Which desktop computer "brand name" do you prefer?
Acer (Please explain why.)
Apple (Please explain why.)
Dell (Please explain why.)
eMachine (Please explain why.)
Gateway (Please explain why.)
HP (Please explain why.)
Lenovo (Please explain why.)
Sony (Please explain why.)
No-name (custom built) (Please explain why.)
Other (What is it?)
We all have our brands loyalties, so please respect each others opinions and keep this discussion civil. Thanks!
They're built like a tank. I currently have four (two desktops and two laptops), and three others have been given to kids, and all are still working. IBM has the best on line update service anywhere. One click and IBM looks at the machine, and recommends updates all the way down to BIOS updates. I did have one problem with a laptop (turned out it was my problem), but when I called support the guy was located in Atlanta, Ga. And he spoke English. To me, this is worth more than money.
How many threads are started with an IBM problem?
The IBM boxes you refer to are now LENOVO - or China's best kept secret!
Or are you referring to older IBM machines prior to the sale; with that I agree with everything you say -- I have 3 older laptops - they just work and I have never had a problem; plus I like the "tracking" device in the middle of the keyboard.
Fasteddi
Two words - Tech support!
http://magic.roosterteeth.com/archive/episode.php?id=256
Its hilarious.
If Dell made good computers, they and you would not have to brag about their tech support. I currently have 2 Acers...a desktop and a laptop. No problems with either of them. Prior to that I had 2 gateway computers. No tech support was needed on either of them, either. Guess those brands are better made than Dell. Sorry, guy.
It is a good thing your Acer hasn't given you any problems. When I bought mine last month, it had a bad sound card. In order to repair it, I would have to mail the entire computer to the depot and then they will take 7-10 business days to repair it, so, with using priority mail (I live in the US Virgin Islands), I would be without a computer for a month. This is no way to run a business and I will never buy another Acer; consequently, I can't recommend Acer to anyone else. There were other problems, too, with the pre-installed software. Frankly, I found Acer to be a nightmare unless you live in the same town as the depot.
CUSTOM BUILT
for the last 10 years I've been building my own PCs rather than any 'Brand' PCs, basically because it works out cheaper and I know everything that's in it. Alot of my friends have bought 'brand' PCs with varying degrees of reliability and performance. I'm currently running an Intel Q6600 water cooled and overclocked to 3Ghz, ASUS stryker 2 formula motherboard, geforce 9600 GT Sonic 512Mb Graphics card, 8 Gb DDR2 800 RAM, 1 x Raptor 150Gb SATA HDD, 2 x 750Gb SATA HDD, lightscribe DVD writer in a thermaltake Armor case and connected to 2 x 22" widescreen monitors and also connected to my 50" plasma TV via the graphics cards HDMi output all running Vista ultimate 64bit.
This system has cost alot of money but it can be built up a step at a time so spreading the cost to a more affordable range and ending up with a constantly evolving system.
I'm not knocking any of the brand make PCs but for me personally i like to get into the guts of a computer and get a great satisfaction from doing it myself.
From the experiences of friends etc I'd probably rate Dell over many of the rest for reliability and eMachines probably rate worst as most of my friends who have bought one have had nothing but trouble and they had no luck with customer support either.
Everyone likes their breakfast, lunch, dinner, Clothing, Music, Etc. a certain way.
Why shouldn't OUR Computer System be made the way WE want???
From the case on, there are choices, choices, choices.
YET, my wife gets frustrated in the "Cereal" aisle, because......"TOO many CHOICES"!!!
I want to know each and every component in MY system, (I have someone build it for me), but I choose (Or have suggested) what drive, RAM, Videro Card, How many Fans, Drives, Etc. I want, THEN, when I'm done (And my wallet is crying for mercy, I choosw what case I want.
See-Through, Lit??, Am I going to carry it? (Oh NO, it stays PUT)
But my biggest factor is "EXPANDIBILITY"!!!!!!
My system has some components 9Including the case), that going on ten years old now.
It has four fans, a upgraded 500GB HD, Wonderful new Flat Screen Monitor, have gone through keyboards like my wife goes through pantyhose (Anyone else NOW despise Wireless keyboards)??
When it comes time to "Start Over", I am confident that much of what I am using now will be utilized, and as far as... Ahem, UH, TECH support....., Well, the guy or GAL, who built the system for me, has all of the component criteria at their fingertips, no "MYSTERY" gear that's "Sorry, you can only use OUR parts with OUR Components" runaround.
NOW, if there is need for MULTIPLE systems say as for a Office app, THEN, I would have to say "DELL", because as a "Temp", I am in many many many offices, and the vast majority is DELL.
Now, If I can only convince my wife that "Alienware" really will make the internet a "Smoother, Faster, Cheaper" place to be......
Eww, Dellienware? Overpriced flashy computers, I say.
I build my own PC's for a number of reasons:
1. A new PC with the features I build in would cost considerably more.
2. I use Ubuntu Linux. Most new PC's come with Vista or XP pre-installed. I have no need of these so have no desire to pay royalties to Microsoft.
3. In my experience hardware problems are very rare. Most issues that I had problems with back in my Windows days related to software weaknesses. These are also not a problem, and any questions are quickly answered by a very active forum.
I am running a 64bit 6400+ AMD dual core processor with a Radeon 2600 video.
Amen, brother. When I built my pc, I hadn't switched to Kubuntu yet, so I did buy an XP cd (which was part of the reason I built, Vista having recently taken over). But now, I have high-quality parts that I appreciate all the time (for example, air filters that I can pop off and clean, rather than opening my case to blow out all the dust). Though I must say, you chose an ATI card intentionally for use with linux? Now that they've been bought by AMD, they're actually making drivers, but still, NVIDIA support is way better.
Basic Dell today, with Michael back at the helm can't be beat IMHO just bought two more 3/11 Duo core Intel 2.2 GHZ 2MB RAM, 250 HD 20" flat panel analog, Dual Optical 48X CD/ Burner and 16x DVD+/DVD-, Integrated graphics, 10/100 NIC, XP 499.00 each delivered........just cant get a better deal than this and a 1 year warranty
I researched machines with an eye towards reliability, cost and customer service. After reading countless reviews on CNET adn seeing comparisons, I chose the E Machine. It fit within my very Spartan budget, does what I need it to do and so far as a wannabe Mr. Wizard on computerese, no problems. However, the customer service bragged about in reviews is less than the stellar in MHO: My issues with my CD burner and drive door with an, "Oh well. Whatever you want to do", attitude.
Seems that companies STILL don't get that consumers have a choice. And they talk.
Lee, maybe a discussion on customer service needs a new airing?
Blessings,
Dina
I've heard many people put down emachine computers before (including the salesman that sold me mine), but honestly my $500 T3092 that I bought 3 & 1/2 years ago has been spectacular. I have had ZERO problems with it, and even if it explodes in another year...who cares! It was still half the price of a Dell/HP/etc. and it's time to upgrade anyway. I only wish they still made Laptops, I'd buy one in a heartbeat for my next computer.
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