Desktop Computer Recommendation

[SDF2BUF2MCO]

Non aviation related.....

Looking into purchasing another computer in the near future. We've had Compaq's in the past but was thinking of trying something different like a Dell or Gateway. Anyone have any opinions both positive and negative? Mine is about four years old and I've been out of the loop as far as keeping up with the latest and greatest. Thanks in advance.

 

[bigD]

You won't go wrong with a Dell. They have systems available for any price range, and their service is second to none. Unless you're a hardcore gamer, you don't have to spend a bundle on the ultra high end. There are a ton of systems in the $500-1000 range that will meet the requirements of 99% of users out there.

 

[dsee8driver]

I agree with BigD but I think you should look into a local shop that can put one together for you in a way that if you wanted to upgrade in the future you would not need to chunk the whole thing. I've heard Gateway is pretty good when it comes time to upgrade but I have never had one. I put mine together about 2 years ago and just upgrade as needed.

 

[Vladimir Lenin]

another one for Dell, get one loaded to the gills and you won't have to upgrade for a couple of years
they always have deals going on, and their website is top notch (that's where you can configure and order from, without ever talking to a live person)

 

[HerrJeremy]

I agree with the local shop idea. Acctually, that's what I've done for years, but recently resigned to finish up my flight training. I can tell you first hand, that more than anything, our customers appreciated the fact that if they had any problem, they could just plop it on our counter a say "it dont work". Most problems could be fixed in a few minutes, or if we were a little backed up, in a day or two. Of course we gave phone support and assistance as needed. Plus they didn't have to worry about all the non-standard parts you find in those Dell/Compaq/HP/GW's.... Just my 2 cents, good luck

 

[Styles]

Put one together yourself, it is not that hard and you will learn allot in the process.

 

[banned username 2]

Get a Dell... Skip the "Local Shop" deal... too easy to get ripped off if you don't know what you are doing, and if you do know what you are doing, build a machine yourself, it is VERY easy (all plugs in, no wiring)

You won't go wrong with a Dell... 10 years ago I would have recommended a Gateway, but today Dell is the machine to have.

 

[Dash8]

definately not gateway, stay away from them like the plague, horrible company/machines.

dells are good, if you know what yoru doing though you might do better with a local shop, and if you really know what your doin, definately build your own is the way to go, if your going to do that check sharky extreme
for the 'performance machine' and for the 'bargain machine' build scenarios that should be listed somewhere in the sight, breaks down all the parts to make your own machine depending on what you want out of it.

good luck

 

[prodigal]

Dell

I've bought several Dell's over the last 10 years and it's a top-notch machine and the service was also the best. . . until the last time I had to use it, which was about 2 years ago. It left something to be desired that time. I also read an article in a trade mag which said that Dell's service had slipped noticeably. But in fairness to Dell, the article stated that others had declines in service ratings as well.
Maybe it's better now. Anyway I hope so coz they were once very good.
I'd still buy another Dell.

 

[furlough-boy]

Once you go Mac, you'll never go back.

Apple.

 

[Flyingtoohigh]

My 2 cents

I am a computer repair technician for a living (until I find that elusive flight instructing job) and work for a major computer retailer.

I spend my days fixing computers in and out of warranty. I specialize in custom-built computers and upgrades.

If you were to buy a pre-built system, I support both of the 'local-shop' types and the Dell ideas.

Dell Pro's:
- Good track record.
- Excellent prices.
- Innovative; everybody wants to copy them and their way of business

Dell Con's:
- Out-of-warranty parts and service are sometimes expensive and hard to find.
- Can't take it to a local service center.
- Often times repairs entail 'customer replaceable parts' which means YOU do the wrench work.

Local Shop Pros:
- Excellent prices
- Generic parts that are cheap to replace
- Customizable and easily upgraded

Local Shop Cons:
- Potential to get ripped off if you don't do your homework.
- Usually short on warranties and not as easily or professionally serviced.

Getting parts for major-brand is expensive out-of-warranty. I worked on a Dimension 4200 series the other day and a new power supply at our cost was $155, while most generic supplies are about $35. Proprietary parts will be a common problem on any major-brand computer.

If you are fairly computer savvy and can handle your own troubleshooting, build a computer yourself. If you are not computer literate enough to do this please don't try, it could get very expensive. In that case I'd suggest the Dell solution and spending the extra money for an extended warranty for the expected lifespan of your computer (2-4 years).

The information here is my opinion for a new desktop computer. If you're looking for a laptop, that's a whole 'nother story.

Feel free to respond to this post or PM me, I'd be happy to share my professional expertise on the subject matter.

 

[Smoking Man]

Do a little home work on PC's, a few books, go and talk to the local shops, With the books and a good local shop, i.e. one that won't rip you off, you will be suprised what you can learn. Now don't care about the above go with the Dell and be sure to get the "extended warranty for the expected lifespan of your computer".

 

[C601]

If u buy a new computer get a Dell. i've a 8200 P4 2.0, and have never had 1 problem with it. Good for high res games too.

Go to Cnet.com. for Fair reviews

 

[HerrJeremy]

Re: My 2 cents

I agree with Flyingtoohigh that you shouldnt try building one yourself if you dont know what you are doing...Cant tell you how many people who had to buy expensive parts twice, because of dumb mistakes any qualified person wouldnt have made.

As far as getting ripped off at shops, I guess it just depends on where you go. I can say that I, or anyone else in our shop has NEVER ripped anyone off (13 years, and a perfect track record with the BBB). Although we have seen plenty on old couples using $2000 machines to send email, because the nice young man at Best Buy told them thats what they need.

My advice, stay away from the big stores for sure! And if you go to a shop, make sure you get lots of referals, and check out the BBB. I'm sure there are some rotten tomatoes out there, but when you find the right place, dell or GW can't touch the level of personal service you'll get.

 

[flywithastick]

Steer clear of Sony. Had startup errors right out of the box. Locks up if you keep it in sleep or standy for more than a day or two. I'd give them a B+, but there's got to be better out there.

Based on prior experience and recent comments from a buddy, I'll be looking at a Dell over the next 6 mos or so.

 

[Pilotadjuster]

totally Awesome

Just a plug for a local chain run by a relative nutcase; but they build great computers and repair them for free no matter what you do to them (virus, component failure, whatever) and no matter what the component manufacturer warranty is.

www.totallyawesome.com

They ship nationwide as well. My former employer had 5 of them, only one ever had a problem, a defective WD Hard drive, they transferred all data and installed a replacement same day.

 

[Hawker rider]

I'd say build your own system.

you should be pretty handy with bunch of things, that is also part of being a pilot right?

I just built myself 2 sysytems, one for myself and one for my boss. mine is higher end, so cost me a little more, but my bosses one i made based on an AMD 1700Xp porcessor and the complete system ran $315, mind you he had his own monitor and keyboard, so that I only had to make the "case"

There is all kind of stuff and help on the internet and even computer forums, that you can ask for help if you run into something.


My 2 cets, i get a lot better highr quality system for a LOT less money than going with any of the stores

PM me if you need any info

 

[jarhead]

I bought a Dell 8200 18 months ago, and have been very happy with it. Twice I needed some technical information at their toll free number, and got right through, and my questions were answered, and problem (of my own making) was fixed. I had to buy a new one, as my old Micron did not have a USB connection, which I needed for hook up to an H-P 1315 photo smart printer for a new digital camera I wanted. Really happy now with the whole digital photography now. Dell rocks!

 

[Dash8]

I'd say build your own system.

you should be pretty handy with bunch of things, that is also part of being a pilot right?

*snipped for bandwidth*

PM me if you need any info

if the women folk don't find you handsome,
they should at least find ya handy

 

[labbats]

www.newegg.com