Don't buy a Dell computer
By AndriaToh
@AndriaToh (1268)
Malaysia
June 4, 2007 10:10pm CST
My family and I bought a Dell computer (Dell Dimension E520) about a month ago.
We purchased it online and thought that it was a good deal, and even deluded ourselves into thinking that it would be a good idea to buy all future computers from Dell's online store.
Then things went wrong.
Firstly, we found that the sound card did not have stereo mixing capability (in layman's terms, this means that the computer cannot record sounds that it is playing). This was especially frustrating for us, as 1: it seemed that this was already widely known, and yet it escaped us to do a simple search, and 2: we needed that feature for recording synthesised music.
We called tech support, believing it was a perfectly honest mistake. When we were told that it was a "feature", we lost it. Our two Compaqs, one IBM, and even our generic non-branded computer had a stereo mixing function, and here was Dell, one of the largest computer brands, claiming that its inability to do so was a "feature"!
More info on the second thing that went wrong in the next update.
6 responses
@speedy1279 (2665)
• United States
6 Jun 07
Well seeing how dell builds your computer to your liking. When you called them about the sound issue, what they probably meant was that the sounds mixing you wanted was an additional feature that was not included in the computer you choose. It was probably a feature that you needed to pay extra for. I have a Dell Inspiron 6000 and am absolutely happy with it. I ordered it online and they built it the exact way I wanted it and yes I had to pay a little extra for certain features that I wanted that weren't standard features. The company my dad works for will only buy Dell. Just to express how good Dell's are. My dad is contracted out to work at Kennedy Space Center where the shuttle goes up. Kennedy Space Center only uses Dell and nothing else. My dad is a computer techinican! He swears by Dell!!!! So it really just sounds like a big misunderstanding between you and Dell. Best of luck that everything works out!
@AndriaToh (1268)
• Malaysia
6 Jun 07
Hi,
Before we bought the Dell, we had several notebooks (Compaqs, IBM) and we did not have any problems in terms of the stereo mixer. The notebooks did not have any additional audio cards and so we would assume that the Dell desktop would also support the feature. (It was not indicate in the Dell specification that an extra audio card would be needed)
Anyway, thanks for all your comments.
My intention of the post is to let others know: If you need to record sound from your PC then be aware that you may need to pay extra for an audio card if you buy a Dell computer.
@inallduetime (741)
• United States
5 Jun 07
Did you all purchase a refurbish computer? Maybe that is what the problem is. I purchased a refurbished one online and had a good deal of fun designing it....In any case, I understand how you feel b/c Dell do not sell their computers cheap - it doesn't matter if it is new or old.
However, I would advise anyone to purchase a Dell before purchasing a Compaq. Compaq's are nothing but headaces! You can only use, for the most part, Compaq parts....No, Dell is far better. Try not to be to upset about it......and demand they make ammends for not selling you what you wanted. Good-luck.
@AndriaToh (1268)
• Malaysia
6 Jun 07
I bought a new computer from Dell Online store and not a refurbished one.
I did call their tech support and they suggested that I buy an audio card or to put the microphone to the speaker. What type of solution is that?
I then searched the net. Most suggested that I buy another audio card except for this site that suggested a Y-cable. http://www.pixelmetrics.com/Tips/Audblank/Dell.php
So, be warned that if you buy a Dell you would not have a stereo mixer.
@gaurav_indian_20 (513)
• India
5 Jun 07
its a very sad news, to hear that DELL missed such thing. i believe that could be a mistake only, because a company like this one, will give thier best to customer satisfaction. if they are performing well, they will lose their market. why dont you try to contact them & tell what went wrong.
may be this will sought out your problem.
@VotreAmie (3028)
• United States
28 Jun 07
I'm sorry to hear that you have problems with your computer AndriaToh. I have also been scammed online too (ebay).
The computer that I have now is not from Dell, but I had a Dell computer that worked great for years. Maybe this computer is a refurbished one?
Take care and I hope you will be able to return the computer to Dell. Take care AndriaToh.
@bloo_equinox (422)
• United States
21 Jul 07
Oh man are you being ripped off!! Mine came WITH the stereo mixing funcion when i bought it! Jee wizz.
