Business computer, build my own or pre-built(Dell)?

[tracerit]

I've been assigned the task by my uncle to setup a few computers at his warehouse to monitor inventory and customer information. Things don't need to be high end and I was going through newegg and I can't seem to piece together total parts (including monitor) to be under $350 which this Dell system goes for: http://www.techbargains.com/news_displayItem.cfm/242097

I then remembered that the data on these computers can not be lost, ever, so i was thinking a RAID setup. But then this would require me to spend more and i might as well build my own.

 

[mnewsham]

How many units do you need?

 

[Davidh373]

How many units do you need?

Wondering the same thing...

 

[Lanyap]

I would suggest you look at Dell Optiplexes. They normally come with a 3 year next business day on-site warranty for repairs. Check out the OptiPlex 780 Mini Tower. It has a RAID option. They are normally well built and made to handle a corporate work place.
http://configure.us.dell.com/dellsto...d=optiplex-780

I don't think you really want to be responsible for building and solely maintaining what sounds like a mission critical group of business PCs for a relative. If they have a problem with the Dells and you are not around they can call Dell support.

 

[DaveSimmons]

Dell, warranty and support. Also: suggest an off-site backup strategy if the data really is important. Fire, flood, and theft could make that RAID array useless.

 

[Lanyap]

Good reminder about off-site backup strategy. Carbonite might be a good solution for a small group of business PCs.

http://www.carbonite.com/

 

[jvroig]

I then remembered that the data on these computers can not be lost, ever, so i was thinking a RAID setup. But then this would require me to spend more and i might as well build my own.

RAID is not a solution for backup. RAID is a high-availability solution.

If you need data to not be lost "ever", then what you need is a reliable, regular backup regimen. It doesn't matter if you buy from Dell, HP, Acer, or build your own. Those things don't matter when it comes to "not losing data". The only thing that matters is your backup regimen.

 

[Davidh373]

RAID is not a solution for backup.

:thumbsup:

RAID usually even makes things WORSE when you are talking about data security and backup. RAID is more for server storage. If the stations need to communicate, you may even want to set up an auto backup to a FreeNAS box (prolly custom build for ~$250-$300), and then auto backup to an offsite service like Carbonite. Although I do recommend custom built for the FreeNAS Box, I recommend Dell for the stations.

 

[Zap]

RAID is not a solution for backup. RAID is a high-availability solution.

If you need data to not be lost "ever", then what you need is a reliable, regular backup regimen.

Double :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

If you need data to never be lost, backup, backup, backup.

If you need minimal downtime, get a pre-built with a next day service contract.

 

[tracerit]

Thanks for the replies. We just have two computers to start with but will not need more than four within the next few months.

It's actually just data entry of incoming/outgoing shipments so nothing too intensive.

I'll look into the Dell stations and ignore the RAID setup and look into NAS and online backup solutions. Are there other services similar to Carbonite or is that the best site? How about Dropbox?

 

[mnewsham]

Thanks for the replies. We just have two computers to start with but will not need more than four within the next few months.

It's actually just data entry of incoming/outgoing shipments so nothing too intensive.

I'll look into the Dell stations and ignore the RAID setup and look into NAS and online backup solutions. Are there other services similar to Carbonite or is that the best site? How about Dropbox?

Dropbox is more for personal use and not for mission critical data. At least from what I know.

 

[tracerit]

i['m surprised all these <$500 desktops from Dell do not have wireless networking capabilities standard that i'm starting to question what else is excluded -_-

Dropbox is more for personal use and not for mission critical data. At least from what I know.

yeah, ihad that feeling as well.

 

[mnewsham]

i['m surprised all these <$500 desktops from Dell do not have wireless networking capabilities standard that i'm starting to question what else is excluded -_-




yeah, ihad that feeling as well.

Wireless is still relatively unused for work environments because of security concerns.

 

[tracerit]

Wireless is still relatively unused for work environments because of security concerns.

even still. costco and walmart are branding their Inspiron lines as home use. Adding wireless is cheap so it's not too much to add on.

 

[mnewsham]

Wireless is 20-50 extra (depending on type and if it has bluetooth or not) when you are trying to cut costs cut out the nonessentials, such as wireless

 

[Lanyap]

i['m surprised all these <$500 desktops from Dell do not have wireless networking capabilities standard that i'm starting to question what else is excluded -_-

Huh? Do you know of any other brand that has wireless standard on their basic business or home desktop models?

even still. costco and walmart are branding their Inspiron lines as home use. Adding wireless is cheap so it's not too much to add on.

I don't think it will be too long before wireless becomes standard on desktops. Maybe a few years. Again, I don't know of any other brand that provides wireless standard on their basic dekstops. Even most the high end desktops don't have wireless as standard yet.

 

[tracerit]

Huh? Do you know of any other brand that has wireless standard on their basic business or home desktop models?

I don't think it will be too long before wireless becomes standard on desktops. Maybe a few years. Again, I don't know of any other brand that provides wireless standard on their basic dekstops. Even most the high end desktops don't have wireless as standard yet.

I've never bought a pre-built desktop. Since the majority of things nowadays have been wireless this and wireless that for the last two years and considering the cost of adding wireless is so cheap, it's surprising to see it excluded.

 

[piasabird]

Bulk order might be nice say 5 computers at once. Maybe you can get a discount or a processor upgrade for a bulk order? Does not hurt to ask. Shop around call HP and Dell and maybe some other source and play them against each other. Maybe look at Dell refurbs or outlook. Often returned for scratches or non-payment or whatever.

Prices depends on what kind of monitor you want. When it comes to dell, I have noticed that sometimes there are prices on the monitors and the systems separately that offer things like the adjustable height stands with the soundbar. Some office people prefer the more square traditional monitor and some like the widescreen which are sometimes shorter and not on the adjustable stand.

 

[Jotho]

Check out CrashPlan for online backup. It has the added ability to back up to both online (for $$$ obviously) and local targets (USB, network, local HDD). The local backup is nice for fast recoveries, whereas the online gives you off-site.

 

[mfenn]

Bulk order might be nice say 5 computers at once. Maybe you can get a discount or a processor upgrade for a bulk order? Does not hurt to ask. Shop around call HP and Dell and maybe some other source and play them against each other.

Definitely this. Never ever pay list price for a purchase of more than one unit.

i['m surprised all these <$500 desktops from Dell do not have wireless networking capabilities standard that i'm starting to question what else is excluded -_-

Hey man, If you are looking for reasons not to buy a prebuilt machine, feel free to build your own. However, there is a very good reason that everyone in this thread is telling you the same thing. The reason is that we've been there and done and got the scars. You do NOT want to be in a situation where you are trying to wrangle warranty and support for 10 different parts on 4 different machines.

My advice to you is: call up Dell's small business sales line and tell them what your requirements are (3 year warranty, wireless, monitor, no more than $X price). Those guys work on commission and will move mountains to get you want you want.