|
I hate to bring up an old thread, but this really is a big deal to me. So big in fact, that I decided to write Dell. Not that it'll make any difference.... but here's what I wrote them:
-----------------------------------------------------------
This is less of a request, than a general comment. I'm writing to let Dell know that after years of being a customer, I'm officially done with buying, or recommending for that matter, your products.
The reasons for this decision are many, but a few of them are as follows:
1) Complete disregard for customer desires regarding the upgrades of their Axim PPCs. I personally have the Axim X3i. It suits my needs and I see no reason to upgrade the hardware, but the software has many bugs that are not resolved. WM2003SE fixes most of these problems, but Dell has refused this upgrade even after thousands of X3 owners created a petition. Will this really cost Dell more than the loss of so many customers?
2) Steadfast, ignorant and stubborn unwillingness to support AMD microprocessors. Any savvy customer realizes choice = good. By refusing to support AMD processors, Dell may stay in the favorable view of Intel, but continues to alienate it's more tech-savvy customers. Any hardware enthusiast knows that both companies offer CPUs that are essentially "tit-for-tat" with each other. In many regards, the AMD CPUs come out on top. Depending on what the customer is using the CPU for, AMD CPUs may be the better option. Instead of offering what's best for the customer, though, Dell only offers WHAT'S BEST FOR THEM.
3) Outsourcing customer support to overseas calling centers. I for one have had to contact Dell customer service on many occasions. I'm not upset about having to call customer support because something went wrong with my system. Computers are complicated, and I expect things to go wrong at times. What is unforgiveable is that I have to spend 3-4 times as long with someone on the phone because of a language barrier. I've had to repeat, rephrash and rehash things OVER AND OVER because these representatives had no idea what I'm talking about. It's not their fault. It's Dell's fault for not hiring people qualified to provide support.
As a Communications & Informations Systems Officer in the U.S. Air Force, I personally have started recommending AGAINST using Dell systems because of the problems I've had, both at home and at work with Dell Support AFTER the purchase. And you know what, I've found my supervisors and commanders RESPECT MY OPINION. Unlike Dell, when I speak, they listen. As of now, myself and others in my field have begun to ween themselves off Dell purchase programs in search of a more robust solution. I'm not saying it'll happen today... But eventually, Dell WILL feel the impact of the things going on now.
I myself cannot wait.
|