Dell buys Alienware

[NorthShoreBuck]

  http://www.channelweb.com/nl/execbriefing/showArticle.jhtml?articleId=183702039

Good for AMD but how about the consumer? It will be a GE business model, the top one or two will rule and the rest will fall by the wayside.

 

[vrbryant]

As long as AW keeps their own tech support...no worries.

 

[jwinslow]

As long as AW keeps their own tech support...no worries.

I find that unlikely... probably much more costly than their dell "support" network, and wouldn't it cheapen Dell's image to present useful support for AW customers, while screwing the masses that own dells?

 

[BrutusMaximus]

Oh fantastic. The last GOOD PC manufacturer is now gone.

 

[NorthShoreBuck]

I'm with Winslow on support.

I can see them keeping Alienware as a separate division for R&D, manufacturing and the like. That way they can keep the higher prices and the AMD technology. The Dell supply chain magic may even help lower costs a bit.

You support calls will be routed to India eventually.

 

[sandgk]

There goes the neighborhood.

I was planning on an alienware PC as one of number one sons HS Graduation presents.

That idea is toast as far as I am concerned with this news.

 

[craigblitz]

I wonder if there is a market for a company to promise native language tech support. If I was paying 1500-2000 dollars for a computer I would be willing to spend a couple extra hundred to know when I has a problem I could actually speak to a person who I can understand. <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>
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I am not tolerant of this anymore, I politely tell them I can not understand them and to connect me to someone who speaks better English. This can be a time consuming process but it is worth being able to talk to someone I can understand.<o:p></o:p>

 

[BrutusMaximus]

If I was paying 1500-2000 dollars for a computer I would be willing to spend a couple extra hundred to know when I has a problem I could actually speak to a person who I can understand. <O:p></O:p>

I do believe though, that most alienware shoppers are gonna be people who are at least semi computer savvy. Ma and Pa Kettle are gonna buy a Dell or an HP because it's cheap and does what they need. If you buy an Alienware, it's gonna be for some serious multimedia power, or gaming, etc. So I dont believe support is an issue. However if Dell takes over the manufacturing of Alienware machines, kiss em goodbye, cause they will be $3000 pieces of shit.

 

[Hodge]

If I was paying 1500-2000 dollars for a computer

Hmm, we're talking about the same Alienware right? Oh, I see, you were talking about spending 1500 for the monitor and speakers and then 2000 more for the computer, right?