posted November 06, 2007 09:55 PM
Wow! What a rough few months. First of all, I'm not a computer geek, I just happen to make a living working with one. Also, I do not want to turn this into a PC vs. Mac thread. I have no problems with Macs and their users, I just never had the opportunity to use one. This past summer, I decided to purchase a new design computer. I was a bit worried about purchasing a notebook, but decided to buy one so that I wouldn't be nailed to my desk at the office. I don't really like to take work home with me but, occasionaly it is neccessary. Originally I ordered a Dell M 90something. I was told that the delivery date was 3 weeks, perhaps sooner. After a month and a half, no 'puter so I canceled the order. I then ordered an Alienware Area 51-M9750. I received it within a week. (As it turns out, Dell owns Alienware, go figure!) This machine rocked....for about a week. I am having video card problems out the @ss. It came with dual NVIDIA 7950 GTX video cards. I already replaced the daughter card and heat sink, updated drivers, ran countless tests and I'm still having problems (Monitor distorts, then goes blank). Alienware suggests I return the unit for repair. I have about 5 days to make up my mind, do I keep it and wait for it to be repaired or return it for a full credit? I'm kinda leaning towards the full credit but not sure what direction to go afterwards. I use Photoshop & Illustrator mostly. Any suggestions? -Thanks in advance!
posted November 06, 2007 10:15 PM
I'd return it....if you have been having that many problems there may be an underlying cause that could be difficult to pin down. Just cause it isn't an apple doesn't mean it has to be a lemon.
-------------------- “Did you ever stop to think, and forget to start again?” -Winnie the Pooh & A.A. Milne
Kelly Thorson Kel-T-Grafix 801 Main St. Holdfast, SK S0G 2H0 ktg@sasktel.net Posts: 5496 | From: Penzance, Saskatchewan | Registered: May 2002
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posted November 06, 2007 10:27 PM
I'll throw a mac opion in the mix. Solid as a rock, never had a problem with 2 in ten years. Found an early Dell to be too slow for graphics, a Toshiba to be quirky with power. You may want to review font issues if it's a big part of your production. Cross platform font issues and cross licensing CS2 or 3 could decide for you.
-------------------- Ron Helliar Marysville Sign 11807 51st Ave. NE Marysville, WA 98271 (360) 659-4856 Posts: 263 | From: Marysville, WA USA | Registered: Feb 1999
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posted November 06, 2007 11:10 PM
Return it, Problems out of the box is a bad sign,
Then goto a local geek shop and have them order the parts for you and assemble one for you. Computer parts are generally reliable. Usually stuff goes bad with in the first couple of weeks. However if you get a machine that has a series of constant problems right away then its a lemon. Alien ware is just an over priced machine. They do not build super great machines. They just fancy cases and flashing lights. They got famous in the gamers world because of wicked looking cases. Then they started making machines. You can get a different but equivalent good PC for somewhat less money.
Dell has failed to get their act together and get machines out in a timely manner. Their customer service went to India and then left the building. I used to promote DELL's as good. However every one I know lately has a problem with DELL. I mean every single person thats tried to get one.
As for MACS. They are made with the 99% of exact same parts a a PC. Better quailty?? nope just the same. No mater what the MAC persons say the parts do not get better because the word MAC is on them.
-------------------- Leaper of Tall buildings.. If you find my posts divisive or otherwise snarky please ignore them. If you do not know how then PM me about it and I will demonstrate. Posts: 5274 | From: Im a nowhere man | Registered: Jul 2001
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posted November 07, 2007 06:55 AM
send it back!!! you paid for a brand new item....not one that has been fixed! these companies need to learn that when we buy something and it sucks they should without fail, send a new one out and take the old one back at THEIR cost......but they dont.
I get so sick of buying stuff and it breaking and you go thru pure hell to get it returned
-------------------- You ever notice how easily accessible people are when they are requiring your services but once they get invoice you can't reach them anymore
posted November 07, 2007 11:40 AM
Dude...I am a pc user...but Mac will be my next purchase.
I've read a lot of reviews on computers lately and one thing is certain:
Dell, while once at the top for customer support/service/reliability and satisfaction is now closer to the bottom in all of those categories.
I am sure some people here will dispute that based on their experience....but they will be the exception not the rule, as these reviews take into account mass surveys from actual owners, etc.
Macs are rated tops in just about all categories.
Yes, they probably do use similar components, etc...but the OS is arguably the best on the planet according to reviewers - even at PC Magazine and PC related cites....and they must have a better network of customer service personnel and better quality control or something...because their reliability is far greater than that of Dell and other pc's.
This, according to multiple reviews I've read - not based on my personal experience, because I don't yet own a mac.
But I will....
-------------------- Todd Gill Outside The Lines Potterville, MI Posts: 7792 | From: Potterville, MI | Registered: Dec 2001
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posted November 09, 2007 08:22 AM
Well I sent the notebook back for a full credit. I contacted a computer shop in a neighboring city being that there is no 'puter shop in my town. They are building a desktop with better specs than the Alienware and also with a Intuos Cintiq 21UX pen display monitor for the same price as the notebook I had. The only drawback is that it is not portable as I originally intended it to be. Hindsight tells me that I should have taken this rout from the beginning. Thanks for your advice!
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