After several months of “Maintenance Down Time”, the new (correct one) PC has arrived – and we’re ready to go. Initially, the hard drive on the old DELL crashed. After week of attempting to retrieve the precious data from the old drive, I decided to pursue that cause at a later date. Purchasing a new PC was the only option.
Three things that I hate in life: Buying new furniture, buying a new car, and buying a new PC. The problem with new furniture is that you know you’re going to get ripped off. New car shopping isn’t nearly as bad as it used to be. Internet price quotes place the buyer on even footing with the dealership. The days of “haggling” over the price are long gone. Today’s salesman -for the most part- have no product knowledge. They merely run interference between the buyer and the mysterious sales manager. And if a sale is made, they print out the countless computer generated documents requiring your signature.
Buying a computer is a lot like life. Before it’s even out of the box – there’s something better to replace it. Buying a computer is like going to the self serve yogurt shop. All those sweet and savory topping! You don’t want to waste those valuable price driving ounces on useless toppings. With your basic PC, you stack on the processor, OS, memory, graphics, hard drive, video, and on and on – before you even get to the software options. And even at that first boot up, your new machine is already a “has been” in terms of advanced technology.
Until recently, I’ve always been a GMC guy when it comes to trucks. And with computers, I’ve always been a DELL guy. My last three home systems have been DELL products – throw in KK’S laptop and it’s four. Most of my work PC’s have been DELL. So while shopping around, it was hard to break away from DELL. At one point, I was really lusting after the new DELL 27 inch all-in-one touch screen. But decked out with all the latest and greatest toppings, the system came in at $2500+. Then after reading the reviews, it was difficult to jump off that bridge. The machines seemed to have issues with the new Windows 8 OS, customers complained about hardware glitches, incorrect order placement, and shoddy customer service. Pushing the “place order” button wasn’t happening.
Finally, I convinced myself that the big 27 inch wasn’t what I needed to fulfill my PC need. That machine was developed for video viewing. My purpose was for a writing tool. So after peddling over different options for the next few weeks, I finally decided on the DELL Inspiron One 2330 with Intel I7 processor. Going to the AAFES (military shopping) website, I placed my order (02/12/13). The new machine arrived on a Friday afternoon (02/15/13). With a lot going on that weekend, I started setting it up in increments. And was very pleased with my purchase – until I casually noticed that my processor was an I5. Not the I7! Slamming on the brakes in my mind, I stared at the system configuration screen. Dialing DELL Customer Support brought no satisfaction, their office hours were M-F 8-5. It was Saturday night!
Monday morning (02/18/13) was President’s Day – a Federal Holiday. As a federal employee in my real job, I was of f – and on the phone to DELL Customer Support. One hour later, I felt like Mick Jagger – Can’t Get No Satisfaction! During the hour which I held the phone to my ear, I heard at least 55 minutes of obnoxious, nerve racking elevator music. Briefly speaking to four different English speaking customer service reps from four different departments, none understood why I was upset that my processor was not the one which I has ordered. I don’t think any understood what AAFES was or that I purchased through AAFES’ online DELL service center. In their mind, I went to a store, bought a PC, got home, decided that I wasn’t happy with my purchase, and wanted them to do something about it.. After giving the poor rep which I spoke with last, a solid piece of my mind and opinion an how low DELL had sunk, I hung up and vowed to never buy another DELL product.
So I packed up KK, Nannie, the Girl’s, and their Mother into the Yukon; and hauled that despicable DELL pc over to Robins AFB and left DELL’s mistake at the local AAFES facility. Then I sat at the empty table with no pc, or not idea what would replace a DELL. After a few days (5) of replacement research and a lot of simmering, I logged on to the AAFES website and reorder the original DELL Inspiron One 2330 with Intel I7 processor – and awaited its arrival. When I arrived home on Feb 28th, the new DELL was waiting on me.
Opening the box and pulling out the unit, my heart sank. The little INTEL stick on the front of the machine read “CORE I5″. Immediately, I dialed and heard the music. But this time, the result was better. I was on the phone maybe 15 minutes. Spoke with two people, one very briefly! The second – Naveen Kumar – was very concerned with my dissatisfaction. It took a bit of behind the scene action, but she delivered. DELL CSR’s would ensure that the original requested PC – a DELL Inspiron One 2330 with Intel I7 processor – was processed and shipped, promptly.
Yesterday, the new machine arrived – and Naveen did a good job. I have the DELL Inspiron One 2330 with Intel I7 processor for which I had longed. Yes! I’ve hit a few glitches with Windows 8 and the Cloud – but for the moment, I’m happy. But I secretly worry that an old friend may still let me down.