Why I will never again buy Dell

You may have heard of the recent revelations how Dell has been covering up bad workmanship/parts and blaming everything on customers. Specifically, regarding their OptiPlex line of computers.

But even before these new issues came to light I vowed never to buy Dell again. As a family and small business, we own several Dell computers: 3 desktop PCs, 3 laptops and a server.

So you might be wondering why I have decided to stop buying Dell? Two main reasons: poor quality and unfair business practices.

I have lost track how many hardware issues I have had to fix and sort out, how many times I've had to buy and replace broken parts, etc. And how much it has cost me, both in actual expenses and in time and effort. I'm not a computer tech, but can usually find my way around a computer. So I've been able to fix most issues "for free" (apart from the cost of the hardware replacements). But if you're not technically inclined, own a Dell computer, and do not have an "extended warrantee", I pity you. You'll probably be better off buying a new (non-Dell) computer, and starting from scratch.

Secondly, because of "introductory" and "no interest" offers, I stupidly financed some of the computers via Dell and, just like it has been reported, it has been a matter of constant vigilance against illegal spikes in interest rates and other negative behavior by Dell. If you don't keep an eye on your Dell financial services statements, don't be surprised to unexpectedly be paying much higher interest rates, contrary to that "special offer" you signed up for .... And if you ever tried to sort out such issues telephonically with Dell, and have had to hang up an hour later, drenched in sweat, totally frustrated, and with the matter still completely unresolved, you will appreciate my beef with Dell. (The case with the New York AG was settled. More here)

Dell has gotten so big, it has become complacent and has apparently stopped giving a damn about its customers. It is clear to me that Dell now only cares about its bottom line and profits. Dell is now the Wal-Mart of the computer world and, just like the supermarket giant, it has become a enormous dumping ground for an endless array of below-par products. Maybe Dell thinks it's so big that it is untouchable ... think again. Much bigger companies than Dell have fallen or at least been forced to (re)consider public opinion and buying power ... (did I hear anyone say Microsoft?).