, as much as I like the features I've had nothing but problems with it. A month after it arrived it suddenly refused to boot up. After days and days of problems getting them to collect the computer, including them sending the courier to the wrong address I eventually got it taken care of. The problem? I needed a whole new motherboard and Pentium chip. So they send it back and surprise, surprise, they sent my computer which cost a small fortune to the same wrong address! Fortunately the courier rememembered the problem and brought it to the right house or I would have been oblivious to their incredible ineptness.

So everything is pretty much fine again, although even with the large amount of memory I have the computer just eats it all up quite often through simply being online or playing a game..... Now a few months on and all of a sudden the modem dies for no apparent reason. After a 45 minute telephone call, which isn't free phone and which also included them cutting the line and then waiting for _me_ to phone _them_ back again, I finally get a new one sent to me the following day. At least the speed of the delivery is something I was impressed with.

All in all, as much as I like the features of my computer the problems and service have been pretty much terrible.

Next computer I get will be an iMac; After my problems with Dell (and also past problems with a Packard Bell desktop which constantly crashed) I'm _tired_ of PC's.


  01/15/02

i am doin a project for a class, it is about comparing dell and apples and from what i have collected it simply says that apples are better money spent then dell, and that you will spend more moneyfixin your computer than you paid for it in the begginin and their are much more features and better quality.


Apple Blowsq 01/21/02

It's funny how you guys compare the best and newest iBook, with a really old DEll. The Newest Dell is a 8100, where as you used a 2500. Way to go, dumbasses


My Opinion 02/04/02

First of all, I'm not loyal to one particular company and I don't think either is superior to the other. Each have their strengths and weaknesses, and it really just depends on what you are looking for.

With that said, I agree with what was said above, about comparing a new product to an old one. While I wouldn't go so far as to call everyone a dumbass, the comparison does seem kind of silly to me. _Of course_ the iBook has better specs and support from customers. If you ask me, this comparison was rather pointless... but you didn't ask me, so I'll stop wasting my time trying to convince you that my opinions are right.

It doesn't matter anyway; within a year something even better will be available. That's how the computer industry works. =)
~DM~


Apple Vs. Dell 02/10/02

If the real point of the comment was to hail the wonders of Mac, the writer only convinced me that Mac users are ignorant. Of course this is not the case, so I'll just take it that the author was ignorant.
While there is no question that in the infancy of computers, the Apple crowd made a far superior product. Early systems with DOS were problematic and ineffectual. The opposition were innovative and good at legal theft. In this new era of computers, each have their good and bad qualities. Each product fullfills many of the needs of their consumers and fails miserably in other areas.
Like it or not, Microsoft is putting out much better product and Apple fails to achieve the cutting edge they used to live on. The release of OSX let me down as much as almost all of the releases of Windows.


iebook/dell laptop 02/17/02
cool_cat92 -at- hotmail.com

wow it seems as though the only thing thats wrong with the apple ibook is the flimsy keyboard


Dells and Apples 02/20/02
luthercat1 -at- mindspring.com

Might be the wrong site for me (presently, I work for Dell but that can change really quick). At home, I do use a Mac and I swear by them. What do I do at Dell? I work tech support on laptops. A note for that guy who says that the people here are comparing an old PC and the brand new latest and greatest iBook: Phooey! The Inspiron 2500 and the Inspiron 8100 are the same chassis and construction. Quality is not as good as a Mac.

My point is that, after working with these things for a while (at Dell, it has been almost 2 1/2 years), the criticism of Michael Dell's statement against Apple is typical bottom line imperialism. Dell wants to be on top and will crap on anyone, including his own employees, to get there.


apple vs dell 02/27/02

such lewd remarks


Dell 03/04/02
quantum13 -at- attbi.com

It really irks me to see such remarks about Dell systems and how real men build their own PC's. Sure, I use a home-built Athlon XP Intel-Killer at home, but at the office, I install nothing but Dell. Hard drive failure on the server? No problem - a replacement comes tomorrow ready to go. Every PC we have here has has no problems - except for the crappy value Dells that I had nothing to do with buying. Dells are not built poorly and do not fall apart (except the ones that are designed to be cheap). What some are forgetting here is that Michael Dell DID do something that nobody did before. Custom-order assembly line PC's. Even IBM and Compaq, the two other giants whose tech support, especially online, SUCKS!...have not figured it out. For anyone but the experts at home, Dell is really a great buy, condsidering their solid support and good reputation. As far as apple goes....well...they have a niche market, but I don't know why they still exist. I guess for graphics...but nobody uses Macs for high end stuff...then you go SGI...INTEL based...just like a Dell. And who's corporate network runs on Apple servers? Thats what I thought.


Mac VS PC(any one not just Dell) 03/18/02
wrowe -at- satx.rr.com

Once again the American people made the wrong choice. As a PC user, I accepted a job where I would be using a MAC-a G4 to be exact. It handles all tasks and is a dream to operate. I am not running OSX-but am looking forward to it.

I think the PC vs MAC debate is similar to the old Beta vs VHS debate. In VHS we picked a format that was inferior at the time to Beta---I believe now like we have done with the PCs. Figures!!


SGI 03/21/02

SGIs, at least the ones that people use(d) for graphics, 3D, etc are NOT Intel based. Get your facts straight, they are MIPS and run IRIX.


Apples vs. Dell or eMachine? 04/18/02
Why Bother?
dellskillapple -at- microsoft.com

Well Dell is not the only manufacturer of PCs. I have purchased and set up 50 eMachine desktops and 48 Apple Imacs over the past three years. The eMachines had an average cost of $320.00 each while each Imac was about $1299.00. Both came with a 1 year warranty, keyboard and mouse. We also have purchased 7 Apple G-4 desktops at $2300.00 each. The eMachines run Windows NT while the Apple's run OS 9.x both are networked to use printers and internet. The eMachines were EASIER to set up and run Windows NT and can reconize and log into the Windows NT domain, the applications are installed on the hard drives and on network CD-Towers. And use policies to keep the students from changing system settings. The NT machines allows me to set global settings such as the Start Menu and the Proxy Settings. I find it great to easily drag and drop the new applications right into the student's menu bar allowing me to give them access to a new application in just a couple minutes. However the Macs are not that fortunate, they do not have any basic built in security and do not log in to the Windows NT domain. It takes hours to install a new application one by one to each Mac, yes I know about network assitant but it is very slow and crashes too many times. The Macs also have the worst track record on repairs, over the years the Macs needes more servicing such as new motherboards, power supplies, switches, headphone jacks and CRTs. Luckily most was covered by warranty except for a G-4 that cost us $800 for a new main logic board because the warrany was out. Also all the G-4s that we bought had to have their Motherboards replaced over one year, however they were covered by warranty. The eMachines we only needed to buy two power supplies that costed $25.00 each and a new hard drive that costed about $85.00. Remember the eMachines costed us about $320.00 initially. So my opinion and observations is that the cheaper korean eMachine is the better deal expecially for schools. We only use them for Word, Internet, and educational programs (which run on anything). The Macs are shiney and that is about the only thing they have going for them. I don't care what color it is just along as it works!


buy an Apple if you like headachs 04/18/02
superscifi12@hotmail.com
superscifi12 -at- hotmail.com

I have worked (advanced trouble shooting) on both apple, and dells. i have found that people who actually use apples in business have actually requested a windows pc becuse apples are not user frendly and are more trouble then they are worth. Dells are windows pc and nothing that a little trouble shooting wont fix. in my opinion people who dont know how to fix computers should take a class to learn (like driving)to learn the basics.


Apples and Lemons 04/25/02
BaddSectorr

Anyone can say this computer is better then that computer. this one has more features then this other one.

but the bottom line is, its whatever you use it for. computers are tools and solve problems. after using Mac OS X, going back to the older mac system is ridiculous.

macs have always had better features since firewire and usb are way better then on a wintel machine.

but comparing the oses to each other, the mac wins hand down. mac os x kicks ass!

seems funny how the linux users boast about their os, having tried linux I find it ridiculous to use a system that does not have the support of a company like apple.

start evangelizing mac os x, forget about the hardware specs, mac os x is here to stay and it's going to get better. and macs are getting better features and prices are dropping.

looks like apple is going to get that other 95%.


Apple Vs dell 05/06/02
Scott

i think that apple way better than dell i think that apples are more faster more nicer and much easier too use


haha 05/16/02
jimmy smith

pc users brag about GHZ when supercomputers have never been judged that way and INTel has lowered its raw speed to increase GHZ. so they know that people buy GHZ but want gigaflops[the pc users dont know that].


Dell vs. Apple 06/04/02
WHY??

I have both a dell inspiron 8100, and an apple powerbook g4. At first, I was a little intimidated by the prices of these machines, but after I recieved them both, I realized that the dell was heavy, the drives come out easily, and it is flimsy plastic. The g4 powerbook by apple is made out of titanium, and is much lighter than the 8100. I travel alot, and I have brought them both with me, and it feels as if I am carrying 2 suitcases with the 8100. Also, I got the 8100 with so many features, such as 512mb ram, 1.2GHz, Ultra Good Screen, 40GB hard drive, and a combo drive. In the g4, I got 667MHz, 256mb ram, and a 30GB hard drive. All in all, the 8100 sucked ass, even though it had about 600 more MHz than the g4, but the mobile pentium 3 sucked so much that it took longer for the computer to turn on then it did for me to go up and down 13 stairs (walking!!!) It is crazy, so now I have put the 8100 up on e-bay for auction, and have not gotten any bids on it yet, and don't expect to. Oh yeah, one more thing, the battery life on the 8100 sucks, and the g4 could kick it's ass any day, so all you pc people out there, get macs before the macs get you.


mine's better 06/15/02
dmg

seems like most people here are spending way too much time worrying about what kind of computer everyone else has. People trying to complain about all the other systems are trying to make themselves feel better about the company they chose to buy from. Rather than try to convince everyone else that you have the best computer, why not just pick the one you want and use it for something constructive? As somebody mentioned earlier, they will all be outdated in a few years anyway.


Apple vs. Dell 06/27/02
Phil

Battery life.

I've had Ford vs. Chevy debates for years with my employer. Dell has more horsepower, better video support, better IT support, blahblahblah; but what good is a laptop if you have to keep it plugged in?


pc's vs mac's 07/22/02
mike folger

What makes a mac better than a pc: never crashes, has programs you actually use,and a nice interface.


Apple vs. Dell 08/24/02
devil
daredevilz -at- msn.com

I was a little confused when i bought dell laptop. but after seeing comments I am happy that i chossed the best. people who dont know how to fix pc. baby ask for a Apple and shove it in your mouth or ass any way it goes the same way.


2 good companies targeted at different markets 08/28/02
johnny
johnny -at- machinehien.com
http://www.machinehien.com

As a diehard Apple user I am always amused by Michael Dell's petty and cheap comments directed at Apple. It doesn't take a genius to see through the words.

But Dell is a geniunely good distributer of computers, offering affordable computers to people who need their computers cheap. There will always be a market for that.

Ultimately though both Apple and Dell need each other to survive.

Dell needs Apple because the only thing Dell has ever innovated is it's distribution. Dell essentially became a billionaire by combining the cheapest components he could get wholesale and selling them direct to consumers. You will never see a state-of -the-art computer from Dell, it isn't in him to produce one, he would lose to much money. Instead Dell is content to let Apple spend millions upon millions on R&D for the cutting edge technology and design and wait till it hits the market and then he'll have his R&D guys cobble up something that looks similar and sell it at half the price.

Apple, as the innovator of style and technology spends a lot of money on research and development. Products that were way too ahead of their time (Newton, Lisa, G4 cube), as innovative as they may be failed as products because the computer industry did not follow Apple until years later. In order for Apple's innovation to succeed, other companies have to imitate and adopt Apple's innovation in a timely matter. Look at the original iMac, look at the new iMac, iPod, iBook, Titanium Powerbook, Wireless connectivity, FireWire, Mac OS these were successful because companies like Dell saw a way to imitate Apple's innovation and making Apple's influence available to the millions of people who purchase Dell computers. Of these millions of users, a fair percentage of them may be able to make the leap to Apple for their next purchase.

Dell succeeds because it offers cheap computers for the masses and allows buyers to customize the components of the computers.

Apple succeeds because it offers upscale computers that make offers alot of value to their particular market. Because they offer innovative technology for people able to afford it. Apple succeeds because their design philosophy is so distinctive and stylish that anyone can spot an Apple product.

Steve Jobs and Micheal Dell and always take cheap shots at each other because both are content in the fact that neither can ever truely harm the other.


Mac vs PC 09/18/02
Dave
dpauken -at- comcast.net

I personally don't really care which platform you choose, but to those of you who say a Mac never crashes YOU ARE DEAD WRONG!!! I do network troubleshooting and basic Computer repairs for an office of 45 (all Macs)... The only computer that never crashes is the Dell server that we run for Associated Press wire photos. I do more repairs on Macs than I have ever done on a PC.
Believe me when I say that I love Apple Computers. I do... I wish I could afford to buy a Powerbook for my home, but the fact is MACS fall, and they fall HARD!!

(Even the Mac servers die, I just ordered a new OSX server two weeks ago... because replaicing the parts on the Current G4 (OS 9.x) woudl cost almost as much as a new one, and we needed the upgrade)


Rather than simply say DELL sucks, I'll stick to t 10/14/02
Daniel Summars
daniel.summars -at- gte.net

Rather than simply say DELL sucks,
I'll stick to the facts...it's amazing...
SUMMARY of REPAIRS:
1.Hard Disk Drive replaced twice: 03/21/2002 05/22/2002
2.CD-ROM/DVD drive replaced three times: 03/22/2002 03/25/2002 05/21/2002
3.MotherBoard replaced once: 05/20/2002
4.Keyboard replaced twice: 05/22/2002 05/24/2002
5.LID latch replaced once: 05/22/2002
6.DELL i7500 replaced with DELL i8100: 05/30/2002
7.DELL 8100 motherboard replaced: 06/06/2002
8.nVidia driver crashes system once per hour 06/06/2002 to now

This is not an isolated case...I have
several friends with DELLs that have
had similar numerous problems.


Dell Hell 12/17/02
MCurtis
mark.curtis -at- cmg.com

I I had the power to wipe out a single company to the effect that it never existed it would most certainly be Dell. This is based on experience I have had with Dell Computers UK/Ireland and their utmost disrespect for anyone buying less than 10 desktops/notebooks (most consumers).


Dell at work 12/28/02
Scott

We use Dells where I work. They're cheap, come with decent warranties, and for the most part are trouble free. Yes, the laptops suck, we have a few but I've noticed that all laptops suck so it's not just Dell. Yes, it is best to build your own PC, I did at home but at work we need cheap PCs that we don't have to be responsible for when they don't work. Dell has it's place, if it goes under someday, another PC maker will take their spot.


pc vs mac laptop 01/01/03
Gail
gtanzer -at- attbi.com

I have gone back and forth for the past 3 years trying to decide whether to buy a mac or pc. I believe this machine I am typing on is the 5rh one since 1985. I teach on the macs. And I want a laptop. I teach photoshop, illustrator, quark, web design (macromedia) etc. (Graphic ARTS- HIgh end computer work. I try to keep current. And I would like a laptop. So what does one choose. The best Powerbook G4 ($2500) of course I would rather not spend that much. But I want something that is good and will last. And how does a 1ghz mac relate to a 2.8+ mhz machine. This is all to confusing to me. I had a person today tell me Dell was the best. Everyone has their thoughts, so can anyone give me good feedback, maybe some comparisons and benchmarks
Thanks


PC vs mac 01/06/03
Kevin

First off, I am tired of reading all these articles of pc vs mac or microsoft vs mac. That's like comparing apples to oranges. A mac is a complete system, microsoft sells crappy software that crashes while running thier own programs. And as far as Dell trying to shit on apple, why would a pc maker be scared of a company that only owns 5% of the market. That must tell you something about what these companies can see in apples potential. And as far as speed is concerned, I run photoshop, indesign, quark, illustrator, dreamweaver all at the same time while using 50 to 150 meg files on a 466mgz G4 running os X and I have only had to do a full system restart once in the last 8 months. try running all those programs on pc and see how long it takes before your system crashes. I would take my G4 over the fastest windoze box anyday of the week if not just for os X. I have nothing against pentiums, just give my a linux or unix box not a shitty micrcrap box.


MY STORY 02/05/03
THE UNKNOWN ONE
fm985uk -at- yahoo.co.uk

I m 10 years of age and i live in the uk and i still use the original iMac and i tell u its great. At school we use windows 2000 and i think Mac OS 8 can still do way more things than what windows 2000 can do. Windows 2000 takes ages just to stat up. Its even on a pentium4 1.8 ghz computer and it runs slow. PCs have so many dum ports while apple only use a few ports that we need. No one can beat the designs apple come up with i mean look at the new iMac its great. its not like those ugly dell dimensions. My iMac stillruns fine even after more than 4 years.

One of my friends didnt know apple. He was going on how hes got the best computers and his was dell. So i told him my computer was an iMac and said whats that crap. I told him its much better than a dell, he never believed me. So once it was an ICT lesson in school and i quietly whent apple.com and show him the new G4 iMac. he was amazad. he said thats coool and he asked me what company made it. i told him apple. He still said that dell laptops are better than apples. so i showed him the new iBook and the titanium powerbook and he shutted up. Now a days he always looks at apple. He even bought an iBook ever since i showed him apple. He say his iBook is much better than his dell laptop and he says he showed his dad apple and hes thinking of buying a dual powermac g4 1.4ghz to replace his dell.

from
THE UNKNOWN ONE


MY STORY 02/05/03
THE UNKNOWN ONE
fm985uk -at- yahoo.co.uk

I m 12 years of age and i live in the uk and i still use the original iMac and i tell u its great. At school we use windows 2000 and i think Mac OS 8 can still do way more things than what windows 2000 can do. Windows 2000 takes ages just to stat up. Its even on a pentium4 1.8 ghz computer and it runs slow. PCs have so many dum ports while apple only use a few ports that we need. No one can beat the designs apple come up with i mean look at the new iMac its great. its not like those ugly dell dimensions. My iMac stillruns fine even after more than 4 years.

One of my friends didnt know apple. He was going on how hes got the best computers and his was dell. So i told him my computer was an iMac and said whats that crap. I told him its much better than a dell, he never believed me. So once it was an ICT lesson in school and i quietly whent apple.com and show him the new G4 iMac. he was amazad. he said thats coool and he asked me what company made it. i told him apple. He still said that dell laptops are better than apples. so i showed him the new iBook and the titanium powerbook and he shutted up. Now a days he always looks at apple. He even bought an iBook ever since i showed him apple. He say his iBook is much better than his dell laptop and he says he showed his dad apple and hes thinking of buying a dual powermac g4 1.4ghz to replace his dell.

from
THE UNKNOWN ONE


same old story 02/18/03
duewydo

I used to use macs as a child and now use x86 based pc's. Regardless they have thier pros and cons. I have a dell laptop, and have had many laptops and believe that although my dell is not a piece of junk, it is of poor quality. I have gone through 2 now because of simple screws falling out. I have a latitude p3 1.2ghz

what I always loved about apple, but changed when they went to powerpc was thier machines were built perfect. These days companies are trying to make Computers loaded with windows into a everyday home appliance. I believe apple succeded from the start in how stable they were and so purpose built. as far as modern apple machines go, I cant say. When it comes down to it. in reality a computer is a computer. with the ammount of crunching power we have, do you really need a dual MP2100 with 4 gigs of ddr and a geforce FX to type a letter? no. they all get the job done for the "average" user. plain and simple. so when we compair these laptops, its by quality and usbility over costomer service. I feel apple has the upper hand. but I am just a small voice.

peace-


Rather than simply say DELL sucks, I'll stick to t 02/13/04
summars
daniel.summars -at- gte.net

Rather than simply say DELL sucks, I'll stick to the facts.
Consider my experience (below) with the first and last DELL I'll ever buy...
_____________________________________________________________
SUMMARY of 16+ FAILURES/REPAIRS in 22 months ( purchased for $4208 ):
Replaced 2 times: notebook (Service Tags: for i7500:2H0440B(18-Oct-2000),
for i8100:93DH811(05/30/2002); for i8600:GHTMS31(11/15/2003)
Replaced 4 times: motherboard: 05/20/2002,06/06/2002,12/16/2002;02/??/2004
Replaced 3 times: CD/DVD drive: 03/22/2002,03/25/2002,05/21/2002;
Replaced 2 times: hard disk drive: 03/21/2002,05/22/2002;
Replaced 2 times: keyboard: 05/22/2002,05/24/2002;
Replaced 1 time: lid latch: 05/22/2002;
Replaced 2 times: video card: 1/10/2003,5/9/2003 ,
Missing: 2nd battery missing with 2nd notebook replacement
despite two batteries were purchased and returned
with 1st notebook;
Malfunction: repeated video problems and system lock-ups
since received May-2002 ; DELL replaced the
NVIDIA GeForce2Go-16mb with a ATI Radeon-7500-M7-64MB
video card/driver: 5/9/2003; LCD back-light failed
later (22-Oct-2003)
Failure: LCD developed red-tint at start-up (16-Oct-2003)
LCD back-light failed (22-Oct-2003) 4 days
after 3-year-complete-care-warranty
expired (18-Oct-2003)
Failure: Error: IDE Disk 0 - Write Test : Fail (28-Oct-2003)
Status: Fail Status Code: DOS DDG-D DISK 030 068
Device: IDE_Disk_0 Test: Write_Test,
Disk: Msg: Block 7022454: Uncorrectable data error.
Failure: Mini PCI 3Com NIC - NIC Interrupt Test : Fail (28-Oct-2003)
Status: Fail Status Code: DOS DDG-D MINI3COM 030 026
Device: Mini_PCI_3Com_NIC Test: NIC_Interrupt_Test,
Mini3Com: Msg: Failed Internal loopback Test
Failure: DELL i8600: motherboard failed; system won't power up;
removed memory, drives, modem, wireless, & battery, and
when power switch is pressed; LCD and Power LED flicker
briefly, and shut-off; nothing happens during attempted
power-up when AC power is disconnected (i.e. battery only)
________________________SIG-LINE______________________________________
DELL Inspiron 8600, 1.4GHz P4 Mobile, L2 1024KB Cache, Model:PP02X, Service TAG:GHTMS31 ;
BIOS: DELL-INSPIRON 8600 ROM BIOS Version A00 , 07/01/2003) ;
MEMORY: 512MB DDR 333MHz (two 256MB DIMMs) ;
VIDEO: ATI Mobility Radeon 9000 32MB DDR 4X AGP M9 3D Video, PN:8X960/X1913 ;
LCD: 15.4" WXGA 1280x800 60Hz, Samsung Part# Y0316 ;
HARD-DISK: 60GB IBM-MRGA, PN:0T673/X1629 ;
CD/DVD: CD-R/W & DVD combo SN:CN-0K0033-68861-3A9-01HT REV A00, QSI DMOD, PN:K0033/C3414 ;
ETHERNET and MODEM: Broadcom 440X 10/100, V.92 56Kbps, PN:D2465/00009 ;
WIRELESS: DELL True Mobile 1400 Dual band WLAN Wireless Broadcom , PN:3X548/6X216 ;
SOUND: Sigmatel-9750 Audio Controller ;
BATTERY: 72 Watt Primary Battery, 9 Cell Smart Lithium-Ion, Rating: 11.1v ; 6486 mAHr, for Inspiron 8600/8500 , Type 8N544 , DELL Item # 312-0101, Sanyo Manufacturer Part # 2P700 , DELL PN: 9X472 A00 ;
USB: USB Controller: Intel USB Universal Host Controller ;
IDE: ATA/ATAPI Controller: Intel Bus Master IDE Pri/Sec IDE Channel, external(floppy) drive ;
OS: Windows XP Professional 2002, Windows XP Professional SP1
________________________SIG-LINE______________________________________


Observer 02/18/04

Been deciding for a while(being completely unfamiliar with laptops)on whether to purchase an apple laptop or any other company laptop.Through the comments of the readers on this forum i have come to a conclusion. i would very strongly consider purchasing an Apple IBook/Powerbook.
So far,Dell is on the bottom of my list.All through observing/reading the comments you've submitted, and making up my own mind as to what qualities i need on my laptop of choice.Thanks a bunch fellas!


dell-vs-apple 02/29/04
warmfuzzies

I've never used an apple so i cant say but i have a refurbished dell 2500 notebook and if the company i got it from werent such dumbasses it would be a better laptop than it was. I recieved it with a bad cpu and a week and a half later it crashed on me. Dont need a new motherboard but had to get a new cpu...still waiting on it. And the ac adapter i got with it gets super hot so there goes another $50. But i wasnt about to send it back (covered under 90day warranty) to the same idiots that claim it was A OK when they shipped it. I dont know, I like it. But i dont use it for work, just personal. Got tired of sitting in a chair at a desk. All in all, for that week and a half it was awesome. And dell has an amazing tech support. Anyways, my 2 cents.


DUDE! YOU'RE GETTING SCREWED! 03/05/04
Mike Vester
mike856 -at- aol.com

First off, DELL SUPPORT SUCKS! They never answer your questions. With my 8200 I asked five different tech support questions and I got the same response every single time. DELL SUPPORT = INDIANS with SCRIPTS

I thought maybe it was just a fluke and so I ordered a NEW Dimension XPS. The system cost me $3,500! But when I got it the DAMN thing wouldn't even turn on. $3,500 and they don't even test these things. It turned out to be a BAD motherboard but I returned it. But it took me 3 weeks of fighting just to return the damn thing! If that was DELL "Quality" then I can imagine what other kinds of problems I would have down the road.

I found a local custom system builder here in Los Angeles and so far they've been great. What they gave me was a really nice, high quality, custom built system. I love it! If you’re in the L.A. area then give these guys a try: http://www.zone-5.net

At least they actually test their systems before they even ship them. Plus support is great since they’re local. I do a lot of gaming and so far I have had ZERO problems with the system.

So if you're in the market for a new system then give your local custom system builder a try. They're probably better than what you will find stores.


DELL is a four-letter word 03/07/04
ruhayat

Who gives a crap about crusty billionaires, anyway? Even the ones in black turtlenecks?

I love Apple for the philosophy behind it. So I buy an Apple laptop once every two years, because in the world infested with weeds, a wild flower deserves to be supported.


Dell vs Apple 03/27/04
Fireballz

Dell sucks. i have another computer its windows 98!
well..... My windows 98 kicked a brand new dells ass loading a game preaty pothitic.


Different Culture 04/09/04
Tony Life

No matter which computer we are using, the manufacturer always earn money. Apple and Dell have different kind of business culture. I'm using both PC and Mac at this moment. For Apple, I didn't encounter any problem with it... yet. For PC, there's some suspected bug's issue which happen once in a while. Although it's not a big deal and I'm able to fixed it myself, but base on my experience, PC is always buggy than Apple. But that doesn't mean that Apple won't have problem, it's happen; on my friend's iBook. Well, to me, both worth thier price vs quality. Higher the price; better the quality. So my comment is that, buy what you want that affordable, learn what you should that applicable and utilize what you have that doable; that's worth the price, no matter it's Apple or Dell.


Apple vs Dell 04/09/04
arb
arb1099 -at- aol.com
Apple.com

To those who say Dell has grreat customer support: Fine. Dell is good, but Apple has consistantly won awards for having the best customer support. Comparing an iBook to an old dell should be fair becuase an iBook is the lowest end laptop Apple makes the same is true for that dell. The AppleCare and ProCare protection plans are excellent, and the hardware is superior. To the perosn who said that you can get DVDR and GeForce o dell laptops – duh. But have ypou looked at Apple's website? You can get all of that on a mac for less money and stioll have a better product. The new XPS laptop from dell is standard at "Intel Pentium 4 Processor with HT Technology at 3.40GHz and 800MHz Front Side Bus
Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
15.4" UltraSharp WUXGA Wide Display
128MB ATI Radeon 9700
512MB 400MHz DDR Dual Channel Memory
24X CD-RW/DVD Combo Drive
Starting at 9.06lbs"

that $2599!!!! in turn Apple:
for LOWER THNA THAT PRICE YOU GET:
15.2-inch TFT Display
1280x854 resolution
1GHz PowerPC G4
512K L2 cache
256MB DDR333 SDRAM
60GB Ultra ATA/100
ATI Mobility Radeon
9600 (64MB DDR)
Full size keyboard
Gigabit Ethernet
FireWire 400 & 800
AirPort Extreme Ready
DVI & S-Video out
WOOOOW!! that is a much better feature list n'est pas?

And for the same price as that dell you get:
15.2-inch TFT Display
1280x854 resolution
1.25GHz PowerPC G4
512K L2 cache
512MB DDR333 SDRAM
80GB Ultra ATA/100
ATI Mobility Radeon
9600 (64MB DDR)
Backlit keyboard
Gigabit Ethernet
FireWire 400 & 800
AirPort Extreme built-in
DVI & S-Video out


WOOOOOOOW!!!

Apple. Think.


And more.. 04/09/04
arb
arb1099 -at- aol.com
apple.com/switch/

About the guy whop talked about eMachines!!!

eMachines are notorius for thier 1. poor construction 2. poor support and 3. poor quality. eMachines are basically made to access the internet and type. UNFORTUNATLY apple does't make poor computers -- dont compare a rotten orange to a ripe apple!!! and -- you could get eMachines like performance from an old iMac running OS 9 or 8 (which also run $399)

Apple. Duh.


And more.. 04/09/04
arb
arb1099 -at- aol.com
apple.com/switch/

About the guy whop talked about eMachines!!!

eMachines are notorius for thier 1. poor construction 2. poor support and 3. poor quality. eMachines are basically made to access the internet and type. UNFORTUNATLY apple does't make poor computers -- dont compare a rotten orange to a ripe apple!!! and -- you could get eMachines like performance from an old iMac running OS 9 or 8 (which also run $399)

Apple. Duh.


once more 04/09/04
arb
arb1099 -at- aol.com

Ok, to the people compaining ab out Windows NT 4 not being supported by Mac well ts not even spported by microsoft anymore! And have you heard of Mac OS X? Permissions and capabilities are integrated into it. Mac OS X Server allows for netorks installs, cloning, permissions, etc. Workgroup Manager allows you to do all of this. Lets not use outdated information! (my advice if you have to stick with Windows get Server 2003 or at least 2000, NT4 is aging)...

Macs not user friendly??? WOW!
Error messages:

"The Application System Preferences has quit, other applications have not been affected" -Mac

"The application rundll32.exe has encountered a problem and needs to close" -Win

OR this I love this one

Your computer has encoutered a problem and needs to be restarted. Error code FF:001:bla bla -Mac

Critical OE Stop error, memory stack dump:
bla bla bla bla bla -Win

or

"Your System Has recovered from a serious error"

--Thanks for telling me!! Is Windows prooud of itself? Cool, it did what it was supposed to do!!! Why did I need to know this? If it 'recovered' then how does it affect me? And what is a serious error???? 'Windows has recovered from a serious attempt to go into standby' or

'Windows has recovered from a serious attempt to play a 3D Game'

Seriously I get serious error messages after I install updates!! Or norton!

or those stange Page Faults that windows XP likes to announce.

Then there are those times when for no reason at all they will restart. "Initializing AOL" bzzzibzzz 'HP'
yeah, HP - Heavily Pathetic

or when you start the Dells

ALERT!!! CASE WAS PREVIOUSLY OPENED!!!

once again --- WOW, yup the case was removed, I put a modem in so yes, the case was removed!!!! DUH! Is that special!! no, no, it's not.

--- Windows is convoluted and often provides information to people that futher confuses them. A sigle error code is better becuase you can look it up if your a power user or tell a tech agent or just move on! Windows errors are so melodramatic.

It is true that Macs crash and ture that dells crash, but Macintosh computers running Mac OS 10.2 crash much much less then windows pcs. Do not use Mac OS 9 as an example becuase they are TOTALLY different platoforms. OS X is unix based. It is however to refer to Windows2K and XP together because they are essentially the same in the background. -- If a Mac is consistantly crashing when connected to a netowork it is possible that the network is not properly set up. I set up and support a network of Macs and PC's (even an old G3-All-In-One) And the Mac's don't crash. interestoingly enough, Mac OS is compatible with Samba but Windows is not AFP compatible. AFP is more stable and can handle alot more in my opinion. And Mac's OpenDirectory is better than Active Directory in oh so many ways. OpenDir is even compatible with Active Directory.

Another thing about Windows, why does it insit on restarting after you do anything with network settings?? Or after you install programs (granted for some Pro Apps like FCP you resart a Mac). Or ---this is great--

You have not activated windows. Please activate Windows now.
--translation--
The software you bought is not yours. We don't trust you with it. The liscene agreemen t was just nopt enough for us. We decided to make it more difficult for you to use windows. We know you wanted to install this on two computers!!!! YOU'RE PURE EVIL!! What?? You don't have the internet, then call us. We don't give you the code becuase you switched computers and becuase the 1 in a million people who are too miserly to buy an OS puts a $1000 dent in our account. We hoard money. Don't worry after we decide to stop supporting windows XP you can just re-install your OS every 30 days becuase we won't give you the codes!!! HAHA

Click on the Help thing for more harrasment about the software that you purchsed that you don't own.


XP crap 04/10/04
anti XP

MS claim that XP is the OS that won't crash, well guest what, he's right, it won't crash cos it not even stable. I'm gonna give a try on Apple computer, so far haven't get any big problem to all my friend who using Apple. if :) is mean smile, :( means sad face, turn 90 degree clockwise and see what would XP be.


Considering new laptop. need help 05/09/04
Billy
brhoward3 -at- msn.com

Ok, I have been lookig at new laptops and looked at the Dell's, Gateway's and then some other less expensive laptops with many features like the HP's and so forth. I then went to a comp use store and saw the Apple's. I was instantly attracted to the machines and have alway's heard many good things about them. I am wondering what way to go on this though. I have a dell laptop now that is getting outdated. I use Act 2000, Office 2000 and of course browse the web. I will be doing things like keeping track of customers and doing large mailouts, and brochure type things with Publisher. I also use the computer for some photo's and so forth. The computers I have looked at are all like 15.4 screens a pent 4 with 2.8-3.0 or Centrino with 1.2 to1.5 GHZ. most are 40 or so GB HD's but I'm sure they are not the faster HD's. 256-512 mb ram and so forth. Is it worth me spending 500 or so more for the Apples G4 15.2 and like 1.5 MGZ laptop? I don't truly understand the power difference. Is the G4 at 1.5 MGH as fast as a Pent 4 at 3.0 GHZ? What about my software? The Apple is prettier but is it as functional and will it last? Is it worth spending extra money on or is it just a neat toy that I really don't need? Can I get as goood use out of the HP for $1,200 or the Gateway for $1,500? What should I do. I don't want biased info. I want to hear from somebody that uses both plateforms that can tell me the pros and cons of each machine. I appreciate any comments


Mac vs PC (Dells whatever) 06/02/04
Chris
cfwensel -at- aol.com

Obviously most people on this page are MAC fans, all power to ya I love em to but I've been using Macs and PCs for years (1 ibooks 1 powerbook, and 1 powermac [sorry can't comment on eMac]) (Dell Inspiron 4000, 5150, xps) and one demension desktop) {other pcs, gateways, tobisha, fuji, and a sony} I have experianced problems with both varieties. I've had trouble with both and I've had awesome results with both. I use macs and PCs for different things. I honestly think you need to decide what you really need in computer. if you are (naive) idealistic person no computer will be perfect allround unless the only reason you buy it is to look at it in its box. Compatability is one important thing once again look where your priorities are and buy the most reasonable options. And for you die hard mac fans its not always mac. I love my macs but i have found things better in a pc. You may claim i am a PC fan i tell you i'm down the middle i wear my panther X t shirt all the time. You got to look at the pros and cons of what you individually need. not discourage people from buying a computer if they don't know enough about what they are buying they should do some research and make an educated desicion about what they need.
only comment is about Panther X and XP, Panther is awesome i love it, i would rate it over XP easy but that deosn't mean XP has nothing to offer. and yes panther can process 64 bits a second XP can only do 32, this longhorn project that microsoft is working may be a good option in the future but its too early to tell. In all honesty i have rendered the same movies on Maya on my best mac and pc after 3 hours of rendering (3D movie imaging for the incompetant) the mac was only 8 minutes faster. if you use em right both can be good. and for you dell haters out there i have owned 4+ dell systems and have maybe only made 1 call / system to dell i don't think its dell i think its your incompetance ive had and equal number of problems with my mac. And for Mr Dell he is being a stupid politition in the computer market all oppostitions rat on each other lets be real. and you rent a car analogyists any of you take a micro econ and learn about something called product differentiation all companies sell in bulk its a good strong source of money, mac does its too macs were at my high school, college and at my workplace just like dells


Apple Vs. Dell 08/05/04
earnist

I hate to silent an angry mob, but it is up to the person using it to determine. you can not generalize which is better or anything else to the sort. I just both windows and mac at home. farther more i just a dell at work and i will admit that my pc and mac at home work fifty times or more better than my dell pc at work. but dell like every other company including my beloved apple has its positives. you know dell is one of the top sellers of low priced comsumer pcs. well take a pick, dell or hp whose worse?


Apple vs PC laptops 11/03/04
Shin

one must make the comparison clear.

i use both a powerbook and IBM a31p and Sony tr3.
(I have 2 pc laptops because the ibm has been sent in for repairs 15 times over the last year).

I enjoy using the x more then then microsoft because it feels a lot more responsive and reliable then microsoft.

But i use microstf more in terms of time because mac has so few applications. this pisses me off.

most american designed laptops sucks extremely bad. quality, heating and battery problems are the most prominent problems.

From worst to least worst. TI(out of business), Gateway, HP, Dell.

noble attempts. from best to worst. Panasonic, Fujitsu, Sony.


same old story- no solution 12/02/04
Keith

Dell is in Europe one of the biggest and strongest seller. Why? Because their support and hardware is superior quality. They sell exactly what you want, by assembly by order. I used to go with an iBook, as well as an eMac. But there is little software for students and only to buy an Apple because of the design is dumb. Apple's chassis seem to be very tough, but their hardware is to old. Take an Powerbook display against an Dell SuperSharp or IBM supermodell. Maybe the white is brighter in Apples books, but the colours and the brightness over all beats any Apple Display in a mobile. Stop jerking Apple is better. It depends on your needs- and it depends upon the software availability!


Dell 01/06/05
Dyon

I have had 2 Dell computers and 1 compaq, and I can tell you: Dell is great, the PC I'm currently on is one year old and I have never had any problems with it (hardware based). The other Dell is over 5 years old and still functions well, I have had some hardware replaced (gfx card, more RAM memory) but its' original Pentium still works. Compared to the compaq I had it's a blessing really, compaq caused nothing but trouble.

As for Apple, my friend from the States has one, (cause nobody I know in Holland has them really) and ofcourse they look nice but he hasn't had a problem-free history with it.


DELL Notebooks 01/10/05
Daniel Summars
daniel.summars -at- comcast.net

Well, I'm sure there's some happy DELL customers that had better luck than I did.

But, rather than simply say DELL sucks, I'll stick to the facts.

Consider this nightmare experience (below) with the first and last DELL I'll ever buy...
_____________________________________________________________
SUMMARY of 21 FAILURES/REPAIRS in 24 months ( for DELL Inspiron notebook purchased for $4208.76 ):
[] Replaced 2 times: Notebook Service Tags: for i7500:2H0440B(18-Oct-2000), for i8100:93DH811(05/30/2002), for i8600:GHTMS31(11/15/2003);
[] Replaced 6 times: Motherboard: 05/20/2002,06/06/2002,12/16/2002;02/16/2004;02/17/2004;03/25/2004;
[] Replaced 3 times: CD/DVD drive: 03/22/2002,03/25/2002,05/21/2002;
[] Replaced 2 times: Hard Disk Drive: 03/21/2002,05/22/2002;
[] Replaced 2 times: Keyboard: 05/22/2002,05/24/2002;
[] Replaced 4 times: Video Card: 1/10/2003,5/9/2003,2/17/2004;3/25/2004;
[] Replaced 1 time: Lid latch: 05/22/2002;
[] Replaced 1 time: Intel CPU:03/25/2004;
[] i8100 notebook malfunctioning for first 12 months and last month;
[] 2nd battery purchased for 1st notebook is incompatible with 2nd replacement notebook;
[] 2nd battery purchased for 2nd notebook is incompatible with 3rd replacement notebook;
[] Incompatible Battery: when notebook was replaced a 2nd time, the 2nd battery purchased was not compatible with the replacement notebook;
[] i8100: repeated unresolved video problems and system lock-ups for 12 months;
[] i8100: LCD failure; LCD developed red-tint at start-up (16-Oct-2003), LCD back-light failed (22-Oct-2003);
[] i8100: Failure: Error: IDE Hard Disk Write Test: Fail (28-Oct-2003); Status: Fail Status Code: DOS DDG-D DISK 030 068, Disk: Msg: Block 7022454: Uncorrectable data error;
[] i8100: Failure: Network Interface Card-PCI 3Com NIC Interrupt Test: Fail (28-Oct-2003), Status: Fail Status Code: DOS DDG-D MINI3COM 030 026;
[] i8600 notebook malfunctioning for first 4 months; despite next-business-day-on-site-warranty, motherboard not replaced until 8 days later (2/16/2004); problem still persisted; motherboard repalced again (2/17/2004); problem persisted; video-card replaced (2/17/2004); problem persisted; formatted drive and re-installed operating system; problem persisted; upgraded BIOS and all drivers; problem persisted until 3rd motherboard, 2nd video-card, and CPU were replaced on 3/25/2004 (now seems to be functioning OK at the moment).
________________________SIG-LINE______________________________________
DELL Inspiron 8600, 1.6GHz P4 Mobile, Service TAG:GHTMS31 , L2 1024KB Cache, Model:PP02X ;
BIOS: DELL-INSPIRON 8600 ROM BIOS Version A05 , 03/04/2004) ;
MEMORY: 512MB DDR 333MHz (two 256MB DIMMs) ;
VIDEO: ATI Mobility Radeon 9000 32MB DDR 4X AGP M9 3D Video Driver: version A04 (10/13/2003), ati2dvag.dll, PN:8X960/X1913 ;
LCD: 15.4" WXGA 1280x800 60Hz, Samsung Part# Y0316 ;
HARD-DISK: 60GB IBM-MRGA, PN:0T673/X1629; Intel(R) 82801DBM Ultra ATA Controller ;
CD/DVD: CD-R/W & DVD combo SN:CN-0K0033-68861-3A9-01HT REV A00, QSI SBW-242 DMOD, PN:K0033/C3414 ;
ETHERNET and MODEM: Broadcom 440X 10/100, V.92 56Kbps, PN:D2465/00009 ;
WIRELESS: DELL True Mobile 1400 Dual band WLAN Wireless Broadcom , PN:3X548/6X216 ;
SOUND: SigmaTel-9750 C-Major Audio Controller ;
BATTERY: 72 Watt Primary Battery, 9 Cell Smart Lithium-Ion, Rating: 11.1v ; 6486 mAHr, for Inspiron 8600/8500 , Type 8N544 , DELL Item # 312-0101, Sanyo Manufacturer Part # 2P700 , DELL PN: 9X472 A00 ;
USB: Intel(R) 82801DB/DBM USB Universal Host Controller ;
IDE: ATA/ATAPI Controller: Intel Bus Master IDE Pri/Sec IDE Channel, external(floppy) drive ;
OS: Windows XP Professional 2002, Windows XP Professional SP1
________________________SIG-LINE______________________________________


DELL SUCKS MAC ROCKS! 01/14/05
david

DELL IS SOOO LOUSY I HAVE A DELL LAPTOP AND AFTER 1 MONTH OF HAVING IT THE HARD DRIVE CRASHED AND THAN WHAT NEXT WAITING ON TECH SUPPORT FOR OVER 3 HRS TRYING TO GET THROUGH! ON THE OTHER HAND WHEN WE HAVE MINOR PROBLEMS WITH OUR MACS WE GET THROUGH TO APPLE COMPUTER AFTER ABOUT 15 MIN. INSTEAD OF THE 3 HRS ON THE PHONE WITH DELL..... DELLS HAVE VIROUS ALL THE TIME WEATHER YOU HAVE THE BEST VIROUS SCAN ON IT OR WHAT I DONT CARE THEY WILL ON MY DELL I HAVE 15 VIROUS SCANS AND COOKIE SCANS AND ON MY MACS I HAVE NONE AND I HAVE NOT GOTTEN 1 VIROUS ON THE MACS ON THE OTHER HAND I HAVE 100.00'S INVESTED INTO DELL VIROUS SCANS AND I STILL GET VIROUES! MAC IS BY FAR BETTER I MEAN WHEN DO U THINK THAT DELL WILL COME OUT WITH A COMPUTER THAT IS 2 INCHES THICK?? LIKE 20 YEARS? I MEAN LOOK AT THE DIFFERENCE A 8 LB DELL INSPIRON OR AN APPLE POWERBOOK AT 4 LBS AND WHAT IS UP WITH DELLS BATTERYS I MEAN 1.30 MIN UNLESS YOU GO OUT AND SPEND A GOOD 2,000.00 ON A LAPTOP WELL YOU CAN JUST GO OUT AND BUY AN APPLE IBOOK FOR 999.00 WITH A 6 10 HR BATTERY! AND THE AIRPORT (WIRELESS CARD) IS UNDER THE APPLE KEYBOARD EASY TO ACCESS BUT CARD IS NOT EXPOSED LIKE THE DELL..... IT IS SOO NICE YOU GET AN EXTREME CARD WITH THE APPLES 54 MBPS AND DELL YOU GET A WIRELESS CARD 11MBPS FOR 54.00. DELL DOESNT HAVE FREE SHIPPING APPLE DOES. AND ALL OF YOUR FILES ON MAC STAY VERY ORGANIZED WETHER YOUR USING MAC OS OR OS X ...... UNLIKE DELL YOU MUSIC FILES COULD BE IN YOUR PICTURES FOLDER AND IT IS SUCH A HEAD ACH! I HAVE NEVER HAD A PROBLEM WITH MAC.... AND I AM SURE YOU CAN NOTICE THAT IF YOU READ THE OTHER COMMENTS MOST OF THEM ARE FOR MAC....... MAC IS SOO INEXPENSIVE I MEAN A POWERBOOK FOR 2,999 IS A GREAT PRICE FOR WHAT YOU GET. MACS BARLY GIVE OF 5% OF THE HEAT THAT DELL DOES.......... AND THEY HAVE A SPACE SAVING DESIGN! DELL SUCKS MAC ROCKS ITS WAY THROUGH THE WALL! IT HAS A GREAT SOUND SYSTEM!


About Apple 01/16/05
John

I currently have a Dell Demension desktop, but have been doing researchon Apples, and I am strongly considering making my next computer a Apple. The way I got into Apple was by looking at the iPods. If anyone can answer this, if you have been on a Dell all your life, is it easy to transfer to an Apple?


Depends 01/20/05

For video editing and the like, The Apple computers really shine, but if you want to play any of the top games, the Pc is what all the games are made for, Casual users can probably stick with a Dell but if you know what you want to do, go with apple


mrwolf@executivemail.co.za 01/23/05
Thomas

Apple Laptops are by far the best. With the launch of the 17" Apple PowerBook, it is not the best "large-screen" laptop on the market for the same price as a Dell Prestige D70. And besides that, Apple runs on OSX Jaguar, which everyone knows is better than anything Microsoft can produce.


Apple and Dells 01/28/05
Sarah

I use both i own a imac even though its out dated its awesome i love it and it never fails me and than at school i use the Dells its really good b.c they are new and they dont fail much but its really easy switching from dells to macs its almost the same thing


Dell 02/01/05
Dave

The Dell experience is absolutely horrible, horrible, horrible. You can not imagine, begin to imagine, what it is like to navigate their global service maze on the phone. "I am ver sorry for your experience, but I am not Authorized to address this issue". I have two Dells, and you can stop counting.


pc suck apple is the way a computer should be!!!!! 03/09/05
yuri

people are still trying to compare a pc to apple and i tell them to stop wasting there time and actually se what a mac can do and what a pc cant you can just say apple is better by looking at " how can you compare MAC OSX to sucky "windows xp" in my opinion people should just take a shit on there pc and buy a apple computer to save you the grief and do the things you need to do on a computer other than fixing a pc for viruses all the time.


Dell Computers 03/11/05
Jim

I've owned a Dell Inspiron 2650 for 2 years and have had an excellent experience. Suport has been decent, but rarely has been needed.


I think both are great, but apple takes the cake 04/04/05
Greg

I absolutely adore Mac computers, but I hate looking at all this pc sux bull. Sure dell isn't the best, but there is hp and compaq, etc.
i currently have a pc, but want to get a powerbook G4. The best Idea i ever thought of! I say you should buy a computer for what you need it for.
Plus, if your like me, and want to run your pc software on a mac, there is a program called Virtual PC from Microsoft itslef.


I think both are great, but apple takes the cake 04/04/05
Greg

I absolutely adore Mac computers, but I hate looking at all this pc sux bull. Sure dell isn't the best, but there is hp and compaq, etc.
i currently have a pc, but want to get a powerbook G4. The best Idea i ever thought of! I say you should buy a computer for what you need it for.
Plus, if your like me, and want to run your pc software on a mac, there is a program called Virtual PC from Microsoft itslef.


Apple vs PC 04/18/05
Frank

I bought a Gateway PC, it sucked, service was OK, it got so infected I got disgusted and bought a new Dell PC. I added a gig to the RAM so it runs XP Pro very nicely but it still can't handle big image files, and the CDRW has never worked properly. I paid almost $300 for the 3year upgraded premium warranty package and it was a total waste of money. I still get to talk to morons in India that don't have a clue.....After reading this site my new notebook will definitely be an Apple IBook and I'll let you know....


Dell service 04/24/05
Dell User

u no what man, i swear everytime i called dell an indian man or woman has talked to me and half the time u cant even understand em, im like what, huh, their service sucks!!


Apple vrs Dell 04/26/05
jack
armstrong -at- zoominternet.net

Apple computers are so much better then Dell!


dell performance in real host bus speed 05/18/05
ja

dell may have some neat looking deals but reality is their products arn't optimised properly to maximise performance but rather done so in a pessismistic fashion to assertain their version of stability which ultimately is not on par reliability wise let alone performance wise compared to a pc correctly sorted from a local pc dealer.in the end a competent person is better off purchasing components and assemble the pc themselfs +be rewarded with a far superior product compared to any mac or dell alike.
or if one needs the best quality oem product in which i independentaly tested various components to assertain quality control ,i founf ibm products amongst the best avaliable (period) don't be fooled by hype +gimmicks when it comes to brand pc ibm are superior +have been since 1921.


I have owned both, and... 09/27/05
Jon

I hate Dell, passionately. The computers are ugly and their tech support is terrible. I have both an iMac and a slightly older Dell, and while i love literally everything about my Mac and my Experience with Apple, I despise averything about the Dell and have a terrible time with the company.
Macs are better.


dell vrs ibook and my opinion 10/10/05
pat

well i really am in a tight spot i dont know wether to get a dell laptop or a apple ibook ,MY mate got a ibook and i tell you it is truely amzing it has everything.I never seee problems with it it has a nice screen and i say to every one in my position to get an ibook

alot of people i know think that apple sucks,they have dell laptops i try to xplain to them that there really good infact better then dell.im no expert on computers but i think im right.


iBook - A++ 10/10/05
Andrew Danks
a.danks -at- gmail.com
http://andrewdanks.com

The iBook is truely amazing; I purchased mine over a month ago. First of all, the price was worth it and it has everything you need. A built-in microphone, great crystal-clear display. It has a comfortable design and fits anywhere. It has built-in wireless internet (AirPort Extreme), 2 USB ports, a FireWire port, a built-in 56k modem and built-in ethernet, optional dvd burner or cd burner and dvd combo drive. I used to be Windows user and I made a happy switch to Mac. You can't go wrong with Apple. The only cons I have is that not all programs are compatible with Mac. But with a price of $1249, you can't go wrong with the iBook G4.


iBook - A++ 10/10/05
Andrew Danks
a.danks -at- gmail.com
http://andrewdanks.com

The iBook is truely amazing; I purchased mine over a month ago. First of all, the price was worth it and it has everything you need. A built-in microphone, great crystal-clear display. It has a comfortable design and fits anywhere. It has built-in wireless internet (AirPort Extreme), 2 USB ports, a FireWire port, a built-in 56k modem and built-in ethernet, optional dvd burner or cd burner and dvd combo drive. I used to be Windows user and I made a happy switch to Mac. You can't go wrong with Apple. The only cons I have is that not all programs are compatible with Mac. But with a price of $1249, you can't go wrong with the iBook G4.


apple better than dell 10/26/05
Emily

I have used dells for my entire life, and recently, my school switched over to apples. While dell computers still remain in one of the multiple computer labs, the majority of the computers in the school are apple. I am please to say that the transition was easy; and now I'm hooked on apple. They're faster than the dells were, and the dells constantly ran into problems and would frequently shut down. Apples have been running smoothly without any problems. I myself am now planning on getting a powerbook g4, as opposed to my alternative, a dell inspiron. i firmly believe apples are a much less waste of time than dells, because dells constantly need to be fixed and repaired. Above, this was said already, the only con of apples is they are not compatible with certain programs, however, corporations and companies are making their products to be compatible with macs, too, as well as pcs


which one?? 11/07/05
Katherine

I can't really tell the difference. Is apple better or dell??


Same Ole Crap...... 11/08/05
NoNameNoOpinion

Never fails on discussion boards as this that it goes into rants about personal likes and dislikes....for a fricking minute I thought I was on a Linux vrs Windows board! For us we want to be compatable with the other 99% of computer users out there...so you can fill in the blanks on what we own. And as for tech support....if you know your P's & Q's about computers, there is no need to call India for help!


I don't know... 11/09/05
Kishore Patel
kishoretech -at- sbcglobal.net

Well I used my dell latitude 2400 laptop and a G4 apple iBook and well I don't know becuase dell freezes a lot but the G4 has so little applications and programs. Dell has more programs and apple has way less. But the dell freezes a lot and the apple doesn't CAN SOME ONE JUST SORT THIS OUT ONCE AND FOR ALL??? I have been reading this whole forum and this has not got me any where. PLEASE REPLY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. IF YOU TRASH EMAIL ME I WILL HACK INTO YOUR EMAIL. I SWEAR TO GOD I KNOW HOW TO HACK!!


Dislike in Dell from a recent dell customer 11/22/05
mike

I recently bought a dell laptop which coming fresh from the factory had problems from the start. The problems were of poor design. The I/O of the keyboard and mouse couldn't even keep up. Mainly this was in gaming when multiple keys at once will be pressed. Basically it was like some of the keys would get stuck down and would lock out all the rest of the keys so they couldn't be used. Not only that but the video card that was sold with the laptop frequently would over heat causing it to slow down almost to a stop. Aside from that many users have also reported their laptop not working after they used a docking station. This is something I myself was fortunate to read ahead of time before purchasing one. But this definatly would have turned me away from purchasing a dell laptop if I had first known of this. Then when you contact dell for support they really don't tell you of anything for help. There answers to my problems were to try turning off then back on the computer. Then if that didn't fix my problems they wanted me to spend nearly an additional half of what I first paid for the laptop just to get a new motherboard then install it on my own!!! Now im my opinion they should be looking for a fix to this rather than telling me to basically telling me a bunch of garbage. One person here that will never go with a Dell again.


Dell Vs Ibook 11/24/05
ginger
3ooo g paper weight

I have had an Inpiron for under one month. Pheww. I put 2gb of ram for faster vidio editing...... I didn't get that far. after three days the vidio card went a wall, just figureed this out yesterday... the resolution drops to 600 and you can't do fuck all. No one could fix it after three weeks of trouble shooting.... Sytesm restore, refresh.. reformatted HD.. still problems. you think for 3000 G's you would get something reliable..... Like my 89 toyota PU well at least I can fix that thing... This ones going back..


DELL AND APPLES 12/19/05
Eriddle

I have been using desktop and laptop computers (mainly DELLS) for years. i never used apples/macs until now. I used to hate macs/apples just because I did not know at all how to operate them at all and becasue I was just so used to the PCs. I am going to school for graphic web design and have no choice but to know Apple. Some people say PCs are better than Apple/Macs some say vice versa. But to me, everyone has a right to their own opinion and everyone has their own interest. I dont think PCs are better than MACS and I dont think MACS are better than PCs I believe they are just different. PCs to me are for mainly college students and business people. MACS are for Art Students or ARTIST (graphic artists, musicians, video producers, etc.) But now since I am a ART Student, I enjoy MAC more for my art wrok and PCs for my data entry work.


DELL is so much better than APPLE!!! 01/03/06
Talha

THis is what i think. I think apple has better graphics and the operating system is awsome, expesialy Tiger. But i still like better dell because its faster, and by the way i have a DELL XPS laptop and pc and both for an apple too. Its mine, and i use them for different things, i use the apple pc and laptop for lile graphics, but the pc for going online, putting games on it, and more. but i think dell is better.


DELL IS BETTER THAN APPLE!!! 01/03/06
Talha
talha216 -at- netscape.net

Apple sucks, I have a brand new G5 Notebook with the following:

80GB
G5 proccesor m at 1.7GHz
1mb DDR SDRAM
Tiger operating system
CD-RW/DVD-ROM drive
1yR WARRANTY

ALL AT $3500!!!

Now look at this DELL XPS Multimedia Machine at $3680!!!:



-Intel® Pentium® M Processor 770 (2.13 GHz/2MB Cache/533MHz FSB)
-Operating System (Office software not included)
Genuine Windows® XP Media Center Edition 2005!!!
-Video Card
256MB NVIDIA® GeForce™ Go 6800 Ultra
-Memory:
2GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 533MHz 2 Dimm
-Hard Drive
100GB 7200rpm Hard Drive
-CD ROM/DVD ROM
8x CD/DVD burner (DVD+/-RW) with double-layer DVD+R write capability
-Hardware Warranty
2Yr Ltd Warranty, 2Yr At-Home Service, and 2Yr HW Warranty Support

NOW WILL YOU LOOK AT THIS, WHAT IS WORTH IT??? THE DELL OVIOSULY!!! APPLE IS NOT THAT GREAT!!!


DELL IS BETTER THAN APPLE!!! 01/03/06
Talha
talha216 -at- netscape.net

Apple sucks, I have a brand new G5 Notebook with the following:

80GB
G5 proccesor m at 1.7GHz
1mb DDR SDRAM
Tiger operating system
CD-RW/DVD-ROM drive
1yR WARRANTY

ALL AT $3500!!!

Now look at this DELL XPS Multimedia Machine at $3680!!!:



-Intel® Pentium® M Processor 770 (2.13 GHz/2MB Cache/533MHz FSB)
-Operating System (Office software not included)
Genuine Windows® XP Media Center Edition 2005!!!
-Video Card
256MB NVIDIA® GeForce™ Go 6800 Ultra
-Memory:
2GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 533MHz 2 Dimm
-Hard Drive
100GB 7200rpm Hard Drive
-CD ROM/DVD ROM
8x CD/DVD burner (DVD+/-RW) with double-layer DVD+R write capability
-Hardware Warranty
2Yr Ltd Warranty, 2Yr At-Home Service, and 2Yr HW Warranty Support

NOW WILL YOU LOOK AT THIS, WHAT IS WORTH IT??? THE DELL OVIOSULY!!! APPLE IS NOT THAT GREAT!!!


DELL IS BETTER THAN APPLE!!! 01/03/06
Talha
talha216 -at- netscape.net

Apple sucks, I have a brand new G5 Notebook with the following:

80GB
G5 proccesor m at 1.7GHz
1mb DDR SDRAM
Tiger operating system
CD-RW/DVD-ROM drive
1yR WARRANTY

ALL AT $3500!!!

Now look at this DELL XPS Multimedia Machine LAPTOP at $3680!!!:



-Intel® Pentium® M Processor 770 (2.13 GHz/2MB Cache/533MHz FSB)
-Operating System (Office software not included)
Genuine Windows® XP Media Center Edition 2005!!!
-Video Card
256MB NVIDIA® GeForce™ Go 6800 Ultra
-Memory:
2GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 533MHz 2 Dimm
-Hard Drive
100GB 7200rpm Hard Drive
-CD ROM/DVD ROM
8x CD/DVD burner (DVD+/-RW) with double-layer DVD+R write capability
-Hardware Warranty
2Yr Ltd Warranty, 2Yr At-Home Service, and 2Yr HW Warranty Support

NOW WILL YOU LOOK AT THIS, WHAT IS WORTH IT??? THE DELL OVIOSULY!!! APPLE IS NOT THAT GREAT!!!


APPLE Rocks 01/09/06
Corkie

Tahla how mis-guided you are benches on the two units even with your optional upgrades show the PowerBook is a better buy; add to that the fact it is sleeker has more panache, kudos credibility respect and desirability. A 2 liter Porsche coupe compared to a 4 liter Fiat Tractor hmmmm know which one I would rather have my friends watch me drive. Oh and before you jump up and down stamping your feet thinking this is blind pro apple ranting I will temper it with if you want server specific unit then opt for Opteron based desktop systems but for home user or a (portable) workstation Powerbook/PowerMac all the way. Apple walk it, and look good walking.
Reliability both Hardware and Software, Customer Support, Overall Customer Satisfaction, Value for Money and Stunning Good Looks it has to be APPLE.
Thanks for your time in reading this, stay cool