Need Recommendation for Roommates Computer (wants [edited] a brand name)

[BurnItDwn]

uhm ... Compaq, Dell, HP, and Gateway are all generic brands. If he really wants a "Brand name" PC He needs IBM.

 

[Sestar]

I say get him to buy it from a local computer shop, easier warranty, cheaper, more customizable and friendlier.

 

[ThenIsaid]

You might want to check out the Sony Vaio series. They don't use AMD (P4 instead), but its a reasonably solid system for the price. Check out outpost.com, local stores, etc. I think there is still a $100 rebate on a lot of them right now. Just bought an RX550 for my sis and it came to about $950 after I added a decent monitor (Samsung 753DF). Depends upon what roomie is going to do. My sis does lots of music, etc...so the built-in Firewire and Sony brand were a plus (versus the better video she would have gotten with a similar Dell).

Just an option you may want to look in for comparision to Dell...though Dell may be a bit hotter deal right now...

 

[John P]

I always recommend a local computer shop also. If something goes wrong you drop it off, then pick it up the next day with no hassles. Where are you located? Maybe someone can suggest a local shop.

 

[spartacuskzm]

John,
Located in Newport Beach, CA. Nearby cities include Costa Mesa, Irvine, Garden Grove, etc....

Thanks!

 

[Bovinicus]

<< However, since this is going to be my roommates computer, if anything goes wrong I don't want him saying "See - I knew I should have paid a little more and bought a Compaq" or something like that. >>

If you go with a pre-built system, your chance of problems increases dramatically. All of my friends who have built their own computers have far less problems than those who buy pre-built systems. Building your own is just cheaper, gives you better performance, and gets your higher quality hardware. However, if you cannot persuade him otherwise I understand. I guess Dell would be the way to go. However, I would say just keep away from Compaq and HP. Compaq especially. I have never seen a satified user of a Compaq yet. They use crap hardware and too much bloatware. HP is similar, but I have seen some positive results with them. However, customizing the build is the way to go. I have heard good things about www.cyberpowerpc.com as well. I have never had any personal experience with them, but you can customize a system and the prices looked decent.

 

[spartacuskzm]

With all these recommendations for building one/going with a local computer store the tide is turning! I think he's swayed. Great job everybody!!!

 

[Mota331]

I recommend that you go with AlienWare at www.alienware.com. And if you hurry you can get Free Shipping

 

[HappyFace]

Yea go with AlienWare if you want a great custom built gaming rig. ~ *drooL*

 

[SpecialEd]

I'd go with a G4!!!





but seriously.. micronpc makes good computers... I think somebody else mentioned them already.

 

[Catchen22]

<< IF it has to be one of the one's you mentioned, I'd have to pick Dell.. >>



My grandmother bought a DEll P4. THE WORST COMPUTER I HAVE EVER WORKED WITH. I have a compaq at home ( the one i'm using now ) and I can't say that it is much better. I never had HP so I can't say anything about them. I heard Gateway I just a big rip off. My advice..........build a new one. Probably cheaper too.

 

[Catchen22]

<< MICRON! or ALIENWARE! or GAMEPC!



>>



I agree with alienware.

 

[microAmp]

<< Dude, Dell customer service sucks @ss!

-Ice >>



have to agree on 2 different problems my two friends had. They are decent computers though, just wish they had Athlon computers......

 

[VBboy]

Ok, can the original poster please correct the title of the post and change "want's" to "wants"? It hurts my eyes

 

[spartacuskzm]

Thank's for's catching's that's. I's don't's know's what's came's over's me's.

Seriously, thanks for catching that. I hate making grammatical typos, but I guess that's life.

 

[Bartman]

Dude.. not only is he getting Dell.. DONT EVER build a system for someone!!! If you do you will become there 24h help line and anything that goes wrong with it is your fault.

I'm simply giveing you my advice.... if you choose to not listen or what ever... mark my word.. later, soon.. you'll know what I'm talking about......

Bart

 

[spartacuskzm]

Bart,

That is exactly the reason why I wouldn't want to be the one building it. I think the people who suggested finding a local shop to put it together have it right. Hopefully he can get top-quality components on a system built for him (scaled back on the video side since he doesn't game) and the support of a store/system integrator (read - NOT ME).

Thanks for the advice - you hit that potential issue dead on.

 

[Def]

OEM PCs were so much better about 5-6 years ago compared to now. I have an old Gateway Pentium Pro 200 system that has never had one hardware failure, and it was pretty stable with Windows 95(which is a damn hard thing to do).

I think in the last two years or so they've really gone downhill. Going with cheaper and cheaper components all the time. For instance, when a manufacturer's PSUs are rated for less now than 3 years ago while power requirements have gone up, that's a problem. Not to mention how many dead components my parent's last Gateway had.

If your roommate isn't confident in building his own, I'd definitely recommend a local shop. Just talk to them, and explain that you are choosing them over an OEM manufacturer because they did really good work. Should not try to screw you too much on the price, but it will cost more than if you built one yourself.

 

[Dreadogg]

<< Dude.. not only is he getting Dell.. DONT EVER build a system for someone!!! If you do you will become there 24h help line and anything that goes wrong with it is your fault. >>



OMG you are so right !!!

 

[John P]

Come on guys, can't anyone who lives in that area recommend a good local computer shop?

 

[spartacuskzm]

Thanks for speaking up John - I tried looking in yp.yahoo.com and it just looks like garbage - basically like blindfolding me and throwing darts at a board. If anybody has suggestions for the Newport Beach/Irivne/Costa Mesa/Huntington Beach (Orange County) area it would be greatly apprecited. The closest shop I've heard of that would be any good is mwave (and it's not that close), but I don't know if they warranty the rigs they assemble.

Thanks

 

[Goldfish]

<< Basically re-installing windows on a Compaq/HP isn't an option, so be very wary of them. >>

Says who? I've formatted and reinstalled Windows on my Compaq many times. me thinks you are just raging agains the machine and hating the big corporation.

 

[Bovinicus]

Just build it for him and become tech support. It sounds like he doesn't know too much about what he is doing. If he has problems with a system that someone else builds he will probably call you before he takes it back to the shop. I have many friends that look to me for help when something goes wrong with their computer, wether I built it or not. I kind of like it though. It give me some experience. =)

 

[Muerto]

If he absolutely must have a branded computer then I think Dell would be the best choice. I don't have any experience with brand name computers but I've never heard anyone complain about a Dell. I've heard people complain about every other brand though.

 

[Catchen22]

<< If he absolutely must have a branded computer then I think Dell would be the best choice. I don't have any experience with brand name computers but I've never heard anyone complain about a Dell. I've heard people complain about every other brand though. >>



I'm complaining about DELL. The one that my grandmother has SUCKS @ss! I know it's not her cause she is pretty smart when it comes to computers. She was board and studied them. But her DELL really really really really sucks. But then again it could just be crappy build DELL. I would Stay away from COMPAQ and GATEWAY ( big rip off so i'v heard ). Can't say much for HP cause I have never delt with one before.