the network interface cards on these boxes are crap have fun trying to figure out if your tick data is true
Interesting point. They don't come with NIC "cards", only a chip on the mobo. If one was concerned about this issue, couldn't one just install a NIC card?? You know, a "good one"?
yeap put 'ethereal' on your lan sometimes and watch whats actually coming and going across the network interface interesting to say the least
Most modern motherboards have integrated NIC's. I don't think that is the problem. Apparently there is some sort of issue with the Dell's in particular. Dell precision line is supposed to be their best and they have a great warranty but they are a business and will without a doubt use the most cost effective product they can find that meets the desired specs.
Lenovo outlet store. Get a workstation - I bought a few S20's running 64-bit OS with NVIDIA CUDA Quadro video cards for less than $1500 a pop - fantastic value for a highly regarded box.
Brings back a funny memory. I bought a Honeywell keyboard for $195. I REALLY liked the feel and thought I might have it "forever"... hence the decision to spend that much. Hadn't had it too long when I dropped a margarita onto it.. and the drink splashed up into a floppy drive bay opening... that was before I had a hard drive. Everything was a sticky mess which I couldn't adequately clean. Nowdays, you can run your dirty keyboard through the dishwasher to make it good as new...