2nd batch of Dell Dimension 3000 arriving

I just received my Dell Dimension 3000. Specs

PURCHASE IS INTENDED FOR RESELL
DELL MEDIA EXPERIENCE, DIM
SYSTEM NOT ELIGIBLE FOR HARDWARE MAIL-IN
ONSITE INSTL DECLINED(OPTI)
TECH SUPPORT, DIMENSION, INITIAL YR
NO WARRANTY AFTER 90 DAYS
NBD 90 DAYS,DIM,BSC, BSD (LOW)
SOFT CONTRACTS - BANCTEC
WORD PERFECT PROD PACK,V12,ENG,DIM
DELL/MY WAY HOME PAGE,BSD
NO ISP REQUESTED
DELL PHOTO ALBUM STANDARD
MUSIC MATCH 8.2,BASIC,DIM/INSP
MCAFEE 5.0,OEM,ENG,90DAY,DIM
NO SPEAKER REQUESTED,DIMENSION
INTEGRATED AUDIO
48X MAX VARIABLE CD-ROM DRIVE,FACT
ADOBE ACROBAT READER 6.0
NO MODEM REQUESTED
INTEGRATED,INTEL PRO 100M PCI NIC CARD
DELL 2-BUTTON SCROLL MOUSE,DIM
WIN XP HOME,SP2,ENG,DIM,TIED
THANKS FOR PURCHASING YOUR DELL
IMAGE RESTORE, DIM
DELL SUPPORT 3.0,DIM 3000,4600,4700
DELL APPLICATION BACK-UP CD,FACT
NO FLOPPY DRIVE REQUESTED
40GB 7200RPM ULTRA,DIM,V
INTEGRATED INTEL EXTREME GRAPHICS 2
17IN(16.0IN VIS)E773C MONITOR,MG,DIM,V
DELL QUIETKEY KEYBOARD,104,ENGLISH,TIED
256MB,DDR-SDRAM 400M,NON-ECC,1X256,DIM
DIM 3000,P4,2.8GHZ,533,1MB

Things of note compared to first batch only 40GB drive (80GB was a special offer), regular CD-ROM drive, no floppy, no modem (not a problem) and only 90 day warranty (1 year tech support over the phone). Everything else appears the same. Too bad no LCD upgrade (since they were free) but maybe Gratis couldn't take advantage of it or didn't think they should since it wouldn't be a consistent thing. So, all in all about $139 less value in this batch than the first (hard drive upgrade, CDRW, floppy, modem and warranty). Can't complain over free though - just recording for posterity's sake.

I'd post my order number and customer number (different than first batch), since before we were able to look at all the orders associated with that customer number. However, it doesn't appear that can be done with this information. There's no way to view all the orders with the customer number anymore (or with this info).

Lastly I was a 9/14 order 9/21 STV - and my status still shows STV.

When did you went into processing ? 9/14?

Yeah, 9/14 is the initial order date which I think translates into the initial processing stage.

I guest I will have to wait more until STV...

No floppy disk ? Well... I'll have to use my external

Hmm.... maybe I'll get mine tomorrow! )

No CDRW? That sucks, seems this PC is missing a lot of vital components (compared to PC's these days) It's free so whatever, but the first batch got lucky. I'm not close to competing but may soon, just wondering if you think a promotion will come soon with some other upgrades (I'd mostly just want the CDRW)

With this type of a system, I may as well just sell mine. I need the modem and floppy drive. -(

You can get a DVD-rewritable for free after rebate at times if you watch the right forums and sites (try Fatwallet's hot deals forum). So, the lack of CD-RW isn't a terrible blow. Similarly a modem and floppy are fairly outmoded these days, but I can respect some people have a need for them. They are fairly cheap add-ons, but it is surprising the first batch had these added but not the second - there was no promotion for those items at the time.

Dell is ALWAYS having promotions and I think this group of recipients just got unlucky in that the promotion was too good (free LCD) and Gratis apparently didn't want to include that. So, the next promotion will probably be free double memory, or something like that and Gratis will probably go ahead and include that. Kind of sucks that this is the barest of the barebones, but we can still be happy its the Dimension 3000 with a Pentium 4 - better than a Celeron with some upgrades in my book, let alone a Dimension 2400.

I'd MUCH rather have the Celeron if it meant there was actually a modem, CD-RW and floppy drive. Sure the flatscreen would be good. -) But, I really don't like the description of what they're sending. It was going to be a present for my fiance...and now I'm not so sure about wanting to give them something that needs so many upgrades just to have everyday use.

A modem, CD-RW and floppy will cost you a total of $0 - $30 - I think the P4 is a MUCH better included part (and easier to not have to replace) for the value.

The thing with the promotions is that they're quantity-limited. So by the time Gratis hears about it and maybe tries to order, it's gone. There's currently a $500-off instant rebate on certain small business systems (eg. 4600) but it's limited to the first 4000 units... I'm pretty sure it's gone or close to gone already. Its much easier, logistically, to just send the same unit to everyone.

That makes sense - to some degree. I'm not too concerned personally.

thats messed up that the first batch got betters ones

at what exact hour did they deliver your pc ?

I'm at school during the day, so how am I going to get it? Or does UPS not require a signature, and they just drop it off at your doorstep?

Well UPS delivers at different times to different places - just depends where you are on their route. They always come to my house pretty late in the afternoon. I think it was between 3pm and 4pm MST.

Hmm... I think I'll have to cut classes D

Did it come UPS or Fedex?

[quoted657887897="JamesM4321"]I'd MUCH rather have the Celeron if it meant there was actually a modem, CD-RW and floppy drive. Sure the flatscreen would be good. -) But, I really don't like the description of what they're sending. It was going to be a present for my fiance...and now I'm not so sure about wanting to give them something that needs so many upgrades just to have everyday use.[/quoted657887897]

celeron is shit.. u can buy a cdrw and a dialup modem for under 10 dollars.

I only use a computer for e-mail, and text.....not any real hard core graphics or anything.

[quotea52ab48f72="JamesM4321"]I'd MUCH rather have the Celeron if it meant there was actually a modem, CD-RW and floppy drive. Sure the flatscreen would be good. -) But, I really don't like the description of what they're sending. It was going to be a present for my fiance...and now I'm not so sure about wanting to give them something that needs so many upgrades just to have everyday use.[/quotea52ab48f72]

You should have got the Hand Bag for her...
Or even better!! freecondoms.com/ lol(kidding)

[quote8f39160426="JamesM4321"]I only use a computer for e-mail, and text.....not any real hard core graphics or anything.[/quote8f39160426]
Still you'll get more longevity out of a P4 than a Celeron. Its all about value. Similarly, as I said before - just about anyone can add a floppy/modem/dvd-rw but its not such a simple affair to swap out the CPU (or as cost effective).

So, even for simple word processing, web browsing, etc - its always going to be a wiser choice to get the most raw horsepower you can if it'll mean your computer will be adequate for a year or two more than a Celeron. The next version of Windows (Longhorn) is 2 years or so away, as long as the graphics is adequate for the new interface, the Pentium 4 will probably handle that upgrade (along with some necessary RAM), but the Celeron will be feeling its age at that point.

[quotecf9e13996c="JamesM4321"]Did it come UPS or Fedex?[/quotecf9e13996c]
Came UPS - but there's no help in the reference information for others to try and lookup if there's is on its way.

Wait so is this PC crap? Well my PC is crap right now so anything is an upgrade but what would you have to add to make this a "ok to good PC?

No, the PC is decent - certainly a lot better than initially feared (even better than the initially offered Dimension 2400 with a P4). Its a solid platform to build a computer on as long as gaming isn't your intent. But the system is capable of dual channel memory (need matching sticks of RAM), can support a hyperthreaded P4 (for future upgrade paths if you need), and is going to be very serviceable out of the box for most people. If you want forums like Fatwallet's Hot Deals forum then you'll be able to get a DVD writer for free or close to it, you can add a floppy if you really need it for next to nothing, etc. But it'll be a very adequate system out of the box (although 512MB RAM is certainly a recommended upgrade - especially if you get a matching 256MB stick to the existing one to enable dual channel).

Does it have USB support ?

That's a decent Pc, not amazing though. They should have done the flatscreen upgrade since it would add alot of value to the PC.

I'm hoping mine will be part of a next order with better upgrades.

Edit Why don't you go ahead and post the order and customer #, I was able to get all the info needed to check all of their orders with those last time.

[quote82aedc7417="mapStuart"]No, the PC is decent - certainly a lot better than initially feared (even better than the initially offered Dimension 2400 with a P4). Its a solid platform to build a computer on as long as gaming isn't your intent. But the system is capable of dual channel memory (need matching sticks of RAM), can support a hyperthreaded P4 (for future upgrade paths if you need), and is going to be very serviceable out of the box for most people. If you want forums like Fatwallet's Hot Deals forum then you'll be able to get a DVD writer for free or close to it, you can add a floppy if you really need it for next to nothing, etc. But it'll be a very adequate system out of the box (although 512MB RAM is certainly a recommended upgrade - especially if you get a matching 256MB stick to the existing one to enable dual channel).[/quote82aedc7417]

I could care less about the Hard Drive, as I have a 40 I could transfer to the new one and I dont' even need the 40. The current one is really old, 600mhz 128 Ram, 256 wouldn't be bad lol

I tried with the order and customer number but it's not giving me the option like it did before to see all orders associated with that customer number. Somehow or other they changed how that worked.

Yes, the system does come equipped with numerous USB 2.0 ports - no firewire though.

I wish they'd done the LCD upgrade as well - would have made up for the other things that were left off this system in comparison to the first batch - but oh well. I'm sure we probably got the very minimal order that is currently possible now - so subsequent orders will be as good or better.

im stv 10/7

hopefully i'm in batch #3, possibility for upgrades )

then again, i wont be complaining if i dont get them lol

cmon people, a free P4 2.8 comp that's decent, and if they give out the LCD's then everyone who does the offer in the future might be expecting to get one..

that's one freeflatscreens is for P

It seems that people are never satisfied...

First it was a Celeron, and people were complaining
Now they ve upgraded it to p4... and still complaining S

You can easily upgraded it yourself... (At least for me)...

i do feel that the people who are recieving the second batch did kind of get a bare system, it doesnt even come with a floppy shock

then again, maybe everyone had too high expectations after seeing the first batch with some upgrades like a 80GB harddrive and a CD-RW, etc

[quote68b2c7146b="Haxxxess101"][quote68b2c7146b="JamesM4321"]I'd MUCH rather have the Celeron if it meant there was actually a modem, CD-RW and floppy drive. Sure the flatscreen would be good. -) But, I really don't like the description of what they're sending. It was going to be a present for my fiance...and now I'm not so sure about wanting to give them something that needs so many upgrades just to have everyday use.[/quote68b2c7146b]

You should have got the Hand Bag for her...
Or even better!! freecondoms.com/ lol(kidding)[/quote68b2c7146b]

Well, I don't think my fiance, JONATHAN, would really care for a purse. But, he will like the computer, I guess after I get it useable.

i think he thought you were a man and your fiance was a woman, hence

You should have got the Hand Bag for [bf0b32beb8f]her[/bf0b32beb8f]...

roll

[quote649fb1a545="JamesM4321"]

Well, I don't think my fiance, JONATHAN, would really care for a purse. But, he will like the computer, I guess after I get it useable.[/quote649fb1a545]

My bad... I never thought you were a woman...

So this Dim300 p4 will be a good gift... And if he knows to upgraded it, will be great

i wish we could get our tracking #'s with a reference search /

Does anyone knows whats the average amount of PC in each batch ?
I want to have an idea when will the 3rd batch ship...

[quotea2b6d372fa="Haxxxess101"][quotea2b6d372fa="JamesM4321"]

Well, I don't think my fiance, JONATHAN, would really care for a purse. But, he will like the computer, I guess after I get it useable.[/quotea2b6d372fa]

My bad... I never thought you were a woman...

So this Dim300 p4 will be a good gift... And if he knows to upgraded it, will be great[/quotea2b6d372fa]

I AM a man....I'm gay. You're just not getting that, are you? -)

Who the hell uses a modem anymore anyway?

some people use modems for faxing abilities since a lot of multifunction printers don't have a fax option - plus a PC can do some useful things as a fax.

[quoteb0651178ed="mapStuart"]No, the PC is decent - certainly a lot better than initially feared (even better than the initially offered Dimension 2400 with a P4). Its a solid platform to build a computer on as long as gaming isn't your intent. But the system is capable of dual channel memory (need matching sticks of RAM), can support a hyperthreaded P4 (for future upgrade paths if you need), and is going to be very serviceable out of the box for most people. If you want forums like Fatwallet's Hot Deals forum then you'll be able to get a DVD writer for free or close to it, you can add a floppy if you really need it for next to nothing, etc. But it'll be a very adequate system out of the box (although 512MB RAM is certainly a recommended upgrade - especially if you get a matching 256MB stick to the existing one to enable dual channel).[/quoteb0651178ed]

so how does the dual channel memory thing works and what it's used for?

http//www.webopedia.com/TERM/D/DDR_SDRAM.html

Actually DDR and dual channel are two separate things. The Dimension 3000 (and the 4600/4700/8400/XPS) all feature dual channel memory USING DDR (or DDR2 as is the case for the 4700/8400/XPS).

DDR stands for "double data rate" and translates as Hax's link rightly explains SDRAM that supports data transfers on both edges of each clock cycle (the rising and falling edges), effectively doubling the memory chip's data throughput.

Dual channel memory on the other hand has to do with how memory is addressed by the memory controller. In a single channel solution there's only one path to all your RAM, so the system just sees it as one big chunk and the memory controller can only communicate with the RAM as fast as the RAM will allow on that one channel. Dual channel effectively doubles the bandwidth between the memory controller and the RAM, so instead of the system seeing that one chunk of RAM, it actually sees two chunks that it can address simultaneously. With DDR400 in a dual channel solution the effective bandwidth is 6.4 GB/s compared to a single solution only being able to achieve 3.2 GB/s (that's the 3200 of PC3200 - also known as DDR400).

Those are of course theoretical numbers - actually system performance isn't quite like "doubling" the capabilities. But the Pentium 4 (more the 800MHz variety than the 533MHz that we're getting from Gratis) have a pretty decent bandwidth and the dual channel helps to keep the CPU fed with data. So, all in all the dual channel solution is a very nice addition. Especially since it will improve the quality of the onboard graphics pretty considerably - gaming being something that is pretty bandwidth intensive.

In order to "activate" dual channel on the Dimension 3000, you need to get a matching stick of 256MB PC3200 RAM for the other slot. In order for a system to run in dual channel mode the memory has to be in matched pairs - both speed and size. Preferrably they would be identical in manufacturer and possibly even tested as pairs (hence the dual channel kits out there) - that's just a way to ensure compatibility/stability. If your sticks aren't matched, the system will revert to single channel performance.

Thanks map, one more thing, what do you thing will be better, to get a matching 256MB stick to unable dual channel or get a 512MB and leave it as singe channel?

[quote0739c25bbb="yunier2002"]Thanks map, one more thing, what do you thing will be better, to get a matching 256MB stick to unable dual channel or get a 512MB and leave it as singe channel?[/quote0739c25bbb]You should get two(2) 512Mb sticks, preferably the dual channel kit.

[b0739c25bbb]PS. Please click on the ads on my website[=http//s90153193.onlinehome.us/Test/]my website. Every click counts, and I really need the money. Thanks.[/b0739c25bbb]

[quote3e65c3a299="yunier2002"]Thanks map, one more thing, what do you thing will be better, to get a matching 256MB stick to unable dual channel or get a 512MB and leave it as singe channel?[/quote3e65c3a299]
Sebring is right that 2 matched 512MB sticks (for a total of 1GB) would be best in every sense, but your question was a little different. You're asking if its better to have dual channel with 512MB of RAM total or to have 768MB of RAM but only in a single channel solution. The answer to that would depend on the applications you're running - whether bandwidth is important or RAM amount. Something like Photoshop and other apps that are RAM hogs would benefit more from the increase in amount of addressable RAM (before it starts using hard drive space as extra RAM). However, other applications like gaming or video editing/encoding have a bigger need for bandwidth since they're crunching a lot of data continuously.

My advice would be along the lines of what Sebring mentions - get two matched sticks of 512MB and sell your existing 256MB to offset the cost of the second stick. That'll be the best of both worlds and only marginally more expensive than the 768MB in a single channel solution...