Dell pretends to understand gamers
Remember back in December when
we wrote about Dell bundling so much useless
software with their machines that it could be considered bloatware? According to the same guys who reported the problem, Dell are making efforts to clean up their
act. On select XPS machine there is now effectively a "no-bloatware" option with no AOL installation, no
“media jukebox” and no free ISP options.We're still not satisfied, for the following reasons:
- Why "select
XPS machines"? Yeah, we know how cut-throat the profit margins are in the PC industry, but isn't
Dell's XPS range supposed to be a premium product? As far as I can tell, the option is only available on XPS 400 and
600 systems, not the XPS 200 machines (which are priced identically to the XPS 400 PCs).
- Bad wording. Dell's wording of the option makes it seem as if consumers will be missing out by taking the option. "Now with limited pre-installed software" doesn't sound too appealing to the average consumer unaware of the fact that pre-installed software means the software equivalent of garbage.
- More bad
wording. When you actually get to configuring your machine, the site offers you "no pre-installed
software [included in price]". Gee, thanks Dell for not charging us for non-existent software!
- Even more bad wording. The banner "You Spoke, We Listened" means nothing to anyone that hasn't read about this issue previously.
How Dell should have fixed the problem:
- Opt-in, not opt-out. The only bloatware free machine by default is the top-end XPS 600 PC. On the XPS 400, you have to physically select an option to have no extra software installed. What that says to the consumer is: if you're gonna purchase an XPS 200 machine, you're so cheap you don't deserve a clean machine. XPS 400 purchaser? We'll try and blind you by hundred of configuration options so you don't see the no-extra software option. Lets face it, you're not paying Dell enough money. Heya, Mr. XPS 600 owner! Thanks for buying our most expensive desktop. As a bonus, we won't install extra software on your machine by default. We were only earning an extra $1 a machine anyway.
- Dell-wide. Is there any
reason why any customer buying from Dell shouldn't have the option of purchasing a computer that doesn't include "bloatware bogging down your system"? Think about the
example that would set to other PC manufacturers. Ever wondered why Apple Mac owners love their computers so much? The
fact that Apple rewards its customers by packing their machines full of excellent software packages (iTunes, iMovie,
Garageband etc.) and not total crap (AOL ISP offers and godawful "media jukebox" applications) is one
very big reason.
- Come clean. The very fact that Dell has recognized this
issue means that the company acknowledges that this extra software is a hassle to its users. Dell made this move as an
attempt to appease hardcore users: but by wording it softly, the company knew that the majority of customers would
ignore or wouldn't understand the offer. Come clean and tell consumers exactly what is pre-installed on their machine
and why (profit!) so they can decide for themselves.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
strider_mt2k @ May 2nd 2006 7:20AM
I have two Dell machines, a Dimension 3800 Desktop and a new Inspiron B130.
Both required extensive removal of the garbageware, with the laptop requiring a bit more work.
The hardware has been flawless, really.
You just have to go into it expecting to remove a ton of crap.
Performance will pick up quite a bit too.
Jeff @ May 2nd 2006 7:43AM
"The fact that Apple rewards its customers by packing their machines full of excellent software packages (iTunes, iMovie, Garageband etc.) and not total crap (AOL ISP offers and godawful "media jukebox" applications) is one very big reason."
Well, not that I'm one of them, but some people do argue that iTunes is in the category of "godawful media jukebox applications". I do think Apple's software is generally overrated crap that I would put in the category of bloatware/crapware. iMovie, iDVD, iPhoto - all unnecessary apps that don't do nearly enough to be useful. Apple also did used to bundle AOL with their machines; they stopped because AOL didn't renew their contract.
I do like iTunes, though.
Anyway, kinda lost in this announcement about Dell removing the bloat from their PC's is that at basically the same time (I think literally 2 days beforehand) they were promoting their newest XPS as being a great multi-tasker. They were saying you could be playing games and encoding video at the same time. I read that and I was like "dude... you guys just don't get it." So they remove the bloatware from their gaming PC's but they still encourage people to run all sorts of CPU-intensive tasks in the background while they're playing games.
They have yet to get it through their thick skulls that gamers want to do one task and one task only and that is play games. Multitasking is great, but only when you are not playing games. I can just see their reaction when one of the Alienware guys tells them this sort of stuff... "ohhhhh, so you're saying gamers *don't* want MusicMatch? Why wouldn't anyone want MusicMatch??"
They just don't have the mindset of gamers.
Conrad Quilty-Harper @ May 2nd 2006 7:55AM
"Well, not that I'm one of them, but some people do argue that iTunes is in the category of "godawful media jukebox applications". I do think Apple's software is generally overrated crap that I would put in the category of bloatware/crapware. iMovie, iDVD, iPhoto - all unnecessary apps that don't do nearly enough to be useful."
I think the majority of people who've used these programs would disagree with you. Have you actually used iMovie? It practically single handedly invented home movie editing! Likewise with iDVD and Garageband. They all simplified their specific areas so that anyone could pick up a Mac and create their own music, movies and DVDs.
Of course, the likelihood is you're just trolling and I wasted 25 seconds of my life typing that.
Vitriol @ May 2nd 2006 8:06AM
They should just have Xfire pre installed. That s the only application worth having on your PC if you re a gamer.
Gabriel Asseily @ May 2nd 2006 8:08AM
The worse is when the preinstalled software goes wrong! I have had to deal with Sonic Encoder installation problems. That is from boot up! You run a program update and it messes up the whole thing!
Dell need to understand that when you select the "I will set up my internet" option it means do not bother putting that stupid stuff on the desktop. I do not know how much they make per icon but it is just misleading for non tech orientated people.
As for the Apple bundle, cannot stand the mail, safari, or itunes programs. The photo thing is pretty good but that is about it for me. I do not use Apple as I think they are overrated but that is for another day.
Bundled software should not interfere with the basic OS system, especially for a gaming rig. Still, it is probably better to build your own system.
GlitchCog @ May 2nd 2006 8:24AM
I thought the issue was that all those Dell pre-installed programs loaded on start up. Apple's pre-installed software doesn't auto-load with every reboot, does it? The trend for Windows applications is to automatically start with Windows and just sit in the tray hogging resources so that when you need to use RealPlayer once a month, it's already booted-up and ready to go.
Dell makes money by putting this software, which nobody would ever use otherwise, on their computers by default. But it's really only a performance issue when they auto-load with startup. So you don't have to make the computers more expensive by completely removing the included bad software. Just don't automatically run the programs.
Aaron P @ May 2nd 2006 8:43AM
Dell is overrated, Period. (writing on my dell laptop, but its not my fault, i swear) They Overcharge for everything but the cheapest desktop, and the bloat things so that you have to re-install windows to get things how you want it.
Coyote @ May 2nd 2006 9:25AM
Gabriel Asseily hit the nail with that one, building your own is the only way to go.
But as for Dell, I doubt anytime soon they will offer this on regular PC's (if they dont wind up canceling the whole thing when the suits find out and having the person that thought of it strung up).
I do feel bad for alienware now though, now they have to bundle some crapware with their PC's to stay in line with Dells licenceing agreements. I just dont see how that merger will be positive for anyone but Dells bottomline...
Note: I own 2 Dell Inspiron laptops and both took about an hour on setup to clean out all the junk (and replaced stock video drivers with an opensource bloatfree version)
32_footsteps @ May 2nd 2006 9:27AM
I'm sure garbageware bloat has much to do with corporate deals and the like. I don't know if we'll ever totally get rid of it.
What they ought to do is take that software that's contractually required to be bundled and ship it on install CDs with the system. It'll cost them an extra dime or so, but that way they can package the programs as promised and the consumer would effectively be able to opt-in by just installing the programs they like.
Now, watch someone reply and tell me why my suggestion absolutely can't work.
Jellodyne @ May 2nd 2006 9:29AM
I got a system from Dell Business (on account of a really good deal on the lcd) which included the Windows XP cd. I just did an clean install of XP, bloatware problem gone! Unfortunately they don't always include the Windows CD, particularly from Dell Home.
Nicolas @ May 2nd 2006 9:50AM
I wonder if "Jeff" has ever used a Mac. I happen to be a Mac owner and the software that it comes with is awesome. I would not trade the software for any windows software.
Thomas Crymes @ May 2nd 2006 9:53AM
Peeps.
The author hit the nail on the head when he talked about the profit margins being extremely slim. So the manufacturers make their money from the bloatware.
They will never talk bad about it, because companies are paying them good money to have it included on Dell's sytems. So, even when Dell offers options without the bloat, they will necessarily tell you that you are missing out on free software.
I don't like bloatware and I usually put together my own PC, but if I were to buy a pre-built machine I would expect that software to be on it.
Is there a computer manufacturer that doesn't have bloatware? My IBM Laptop, didn't have much of it, but it also cost a bajillion dollars.
The question is. If a bloatware PC sold for $600 (and you could remove the bloatware with some effort) and a non-bloatware PC (same exact hardware) sold for $675, and you were definitely buying a pre-built PC, which one would you buy?
Without the money from software companies subsidizing PC manufacturers, the price of PCs would probably be higher.
dkh @ May 2nd 2006 10:03AM
Oh please, quit attacking Jeff. No need to call him "Jeff" or a troll or anything else. Most trolls don't preface their thoughts with "I do think..." He has the right to think it's overrated crap. Hell, I HATE iTunes and don't like using it. I could go further, but point is, he's just stating his opinion. Nothing more.
As for saying building your PC is the only way to go.... how do you build a PC? Seriously. I remember the days when you had things like the GForce, the GForce 2, and the Gforce 3. There were little variations, but you could generally see that 3 was higher than 2 and probably better. You had things like RAM and a graphics card and a CPU and all that. Now I don't even know what the Hell is what. Do I want a 9800 XT or a 5600 GS or whatever the Hell is going on. Is 512 dual RAM better than 1024, and how much better? What's the trade off. What should I expect price-wise for these parts, and then.... how do I put it all together so that I don't break 'em?
I appreciate people who build their own PCs. But saying it's the only way to go seems sort of arrogant to me. There are many PC gamers who are, SURPRISE!, PC gamers! We're not all PC builders. We don't know everything about our machines, let alone all the technical aspects.
Thomas Crymes @ May 2nd 2006 10:07AM
Footsteps -
I'd say that your solution is reasonable from a consumer standpoint, but if I was a company contracting with a computer manufacturer to have my software included with the computer, I would make damn sure that software was preloaded, because I know that people are less likely to go through the effort of loading software, but if all they had to do was click on an icon, they'd be much more likely to subscribe to my services.
If I were AOL, why would I pay money for Dell to ship a CD that probably won't even be looked at by the consumer?
If you put yourself in the shoes of the company paying for the service, it is much easier to understand why things happen.
That doesn't mean you have to agree with it or like it.
Matters @ May 2nd 2006 10:12AM
Can Dell do anything right in some of your minds? I think they could give away $3,000 gaming machines for free and you'd still find something to complain about.
All bitching aside I think it's cool that Dell atleast attempts to listen to their customers even if it takes a while some times.
And I still don't get what all the fuss is. The first thing people like us are going to do when we get the PC is wipe it and start over again ANYWAY regardless of the amount of shit that's installed.
murph @ May 2nd 2006 10:23AM
my parent's got a Dell a few weeks ago. after i de-crapified it, the CD-Rom stopped working. i eventually figured out uninstalling EZCD was the culprit. i had to go in, remove 2 reg keys and reboot to fix.
C. Grant @ May 2nd 2006 10:41AM
The worst part about this is the trend of not including Windows installation CDs with your purchase, just restore CDs which, not surprisingly, include all the garbage. I used to buy a new computer and immediately wipe it clean and reinstall a fresh-OS. A couple hours time... it didn't bother me too much.
Now I just use an Apple.
And Jeff, I won't say you're trolling, since I'm responsible for half of your stars probably, but I couldn't disagree more! Apple's bundled apps are consisntely praised by reviewers, pundits, and most importantly, users. I have set up many digital cameras on PCs only to get blank stares when they're shown how MS thinks they should access their photos. Sure, Picasa makes this better, but how are they supposed to know about that?
Apple's i-apps might not be exactly what you're looking for (iMovie versus FCP) but to say they're unnecessary and not useful really contradicts the sentiments of pretty much everyone I know that uses them.
Ryuukuro @ May 2nd 2006 10:42AM
Stuff like this is why my next PC will be a custom build. Of course it will probably destroy itself since I destroy computers when I try to fix them (even when I follow the instructions to the letter) but at least I won't have to dial New Delhi...so much.
Tucker @ May 2nd 2006 10:43AM
Hating on Apple and theories on the usefulness of their bundled software aside, I don't think anyone can argue that it's "bloatware." All the Apple apps are made to be pretty tight, and are devoid of any sort of advertising or startup-with-the-OS resource hogging. If you're going to compare Apple's bundled software to something, compare it to Calc.exe, MS Paint, WordPad, WMPlayer (well, ok, maybe some of you call WMP bloatware, but still), etc.
I agree that DIY-ing yourself up a PC is the best way to go, but it's a pretty daunting task for people who aren't "in the know," as dkh alluded. I disagree that it's as drastically impossible as dkh also alludes, since about five minutes on Google would turn up dozens of sets of instructions for creating great PCs at all sorts of price ranges and task levels.
The fact is, some people just find it a scary undertaking and flock to OEMs. I've always hated working with "virgin" Dell machines because of the bloatware. They also tend to make impossible-to-work-with cases - I've wanted to take a crowbar to some of the Dimension 8x series cases in the past. But an option to order sans-software is a nice move in the right step for people who rely on OEMs.
32_footsteps @ May 2nd 2006 11:06AM
Thomas, AOL might be a bad example. They still effectively carpet large areas with free CDs.
But still, there might be some merit to your point in regards to ISPs. Maybe the clickthrough rate is higher for pre-installed software, though it might be interesting to study that.
However, we're not just talking about ISP setups that are pre-installed. What about the media jukebox apps that are decried so heavily above? You don't pay any extra money for those - once you have them with your new computer, you have them. It doesn't matter if you ever use them; the profit on those has been made.
So considering that those are already at a profit end-point, why not send those on CDs? There are countless programs which get thrown in that fall under this category.
alienhead_69 @ May 2nd 2006 11:15AM
I bought a dell laptop in 2001. About 10 miuntes after I turned it on, I formatted it. There was just so much crap on it. Mostly msn junk.
Thomas Crymes @ May 2nd 2006 11:20AM
That is a good point about the jukebox software. I honestly don't know what software these PCs ship with.
I know that sometimes the software is incomplete or a shared verison. Even for full versions, there must be a revenue stream somewhere. Otherwise, why would these companies be paying Dell to put these programs on PCs? Mindshare?
As for AOL. I'd like to know where most of their business comes from. From the free CDs they send out or the pre-loaded software on OEMs. Either way, I don't think they would be happy if their software wasn't preloaded.
zero2dash @ May 2nd 2006 11:31AM
The only thing Dell "understands" is their bottom line profit margin, which is why they charge 2x or more cost for their XPS systems. Anyone with half a brain and the ability to use Google can find out how to build their own computer for a cheaper price - and those that decide after the fact to STILL buy overbloated overpriced XPS systems deserves to have 'fun' with all their bloatware.
Seriously...building a computer is not frickin' rocket science; how hard is it to turn a screwdriver, plug a few things in that only fit one way or another into a particular plug, and then boot a cd and hit a few keys...?
TheBlunderbuss @ May 2nd 2006 11:39AM
I'm DONE with oem. I'm sick of opening up a pre-built PC to find the mobo doesn't have an AGP slot.
Dell doesn't have good hardware information neither.
The next computer I get, I'll examine each component and know it thoroughly.
I'm free! HUZZAH!
MosquitoControl @ May 2nd 2006 11:45AM
"Gee, thanks Dell for not charging us for non-existent software!"
No offense, but that's one of the dumbest, most obnoxious things I've read in a joystiq post.
You know damn well that bloatware is there to keep costs down. Some of it Dell is paid to put on, others Dell puts on hoping the user will use it and Dell will be paid down the road.
Consumers have hit a weird point these days. They want everything cheap with no strings attached. They use Tivo to watch network television without advertisements and expect that they'll still maintain the same quality even if the only source of revenue starts drying up. They use adblock or host files to block all website ads and hope the sites will stay up despite less advertising revenue. And they complain about lame programs easily removed on sub-$1000 PCs.
I'm not going to say I don't do some of the above. But I know enough to know I'm screwing over companies and arguably myself when I do it. I don't mock companies for trying to make deals in order to get better quality items to me cheaper.
I do mock video games when they bring in ads, though, if only because I somehow doubt those go into improving the product or keeping prices down.
jon @ May 2nd 2006 11:48AM
Get over yourself Conrad...they are doing a good thing and your ripping them a new one. Sure Dell and all other PC manufacturers put a bunch of preloaded junk...but it's nothing that 5 minutes in ADD/Remove Programs can't take care of. Sure allot of people don't know to do that but allot of people also don't know to install Anti-Virus or Anti-Spyware. I don't think it's Dells fault that people are generally idiots.
dsub @ May 2nd 2006 11:50AM
just build your own. if you don't know how to...learn, it's really easy, and is nothing that anyone should be afraid of. For my first build I just picked up PC Gamer's yearly iteration of the "PC Building Bible" and it told me everything I needed to know about all the components, and gives a full on step by step from beginning to end tutuorial on how to build the entire PC, setup partitions, install windows, and install all your hardware drivers. I already knew how to do most of the work, except for the installation of a mobo and CPU, but that stuff is a breeze, you just gotta be careful and DO NOT FORCE anything. PC Gamer puts out a new edition of the "Building Bible" every year to show you how to install all the newest components. If you do this, you can build a PC that every bit as good as a Dell XPS, or an Alienware in a case that you want, with components that you want, for half the price. In the end, you'll be much more satisfied with your purchase, and be happy that you learned something in the process and you will forever be freed from the bullshit that is mainstream pre-built PC's never having to deal with there shitty service and intentionally bloated prices EVER AGAIN.
If you still don't want to build...go to www.cyberpowerpc.com and design a system. They'll build it and ship it for right about the price it costs to build it yourself, sometimes it's even cheaper.
slybri @ May 2nd 2006 12:00PM
It's like a dark secret with some people. These days, building your own gaming rig is almost as easy as hooking up a stereo. Just plug everything into the motherboard and screw it into the case. Heck , I was buildt my first system while I was drunk out of my mind on Christmas night and it worked perfectly. The hardest part is choosing the right equipment for the right price and that just takes a little research on the web. With the right cooling setup you can overclock the CPU and get double the performance for half the price. And it's easier to upgrade so the machine will last longer.
And no bloatware! You put whatever you want on the hard drive!
A true PC gamer would never fool with that "Xtream Gamerz" Dell crap. Would a Jedi buy his lightsaber from some factory?
Jeff @ May 2nd 2006 12:18PM
"I think the majority of people who've used these programs would disagree with you. Have you actually used iMovie? It practically single handedly invented home movie editing!"
You're joking, right?
As for whether I have "ever used" these programs or a Mac, I'm typing this right now on a dual-G5 PowerMac. So, uh, yeah, I guess I've used a Mac and I've used all of these programs. I have six computers at home and two at work and they are a mix of Mac and PC machines - I am platform agnostic. I call software like I see it. I'm not an Apple zealot like some of you seem to be.
iMovie is junk compared to even basic home editing apps like Ulead VideoStudio or, on Mac, Final Cut. Granted, these are commercial applications, but in this case, you get what you pay for. Again, this is a question of whether or not you want something preinstalled on your system, not whether or not it's "decent for the price". Most apps that are trying to do complex tasks but cost nothing are worth exactly that.
But even if you are talking freeware vs. freeware, there are generally better apps out there than what Apple bundles, though not always for the Mac (Picasa vs. iPhoto, for example).
huh @ May 2nd 2006 12:33PM
Only an idiot would buy a Dell desktop for gaming. If your gonna buy a gaming PC, you gotta build it yourself. It will be much cheaper in the end and more customizable.
The only use for dell Desktops is for office computers where you buy those $500 PieceOfJunk computers that are only good for using microsoft word and browsing the internet. In that case, its SLIGHTLY cheaper to buy a dell package then to piece together the lowest pieces of a PC yourself.
I own a Dell laptop (700m) and I do enjoy it. I am kinda upset about the graphics card a little tho becasue its integrated and the best it can run is WOW or Guild wars. Its a 12" screen and is an ultra portable but what I dont understand is they pack all these great specs (ram, Hard drive capacity, Cpu speed) into ultra portables and then give it a shit graphics card. Like I could cut my 700m's preformance in half and still get the same results. I mean most of the time its running at 600mhz anyway.
I originally wanted to piece together my laptop and build it like I do all my PCs, but then I read all about laptops and found you couldent really do that outside of barebone systems and even then you still couldent upgrade the video card + it ends up being more expensive.
Thats why I bought my dell. The second I got my dell I booted it up to find 50 different icons and programs all running. My brand new laptop was running so slow that I got worried. I didnt even test out the programs dell had to offfer and instantly formatted and installed winxp pro. The machine ran fine after my own clean installation. It bothers my that I had to pay for all that software including windows XP home edition which I didnt even get a disc for that I could sell (I formatted instantly and all I have left is a home cd-key). Dell needs to offer a OSless computer for cheaper $. And strip all their software out and charge less for it.
Thomas Crymes @ May 2nd 2006 1:18PM
Believe it or not. Some people can't be bothered with putting a PC together, and yes, there are some people who want to put one together, but are afraid they will mess something up.
Just because you find it easy, doesn't mean it is easy for everyone. Putting a PC together is an harrowing thought for most people.
Afraid you are going to mess things up. Buying compatible equipment, and smothered in a sea of indecision because there are so many little decisions to make.
And then there is time. Do you have the time to do the research, order, and put together a PC?
I'm cautious, and I'm not 100% confident in dealing with PCs. It took me a full evening just to construct my PC, and load the OS onto it.
You definitely get a better quality product for the price when you build your own PC.
Most people who build their own PCs, plan to upgrade their PCs before getting a new one.
I suspect that most people who buy OEM PCs, have no plans to upgrade.
If you buy an OEM PC with an eye on upgrading, you've proably made a bad decision because knowing exactly what is on the motherboard is next to impossible.
fildo @ May 2nd 2006 2:17PM
I didn't read every comment, so this may have been touched on already. I know for a fact that there are people who wouldn't survive without the garbagewear that comes with these pre-built machines.
I used to work in Best Buy computers, and I can't tell you how horrible it was. You sell computers to people who have no idea what the f**k anything is. And then when you finally do sell them one, they come back in a week later and say they can't figure out how to burn a cd or some stupid s**t.
The garbagewear dvd burning music playing "god aweful" software is what people use when all they want to do is click an icon on the desktop and have it work. Its not pretty, but for the average moron it works.
As for me.. and most commenters thusfar, on the first power-up of the machine I would have the XP disk in formatting the thing.
Twist @ May 2nd 2006 2:46PM
"Ever wondered why Apple Mac owners love their computers so much? The fact that Apple rewards its customers by packing their machines full of excellent software packages (iTunes, iMovie, Garageband etc.) and not total crap (AOL ISP offers and godawful "media jukebox" applications) is one very big reason."
I love Apple machines. I am using an iBook right now and without any question my next computer will be another Macintosh but I would have to agree with others when they say that iTunes is a "godawful media jukebox" which has sadly killed off all the better options that we used to have on Macintosh (Audion for example).
Hoffy @ May 2nd 2006 4:53PM
I love that "now with limited pre-installed software" is included in the price. Hahaha, that's truly great. Thank God we don't have to pay more for them not to load superfluous software onto our PCs that do nothing but slow them down.
On another note, I gave up years ago on buying pre-fab computers and build my own now. Back in college I was lucky enough to score a free copy of XP Pro and never had to buy one (back in the day Penn State used to give away free copies to all their students! Can I get a WE ARE??)
I'm a little upset that with Vista on the horizon I'll have to go out and buy the new operating system, but I'd rather sink a few extra Hundy into that then deal w/ XP (Vista) Home Edition and all that bloatware. Not to mention building a decent home PC will probably even save you cash over a pre-fab (include the cost of the operating system and it probably evens out) for a higher-end system.
If you've never given it a chance before, do some research, building PCs is actually pretty simple - each piece can really only go where it's designed to, and they pretty much snap/screw into place. Seriously, it's easy.
Knock @ May 2nd 2006 7:00PM
I found that Dell has decent deals and the resell value is pretty decent as well. I have a dell 9300 laptop I am currently reselling for 1400 bucks after buying it (via a Gov't discount) for 1700 bucks. So not a bad resell for a year old laptop.
I have the XPS 600 at home that replaced my still working alienware aurora. no complaints with the dell. sure, i had to uninstall some crap via add/remove, but that took all of what..10 minutes? Then I captured an image of my rig after I installed Office/WoW and some movie editing software and it screams.
dell has good products for the conscience consumer. if you dont mind spending a few minutes of you life uninstalling crap from a discounted PC, who cares? I see no failure in dell's train of thought. Although I admit, I certainly did chuckle about this:
More bad wording. When you actually get to configuring your machine, the site offers you "no pre-installed software [included in price]". Gee, thanks Dell for not charging us for non-existent software!
boylie @ May 3rd 2006 1:58PM
i have an xps gen 4, an older dimension, and an inspiron laptop. i've learned 2 things from these pc's: 1. format the computer the second you get it and have a fresh install without all the crap, and 2. never, EVER call tech support unless you can't physically start your computer, and if you can't, prepare to spend at least 4 hours on hold. no joke... i timed it once.