Dell versus Gateway?

Alan L. · Aug 16, 2005

I, too, use a Dell laptop in my recliner. Makes it nice with wireless internet.

Its a C840 about 2 years old and has a 2.4 Pentium 4 (not an M). It doesn't get as hot as my old P2 Dell laptop did. I have no complaints.

We have purchased lots of Dell laptops and desktops over the last 10 years. No reliability issues other than my old laptop dying at 7 years old.

We had Gateway desktops many years ago (386 machines) and they were fine.

I hear Gateway has financial troubles, but I don't know that for sure.

thcri · Aug 16, 2005

(
I hear Gateway has financial troubles, but I don't know that for sure. )

They did close all of their stores in the malls etc. Now I don't know if that was a decision based on financial troubles. They may have closed them due to it just wasn't economical?? A lot of expense for not many sales????

murph

VA_Joe · Aug 16, 2005

I would go Dell. Good machines at good prices. This is one company that really has its act together. Gateway I would watch out for. They got a too much into the low end of the price range and let poor quality/support eat away their reputation as a value leader.

mathey · Aug 16, 2005

I too get a "discount" from my employer at Dell...we even have a Dell sales guy on-site here.

I have found that with the sales and coupons Dell has out all the time, you'll get a much better price by NOT using your supposed great employee discount.

Don't forget to check the Dell Outlet as well...my last 2 systems came from the outlet (P4 desktop, 2.8g loaded for $300 and a P4 desktop, 3.2g loaded for $700), both have been flawless.

You cannot go wrong with Dell...whereas Gateway is a company whos time has come and gone.

Bird · Aug 16, 2005

Several years ago, I thought I'd buy a Gateway. I called and asked about a catalog and the lady said she'd send one. After a couple of months, I called again, and a man that time apologized for the mistake and said that he would send one. I never did get one, so I'm using a Dell. When I first moved back to town, nearly 3 years ago, I noticed a Gateway store in the area, but it's gone now.

As far as how good their computer are now, I have no idea. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

AndyM · Aug 16, 2005

Interesting...
Reviews seems to be mixed, and it sounds like I need to rethink the Pentium 4 thing.

Dell seems to have made too many models to choose from and it seems a little more complicated for me to build a similar system as I described above for roughly the same amount of money. I'm going to have to dig into this a little more.

Soundguy · Aug 16, 2005

I notice a couple people have mentioned benchmarks. Anyone know of a url where you can download some decent reliable benchmark software? I'm on dialup here at work.. so no 17 meg downloads.. etc.

Soundguy

thcri · Aug 16, 2005

( I notice a couple people have mentioned benchmarks. Anyone know of a url where you can download some decent reliable benchmark software? I'm on dialup here at work.. so no 17 meg downloads.. etc.

Soundguy )

Help me here. I do searching for Benchmarks, but benchmark software?? What is it?

murph

hobbyfarm · Aug 16, 2005

( I hear Gateway has financial troubles, but I don't know that for sure.)

Then, why say it? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

I work at a college, and several years ago, we dumped Gateway in favor of Dell.
Much better reliability and support when (if) needed.
But, the laptops have been strictly HP. They are tough as a boot, and take a beating. No problems with them.

SonnieP · Aug 16, 2005

( I notice a couple people have mentioned benchmarks. Anyone know of a url where you can download some decent reliable benchmark software? I'm on dialup here at work.. so no 17 meg downloads.. etc.

Soundguy )

( Help me here. I do searching for Benchmarks, but benchmark software?? What is it?

murph )

Go to FutureMark and you can learn all about benchmark. You can download all kinds of free versions for testing your computer. The trial version generally only test your CPU and maybe Video Card, while the full versions test everything. The full versions are relatively inexpensive.