So, you've been considering buying a new computer. Out of all the manufactures competing for your dollars, which one do you choose? How about a new Dell? or Compaq HP? Sony Vaio? Maybe a Gateway or E-machine? Or how about that great deal on Home Shoppers? Get the facts before you make up your mind. First lets consider what kind of customer you are. Are you a single parent with a limited budget? Are you retired and just need a computer to keep in touch with friends and family? Are you a hardcore gamer who insists on very high quality and performance? Or are you someone who just wants the best bargain you can find? |
The first thing you need to consider is, if you buy from a major manufacture you are buying into a proprietary system. By that I mean some of the components are built or contracted to be build with specific features only available for that manufacture or model. generally the motherboard is riddled with propriety. With a proprietary system you have very little if any control over performance settings found in the BIOS (Basic Input Output Settings). The primary problem with this kind of system is when a major component fails, like the motherboard, you can only get a identical motherboard from the manufacture, and they are almost always 2 or 3 times more expensive as a similar component off the shelf. If you replace the original motherboard with a standard off the shelf motherboard you will likely loose front panel accessories like fire wire, USB, media reader, etc. etc. You will also loose the ability to restore your computers operating system and bundled software from any recovery CD's you may have received with your computer. |
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| As far as Dell, Gateway, HP, Compaq, Sony, e-machines and other major manufactures keep in mind "You get what you pay for." Over the past few years I have literally repaired hundreds of computers built by this list of manufactures. I know what parts they use. I know how and where they cut corners to sell a cheap computer. The word "cheap is rarely associated to quality." So the best thing you can do is ask someone who is in the industry. Ask someone who Knows the in's and out's of building a high quality computer rather than a "throw away" computer. Most of these manufactures build a line of computers that become more expensive as the features and performance increase. The higher end models can be descent, but are still proprietary. |
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| If quality and performance is a priority in your purchase consideration then I highly recommend a custom built computer. Now wait, before you run to your neighbor who dabbles in computers, and have him build you one, there are a few things to consider. When i say custom computer I mean, a computer built with features and upgradability you desire. And built by a reputable local computer company. A company who knows performance and reliability differences between component manufactures, and of course cost. Also service after the sale. Don't be afraid to ask a few questions, like "Is the Windows version you will install a legal OEM copy?" and "Will I receive ALL of the original installation CD's form ALL the software you install, not burned copies?" Ask if their company is recognised by Microsoft as a "OEM System Builder." |
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If you are on a limited budget you can still have a computer custom built. Have it built with some upgrades in mind where you can improve the performance over a period of time with out having to spend a lot of money. The facts are, you have to spend a little more for quality, but in the long run that little extra you spend will get you not only a better computer but the computer you want, instead of one with loads of junk software and junk parts. |