Unfortunately, if you have to talk to someone even at Dell, you're more than likely going to be talking to someone in Bangalore, India. Unless Dells computer that screens incoming calls flags your call as one of their bigger business accounts. Unfortunate fact of 21st century life!

Jay, another thing you might try is Dells Online Outlet Store. I recently bought a Dell Refurb for my daughter with a 3.0 Ghz P4, 512 MB RAM, a DVD burner and seperate CD-ROM drive, 40 GB HDD, etc... for a litle over $300.

Best of luck to you
Bill