I chose other becaause I interpret the other choices as being built for me. I prefer to build my own because I am qualified to do so. (that's my conceit) Really, it's because I am constantly upgrading to meet current needs for "others". Most folk I deal with don't want to anticipate their future needs. New comers often only want to do the r-mail thing or to write letters. If they associate with other PC users, it isn't long before they want to do more than their PC is really designed for. They oftem experience unnecessary frustration trying to do what they really can't. Another problem, especially with some cheaper brand names is that they are harder to upgrade without major parts replacement. Let's face it, if it's cheap there is a reason - and it's not a good one!
Hope this helps someone aviod a pitfall - Norm Smith
The work computer I am typing this on is a Dell 1.7Ghz that does not get shut off and has been running constantly for 6.5 years without a failure.
My home computer is a Dell 3Ghz which also runs constantly and has been up for 2.5 years.
We are on our second Dell computer, ran the last one into the ground. They had an unbelievable deal this past fall. The deciding factor though was really the Tech Support....hands down that is what has sold us.
I can put the capabiltites I use on it and load an OEM (In the past) that had no crapware pre-installed. My latest has Linux Ubuntu loaded. I had to get Vista on my laptop and it Sucks - XP was not available.
I like Macs, plain and simple.
They may cost a little more but I rarely have a problem with the ones I've owned.
-iMac
-MacMini
-G3
-3 G4s
-G5
The main reason why I would prefer Acer is because the Tech Support staff is all American. Some of the components are not the best (Ex: the keyboard) but when you need help you can always easily understand them.
Acer is a korean company that recently aquired gateway after gateway aquired e-machine.........so. None are made in this country. They do have offices here.
I prefer custom Builds, Because of more durable parts. Most name brands incorporate descent parts with cheap parts. I believe a good power supply, Processor, Hard Drive, Good Quality Compatable Memory and Motherboard is the key to a lasting system. I have worked on a lot of name brands and all have the same parts. Dell uses different parts. The Processor, Memory, and Hard Drive, are the best parts. Motherboard and Power Supply are weak Will not Withstand Power outage surges. So Buyer Beware!!!!Name brands are reasonable, Have weak Power supplys and will kill your motherboard.
I certainly would not recommend an Alienware PC. I paid £2400.00 for one on the 20th Feb. this year and I still dont have it.
because the first computer I owned I purchased at Goodwill for $35. It was entirely HP. It was old and slow but it was already 6 years old and still performed like a champ. The customer service leaves something to be desired (like native americans) but the equipment is made to last.
I am a recent being recent in the last 3 ear Mac convert. Love the way it works and simplicity but also have and had for some Sony laptops there at last count at the time they were small looked nice alternate colors my was blue the ac adapters were interchangeable between models. I still only use PC mainly for games
As the owner of a computer repair shop I am asked many times a week "which is the best brand to buy?". My response is always the same.Buy your neighbors old computer. All the computers that come to our shop are made from the same third world junk that would not even be called "seconds" here. The parts are the same with white sticker on the partss or board with the brand name of the computer being sold. I'm not aware of any computers made in this country other than shops like ours. I tell people to look at them as you would a throw-away camera. My best advice is to keep them unplugged from electric and telephone when not in use. I doubt i've ever had anyone come in here with a toasted motherboard and power supply that didn't tell me " I had it on a surge protector". Seems they are boobie trapped to go with first little powewr surge.
I have had two Compaq laptops purchased from costco. one is now 8 years old and has been to collage with two kids. The other is 3 years old and like the one before never gave us a single problem. We also have two Dell laptops and one Dell desk top. One of the Dell laptops had to have the keyboard replaced. (Bummer is had to mail it in to get it done) the rest of the Dells have been trouble free. The only reason I would choose the Compaq over the Dell is they seem to be higher quality for about the same price.
If I were to purchase another box, it would be MicroCenters PowerSpec and or Winbook. The only issue I have with Winbook is their no parts strategy; you have to send it in for repair. PowerSpec's typically have had weak of failing power supply.
Frankly I like the idea of being able to cherry pick my componentry. I select my HD [personal preference: Maxtor and Samsung], video card [preference for ATI despite being kicked around lately], motherboards [various but Asus is prominent, and absolutely favor the via chipsets], but most especially the CPUs [I've only used AMD since early 1980's], but also RAM, Power supply, installation of the number and capacity of my Fans front and rear, etc.
This may come to an end, but until it does, I prefer my own selections over those of others, who "have my best interests at heart" - LOL.
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