I get contacted regularly recommending a new computer for someone. I always recommend Dell. Why?
I personally own a Dell Dimension 8100, Dimension 8350, XPS-710, two Dell flat panel monitors, an 1150 Inspiron laptop, X5 Axim, and an X3 Axim and as of this writing I am waiting for the delivery of the Dell Inspiron Mini 9.
I have owned Dell computers for the better part of 8 plus years. I have also had the misfortune of owning various other brands of computers, including Compaq, HP, and Sony. In addition, I have worked on a variety of different computer systems from different manufacturers for others, mainly for friends and an occasional stranger.
I have dealt with the memory hogging Compaqs are famous for. Gateway is proprietary when upgrading - particularly when looking to upgrade the co-processor chip (CPU). I have had HP computers (yes I am aware Compaq and HP combined many years ago) that fail out of the box. Sony? They make fantastic cameras and audio/video equipment but in my opinion should stay out of the computer industry aspect.
Why? I had a Sony Vaio laptop that would fail every few months requiring a complete restore and costing all data on the computer. I called Sony several times as the computer was under warranty and received the barely English-speaking card reader who could not answer why the computer would do it, only walk me through the cue cards of how to restore it (which I knew how to do with my eyes closed.) These failures typically occurred when I was traveling for business and could least afford the time to deal with it. Of course, they also made me a believer in backup software!
So why Dell? Dell makes their computers easy to work on. Newer models are equipped with easy-to-open cases, the interior is neat with cables routed to allow access to the most common components worked on.
There are typically green rails inside so installing hard drives and optical drives is as easy as pushing a lever, pulling the green rail pieces and unplugging before sliding out. Installation is usually the reverse. It takes longer to get the computer unplugged and up for work than doing the actual work.
Dell computers are also equipped with a Service Tag ID number. Take this number to Dell's website and it will tell you what the computer's original configuration was, as shipped. In addition, you can have Dell search the computer and tell you what modifications have been made since it shipped.
Locating replacement memory is easy. The model number and Service ID on their site will usually be enough to provide you with the information you need to correctly identify the type of memory your Dell has making it easy to shop around for new memory from multiple sources.
There is also a little-known fact about Dell computers....many newer models (as old as a few years ago) have diagnostic lights. If you go to Dell's site, enter your Service ID tag number and then select the link to download the manual for your computer, save it to a CD or USB drive. If you do not have another computer in your house, printing is best. It is best to do this BEFORE you have a problem so it is available if the computer will not start.
If your Dell does not work correctly one day, locate the four lights and check their illumination. If all of the lights are not on, the computer is telling you what is wrong without your having to spend money for useless "diagnostic tests" from popular geek businesses for something the computer is already telling you.
Simply turn to the section regarding the lights, identify which lights are on/off and compare. It will point you where to look for the problem. How simple is that!? That alone can save upwards of $70 in computer repair fees.
In addition, I also deal with three Dells my Mother has, and six more my brothers/sister use. Most times troubleshooting can be accomplished over the telephone!
Do Dell computers fail? Yes they can, they are machines and machines, even good ones, can suffer a casualty. They are also easy to work on, easy to diagnose, and easy to locate parts for, even older machines. With a total of 14 Dell products (counting monitors, PDAs, desktops, laptops, and printers) in my household, all fully functional, even those that are going on eight years old, you can't go wrong.