Thanks (again) RoHe. Yeah, firmware was the very first issue I looked into. I have the "Samsung SSD PM830 mSATA 32GB" on firmware CXM12D1Q.
That's according to the "Intel Rapid Storage Technology" software, cause that's the only way I know that I even HAVE an SSD. This is my first SSD and definitely first experience with an mSATA, but it doesn't show up under Device Manager at all. I only see: ST2000DM001-1CH. Regardless, I don't see anyway to update the firmware (if an update even exists).
As I mentioned, moving back to "Enhanced" mode in the Intel Rapid Storage Technology setting has put the issue back sporadic occurences, mostly only when doing the resource/disk intensive tasks mentioned previously. So at least I can use my computer again wihtout the 30 second 'pauses' or super-slowness...still doesn't seem right to me though.
I'm thinking my next attempt will be to do the Windows 8 "Reset PC" feature, not to be confused with "Refresh"...or do I have them backwards again?! ha...I'll be 110% sure before clicking "go" when/if I decide to do it.
Aside from this issue though I will say (for any casual browsing readers) that I do love the PC! Yes, I know it's a bit of the "Well other than that Mrs. Lincoln, how did you like the show?" thing but I just didn't want to scare away potential owners. I think (hope!) that if I had access to Dell Tech Support they would have taken care of the issue by now, even if it meant replacing the HDD and/or SSD.