Dell Dimension 8100 Series

Pros: Spacious monitor, high speed, 1.4 GHz
Cons: Costly and restricted when wanting interchangeable parts.

I once was a large fan of Dell computer systems and their reliability. But over time and most recently something has changed.

It has been not so long ago that I handed this system, the Dell Dimension 8100 Series...

Pros: Interactive Web Site outstanding customer service
Cons: None

Several weeks ago I began to realize that we needed to become a two-computer family. With that in mind, I knew that I was going to only settle for the best that we could afford for my use, and pass my ancient (two year old) computer to our...

Pros: It's got the latest software and the box is easy to work on...
Cons: It's got the latest software and some idiots shouldn't be allowed inside the box!

I resist change. As long as the computer boots up, and I only get the "blue screen of death" once a week or so, I will resist any attempt to purchase new computer parts or upgrades. Basically- I fear The Box. It's frustrating to be an intelligent,...

Pros: Reliable brand, easy to setup and use, high speed Pentium 4 processors
Cons: Cheap standard mouse and keyboard

After years of school and dealing with slow, outdated, hand-me-down PCs, it was finally time to upgrade my PC to a state-of-the-art machine... or at least, something close to that. Now, I am blessed with a Dell Dimension 8100 1.3 Gz Pentium 4...

Pros: Blazing Speed, Exceptional Graphics, Solid Quality - Won't fall obsolete any time soon...
Cons: Problems with the Sound Card, a bit pricey, Dell Support

Ok, we all know that the way things change in the PC market, this won't be the last PC you'll ever buy. But it should last a VERY long time (and I'm talking years, not months).

But let's get to the specifics.

The system I bought...

Pros: The state-of-art machine spec. The parts are combined with careful selection.
Cons: If a computer isn't a durable goods for you, this is pricey.

Probably, I am obsessed with computers and internet. Since the time I often see the ads for Dell Dimension 8100 Series on the side bar, I have been looking for somebody who actually owns this machine. I just wanted to see, touch, try it.

...

Pros: Highest clockspeed gives you bragging rights
Cons: Only affordable by sacrificing component quality

****Update: A few weeks after launch, Dell has added some more options to the Dimension 8100, making it a more attractive package. Top-quality PC800 RDRAM is now available, and it costs only 70 $US to upgrade 128 MB of RAM from PC600 to PC800.

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Pros: Huge hard drive, outstanding documentation.
Cons: Incompatibility with some common software and hardware peripherals.

I recently acquired a Dell 8100 system with a Pentium 4
1.4 Ghz processor. Although this system has proven to be
generally reliable, there are some curious problems that
I have never encountered before even with much less expensive...

Pros: High quality construction, eye pleasing, great graphics
Cons: Costly, not an applications system

Dell's Dimension 8100 features the Pentium 4 running at a fair 1.5 gigahertz clock speed.

Dell focused on Intel's 850 chipset to bring out the capabilities of the Pentium 4. 4X AGP, dual-channel RDRAM support and a 400-MHz front side bus...

Pros: awesome 3d performance; good looks
Cons: not the best overall performer

Skyth's Wet Dream Where do the million bucks Skyth is making from Epinions going? A new Ferrari? A brownstone in the West Village? A visit to the secret Playboy island of busty dumb blondes? I gave those a long consideration, but than ...

Pros: Fast,exceptional case,330 watt power supply,Dell tech support,Dell policies
Cons: Windows ME and questions about system speed at 1.4 gigs

I origionally ordered a Dell 4100 P3 1000 with an Nvidia GTS 32 meg DDR video card 196 megs of PC133 ram and a 40 gig ATA 100 hard drive.The computer was great but I took a
good hard look and decided to reorder a Dell 8100 P4 1.4 with 256 megs of...

Pros: reasonable cost, ease of use, case
Cons: hidden cost savings, poor performance, deteriorating tech support, needs more SSE2 applications for real speed

Abstract:

The 8100 is more of a marketing coup than a speed demon. For people who need a pre-built P4, it's a decent machine, but be warned that it will be slower than a P3 or Athlon. Dell on-site service is ABYSMAL.

Design:...

Pros: Sleek Looking, Fast, Quick Shipping, easy setup, WIN XP Upgrade, P4 Process.
Cons: Somewhat pricey but worth it. Freezes up occaisonally.

I have had my dell for a few days now and it is just incredible. I will start with the begining of getting this computer:

I ordered it online, which fairly easy. At first i was disapointed becasue i was told by e-mail confirmation it wont...

Pros: Good customer service, a quiet good looking machine with lots of room for expansion.
Cons: Performance vs. promise and price.

Update on 8/11/01

Dell gave me a 100% credit for everything, so the only cost was the $60 to ship and insure the system back with UPS.

I'm impressed with Dell, and just purchased a 17" flat panel digital monitor (with DVI in) for...

Pros: Pretty case
Cons: All hardware that comes standard inside the computer detracts from its pretty case.

I'd like to preface this review with the note that I've never actually used the 8100. I actually ordered one, but after doing additional research, decided it to be a bad idea and canceled the order (after waiting for 2 hours listening to lousy Christmas...