I have both Dell and Gateway. I am equally pleased with both. My desktop is a
Gateway 486-66. Last year I came to the realization that I needed to get a new computer. I did some research and found that I would be better having a notebook that I could take when I travel. I looked at both companies and found that the Dells were a little less expensive. I have been very happy with my Inspiron.

I still need some more power for photo and video so I am still looking ahead at a new Desktop. For those I lean a little to the Gateways. It seems as Gateway Desktops come a little better equipped for the money than Dell but the notbooks Are less expensive with Dell than Gateway.

Both companies are similar and compettitive whith their Customer Service and Support. You may need to be patient with both of them as you spend alot of time on the phone with them. They both sell so many computers that their Customer Service And Tech Support lines are frequently pretty busy. They are good though with helping you out. I have not needed Tech Support from Dell yet but from watching my Brother they seem to be very good. With Gateway, I had a problem that they traced to the mother board. They FEDXed a new board overnight and I swapped it out. I sent the old board back to them and they didn't charge my Credit Card. Otherwised, if I hadn't returned the old part, they would have charged my credit card.