Despite Dell's sharp decline in revenue during the second quarter, the PC maker said things are looking up. The company reported a profit decline of 23% to $472 million ($.24 per share), and 22% less sales during the May-July period. Sales to corporations fell 32% year-over-year to $3.3 billion, meanwhile consumer PC shipments rose 17% - mostly due to price cuts.

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We prefer smaller white-box locally built computers over huge, customers-are-a-dime-a-dozen corporate monsters. Locally supported, humans who answer the phones, and no questions asked technical support. I also have to mention that Dell computers have zero consideration to upgrade-ability. Can't tell you how many times I've opened a donated Dell computer and couldn't add a second hard drive or expand to a 3rd DIMM stick. It's so annoying when a company saves a few pennies by limiting their design at the customer's expense. I know Dell's speech is that they've changed, but I still doubt that they are as personal and customer friendly as our local computer stores.

Those Dell folks can be proud of the fact that there are more working Dell computers around this little globe of users than any other brand... more than most other brands...
Not everybody has to like them, but when you think of Compaq, HP, eMachines problems, it makes you proud to be a person who repairs Dells and keeps the running.

As a person who repairs dell pcs for a living, I can tell you that they have a broad spectrum of pcs. Some are exactly like you mentioned (lacking upgradability) however, that vast majority of their newer systems have at least 4 slots for ram and can be easliy upgraded.
You get what you pay for and alot people cant pay for much right now. So Dell, has covered the entire spectrum for lowend throw aways to top of line XPS models.

9Nails,

As a person who repairs dell pcs for a living, I can tell you that they have a broad spectrum of pcs. Some are exactly like you mentioned (lacking upgradability) however, that vast majority of their newer systems have at least 4 slots for ram and can be easliy upgraded.
You get what you pay for and alot people cant pay for much right now. So Dell, has covered the entire spectrum for lowend throw aways to top of line XPS models. Dell is giving the customer what they ask for. Dont blame the company, blame the consumer for mandating the need. Dell is only doing what any other company would do...what tthe costumer wants.
Since these systems are donated, I really cant understand why your getting upset. Be thankfull that people still can donate items to help your cause in this economy. Beggars cant be choosers, right?

Well I bought a Dell laptop last time and have never looked back. The build quality is excellent and its a fine piece of hardware. Definately getting a Dell laptop again next time.