Quote:
Originally posted by AzCivic
how about dell.com
|
it took me two days to think about this question, so here goes.
Dell, Gateway and other similar companies have advantages and disadvantages over the independent PC builder.
The advantages:
They get their parts for DIRT cheap, usually through quantity discounts and contracts with other companies.
They also use the lowest quality parts possible. This is where we get into the concept of disposable PCs. Disposable PCs are basically systems using parts so cheap, it makes more sense to keep replacing the parts that go bad with equally cheap parts, because after a few cycles of this, its time for an upgrade.
Of course, this only makes sense If you like having the latest and greatest all the time. Me, I like building a machine that is going to last me 5 years (which my last one did, and is still going)
The other advantage is convenience. You order a machine from dell and it is at your door in 2 days. you set it up and it WILL work out of the box. Your software is loaded and you are ready to go.
tech support is another advantage. whatever.
Sounds pretty good, right? Why would anyone NOT go with Dell or Gateway? Well, that depends. Next we look at the...
disadvantages:
I already mentioned a major disadvantage above; cheap ass parts. Yes is runs, but for how long, and how well? When something breaks, you are probably screwed. I've seen machines from Gateway, Dell, Compaq and others that use proprietary parts. This means that a certain part is not a standard size or type. This means that, say, if a power supply goes bad, you can't just go to the store and replace it, you have to call Compaq, Dell or whoever has a replacement part. And be prepared to bend over and take it because they'll rape you.
If you try to fix it yourself, or add anything, chances are you have voided any warranty. This is an assumption, mind you, i dont know this. This policy would vary from company to company.
Building a machine yourself costs a little more, but you get what you want. When you do the 'Customize' dance with the big companies, you are limited by what they choose as an option. In other words, what they can get for cheap.
When building your own machine, you can choose from any brand, any type, any speed, for a competitive price. You just can't do that with a Dell or Gateway. And since most of us are never happy with anything we get 'out of the box' (think your car) you surely wont be happy with your computer from dell or gateway.
When you build your own machine, the components you buy come with manufacturers warrantys. I would doubt if you get any of this information when you buy a dell. You have to deal with dell when something breaks, and good luck with that.
I suspected my dvd drive wasnt working properly, and so sent it in to TDK with a description of the problem, and what troubleshooting methods I applied. They sent me a brand new unit, with a firmware upgrade, for FREE. Turned out it was a batch of bum media, and the drive was fine, but that shows that manufacturers stand behind their products.
their tech support usually sucks, no matter how good they say it is. In most cases these days, it is outsourced to people from India. They are very knowledgable, and work for cheap, but you can't understand a word they say! That's a problem. (I have no problem with people from India, just their accent)
Bundled software. ohh, I could go on and on about this. Basically, bundled software is bad. For one, its usually a crippled or "special" version. bad. Also, you don't get a clean new copy of Windows XP, you get the "Dell Version" of an OEM copy of Windows Home (usually. Pro is an option). They usually call this a set of recovery discs, and it is used for conveneince of reloading your PC. I don't like it because it loads a bunch of other garbage that you don't want. I don't want Dell to customize my windows install, I do that.
Another related point is that, if you buy windows preinstalled, you cannot use that copy on any other machine. Bundled or OEM OS's are only good for the machine they came with. Now, when you build a new machine and use your copy of windows that YOU BOUGHT for your last machine, all you have to do is reactivate (which may or may not involve you being interrogated by an Indian customer service rep...no joke)
conclusion: Dell and Gateway are a fine choice for those that don't have technical know how, or those that don't want to learn anything new. Those companies offer a solution for the general public you just want to buy it and have it work.
However, the best bang for your buck comes not from those companies. By doing your own research into components, learning the terms and technical jargon, cutting through the marketing ploys and untruths, and deciding what YOU need, building your own machine is a very rewarding experience. You'll drop a little more money, but it will be money well spent.
There is a wealth of information on the internet and in magazines on how to build your own machine, you just have to look for it. Google is your friend.