Customer reviews for XPS 8500
Customer reviews for XPS 8500
Review 1 for XPS 8500
Title:
The Best Yet
PostedOctober 19, 2012
Yes, I would recommend this product
I've owned many Dells since 1991 and this is the best! My XPS 435T was 3.5 years old and it was time to update, not because my XPS 435T was having problems, but because I lusted for the XPS 8500. I found a good deal and ordered one. At the same time I ordered an additional 8GBs of RAM and a 128GB mSATA SSD drive for that special little slot on the motherboard. When the XPS 8500 arrived, I installed the extra RAM and the mSATA SSD and reinstalled Win 7 on the mSATA drive moving my user folders to the conventional hard drive. WOW! It flies! It boots in no time and apps open instantly. I highly recommend this Dell to anyone that wants the best!
Response from Dell.comBy VikramNforDell, Customer Reviews, October 24, 2012
WSZimmer,
Thanks for taking the time to share your experience with the Dell XPS 8500!
I'm really happy to hear that you've been using Dell computers since 1991! The XPS range of computers are power houses and the latest addition being the 8500 is my personal favorite too! Glad to hear that you are enjoying the experience it has to offer. We will continue to provide upgrades of this machine on a timely basis.
Thanks for choosing Dell!
Thanks for taking the time to share your experience with the Dell XPS 8500!
I'm really happy to hear that you've been using Dell computers since 1991! The XPS range of computers are power houses and the latest addition being the 8500 is my personal favorite too! Glad to hear that you are enjoying the experience it has to offer. We will continue to provide upgrades of this machine on a timely basis.
Thanks for choosing Dell!
+39points
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Review 2 for XPS 8500
Overall Rating
Performance
1
/
5
Value
2
/
5
Reviewed by:Sydneytillie(Mercedes, TX, USA)
Duration of Product Use:Less than a month
Level of Expertise:Average
I use my PC for:Everyday Computing
Your Lifestyle:Professional
Title:
XPS 8500 Fiasco
PostedMay 15, 2013
No, I do not recommend this product.
I ordered the XPS 8500 and upgraded many of the features. When I received the computer my computer man came and moved all of my stuff to the new computer. Less than 3 days of use and I was getting the blue screen. Dell had to send a new operating system because the one that was loaded on the brand new just out of the box was bad. My computer man had to come back to my office to wipe the computer clean and completely reload the operating software. 9 days after the computer came out of the box from Dell, I was finally able to get back to work on it. This has been an extremely frustrating experience. I think Dell should pay my computer man. I WILL NOT be buying any more Dell products.
Response from Dell.comBy JonathanNforDell, Customer Reviews, May 17, 2013
Hello Sydneytillie,
Thank you for your recent purchase of the XPS 8500 computer and I apologize about some of the frustrations that you have been having. I recommend reaching out to our @DellCares team on Twitter and see if they can help you resolve your issues and concerns.
Twitter @DellCares - http://dell.to/Tgt5D8
Thank you for your recent purchase of the XPS 8500 computer and I apologize about some of the frustrations that you have been having. I recommend reaching out to our @DellCares team on Twitter and see if they can help you resolve your issues and concerns.
Twitter @DellCares - http://dell.to/Tgt5D8
-2points
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Review 3 for XPS 8500
Overall Rating
Features
4
/
5
Performance
5
/
5
Value
5
/
5
Reviewed by:rocsolo(New York, NY, USA)
Duration of Product Use:Less than a month
Level of Expertise:Expert
I use my PC for:Everyday Computing
Your Lifestyle:Professional
Title:
Although I hate the case, Dell comes through again!
PostedMay 12, 2013
Yes, I would recommend this product
This machine replaced an XPS from a few years back and has not let me down. The one thing that disappointed me was the tower/case was a big step backwards from what I had. It's an old case in which you need Phillips head to open it as opposed to the nice lever open my old XPS has. It is also thin and flimsy compared to the solid case of old! How times have changed!
Dell, please go back to your old method of configuring your PC's for sale. The new method does not give you many options for step ups/upgrades.
Cons:case is a disappointment compared to old xps
0points
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Review 4 for XPS 8500
Overall Rating
Features
5
/
5
Performance
5
/
5
Value
5
/
5
Reviewed by:GloucesterGuy(Gloucester, VA, USA)
Duration of Product Use:1-2 months
Level of Expertise:Expert
I use my PC for:High Performance
Your Lifestyle:Professional
Title:
Outstanding Value!
PostedMay 12, 2013
Yes, I would recommend this product
I purchased an XS8500 w/ the i7 processor option about a month ago. I got a great price and have been very impressed with the system. I use the system to host multiple VMs to support development work and the system bears up very well to this load. I searched for a system that had the core performance and features I needed without a huge cost. I was in the process of ordering components to build my own system when I stumbled upon a special deal Dell was offering. I ordered the XPS8500/i7 and got great Dell engineering and system integration and saved the headaches of building my own. For the low cost of the system, the only drawback is the slow 5400 rpm drive in the unit I purchased. This is easily remedied by the addition of some SSD drives which I am in the process of locating now. I highly recommend the system -- it's a great value.
Pros:available i7 option
Cons:slow drive -- get ssd
+1point
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Review 5 for XPS 8500
Overall Rating
Features
5
/
5
Performance
5
/
5
Value
4
/
5
Reviewed by:Cobolpgmr(Marietta, GA, USA)
Duration of Product Use:1-2 months
Level of Expertise:Good
I use my PC for:Everyday Computing
Your Lifestyle:Professional
Title:
Power, speed and reliable.
PostedMay 8, 2013
Yes, I would recommend this product
So far the system has performed flawlessly. I really like how fast it boots up and surfs the internet with no delays. I am glad I got the top of the line XPS 8500 system. This should last me many years, as my previous Dell Dimension 8400 System did. I did purchase an additional LG Blu-Ray Writer drive to enhance my system. Took a while to get use to Windows 8, but getting the hang of it now. I do recommend upgrading the keyboard and speakers to the Logitech upgrade.
Pros:fast as lightning
+2points
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Review 6 for XPS 8500
Overall Rating
Features
4
/
5
Performance
5
/
5
Value
5
/
5
Reviewed by:Tommydesktop(New Orleans, LA, USA)
Duration of Product Use:1-2 months
Level of Expertise:Good
I use my PC for:Everyday Computing
Your Lifestyle:Retired
Title:
XPS8500 - Great desktop; Windows 8 - DO NOT BUY
PostedMay 7, 2013
Yes, I would recommend this product
I purchased the XPS8500 about one month ago and it has exceeded my expectations. Its performance is better than indicated in magazine reviews, and Dell tech support has been awesome. I have been very pleased with Dell and made the decision to purchase the XPS8500 and their tablet based on my past experience using Dell desktops. The only reason that I gave it four stars is due to the unmitigated disaster that is Windows 8.
ALL BUT ONE DEVICE THAT I BROUGHT OVER FROM MY PREVIOUS DELL DID NOT WORK INITIALLY ON WINDOWS 8. MOST OF MY OLD SOFTWARE DID NOT INITIALLY WORK IN COMPATIBILITY MODE ON THE DESKTOP. MOST OF MY OLD SOFTWARE IS CURRENTLY NOT AVAILABLE FOR WINDOWS 8. WINDOWS 8 DOES NOT OFFER THE SYSTEM IMAGE BACKUP AND RESTORE POINTS OF WINDOWS 7. IF YOU USE THE WINDOWS 8 BACKUP AND HAVE A FAILURE, YOU WILL LOSE ALL OF THE SOFTWARE ON YOUR DESKTOP AND WILL BE FORCED TO REINSTALL THAT SOFTWARE.
THE GOOD NEWS - thanks to Dell tech support, I have been able to do work arounds that solved almost all of the deficiencies in Windows 8. This was an extremely time consuming process but everything appears to be working properly. Dell tech support even helped me create a procedure that mimics the old Windows 7 system image backup and recovery, which I have tested and works fine.
It is unfortunate that disastrously poor decisions at Microsoft are causing these problems for Dell and its customers. The rumors would suggest that Microsoft is currently executing a concentrated effort to correct the deficiencies in Windows 8 and the announcement could be made by the end of May.
Once again, my sincere appreciation to the folks at Dell tech support. Your performance is admirable under such adverse circumstances.
ALL BUT ONE DEVICE THAT I BROUGHT OVER FROM MY PREVIOUS DELL DID NOT WORK INITIALLY ON WINDOWS 8. MOST OF MY OLD SOFTWARE DID NOT INITIALLY WORK IN COMPATIBILITY MODE ON THE DESKTOP. MOST OF MY OLD SOFTWARE IS CURRENTLY NOT AVAILABLE FOR WINDOWS 8. WINDOWS 8 DOES NOT OFFER THE SYSTEM IMAGE BACKUP AND RESTORE POINTS OF WINDOWS 7. IF YOU USE THE WINDOWS 8 BACKUP AND HAVE A FAILURE, YOU WILL LOSE ALL OF THE SOFTWARE ON YOUR DESKTOP AND WILL BE FORCED TO REINSTALL THAT SOFTWARE.
THE GOOD NEWS - thanks to Dell tech support, I have been able to do work arounds that solved almost all of the deficiencies in Windows 8. This was an extremely time consuming process but everything appears to be working properly. Dell tech support even helped me create a procedure that mimics the old Windows 7 system image backup and recovery, which I have tested and works fine.
It is unfortunate that disastrously poor decisions at Microsoft are causing these problems for Dell and its customers. The rumors would suggest that Microsoft is currently executing a concentrated effort to correct the deficiencies in Windows 8 and the announcement could be made by the end of May.
Once again, my sincere appreciation to the folks at Dell tech support. Your performance is admirable under such adverse circumstances.
Pros:great value, great preformance, great tech support
Cons:winsows 8
+1point
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Review 7 for XPS 8500
Overall Rating
Features
5
/
5
Performance
5
/
5
Value
5
/
5
Reviewed by:DEC28(Sandusky, OH, USA)
Duration of Product Use:3-4 months
Level of Expertise:Good
I use my PC for:Everyday Computing
Your Lifestyle:Parent
Title:
Awesome computer for the price
PostedMay 7, 2013
Yes, I would recommend this product
I recently purchased a Dell XPS 8500 and can say that I am completely satisfied with the whole experience of purchasing this computer. The Dell staff was very instrumental in helping me choose the correct computer for me, and the support staff was wonderful in helping me get used to Windows 8. I was not a fan of Windows 8 when I first started using it, but the staff helped me get the computer to where it was what I am used to using, so it is not a problem for me anymore. Also, the finance department set up the financing I wanted, and credited me with all the discounts that was promised to me. I am a totally satisfied customer with this purchase, and I have no reason not to shop at Dell first for future computer purchases.
Pros:fast computer for the price, reliable performance, awesome help from dell staff, absolute best overall value for this computer
Cons:still not a huge fan of windows 8
+1point
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Review 8 for XPS 8500
Overall Rating
Features
5
/
5
Performance
5
/
5
Value
5
/
5
Reviewed by:Anonymous(Fresno)
Duration of Product Use:1-2 months
Level of Expertise:Expert
I use my PC for:Hardcore Gaming
Your Lifestyle:Student
Title:
Great Computer
PostedMay 5, 2013
Yes, I would recommend this product
Not a fan of windows 8, so I was looking for a windows 7 computer. always hear good things about dell. So looked around and found this bad boy. This desktop is powerful, fast and sleek. I use it for gaming, my last computer just couldn't handle the game play. I had slow downs, freezing. This computer can handle anything you throw at it. I am really happy with my purchase and will be buying my sisters a laptop from this company as well.
0points
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Review 9 for XPS 8500
Overall Rating
Features
5
/
5
Performance
5
/
5
Value
4
/
5
Reviewed by:tntscarby(Duboistown, PA, USA)
Duration of Product Use:1-2 months
Level of Expertise:Good
I use my PC for:Everyday Computing
Your Lifestyle:Professional
Title:
"NICE"
PostedMay 5, 2013
Yes, I would recommend this product
It simply does what ever you what it to..............
Pros:everything
Cons:price
0points
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Review 10 for XPS 8500
Overall Rating
Features
4
/
5
Performance
5
/
5
Value
4
/
5
Reviewed by:Michael95u(Stamford, NY)
Duration of Product Use:Less than a month
Level of Expertise:Expert
I use my PC for:Entertainment
Your Lifestyle:Professional
Title:
Solid All-Around Machine
PostedMay 3, 2013
Yes, I would recommend this product
I've had my XPS 8500 for about 10 days now. I had to replace my 27inch iMac that went to my new office and while I really wanted another one, spending +$2200 on a home computer just didn't sounds like a good idea. Plus, there's not an i7 available. So I went with this machine and I am pretty happy so far.
Specs of my 8500: 1TB, 8GB Ram, AMD graphics (will upgrade in the future from New Egg), Windows 8, S2340T Touch Screen Monitor
The computer? It's very fast. 8 gigs of Ram is plenty. It's also so quiet compared to the Dell I had a few years ago. I use this machine for web surfing, some photo editing, gaming (Starcraft II), and office type work. It's probably more than I need, but with these specs, I should be happy for a few years.
A quick note on the S2340T screen: It's great. Not as nice as the Apple product I am used to, but the touchscreen makes the experience that much better!
0points
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Review 11 for XPS 8500
Overall Rating
Features
5
/
5
Performance
5
/
5
Value
5
/
5
Reviewed by:Kimberlymac999(Rutherglen, Bonfield, ON P0H, Canada)
Duration of Product Use:Less than a month
Level of Expertise:Average
I use my PC for:Everyday Computing
Your Lifestyle:Parent
Title:
Dell XPS 8500, 16GB, 2TB with 23" HD/LCD Monitor - It is so great to have a dell again!
PostedApril 28, 2013
Yes, I would recommend this product
Beautiful, slick and super fast, reliable system. Monitor shows crisp, colourful images and is sleek and light. Order transaction, shipping and setup ran smoothly. No problems whatsoever.
High quality product for an excellent price.The last Dell system I purchased in 2002 has lasted for 10+ years and through 4 children. It was the family's main computer until about 3 years ago, when we had to upgrade some because of the changing high tech world. Raising 4 children as a single mother, money was tight so I purchased a "lesser quality" system,which has failed in many areas and is now "toast". I am so excited to have a dependable DELL computer again and I am looking forward to another "long relationship" with the XPS 8500! Thanks again DELL!!!
High quality product for an excellent price.The last Dell system I purchased in 2002 has lasted for 10+ years and through 4 children. It was the family's main computer until about 3 years ago, when we had to upgrade some because of the changing high tech world. Raising 4 children as a single mother, money was tight so I purchased a "lesser quality" system,which has failed in many areas and is now "toast". I am so excited to have a dependable DELL computer again and I am looking forward to another "long relationship" with the XPS 8500! Thanks again DELL!!!
+2points
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Review 12 for XPS 8500
Overall Rating
Features
5
/
5
Performance
5
/
5
Value
5
/
5
Reviewed by:Shilly101(London, UK)
Duration of Product Use:5-6 months
Level of Expertise:Good
I use my PC for:Entertainment
Your Lifestyle:Professional
Title:
Fantastic features and easy to set-up and use
PostedApril 28, 2013
Yes, I would recommend this product
excellent XPS8500 desktop in all respects. the only disappointment is Windows 8 Pro which is complex and not easy to use
+1point
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Review 13 for XPS 8500
Overall Rating
Features
3
/
5
Performance
1
/
5
Value
1
/
5
Reviewed by:ChrisMDDuration of Product Use:3-4 months
I use my PC for:High Performance
Your Lifestyle:Professional
Title:
Time Vampire - Never Again
PostedApril 26, 2013
No, I do not recommend this product.
When I first received this computer I installed my own Samsung 120gb SSD and moved Windows 8 Pro to it. The computer was working fine except during games: between 10 and 120 minutes into playing a game, the computer would crash and require hard reboot (no signal on monitor, loud fans turning on from PC case). I received a video card replacement through technical support, and could play games without crashes. However, my computer developed a new problem.
Intermittently (at least 80% of the time) when I switched the computer on, there is no signal displayed on my monitor from the dvi output on the graphics card. Another monitor and cable had the same issue. When this happened, I was able to connect a vga cable to the onboard graphics of the running computer and see that the computer has booted to windows normally, except that there is no signs of the graphics card in system devices or the bios. Intel multi-display was disabled in the bios. If I shut it down, unplug the power cables until LEDs turn off, and restart (this may take several tries), usually the graphics card will start working and I can get dvi output. Interestingly, this problem (no gpu output but mobo graphics ok) also occurs sometimes when the computer wakes up from sleep. It seemed to happen more frequently when the computer was off but plugged in for several hours.
A second dell technician was sent on the notion that this could be a pci-slot problem, and replaced the motherboard and the video card. We had the same problem while he was in my house, although after it booted normally we decided to keep an eye on it. I continue to have the same problem. When the
computer does recognize the 7870, it will function normally and I can play games or do anything else without a problem. This seems to be either a hardware or bios compatibility issue where the motherboard sometimes doesn't detect the video card on startup. With the motherboard and video card having been replaced, my last thought was the power supply (the 7870 needs 2 6-pin connectors). Unfortunately the customer service representatives during the last few calls adamantly denied that the psu could be to blame and instead started over on their checklist wanting to update drivers for a card that the system didn't recognize as existing. Extremely frustrating, to say the least.
computer does recognize the 7870, it will function normally and I can play games or do anything else without a problem. This seems to be either a hardware or bios compatibility issue where the motherboard sometimes doesn't detect the video card on startup. With the motherboard and video card having been replaced, my last thought was the power supply (the 7870 needs 2 6-pin connectors). Unfortunately the customer service representatives during the last few calls adamantly denied that the psu could be to blame and instead started over on their checklist wanting to update drivers for a card that the system didn't recognize as existing. Extremely frustrating, to say the least.
I finally reached the point of system exchange, and received a computer with a radeon 7770 instead of my 7870 and windows 8 instead of my windows 8 pro. There was a better hard disk but overall a worse machine and not what I paid for. I wish I could pick the xps 8500 up and shake it until all the time of mine that it's wasted comes falling back out.
Will not be recommending this product to the friends/family/clients I have, and would not recommend it to anyone reading these reviews either.
Yes, Dell Social Media, I have tried the forums - nobody responds except for the occasional user. Your Facebook link in the below reviews is also broken.
Pros:low cost
Cons:unresolved technical issues, poor customer service
Response from Dell.comBy JohnBforDell, Customer Reivews, April 29, 2013
Hey ChrisMD,
Very sorry to hear about the issues with your system. I see that you are continuing to work with our Support and Customer Service reps, so I hope they can help you out.
Thank you for pointing out the Facebook link was broken. I have put a new one below in case you wish to also use that route to contact us.
Dell Facebook Support-http://dell.to/10icdPW
Thank you. JGB
Very sorry to hear about the issues with your system. I see that you are continuing to work with our Support and Customer Service reps, so I hope they can help you out.
Thank you for pointing out the Facebook link was broken. I have put a new one below in case you wish to also use that route to contact us.
Dell Facebook Support-http://dell.to/10icdPW
Thank you. JGB
+4points
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Review 14 for XPS 8500
Overall Rating
Features
5
/
5
Performance
5
/
5
Value
5
/
5
Reviewed by:JLFunk(Niceville, FL, USA)
Duration of Product Use:Less than a month
Level of Expertise:Expert
I use my PC for:High Performance
Your Lifestyle:Student
Title:
XPS 8500 Exceeded My Expectations!
PostedApril 25, 2013
Yes, I would recommend this product
I've had my XPS 8500 for a week and so far it has been absolutely amazing. I can literally find no faults with this computer. The startup/shutdown time is ridiculous, it takes like 10 seconds to start up and about 1 second to shut down. I can run all my games at high settings with good fps. I just have to get used to Windows 8 that's about it. So far so good, I've changed my mind about Dell and will be looking at them in the future whenever I need anything computer related.
+1point
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Review 15 for XPS 8500
Overall Rating
Features
5
/
5
Performance
5
/
5
Value
5
/
5
Reviewed by:JMDESIGNS(San Diego, CA, USA)
Duration of Product Use:Less than a month
Level of Expertise:Expert
I use my PC for:Everyday Computing
Your Lifestyle:Professional
Title:
Great Machine
PostedApril 19, 2013
Yes, I would recommend this product
I am very happy with the features and quality of the XPS 8500, especially that it was offered with Windows 7 instead of Window 8. The only con I have is that the glossy black plastic front case bezel acts as a real dust magnet which gives it a bad appearance and needs to be cleaned often. I have printers with black plastic cases that do not have this problem.
Pros:windows 7 pro is best for business users.
Cons:dust magnet front bezel.
0points
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Review 16 for XPS 8500
Overall Rating
Features
5
/
5
Performance
5
/
5
Value
5
/
5
Reviewed by:LK1955(Indianapolis, IN, USA)
Duration of Product Use:Less than a month
Level of Expertise:Good
I use my PC for:Entertainment
Your Lifestyle:Professional
Title:
This product was everything I expected & more
PostedApril 18, 2013
Yes, I would recommend this product
I currently own 4 Dell desktops and 3 Dell laptops. My new XPS 8500 is a perfect example why I repeatedly buy Dell products. Great performance and reliability combined with unmatched customer support. I do some online gaming as well as a lot of audio/video work and the XPS 8500 handles it with ease.
+2points
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Review 17 for XPS 8500
Overall Rating
Features
5
/
5
Performance
5
/
5
Value
5
/
5
Reviewed by:TomW54(Arizona, USA)
Duration of Product Use:1-2 months
Level of Expertise:Good
I use my PC for:Everyday Computing
Your Lifestyle:Parent
Title:
8500 Review
PostedApril 17, 2013
Yes, I would recommend this product
Had a 8200 and loved it. Upgraded to 8500 and so far love it. Thank you Dell.
0points
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Review 18 for XPS 8500
Overall Rating
Features
5
/
5
Performance
5
/
5
Value
5
/
5
Reviewed by:Cheryl18(Illinois)
Duration of Product Use:1-2 months
Level of Expertise:Good
I use my PC for:Design/graphics
Your Lifestyle:Parent
Title:
Quiet as a church mouse but is a total speed demon.
PostedApril 17, 2013
Yes, I would recommend this product
I bought the Dell XPS 8500 Ultimate Special Edition a month ago and totally love it. Maxed out with I7, 3 TB HD, and 32GB Ram, it has proven to be the right choice. Any issues I have had the past month has been due to something other than the computer but resolved with updates.
I am amazed at how unbelievably quiet it is. Then there is the speed. I don't call it a speed demon for nothing. It boots in the blink of an eye and shut downs are just as fast.
I am known for wanting the best or nothing. My logic is that I would rather spend a little more for something that will last rather than something that would eat my finances with repairs that eventually ends up costing more than the better machine.
This computer is the cadillac of all computers and deserved an equally impresive monitor so I decided to go with the 30" HD 3011 and am beside myself.
I just can't say enough and expect I will have this dream machine for a good long while and for the record, I love Windows 8.
I am amazed at how unbelievably quiet it is. Then there is the speed. I don't call it a speed demon for nothing. It boots in the blink of an eye and shut downs are just as fast.
I am known for wanting the best or nothing. My logic is that I would rather spend a little more for something that will last rather than something that would eat my finances with repairs that eventually ends up costing more than the better machine.
This computer is the cadillac of all computers and deserved an equally impresive monitor so I decided to go with the 30" HD 3011 and am beside myself.
I just can't say enough and expect I will have this dream machine for a good long while and for the record, I love Windows 8.
Pros:speed, quiet fans, dependability, beautiful tower, compatibility, work horse
+5points
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Review 19 for XPS 8500
Overall Rating
Features
4
/
5
Performance
5
/
5
Value
4
/
5
Reviewed by:videomaker123(Canada)
Duration of Product Use:1-2 months
Level of Expertise:Good
I use my PC for:Design/graphics
Your Lifestyle:Professional
Title:
Great product, but some annoyances
PostedApril 15, 2013
Yes, I would recommend this product
This is my second Dell and as the first one I bought many years ago, I use it mainly for video editing and production. I liked that I could select very high RAM as an option. I needed to stream DV into the computer too, but the site where you build your unit does not give you an option to add FireWire. I therefore assumed that top of the line - "Media Desktop" - would include the adapter.
When the unit promptly arrived I realized my mistake and talk to Dell technician about it. He could not get me the adapter, since they were out of stock at that time (Feb.2013) and I had to get it elsewhere, from a local store. I also was not told that I needed the 15 pin to 4 pin adapter for power connection. Another trip. I am otherwise happy with the unit, rendering is now much faster than before. But anyone who wants to stream DV from a video camera or other device into the computer for editing purposes and DVD creation should know that they have to get DP Firewire 2-port PCIe (SIIG.Inc). This is the reason why I can't give it 5 star rating. I would recommend this product to a friend but with this warning.
When the unit promptly arrived I realized my mistake and talk to Dell technician about it. He could not get me the adapter, since they were out of stock at that time (Feb.2013) and I had to get it elsewhere, from a local store. I also was not told that I needed the 15 pin to 4 pin adapter for power connection. Another trip. I am otherwise happy with the unit, rendering is now much faster than before. But anyone who wants to stream DV from a video camera or other device into the computer for editing purposes and DVD creation should know that they have to get DP Firewire 2-port PCIe (SIIG.Inc). This is the reason why I can't give it 5 star rating. I would recommend this product to a friend but with this warning.
+7points
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Review 20 for XPS 8500
Overall Rating
Features
3
/
5
Performance
2
/
5
Value
2
/
5
Reviewed by:roadbiker(Powder Springs, GA)
Duration of Product Use:3-4 months
Level of Expertise:Expert
I use my PC for:High Performance
Your Lifestyle:Professional
Title:
Windows 8 or XPS???
PostedApril 15, 2013
No, I do not recommend this product.
I've had my XPS8500 since December and it has been nothing but problematic. I was using an Inspiron with Windows 7 and it was fine, but I need more performance to run Adobe Lightroom and for photography and some video editing programs and the Inspiron just couldn't handle it. I "upgraded" to the XPS8500 with Windows 8 and high hopes that it would be the performer that I hoped for. I was sadly disappointed.
Right from the start I was having problems with the PC not turning on. I would activate the power button and it would act as if it were starting, and then would shut down. 80% of the time I had to hit the power button twice to get it to start. I also found that I was constantly having to restart it, and sometimes it wouldn't restart on its own unless I made a cold shut down and start up. Dell sent a tech over and he replaced the CPU and the Power Supply. That solved the power-related problems, but this PC is plagued with issues causing me to repeatedly restart it. I have already refreshed the system once, and that is a pain in the you know what. When you do this, it restores the PC back to factory settings and you lose all of your programs and user data. Even though I had everything backed-up, it is a major inconvenience and there are certain user-specific setting that are not restored.
Internet Explorer is a particular frustration. I think that many of the issues that I am having may be OS related, but I regularly hear the drive moaning and huming as if it is strained.
I will have to say that the Dell support is very on top of it. Once the call was opened, they are very diligent about following up and trying to resolve the issue. I wish they were in the USA rather than India, however.
My problem right now is that they want me to refresh the drive again, which I really do not want to do. I think I'd be happier downgrading the OS to Windows 7. On the other hand, I have been advised that Microsoft will soon be releasing an update to Win8, so I am hopeful that will resolve the OS issues and fix the behavior of Internet Explorer.
If I were to do it again, I would probably get a different PC (a Dell) with Windows 7 running on it.
Pros:lots of memory, lots of disk space, easy to set up, integtrated wi-fi
Cons:windows 8, internet explorer, loud drives
Response from Dell.comBy DonaldDforDell, Customer Reviews, April 17, 2013
Hello roadbiker,
Sorry to hear you had so many issues with your 8500. I too am waiting for a Windows 8 update for a couple changes. If you run into any other issues, make sure you reach out to our Dellcares team. They have support methods, conventional Technical Support cannot do.
Social Support Team Contact:-
Twitter - @DellCares (http://bit.ly/Hhh2SQ)
Dell Community Forum (http://dell.to/GY65Xz)
Dell Facebook (http://bit.ly/HlJ9LZ)
Thanks for sharing!
Sorry to hear you had so many issues with your 8500. I too am waiting for a Windows 8 update for a couple changes. If you run into any other issues, make sure you reach out to our Dellcares team. They have support methods, conventional Technical Support cannot do.
Social Support Team Contact:-
Twitter - @DellCares (http://bit.ly/Hhh2SQ)
Dell Community Forum (http://dell.to/GY65Xz)
Dell Facebook (http://bit.ly/HlJ9LZ)
Thanks for sharing!
+1point
2of 3voted this as helpful.
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