We used Dell at work for as long as I can remember - Servers and Workstations. We recently went though a large contract bidding process where Dell, IBM, and HP all competed. I was really Hoping Dell would be the one, but side-by-side comparison of Proposals from all three companies demonstrated one poorly composed bid - and two great ones. Guess which proposal was poor. Dell really needs to spit and polish it's customer face. They resell other companies hardware - so good relations is all they really have to go on. ( and cool looking cases IHMO )

On the other hand. I know a mistake when I see it. I think Dell's first response was correct. May not be politically correct, but people these days have learned, if you squeak enough, you get the grease. If Dell had continued with their initial plan - no-one would have had a -real- loss ( because rather than being in the market for a drive, some of you only ordered the drive because of the mistake ). Some of you prefer to see Dell take a hit on this ( or any company ) that makes an honest mistake. If Dell had tried to lure you in with a low price - and then switch that price on you, you would have a claim. But this was pricing mistake by a guy running their website .... He is the one bearing the brunt of this mass greed.

Whenever confronted by the ultra-human urge to indulge in greed myself, I always remember something my grandmother told me, before she lost her mind ....

Life is short, and then you die. Live your life like someone you care about is watching. ... and wear clean underwear.

I worked with a lady once who believed that anyone else's mis-fortune was her gain. If someone dropped money, and no-one else could see it, she would say "thank you lord for my blessing" - they could drop their whole wallet - ID and all -, and her phrase would be the same.

Dell has really "blessed" some of you this-time. Maybe you are lucky ...

Normally I keep opinions like this to myself, because generally they are not popular with my friends. But I have been on the Atkins diet for a couple of weeks, and I am getting increasingly irritated at the smallest of things. My blood pressure is at 96/59 - and I smell like sugar-pop cereal. Is this normal ?

BTW: I will be in Seattle/Redmond area for two weeks in the middle of October sans VX. - And Dallas first week in November with VX - if any of yall want to meet up.