DeLL moving away from customization

I saw this on a tech website and unfortunately didn't take note. I'll see if I can find it again or i'll do a google. It basically said that DeLL is trying to save money by offering none customizable PC's similar to the AIO PC's.

Kinda sucks if it's true cause that's one thing that set DeLL apart from everyone else.

 

Yeah for Google.

http://blogs.moneycentral.msn.com/t...ned-to-cut-costs-dell-plans-more-layoffs.aspx

 

Bad evolution if it's true, wouldn't have bought a XPS M1530 if I couldn't customize it...

 

Same here....I'll go somewhere else for my next PC or Laptop if true.

 

I don't think Dell will stop customizing the XPS gaming line. It appears that these pre-configured models will probably hit the consumer Inspiron notebook line (mainly) and the Dimension/Inspiron desktop line.

 

It will be interesting to see how this pans out. It sounds like they'll be focusing on the pre built models but still offer the customization. probably for increased costs I don't think anyone wants to pay for a prebuilt computer with stuff they don't need or want but I also don't want to get raped paying for a custom model.

 

That sucks!

I really like the fact that you can customize your computer exactly as you want it!

I hope they dont do away with it altogether.

 

Where did you pull that from? The article says nothing about what lines it will effect...

 

My money says the preconfigured line is more for Best Buy/Walmart type sales. They already have preconfigured sales on their site and customizable.

 

I wonder how much money they could have saved if they'd checked the screens on what they shipped.

I suspect they won't give up customization entirely. After all, HP offers customization on their website, and Dell seems to be seeking to imitate HP's success. (Did HP have as much trouble with screens as Dell?)

Were these sales and customer support people they hired in India?

 

I reread the article several times and didn't see that mentioned.

 

I agree with Sparky. Our local Staples stores carry non-customisable Dells, including the 1330 & 1530. I think the computer saavy will always be able to go online and spec out the Dell they want.

That reminds me of a joke:

What do you call a dog with no hind legs and steel balls? ~ "Sparky"!

 

IM_ALL_IN -- Its pure speculation - based on this article and the numerous press-releases Dell has put out since Michael returned as CEO.

Sparky1720 - I agree with your comment on Walmart/BB. I this this is the connotation of non-customized units.

 

My thoughts exactly. I can got to Staples and buy a 1530 off the shelf as is already. Or I can go online or even call Dell and custom order. I would say the majority of buyers out there couldn't tell you how much hard drive space they have/need vs ram or even what the difference is. That's what the preconfigs are for and that's who buys them.

 

Dell is a prime example of what the budget laptop market is like - cut costs, and lower prices.

By focusing more on non-customization, they cut more costs. Obviously they will probably retain customizable laptops, but I would bet that prices for those will increase. Currently, Dell laptops are some of the cheapest around, I'd bet that they'll keep that title with their pre-built models, while adjusting the price on customizable ones to be more similar to an HP CTO.

I'd say that the screen fiasco is also the result of cost-cutting. Cheap parts = more margin, but quality suffered. However, even though the problem was huge here, in reality, that makes up a tiny portion of the population. Most people either don't realize their screen is sub-par or got a screen without problems.

Dell's entrance to the retail market should be very good for the company, since that's how HP got the lead in the market.

 

ROFLMAO

 

I imagine the customization will more than likely be with laptops that are commonly found for $1000 and under. It would help streamline their production, and would most likely increase margins on these laptops which have already low margins.

Think of the average joe/jane who just wants to go online, manage their photos, watch movies, etc. If they could get a cheaper product without having to know whats inside, it may be easier and less confusing for them. It also enables Dell to move out into the retail marked much more (like they're doing with Best Buy.)

 

if that is true,then Dell sucks!

 

According to half the threads here, Dell already sucks. So does every other company.

I rule though.

 

This penny-wise, pound-foolish practice is destroying their reputation when they can least afford to drive people away. Using cheap screens on their "premium" lines targeted toward the more tech-savvy clientèle was a boneheaded move. I replaced so many bad power supplies and system boards at my work that I'm pretty certain that these people will never think of buying a Dell for their home needs.

All these problems are due to poor COMPONENTS. Dell doesn't make bad screens; Samsung does. Dell didn't make mobos with leaking caps and power supplies that die after a certain period of time; their suppliers do. But the general public just sees the Dell name on the product and subconsciously internalizes the idea that "Dell = junk". Anyone remember when Gateway was a big deal? Exactly.

 

Anyone know of any company that is so flexible with warranty - will send replacement parts ASAP?

While I do dislike DELL on some occasions, it is their technical support (not they actual advice) but that if any parts break down, they quickly send the parts without going through any real bureaucracy.

 

^^ HA!!! If that were only true!!! I've been nothing but jacked over by Dell with this laptop debacle I'm having. They must be testing the idea of saving money by not doing anything but enrage their customers.

 

Do you get Indian or American operators?

 

IBM/Lenovo is quite good that way. The keyboard on my wife's X60 started acting up. Placed a support call online, got a call back a few hours later and the replacement keyboard was in our hands the next day.

 

Whose prices are better?

In the back of my mind, always thought about changing companies. At least from the onset, DELL is cheaper, no?