Dell Inspiron 660 i660-5629BK Desktop (Discontinued by Manufacturer)

After a lot of research, thoughtful consideration, and then a hesitant decision, I purchased this and now I am wondering why I waited so long! Rapid delivery, in a double boxed package for a confidential delivery, was no surprise because Amazon is known (and appreciated!) for this.The ease of set-up was noted, and all my devices were automatically recognized and functioned immediately. Windows 8 stumped me for a short time, but I really am enjoying working with it and learning how to make it do what I need and want. Internet connection is super fast. Wi-Fi for my devices throughout the house works great. All in all, I am pretty happy with this purchase. I chose Dell to begin with since it has been so reliable for me in the past.

Windows 8, now enhanced to 8.1 is not so much a departure from XP Pro where I"m accustomed to for nealy a decade. I welcome the App centered screen but generally work through my Desktop for the traditional PC feel. The computing power on the 660 5629BK is sufficiently robust but less than a five star for me because during the set-up, Dell loaded un-necessary files (file converter I believe that I uninstalled later because it had annoying pop-ups); I checked the web for similar symtoms I've been having and sure enough help was there, consequently the deletion. I'm hoping the reliability of this machine is comparative to HP which I've had for 8 years now however so far so good. I'm happy with the purchase.

I just purchased this desktop, and is nothing wrong with it, the only detail i did not like is the picture displayed in the website shows multiple VGA , DVI, HDMI as well and what i received is a total different features, I contacted the seller and what they said “ we have clearly disclose this fact in the listing that the picture is incorrect and this model don't contain 2nd HDMI with VGA.” Which I didn’t see it, but its ok, now my questions is what is the purpose to have the picture displaying on the website if you already know, what your showing is not what you selling? Why you haven’t remove it from the website? I called it misrepresentation and false advertising.

I don't want Windows 8. I don't have a smart phone and abhor the tiled interface. Can I get Windows 7?

I think the computer itself is a great, basic computer for family needs. However, after several days of using Windows 8, even downloading some software that re-created the start menu, I just hate Windows 8. It is not intuitive, it takes more time switching between the Metro format and the desktop. You have to remember where you access different things. The Metro format is frenetic and distracting. I wish I had just paid more money and got a computer with Windows 7. I have now spent more money ordering Windows 7 to install on this computer. On the upside, it is fast, has many handy ports, and is super quiet. I look forward to using it. It also does not come with Microsoft Office, so that is another expense if you don't already have a copy. Unless you are not familiar with other Windows products, or if you have a tablet with touch screen, I would not recommend Windows 8. I wish Dell, HP, and others would give us an option of operating systems.

The PC has been working well, no issues with setup, etc. Windows 8 is not great but I am putting up with it for now. The PC worked well out of the box and did not have too many extra applications. The Dell Backup and Recovery is annoying as it can't be set to quiet mode and assumes it is the only BU & Recovery tool. Windows 8 has already run into a corruption issue that keeps the Windows 8 apps from working. Since they aren't all that useful to me I am not too concerned.I was able to add the drive from my old system without too much trouble. I did have to configure and format it before it was usable by the new system, but I expected that.

The computer came quickly, was easy to set-up, and is doing what I hoped it would. I wasn't looking for a powerful computer, and it seems to be capable of everything I've thrown at it to date. I also got it on Amazon for less money than directly from Dell and it shipped two weeks more quickly. I do not understand how those combination of factors are possible, but it is true.

For the price, it works like a charm. It's not a power house and surely has some limitations. But in life, you get what you pay for. One note that is of significance and could make me lower the rating a bit if it's an issue is it only has a 300 watt power supply and I read that it doesn't come with an extra power tap for things like Video Cards. I was going to add a heftier video card in, but I was relegated to one that didn't need that power tap and that could run with only a 300 watt supply. It really limited my choices.Other than that, I can't think of anything that really hurt it's value.