which is the best in terms of quality?

[CMC79]

I'm looking for a new PC for my wife to replace her very aging Duron 800 system. Since it looks cheaper to buy than to build for her, who should I go with? I'm looking at either a HP system with a X2 4600, a Gateway with a 4600 or a C2D 6300, or Dell 9200 with C2D. I'm specifically concerned about build quality--especially the PSU (I have a spare graphics card to install in the pci-express slot). Any suggestions (I'm also eager to avoid proprietary power supplies)?

 

[irishScott]

IMHO Dell will probably have the best build out of those 3, If not I'd go with the Gateway. Haven't heard much (Good or bad) 'bout HP.

 

[imported_Uber]

I have never had any issues with Dell Desktops. I haven't owned an HP since the horrid age of Windows ME, and I avoid Gateway like the plague.
My current computer is about 2 years old. It is a Dell Dimension 8400 with 3.0GHz P4, PCI-E graphics, onboard sound, and has served me very well.
My parents computer, while slightly less powerful than mine, is a Dell Dimension 5100. Both computers are very reliable, though mine is less than what I desire for gaming anymore. In my experience, Dell desktops are very well ventialted, which means they are very unlikely to overheat. (It may, however, mean they should be opened and dusted more often.)
However, I don't see how buying prebuilt could ever be cheaper than building (except in the case of Laptops). I configured several systems prebuilt from various sites, and configured my own, discovering that building it myself saves about $500-800. From some sites, a full size with identical power was over $1000 more than the SFF I plan to build. They were abviously overcharging, but still.

 

[6000SUX]

I've had bad experiences with Gateway and Dell. Gateway had hardware problems but good support in the past; Dell was shoddy in both areas. Looking at the recent reports Dell is not improving in customer service, but their hardware is getting better. I'd still go with HP for a laptop based on past experience, having purchased dozens of laptops, workstations and servers.

Edit: Sorry, thought this was a laptop question. I'd probably go with anything but Dell based on service; the hardware should be similar from all of them.

 

[cheesehead]

Dell desktops are generally "okay"; dell laptops should be avoided.

I would recomend an HP, or possibly a Gateway. Although they used to be horrible, my folks own an eMachines (Gateway) machine, and it works fine. On the other hand, a friend of mine whose parents bought a Dell found that it had 2 CD-ROM drives instead of the specified DVD-ROM drive.

On the other hand, the only desktop I've seen DOA was an HP. (However, the replacement, obtained an hour later from the store, works great to this day.)

 

[deathwalker]

I would put an HP and Dell above the Gateway based on my experience.

 

[gramboh]

We have used both Dell and HP at work, generally the notebooks are in the $900-1000CDN range I believe (although I am not in the IT dept). The Dell rollout we had in 2004 was terrible, the notebooks were unreliable and had lots of problems, generally lower build quality and were bulky (obviously this depends on model). In the same price range, the HP's we got last year were superior in every way. Unless you are at the top end, I don't like Dell very much.

 

[andrewbabcock]

Dell laptops should not be avoided. They have better screens than thinkpads imho but luckily i don't care much about screen.

 

[corkyg]

I have had 5 laptops over the past 15 years. I have had WinBooks, Gateway, and now HP. The Gateway was a perfect performer for the time I had it. My son now has it, and it is still running 100%. Now I have an HP dv1000, and it continues in the path ofthe Gateway. Zero problems - perfect performer.

My conclusion is, that if you buy top of the line, it will most likely be a good performer. I have always had reservations about Dell laptops, mainly because of their so-so support and too much proprietary stuff bundled in.

So, my laptop ladder rankings would be:

1. HP
2. Gateway
3. Dell

And, today, if Ihad unlimited choice, I would put Lenovo/IBM on top.

 

[fbrdphreak]

Guys, he is looking for desktops....

I would avoid Gateway just because of basic warranty service. Can't speak to their build quality. Dell build quality is pretty decent, look at their Optiplex business lineup for a better quality system. HP's are average. Also consider Lenovo, you get the best support in the business standard.

 

[5150Joker]

Originally posted by: CMC79
I'm looking for a new PC for my wife to replace her very aging Duron 800 system. Since it looks cheaper to buy than to build for her, who should I go with? I'm looking at either a HP system with a X2 4600, a Gateway with a 4600 or a C2D 6300, or Dell 9200 with C2D. I'm specifically concerned about build quality--especially the PSU (I have a spare graphics card to install in the pci-express slot). Any suggestions (I'm also eager to avoid proprietary power supplies)?

Of those 3 I'd definitely go with Dell.

 

[pkme2]

It's easier now. People can build Dell laptops so easily with their assembly line step method.

If makes sense to research what one's needs will be and then order the components that they will need.
If one really need extended warranty coverage, I suggest the maximum of 2 yrs, not 4. The money saved can be used for better upgrades.

If building a video rig, google that info, same for a CAD. If its basic, then all the frills can be toned down.
Remember after purchase, your only upgrades will be RAM or harddrive upgrades. Do get all selects before buying your laptop.