Dell Computer is big in Australia. We use Dell exclusively at work, from rack servers to notebook computers. I also heard that where I graduated also started dumping white boxes and replaced them with Dell Optiplex. They have reasonable quality, up-to-date technology and good price for branded boxes. Now I also know quite a few individuals are also buying them for their home.

However getting a Dell at even cheaper price has been frustrating sometimes. It is possible to subscribe to their email news letters, which have promotional sales every now and then. However, what is advertised on the email is one thing, and how it is presented on their website after a click through is another.

Email News Letter

Take their Dell Dimension 1100 Desktop that was on their latest email news letter for example. It is a nice-looking Intel box with 17″ LCD monitor,

• Celeron D 2.66Ghz
• 256Mb DDR RAM
• 80Gb Hard Drive
• 17″ LCD Monitor
• Windows XP

And it was advertised for AUD$699 plus standard delivery of $99. Well, that’s $798 delivered to your door, which is not bad. Except one thing.

The “More Details” link does not work.

Dell’s web server gives back “Page not found”. Actually if you go to Dell’s website, and follow the links to see the current promotion on Dell Dimensions, the cheapest Dimension 1100 you can buy is AUD$848 delivery included. That is $50 more expensive than quoted in the news letter.

So instead of navigating to the product I want, I used Dell’s E-Value code included in the news letter (which is N220301-WEB by the way) to try to “unlock” the hidden sale. Well, something different pops up indeed, and I can now purchase the same Dimension 1100 for $834.90! Almost $10 cheaper than previous attempt — but still, the question remains. Where can I buy that $798 Dell Dimension 1100?

Also by browsing through the list of options you can see clearly where cost has been cut. It has no 56k modem nor floppy drive, which are okay. However the real “gotcha” is, you are only granted 90 days of factory warranty for the whole computer. Yes, that kind of warranty is never heard of — even white box builders at local shop does better than that, and it was very clear that Dell wants you to upgrade to at least 1 year factory warranty with $50 extra.

That puts your new Dimension 1100 to almost $900. Still good price? Maybe. But very different from their advertised $699^* computer.

Dell Outlet

Another way of getting “cheap Dell” is by browsing through Dell Outlet. What is Dell Outlet?

Dell Pre-configured new systems are new systems that come with Dell’s standard warranties and include Dell’s technical support.

Pre-configured new systems are returned systems which are unused. The system undergoes a thorough inspection to ensure that the carton box packaging remains unopened by any party and the operating system license seal remains intact.

Dell will verify that the Original Dell Security Seal over the carton box is not broken or tampered with.

In another word, Dell Outlet sells returned purchases. Instead of re-stocking, they’ll place it at Dell Outlet for a cheaper price. All price includes delivery and warranties. However, the systems come “as-is”, and you cannot alter the configuration like how you build a normal Dell box. That does not stop you from buying and installing third party parts though. Moreover, the desktops are sold without monitors, which might suite those who already have one (or can source a cheaper one elsewhere).

Auctions

No. I am not talking about eBay — but you can sometimes find reasonably new Dell computers there for grab. One auction site that I found who frequently sell new/near-new Dell boxes is GraysOnline Auctioneers. Check out their Online IT auctions, and usually they have Dell sales every week where you can sometimes pick up a well-equipped lappy or desktop (usually 1Gb+ RAM, DVD-RW and huge HDD etc) at good price.

Bidding does require some skill though (same applies to eBay). Note that the price does not include the buyer’s premium (which is quite expensive at 12.5%) and delivery, which you should factor in before bidding. Also unlike eBay, it is less likely that you can use a “sniper” service to snipe up an auction seconds before it closes. GraysOnline is more like an real auction, that if there are some activities 10 minutes before it closes, it will be extended until there is no more bidding.

I have not yet got myself anything from GraysOnline so I cannot comment on their service. I have only been checking out the final prices and they are quite good comparing to buying the same from Dell, even after buyer’s premium and deliveries are factored in. There are also many other IT equipments for auction but mostly old second hand stuff.

Deals Direct

Updated: Thanks to Leigh from Deals Direct for pointing out that they are currently running a special Dell offer — $50-$100 cashback + bonus bluetooth headset.

Awesome!

Conclusion

These are three methods that I am aware of. However I also know that there are sometimes TV-ads or news paper ads that contain special promotion code which can give out very good bargain. I guess I’ll miss out on those as I neither watch TV nor read papers.

Anything else?