Any way to get further detail on Dell configurations?

[arisk]

Just as an example, if we look at their XPS8300 desktop,
http://ecomm.dell.com/dellstore/basket.aspx?c=ca&cs=cadhs1&l=en&s=dhs&itemtype=CFG&oid=d5563eee-07a7-4479-b939-5dac1645a163
it will show "details" such as "Standard USB 2.0 + 10/100/1000 Ethernet"

I'm left wondering 'how many USB ports?'
That info should be readily supplied.

There are other details which might be nice to know, such as manufacturers of optical drives, HDD, etc.
Is it a standard PSU or proprietary? Power rating?
Those are more understandably undisclosed, and possibly subject to change though.

Anyone know how to fill in the gaps?

[0xffff]

Just as an example, if we look at their XPS8300 desktop,
http://ecomm.dell.com/dellstore/basket.aspx?c=ca&cs=cadhs1&l=en&s=dhs&itemtype=CFG&oid=d5563eee-07a7-4479-b939-5dac1645a163
it will show "details" such as "Standard USB 2.0 + 10/100/1000 Ethernet"

I'm left wondering 'how many USB ports?'
That info should be readily supplied.

There are other details which might be nice to know, such as manufacturers of optical drives, HDD, etc.
Is it a standard PSU or proprietary? Power rating?
Those are more understandably undisclosed, and possibly subject to change though.

Anyone know how to fill in the gaps?

I believe when you come close to finalizing your checkout, you'll see a list of all components and their part numbers. These are dell part numbers, but you may be able to cross reference to component manufacturers via google.

However, some parts like PSU's and motherboads most likely are properitery and manufactured for Dell exclusively.

If you just want to know how many USB ports a computer model has, I'm pretty sure there's a spec document you can find on their site that specifies it.

P.S. you cannot link to a product in your shopping cart basket, it's not visible to anyone other than you.

P.P.S. I looked up your machine online, clicked "tech specs" and saw that it has 6 internal USB ports. Including 2 on the front, 2 on the top and 4 in the rear. There may be a typo somewhere in the document ;)

[eldiablo]

Dell is an overpriced pos. I'd give NCIX a shot an pay them $50 to build me a much better desktop. Your will get better quality parts and an ability to improve/interchange parts if you so desire.

[arisk]

It was more for curiosity and comparison than serious interest at the moment, and I've wondered about it in the past.
I have nothing in my shopping cart.
I thought I had included the link from the system shown in today's Days of Dell, but it was only for an example anyways.

0xffff, thanks for the info.
The "tech specs" link isn't readily apparent from that DoD link, but I'll dig deeper. From what you provided, it does have relevant info, if it can be found.

eldiablo: You gave an irrelevant answer to an un-asked question.