Yeah, Dell's the same way.

And you've answered your own question, BTW. HP, Compaq, Dell all short you on RAM (and note they set it up in a configuration where it's impossible to add RAM, only replace it) so that they can sell you RAM twice, plus the tech support fees, and quite possibly talk you into a motherboard upgrade (rather than replacement) in the process.

Why do you think Dell, Compaq and HP can undercut the Mom&Pops so severely?

How many people who discover they've been shorted on RAM don't think to remove the old RAM when they're forced to send the machine in? Will HP send the sticks back, or quietly "dispose" of them for you in a machine they're about to sell to some other dupe?

The best bang for the buck is always shopping for specific components on sale online, then building it yourself (or bribing a techie friend of yours with a case of beer and/or pizza.)

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