Can someone point me in the right direction?

[brewerbob]

I'm sure there are 100's of threads about where to buy pre-built computers, I'm just not sure how to serach for them.

My mom wants to buy an off-the-shelf computer for the warrantee and tech support reasons. What's the best place/mfg for that? I have heard good things about Dell. I've also heard the local Circuit City/Best Buy have good close outs.

Any links to previous threads or advice would be welcome,

Thanx in advance,
Bob.

 

[Topochicho]

if you want prebuilt buy Dell... some may have nasty things to say about dell, but the are the best of the prebuilt machines.

 

[brewerbob]

Any advantage to buying directly from Dell vs. CC or BB? I know you can configure your own on-line which is a plus. As for bad things about Dell, they have theworst commercials. I don't that Steve kid. :>)

 

[brewerbob]

Any place to configure one on-line that uses AMD?

 

[brewerbob]

^

 

[ChrisADuffy]

Compaq uses AMD. Though they used to have a bad rep for not being very upgradeable. I believe they have gotten away from that in the better/more expensive systems.

 

[brewerbob]

Compaq didn't have any DDR listed in the configurable systems. Are there any other OEMs?

 

[Woody419]

You would probably get better tech support from a local computer shop that builds their own machines, and pay just a little more than Best Buy or CC. A reputable shop always services their own computers first, usually in 24 hours, you support a local business, and you know the guy who answeres the phone when you have questions.

A friend bought a close out computer from CC, it stopped working the next day, so the only option was to send it out for repair or trade it for the slightly damaged floor model, he picked the floor model. CC tech support is subed out to local techies who are always in a hurry, if you can get them to show up at all. Of course the in home service costs extra, negating the low price of the computer. But then you can alway bring it in to CC for service, ask them what their average turn around time is before you buy.

 

[brewerbob]

My mom lives in the middle of nowhere. The "local" shops don't know the difference between the internet and a fishing net. And I've heard those monitor-thingys come with color these days.

All kinding aside, I don't think there are a "local" shops. Look up Cloudland, GA and you will see how isolated it is. About about buying from an OEM (Dell, Gateway, Compaq, IBM, etc.)?

I was looking at another thread when I found XDream. How good is tech service from somebody like this? I don't believe the computer will completely crash (no matter where it comes from) but she may need someone to walk her thru configuring Peer to Peer or conflicks etc.

 

[Woody419]

Yea, probably a bad idea buying a computer from the local "Fresh Bait and Sushi" shop. Dell still gets top ratings for its tech support. Flip a coin between Dell, Gateway, IBM I guess.

PC World just published a survey of 27,000 readers called Reliability and Service: Service Takes a Dive. Probably a must read for you and your Mom.

 

[brewerbob]

Sushi, what's that? Ain't that the stuff them slant-eyed Japs eat? Driving to her house I past 2 Confederate flags along her road. This in itself isn't a bad thing as long as you know and remember the Confederancy re-joined the Union. Some of these people don't seem to want to accept this a fact.

Now if you are interested in a deal on a 1932 John Deer with a Chevy big block V-8 and 44" Super Swamper tires, I can problably get you a good deal. And you can upgrade to the model with the shotgun rack and camo paint for a little extra.

 

[microAmp]

MicronPC does AMD DDR solutions, don't know about their service......

Alienware Computers has at least one (just checked) AMD DDR solution, once again no knowledge of the service.

I used to recommend Dell even when I had my AMD computer, but then a friend of mine got bad customer service with them, long drawn out thing. I think they are good computers but if have a standard 128 MB RAM in the computer and are prebuilding it and want to upgrade to 256 MB RAM, don't buy the RAM from Crucial or someone for a cheaper price. Currently they have to add $80.00 to upgrade 128 MD SDRAM to 256 MB SDRAM, 1 or 2 sticks?

As far as Compaq goes, they too have a AMD DDR solution, check out the Presario 8000 series. But online order......

Should you buy from BB or CC? Since you live in the boonies, I say why not. If something is wrong with it and want to exchange it for a fixed model it's easier than to ship it back to Dell or Compaq (if order through the net). I know BB has those warranites, CC? Dell does, Compaq?

 

[jcmkk]

You may want to try here. I personally would perfer building my own any day, but if you have to get one already built they seem like they have pretty good systems at a reasonable price. They also use good brands instead of no name OEM only branded parts. They use ASUS mobos for instance. Hope this helps.