Desktops forum: Poll: Which desktop computer "brand name" do you prefer?

I would prefer to build my own. But can't afford everything I want in a desktop. So Buy Dell and then Upgrade later( memory,graphics). There prices are within my budget. I have never had a problem with my Dells (laptop and desktop)That I can't fix myself. I haven't had any yet. The laptop is a year old, Desktop 5 years.

I am more concerned with architecture and OS performance than with silly nitpicking about a name.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

I prefer custom built by a pro, though I have built one myself. I also have had a Compaq and an EMachine. With custom built it is much easier to upgrade or make changes and the OS software is less buggy.

Good machines
Friendly 24 7 tech support

My last two computers were Dell desktops and I have generally been pleased with them, and was starting to read up on their laptop lines. I saw a new Dell-manufactured anti-virus software recommended somewhere here online, and I ordered one. It never came. I called. Ninety minutes and six people later they had not even begun to resolve the problem. I asked them to cancel my order and refund my money, and they said to do so I would have to go back to the beginning of the very long initial customer service wait. At that point I decided my $21 wasn't worth the time I was spending, and gave it up - thus losing my money with no hope of ever receiving the product. What if I'd just bought another computer and needed tech support? Never will I buy Dell hardware or software again -- and I do hope their management monitors these techie chat rooms to see how many of us have similar complaints.

I have only bought one computer. And, it was a very long time ago. After that peice of junk, I decided to build every computer I have owned since, for various reasons already mentioned in this thread. But, pimarily because I have the knowledge and abilty to do so. And, I can always build a better one that suits my needs now,primarily as a Gamer. I started building/engineering Computers back in the 1970's

I have this xps410 Dell computer and am completely satisfied with it.
This is my second Dell and since I can not build my own, I am very satisfied with this one.

Good counselling, good support. I got perfectly what I need and want with special keyboard, pre-installed software and perfectly working peripherals. Will buy there again.