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Community weekly poll: If you use a desktop, who is the manufacturer?
- 9/28/05 5:46 PM
PLEASE more info......
by Riverledge - 9/30/05 3:44 PM In reply to: Var Unlimited in California by bob rowleyWhat is VAR Unlimited?
Custom Build
by agwinney - 9/30/05 7:21 AM In reply to: If you use a desktop, who is the manufacturer? by Marc Bennett
I choose a custom built system as I've been building my own computers since the Coco64 days. I found that about every three to four years I could up date my computer to the lastest and greatest a lot cheaper than purchasing a complete system.
My requirements are considerable higher than out a box computer, I like fast graphics and tons of ram.
This year up graded my mother board, cpu, graphics card, ram and even a new LCD monitor. One of the few things we don't replace very often is a flopy drive,cd/dv drive(s) and monitors. There is no need to replace these unless they are just too old. I've had the same burner now for about 5 years and year after year I upgrade the firmware in it. And so far it just keeps on working, that old saying ''if it ain't broke don't fix it''.
I like the speed of the new processors and motherboards. They have finally got to the speed where I can multi task with comfort on my desktop pc.
I spent about $800 this year on a new system, and the only thing I didn't change was the power supply, cd/dvd, floppy, oh and my hard drive. I intend to order one of the new 400 SATA drive, because they are much faster than the old IDE drives.
My computer controls the many radios in my amateur radio station. I also use it to program my handheld and mobile/base radios, make it a lot faster and simpler to keep track of frequencies than hand programing them via a keypad on the front of the radios.
I also use my computer for digital modes on amateur radio threw the sound card and a home build 5 volt interface using a MB232 IC.
I've found that I can get more banf for my buck by building myown system the way I want it, rather than be just satisfied with what comes in the box.
Dell
by FrancesW - 9/30/05 7:23 AM In reply to: If you use a desktop, who is the manufacturer? by Marc Bennett
I chose a Dell because when my daughter was in charge of a computer help desk for a State-wide agency, Dell was the most reliable brand they had. As well as having fewer problems with them, they were also the easiest to update. I have had it over two years now and have had no problems with it.
Smoke and Mirrors
by ekok - 9/30/05 7:24 AM In reply to: If you use a desktop, who is the manufacturer? by Marc Bennett
I tried to purchase 1)HP Compaq, 2}Dell, 3)ZT Group, 4)PowerSpec but did NOT BUY because either their advertising was misleading (false is a better word,) and/or they did not respond in a meaningful way to my questions. Finally, I did buy an ABS Explorer 1500 which was slightly higher priced than the competition "come on" pricing. ABS advertising was truthful, they were easy to communicate with and they answered my specific questions directly and without adjectives. My computer is now 14 months old and, after a few minor start-up glitches, runs like a fine Swiss watch.
eMachines
by cdysmamaw - 9/30/05 7:30 AM In reply to: If you use a desktop, who is the manufacturer? by Marc Bennett
My son , Dave, and his friend, Allen, first went to Circuit City hunting for just a tower for me! The only one they had was too much money for me and was too complicated or had too much on it for me so they stopped at Wal-mart to see what they had and they found the one I have now. They called me about it before they bought it and I gave them the go-ahead to get the eMachines! I'm well satisfied with it so far and I've had it since March of this year!!
Shuttle XPC
by AndrewGM - 9/30/05 7:40 AM In reply to: If you use a desktop, who is the manufacturer? by Marc Bennett
Bought a Shuttle XPC to save room on the desktop, and it looks nice too. The fan is a bit noisy, but other than that it's been a good machine (have had it a couple of months). One problem was customer service -- they forgot to ship the monitor and peripheral floppy drive until I reminded them. They also did not include the word-processing and home-accounting software that was supposed to be included. I gave up on asking for it, as it was becoming too many e-mails; also, they weren't the better versions of the software anyway.
build your own - don't look back
by jd7wilson - 9/30/05 7:52 AM In reply to: If you use a desktop, who is the manufacturer? by Marc Bennett
I have had 2 computers that came from "brand name" manufacturers - laptop from Gateway and a refurb Compaq desktop. In both instances I discovered the computers quit running as smoothly as they did when I first got them. Per conventional wisdom, I performed virus scans and other basic maintenance...no real improvement.
Being a newbie (with the laptop), I did a complete system reload -- 3X!!!!! -- per customer support recommendations!!!!! Not only was I stupid enough to do the reload, but I was also stupid enough to use the discs that came with the laptop. Only when I used a stand-alone Windows installation CD, did the problems seem to disappear for good.
When I bought my Compaq refurb is when I started to educate myself on do-it-yourself tweaking. With the laptop, there's only so much hardware tinkering you can do. But with the desktop.... Let's go back to the beginning, though. The desktop had the same problem as the laptop - started taking longer to startup, taking longer to access files. I made sure the vrius scan was working and up to date. No real improvement. I defragged the hard drive. No real improvement. So, remembering the lessons from the laptop, I did a complete system install, but I didn't waste any time with the system discs that came with it. I used a stand-alone version of Windows. Ta-da! Problems stayed away for good this time.
I also started tinkering with the hardware - more memory, faster processor, USB2 card, USB2+firewire+lan, cd writer, dvd rom, etc. I began to learn good things and bad things about computers. That started my journey toward self-sufficient computing. Now, four years later, I have a totally self-built computer, running Windows 2000 (XP was tempting until SP2 came out). Zero problems.
What I learned along my journey (and has been confirmed by computer forums and personal acquaintances) is that computers from manufacturers - like Dell, Compaq, etc. - come with cheap hardware. Worst of all, they come with a bunch of "free" software that is automatically bundled with the OS. Even if you buy a "custom pc" from one of these guys, they still use the hardware they want and still install crap software that you more than likely don't need.
The crap hardware is easily dealt with, but the crap software is more cumbersome. It is my opinion, and I have no proof, only circumstantial evidence, that a lot of the bundled software that you get when you by a preloaded pc is a gateway for spyware. Don't get me wrong, I'm not some conspiracy theorist that thinks it's intentional. But I do think that a lot of cheap or free software is poorly written and is therefore more vulnerable and more easily exploited by virus and spyware authors. A lot of that stuff insists on running in the background, insists on connecting to the Internet, and it allows other stuff to get into your computer that is at least annoying if not malicious. The circumstantial evidence I have? Loading a stand-alone version of an OS and loading only software you want seems to fix (and prevent) problems that you encounter when buying a pre-loaded pc, and I've heard the same story from other people.
One of the most important things I learned is that Windows 2000 is the best OS put out by Microsoft - Windows XP was on par until SP2 came out. Along with that is that NTFS (as opposed to FAT32) is a preferable format for the hard drive.
My advice to anyone thinking of a new computer is to build it yourself. Whatever OS you choose, buy a stand-alone copy. Whatever software you use - free off the Internet or bought from a store, look up reviews to see if there are any serious downsides to the software. Whatever hardware you use, research it and find what's best for your needs. Word of caution on that, if you just want what is good and reliable (and affordable), but not necessarily the best, consult a source like CNET or PC World Magazine - don't consult some pc gaming source (those guys are fanatics). You can build a better computer for yourself as cheaply or almost as cheaply as you can buy off the shelf or order customized. It may even be less expensive, if you catch the right sales. The downside is that you have multiple warranties to take care of yourself should anything malfunction, rather than returning the whole pc to the manufacturer or taking it into the store where you bought it to have it serviced. The upside is that you do become more educated and self-sufficient at maintaining your computer.
If you are intent upon buying a pre-built, preloaded computer, do yourself a favor and buy it from a independent computer store. Make sure they're reputable. You can even tell them exactly what you want. Unlike Dell, they will load only the software you specify and they will use the parts from manufacturers you choose. They'll build it and will oftentimes offer a warranty similar to what you would get with a Dell or Sony or HP. If you're still skeptical or uncomfortable with that, then buy last year's model from Best Buy at the clearance price, but also buy a stand-alone version of the OS so that you can reload it without all the crap that it will inevitably come with.
Custom built pc.
by ihfwt - 9/30/05 7:54 AM In reply to: If you use a desktop, who is the manufacturer? by Marc Bennett
I always build my own desktop pc's.This one was built
March/05. Very satisfied, although my next one will defintely be a dual core processor, most likey Intel ,
dual core with Hyperthreading looks awesome.
Antec case AMB 3700 Bronze
Gigabyte motherboard K8NS Ultra 939
AMD Athlon 64 3200+ Socket 939 not Overclocked
PC3200 DDR 1 gig dual channel @ 400mhz
ATI Radeon 9550 AGP 8X
Maxtor 80 gig SATA hard drive
BenQ DVD-+R RW DL
BenQ DVD ROM 16X
Sound Blaster Live audio
Yamaha speakers
Microsoft wireless keyboard and mouse
Operating System Dual boot
XP Pro and XP Pro 64 bit Beta valid for 1 year
Broadband Internet via Cable.
Custom Built PC
by Ron Geiken - 10/11/05 4:11 PM In reply to: Custom built pc. by ihfwtI have a custom built PC by virtue of my HP needing a new motherboard and Procesor after I tried to install a new additional SATA hard drive. Somehow the processor fan was damaged due the lack of room inside the case to make any kind of repairs.
I now have the following,
1. New 915 P-A Motherboard
2. New Intel 630 Processor with Hyperthreading
3. New 200 gig SATA Hard drive
4. 2 new 1 gig DDR2 ram memory chips.
5. Windows XP Professional upgrade.
6. New 50% larger Case with 400 watt power supply.
I guess it isn't actually an HP computer anymore, since I had to put the upgrade on the computer since I couldn't a new product code for the original OEM version of Windows XP Home. I now have the computer that I have always wanted, and the cost was about $1200 to $1600. Sure worth it to get what you want, and I know that in the future I will never buy a name brand computer like HP, Dell, etc. I will have it custom built and I want to have all of the software discs so that I will be able to reinstall anything that needs it. My HP 764n came WITHOUT the Windows XP disc.
Anybody above a "rank" amatuer should always buy a custom built PC, and I certainly will in the future!!!!!
Shuttle for me
by anapro - 9/30/05 7:57 AM In reply to: If you use a desktop, who is the manufacturer? by Marc Bennett
My latest computer is a Shuttle SD31. I wanted a small package with good performance. I got both and a quiet computer as well. When I added a video card, the fan started running a bit faster and hence more noise, but it is still fairly quiet.
Dell
by Maisie663 - 9/30/05 8:05 AM In reply to: Shuttle for me by anaproHave had Dell for 6 yrs, first 98 and now XP. Also have a Presario which not too bad but a backup. I would go Dell if buying new again--their tech support is lousy and I know alot of nightmares, but their system is great and fixable.
Dell Computers vs. build it yourself.
by kimble9 - 9/30/05 8:09 AM In reply to: If you use a desktop, who is the manufacturer? by Marc Bennett
I have had two build it yourself computers and now own a Dell computer. I experienced numerous problems with "build it yourself" computers, like the builder installing software that was not compatible with my computer and when I would upgrade my computer with an update, I would have to take my computer into the shop to have work done, since the computer would stop operating. I eventually became disgusted with the "build it yourself" computers and bought a Dell computer. I have been very happy with my purchase and reliability and speed of this computer is unmatched.
Built my own
by miketam41 - 9/30/05 8:10 AM In reply to: If you use a desktop, who is the manufacturer? by Marc Bennett
MB is Asus P4P800 Deluxe w/ Intel P4 HT 2.6 GHz. Have 1 Gig of DDR memory and a West Dig Raptor HD. Also a NVidia GEFORCE FX5200 Ultra video card. Lite-On DVDRW and a Sony DVD-ROM. OS is XP-PRO v2002 w/ SP2 and also use OFFICE 2003. Use the Firefox Browser although have IE for Windows Updates. Run ZoneAlarm firewall and AVG Anti-Virus along with Ad-Aware, Spybot and Spyware Blaster. Built this system almost 3 years ago and will probably replace it within the next year at which time I will give it to my grandson to use when he goes to college.
for company computers a branded machine, at home customized
by eatonop - 9/30/05 8:24 AM In reply to: If you use a desktop, who is the manufacturer? by Marc Bennett
As a rule, I recommend branded machines for our company. As long as we know what we need the computers for, and the specifications that can respond to our needs, it is then easy to shop around for branded machines. We choose from among different brands according to the following general criteria: (1) machine reliability, (2) fast and efficient customer support for the entire duration of the computer (computer turnover is approximately 4-5 years), (3) features (bells and whistles stuff) and (4) price. We have moved from brand to brand Acer, Compaq, HP, Aopen, and IBM, and lately Asus. So far in our experience the machines per se were all able to meet our demands and needs. The reason for moving from brand to brand is motivated greatly by economics and speed/efficiency of customer support.
However, for my own home/personal use as well as that for my parents and my siblings' family, I always build my own pc and theirs as well. My usual computer turnover (the time to change the computer completely) is about 4 to 5 years. I am a computer enthusiast, I hand pick everything that goes inside my machine, from casing, fans, power supply, cables, motherboard, ram modules, processor, hard drive, pci cards, mouse and keyboard, monitor, expansion ports, printer, webcam, microphone, routers, wireless adapter and AP, scanner, external drives, etc. By knowing each peripheral and brand, I get to experience by myself how reliable they are. For sure some brand parts are simply outstanding --e.g. the Asus MBs, some are so-so and others pure hype but mediocre in performance. I simply love opening my machine and tweaking with its innards. You can not do that to branded ones without voiding the waranty. But who cares about customer support in my case and that of my family's pcs. I am their customer support, and since I built my and their computer, I know what is inside them, and can pinpoint most of the time the cause of the problem. Problem with the parts? Rarely happens. The usual thing we encounter for troubleshooting if ever is related to operating system and software interaction. This is the usual cause of headache. And of course not to forget the human factor, if a user does not know what he/she is doing, well, be ready for troubleshooting.
Eaton
eMachine PC
by barkerrd - 9/30/05 8:30 AM In reply to: If you use a desktop, who is the manufacturer? by Marc Bennett
I bought the emachine desktop PC because the PC magazines said it was the biggest bang for the buck. I found this to be true.I have the T3256 and i have been very satisfied with it.
Don
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