Is it better to buy a Dell laptop on Dell.com or at a store (Best Buy, etc)?

Question

I want to buy a laptop this August (during back-to-school sales) and I'm not sure if you get better deals from buy through Dell directly or going to Best Buy type stores.

On on hand Dell.com cuts out the middle man, so I'd think it could pass the savings on to the customer, but at the same time the sheer buying force of BB might cause Dell to cut them some deals.

Also if I buy from BB it might come in hand in case I have to bring it in for repairs/defects vs mailing it back to Dell.

Anybody have an opinion about this?

Answer 1

I own a dell laptop. I bought it three years back. I haven't had any problems from it. My laptop was purchased for the same reason...back to school use. Since I have purchased mine, I have helped a buddy purchase the same laptop (Inspiron 600m). I have also helped my parents buy a Dell laptop. All were purchased using the website.

The advantage of using the website is custom building it to your needs. You don't end up paying for everything you don't need or plan on using. All the laptops I bought or helped buy were under 1,000. It's hard to find one for that price at BB. Plus you can get the extended warrenty at Dell for a cheaper rate that BB.

The only problem we had...which ended up not being a problem...was Dell sent the wrong computer to my parents. We ordered one of the cheaper laptops from Dell. They didn't need a lot of "extras." Well, when we received the computer, I opened it up to set it up for them. It wasn't the cheap version we ordered. It was the nicest laptop Dell was selling at the time. I called Dell to see what to do about the mistake. It had everything they ordered and then some. Dell told us that they would replace it with the exact one we ordered or we could keep the nice one. They ended up keeping the nice one.

I'd go with the website on this one.

Answer 2

Go by the sellers feedback. There are Dell Resellers that are great on ebay. I try to go for FBI Turn-ins cause they are bulletproof as far as being loaded with the best.. As far as the store goes- will cost more and get less. Also call consumer Protection to see if they had any complaints. I got $6-700 Laptops from Colleges from Students who got them FREE. My Dell Inspiron 6400 cost me $150 when it was nearly 1yr old. Many students will have their laptops collect dust otherwise. Likewise- semesters are short and that makes the supply high! Post an AD or ask around! i bought another Dell for same price... That was 16 months old.Im sorry for going off topic and your probably not near a college. -best of luck

Answer 3

Hi there. I would suggest calling Dell directly and going for one of their refurbished laptops. They work great, and you can get exactly what you need at a price that will work for you.

Dell.com.


Good luck.

Answer 4

go with dell.com that way you can get everything on the computer that you want, so you can be able to be completely happy with what you buy

Answer 5

i have a dell, but for the best value i would go to best buy. you can upgrade you laptop better then you could with a dell

Answer 6

dell.com it cheaper in the end and u make it fit your lifestyle. Movies, Music, Work etc

Answer 7

You should buy from Dell because you can customize it any way you like.

Answer 8

It depends on what is more important to you.

Dell.com will give you the best price but very little service.

Best Buy will give you the best service but you will pay more.

Answer 9

cheaper when you buy from the factory but don't let those salemen talk you into things you don't want . they work on commission and try to sell as many extras as possible.

Answer 10

at dell.com deffinately