Why buy OEM computers?

[CallTheFBI]

Don't sellers of OEM computers like Dell basically slap a brand name on a computer loaded with generic parts? I know that's what Gateway does. Its ridiculous.

 

[notfred]

Cause they're cheap and work fine and have warranties.

 

[Deeko]

Originally posted by: CallTheFBI
Don't sellers of OEM computers like Dell basically slap a brand name on a computer loaded with generic parts? I know that's what Gateway does. Its ridiculous.

because some people don't know how to build a computer? Want tech support?

 

[Zenmervolt]

Because it's easier. Not everyone has the time to research a bunch of different parts to see if they play nicely with one another, not everyone wants to look through six different vendors sites to get drivers.

ZV

 

[CallTheFBI]

Originally posted by: Deeko

Originally posted by: CallTheFBI
Don't sellers of OEM computers like Dell basically slap a brand name on a computer loaded with generic parts? I know that's what Gateway does. Its ridiculous.

because some people don't know how to build a computer? Want tech support?

These days with jumperless motherboards and color coded inputs a complete idiot could build a computer.

 

[ElFenix]

intel, maxtor, western digital, ati, crucial, 3com are hardly generic parts.

 

[CallTheFBI]

Originally posted by: Zenmervolt
Because it's easier. Not everyone has the time to research a bunch of different parts to see if they play nicely with one another, not everyone wants to look through six different vendors sites to get drivers.

ZV

I printed out a list of parts from my local computer shop's web site, went down and said: "I want all the stuff on this list." Put it all on my Visa Check card, came home and had my computer up and running before I went to bed that night.

 

[Jzero]

Nowadays you can't beat the price and warranty. I can't figure out why to build computers anymore, honestly.

 

[Deeko]

Originally posted by: CallTheFBI

Originally posted by: Deeko

Originally posted by: CallTheFBI
Don't sellers of OEM computers like Dell basically slap a brand name on a computer loaded with generic parts? I know that's what Gateway does. Its ridiculous.

because some people don't know how to build a computer? Want tech support?

These days with jumperless motherboards and color coded inputs a complete idiot could build a computer.

They COULD, but they don't want to, and there is a very good chance they would mess it up.

 

[dolph]

Originally posted by: Jzero
Nowadays you can't beat the price and warranty. I can't figure out why to build computers anymore, honestly.

yep. i don't even know if pab or rossman could build the same kind of computer they could get from dell these days for the same cost, let alone cheaper (or cheap enough to make it worth their time)

 

[Zenmervolt]

Originally posted by: CallTheFBI

Originally posted by: Zenmervolt
Because it's easier. Not everyone has the time to research a bunch of different parts to see if they play nicely with one another, not everyone wants to look through six different vendors sites to get drivers.

ZV

I printed out a list of parts from my local computer shop's web site, went down and said: "I want all the stuff on this list." Put it all on my Visa Check card, came home and had my computer up and running before I went to bed that night.

Just because you or I can build a computer in an afternoon does NOT mean that most people can. Think of all the people who can't program a VCR. You think they are going to be able to deal with an AGP conflict? And even if they can build a computer it's still easier to buy one that's already made. Which is easier: buying buns, ground beef, ketchup, mustard, pickles, onions and cheese, then making a meat patty and grilling it, then combining everything to make a hamburger; or going into McDonalds and saying, "Give me a quarter-pounder."? It's always easier to get pre-built. If you want to consider yourself as some sort of technological elite because you can plug cards into slots, that's fine by me, just try to remember that your way of seeing things is not the only way.

ZV

 

[Skel]

I know more then a few people that wouldn't know a hard drive from a hole in the ground, I don't want to support them when it breaks... OEM is more then fine for them...

 

[CallTheFBI]

If you want to consider yourself as some sort of technological elite because you can plug cards into slots, that's fine by me, just try to remember that your way of seeing things is not the only way.

ZV

Uh, actually I said the opposite. An idiot could do it.

 

[Zenmervolt]

Originally posted by: CallTheFBI

If you want to consider yourself as some sort of technological elite because you can plug cards into slots, that's fine by me, just try to remember that your way of seeing things is not the only way.

ZV

Uh, actually I said the opposite. An idiot could do it.

And, in so saying, you clearly imply that anyone who either cannot or does not must therefore be lower than an idiot. There are a LOT of people who could not build a computer, and by saying idiots can build computers, then logically you must consider those who cannot to be below idiots.

ZV

 

[CallTheFBI]

Originally posted by: Zenmervolt

Originally posted by: CallTheFBI

If you want to consider yourself as some sort of technological elite because you can plug cards into slots, that's fine by me, just try to remember that your way of seeing things is not the only way.

ZV

Uh, actually I said the opposite. An idiot could do it.

And, in so saying, you clearly imply that anyone who either cannot or does not must therefore be lower than an idiot. There are a LOT of people who could not build a computer, and by saying idiots can build computers, then logically you must consider those who cannot to be below idiots.

ZV

Seriously, anyone who isn't mentally handicapped could learn how to build a computer.

 

[Ornery]

Heh, and any idiot can start such a lame ass topic as this, too!

You CAN NOT build a PC as cheap and stable as Dell can, generic parts or not. My parents and in-laws both got PCs from Dell this Christmas. P4 1.7GHz, 256MB RAM, 40GB HDD, 40X CDRW, Windows XP, keyboard & mouse, 1 year on-site service, ready to go right out of the box, registered, activated and all. $340.00 including shipping! Beat that wise ass.

 

[Alistar7]

yes you can build a better system for less than Dell or Gateway, EASILY

 

[Ornery]

You're on, beat that system I just listed!

 

[zzzz]

because they are cheaper. ( more so if you take into account the software cost)

 

[dahunan]

OEM now means Convenience and Consolidated Warranty.

Everything but the motherboard is a Brand Name item nowadays.

Us Computer Geeks spend A LOT of time
driving here and there to get the parts...
RMA to all sorts of different companies...
long distance phone numbers to many of the vendors
PAYing for RETURN shipping on a defective product?? what kind of warranty is that ??

 

[Jzero]

P4 1.7 - $120
256MB RAM - ~$50
40 GB HD - $64

Add XP and I'm already never going to break $340. And that's looking up the cheapest prices on pricewatch and sharkyextreme.

 

[Zenmervolt]

Originally posted by: CallTheFBI

Originally posted by: Zenmervolt

Originally posted by: CallTheFBI

If you want to consider yourself as some sort of technological elite because you can plug cards into slots, that's fine by me, just try to remember that your way of seeing things is not the only way.

ZV

Uh, actually I said the opposite. An idiot could do it.

And, in so saying, you clearly imply that anyone who either cannot or does not must therefore be lower than an idiot. There are a LOT of people who could not build a computer, and by saying idiots can build computers, then logically you must consider those who cannot to be below idiots.

ZV

Seriously, anyone who isn't mentally handicapped could learn how to build a computer.

That's like saying, "Anyone who isn't mentally handicapped can build a car.". Or, "Anyone who isn't mentally handicapped can build a house.". It's a BS argument that cannot be proven and is logically worthless even if you could prove it. Just because they can LEARN to do it does not mean that it is worth it to learn that skill. It's simple economics, the time invested in learning how to build a computer (which would result in saving maybe $100 on a good day) is time that can be better spent on other things that have a greater ROI.

ZV

 

[dahunan]

Originally posted by: Jzero
P4 1.7 - $120
256MB RAM - ~$50
40 GB HD - $64

Add XP and I'm already never going to break $340. And that's looking up the cheapest prices on pricewatch and sharkyextreme.

Before Shipping?
Or
After shipping?

All from the same company? Or do you have to call a different company for each warranty?

 

[Giblet]

when someone aproches me and say they want a new computer i usualy ask them how much they know about computers and most of them would like tech suport and all that so i suggest dell. heck i would pay an extra 200 bucks to have someone fix my computer when ever i break it

 

[Jzero]

Originally posted by: dahunan

Originally posted by: Jzero
P4 1.7 - $120
256MB RAM - ~$50
40 GB HD - $64

Add XP and I'm already never going to break $340. And that's looking up the cheapest prices on pricewatch and sharkyextreme.

Before Shipping?
Or
After shipping?

All from the same company? Or do you have to call a different company for each warranty?

Before shipping, different companies, most of them probably shady. Point is there is no longer any utility in building your own PC other than just being interested in doing so.