| Author | Message | ||
     Blastin |
I'm in the market for a new computer. I will be going with a Dell or Gateway desktop computer. I currently have a Gateway, and have had no real troubles(except for that nasty virus a year ago, my fault though) I have heard good things about Dell, and I have been satisfied with my Gateway. However, things have changed since I last bought a computer(1998). So if you techno junkies can fill me in on the company information, I would appreciate it. Thank in advance, Jerry | ||
| Daves |
I just got a computer for my wife for Xmas. I looked at Dell and Gateway and ended up going with a local IBM dealer. Got the same specs and a 3 year warranty for less than Dell or Gateway, plus if I have a problem they are just down the street(ok I like to be taken care of). The head tech guy there rides an X1 that I sold him so yeah I got a good deal. It was the local service and support that sold me. The plus was they were about 300.00 less! Ride to the edge! Dave HD/Buell Cycle Center Buell sales Mgr BattleMaster BRAG club director wannabe racer go fast gear sales HD sales Track day junkie Waterloo Ia 1-800-342-7539 ext 14 dave@iowaharley.com rdcapt@hotmail.com Master of the Buell Universe! | ||
| Libnosis |
I'm on my second Dell Inspiron and love it. The company I worked for recently switched from Compaq to Dell for all field personnel. I've also had great service from Dell. The had someone come on site to replace a memory chip they said was bad. Didn't cost me a dime. Dude, get a Dell! | ||
| Bads1 |
I have a GATEWAY MODEL EV700 no problems at all $1073.00 got me 3 year warranty and lifetime tech support as long as I own the computer. | ||
| Nevco1 |
Jerry...IMO, Dell is the better choice of the two for the long haul. However, I suggest you check out CompUSA on Bluemound Rd. after you do your research online with Dell. CompUSA has a private label line of notebook and desk top computers that are available in every configuration you can get from Dell for less including the extended warranty. Is all top shelf components with instore service available. Plus the assembler is in MN so you have extremely short lead times for parts, etc. Contact me before you go in and I will give you the details concerning who to see and how to play the game. Otherwise, I will see you next Tuesday at the BRAG meeting. | ||
| Blackbelt |
You want to think about a ton of things with buying a personal computer... What do you want it for, i.e. gameing, internet, buisness, email, or a combatnation of them. You will base what you want in your computer with the descision you make with what you will use it for. I myself prefer Dell due to problems i have had with Gateway, and their Crappy Tech dept. Format C: is not an option on all crashes....!!! I work with computers day in and out. If you want a basic Internet computer Dell has good ones for under 1000 bucks, but if you want a Gaming computer you want to make sure your processor is good to keep up with the high resolution graphics I recommend a 2.0 gig or higher, plus you will need a good video card (non of that intergrated crap) at least a 64 meg, but 128 meg video is the way to go. you will also want a good PCI sound card. Soundblaster, or Turtle Beach are good choices. Also a gaming computer need RAM! about 256 or higher to let the game run smooth. For buisness you want a decent processor, but definetly want a good network card and room for a cable modem or DSL line. Monitor size and brand type of processor is completely up to the buyer. I hope this helps. i also hope it didn't confuse you more I myself would build a computer out of seperate components, but that is because i know i can do it and it is about 1/2 the price. | ||
| Mikej |
There's also the Gateway store (they're the ones with the cow-design, right?) just east of Moorland. Haven't been in there yet though. CompUSA used to have customer returns and refurbished units for many dollars off sitting under the shelves in the original packing boxes, but you had to ask what they were or the sales drones (most not smart enough to be called critters based on my experiences there) would just steer you to what was most popular or what they were standing the closest too at the time, or to whatever the management told them to push that day. I'm probably going to be in the market for a laptop sometime this year or next as well so I'm paying attention to what is said. | ||
| Nevco1 |
BlackBelt is 100% correct!!! If you have the talent, build it yourself. You will be amazed at what you save and the extra performance you will gain. However, I don't believe this applies to notebooks if that is what you are looking for. Of interest, the custom configuration I was referring to is upgradeable as was my last custom which is still in service. | ||
| Ezblast |
I have the dell at work and a simular but 1 1/2 yr. older gateway at home. Simply put - get the gateway - its just better. the way they have everything arranged for max. compatability compared with my struggling dell its no contest. Just Blasting on the Dark side! EZ | ||
| Blastin |
Thanks for the tip Bill. We'll have to chat on Tuesday. I am definitely considering a Dell. Here are my requirements for my targeted $1,000(I can twist my own arm to go to $1,400) -40 to 60 gig hard drive -cdrw/dvd drive (or one of the new dvd-rw) -2.0 gHz or higher processor -256 RAM -15" Flat panel display(I'm just tired of that big honkin' monitor, although they are only $90 bucks now.) -Best video and audio card I can do(not integrated) -operating system-to be determined (which ever I go for it won't be a "Home Edition" those things just piss you off because they can't do what you want them to do.) I like using local companies and service when I can, but if the price is right then?? Blackbelt is right about building it yourself, and I could probably do it myself. I'm just not studied up on all the inside info and it would take me too damn long. MikeJ, Dell has refurbished units on their website. Same warranties as new, etc. Might be worthwhile to check out. I may do so myself. Thanks for all the info everybody. Keep it coming.  Jerry | ||
| Xgecko |
Not a fan of GAteway at all...nothing but problems with both the desk top and laptop that we've had. I used Dells at work...their desk tops are great their Laptops blow. IMB makes the best laptop I have ever used bar none...HP has some great deals on decktops including a "graphics" desktop using XP graphics with amoung other things gets along with memory hog software like Photoshop and other graphics related stuff. | ||
| Nevco1 |
Jerry... MikeJ is correct about the sales dwarfs at CompUSA. If you want to shop before we meet, go to a different CompUSA. My contact is the sales manager who was same at Gateway till the hit the skids last year. Needless to say, he is very knowledgeable, especially about the street prices and will play the game if you initiate it step by step. Incidentally, my notebook from Dell would have run over $3.5. I got out the door for $2.6, computer and software. You should have seen the extra deal I got on the digital camera and accessories. | ||
| Anonymous |
Having worked as a Gateway phone hack for about a month now I must say that I have an insiders view of just how much trouble people have had with Gateway Products and support. About a year ago 66% of Gateways arrived DOA. That number is up to about 92% now. Known issues include unresolvable issues with certain motherboards where the computer will intermittently "go to sleep"--probably a heat-related issue at he CPU. Others have had modems replaced about every six months, others had had their HardDrives replaced repeatedly--stay away from Fuji HDs! Other's have had issues with the OEM Operating System--especially Me/but we've gotten a lot of XP incompatiblility calls as well. Dude, get yourself a Dell! Or better yet build your own! Everything plugs together, it's easier than an erector set (more like Legos) and you'll be able to tailor it to your exact needs. CPU speed is not the endall requirement/check out the motherboard architecture for max clock speed/chipset compatibility with the Video/Sound capabilities you desire. Alienware builds to order and they look damn cool. Good luck. | ||
| Sarodude |
Anony- All good points - especially regarding CPU speed. I still don't recommend people build their own though I do it for myself and my buddies all the time. As easy as it is you just never know. People gotta realize one thing - ya get what ya pay for. The ultra cheep box is ultra cheep for a reason. It's very hard to explain the cost of quality to a customer. That can only be demonstrated after the poor quality products fail - sometimes repeatedly. For most people and applications, the one thing I stress is this: When distributing the system dollars, trading a bit of cpu for a chunk of RAM is usually a good call. -Saro | ||
| Mfell2112 |
Neither. Check out Alienware and see if they have a special going. They use better cases and hardware then Dell or Gateway and they cost about the same. Check this out: http://www.alienware.com/main/system_pages/grey.asp Mike | ||
| Jim_Witt |
Cheers, Since you asked, I'd suggest these sites for a quality built system and very configurable with high quality components. Alienware Falcon Northwest Xi Computers S'later, -JW:>  | ||
| Bads1 |
Been self employed for 9 years had various different systems and all had their problems but with the system I'm running now I never had to call someone in to fix anything nor have I send it out been a good computer for a year and half. | ||
| Buellhusker |
Dont buy GATEWAY they don't have a service dept it is a DISservice dept. Spent over 200 hrs on the phone over the past 2 years trying to get a Gateway to run right. new mother board, new modem boart new sound board purchased the 3 year extended service plan only to find out it was a 2 year service plan, so they shut off the service. Gateway sucks BIG time. Building my own will use the gateway case and drives. less than $800.00 P-IV 2.7 ghz, 512 meg, 60 meg & 40 meg hard drives, DVD, CDRW, tape back up, 64 meg video with TV & video capture, 3-1/2 floppy, 56K modem. | ||
| Ken01mp |
i got a new dell 6 months ago, love it. you need at LEAST 256k to run windows xp though. i bought mine with 128 to cheap out and had to buy another 256 for a total of 384. installing the 256 was soooooo easy. no complaints Ken | ||
| Joey |
From the Been There, Done That file: Best video for the buck, or even if the buck doesn't matter: ATI. Go the latest and greatest, Radeon 9000. If you're like me, you'll go the All-In-Wonder, which has a TV tuner built in that allows full-frame, full-motion video capture directly to the hard drive. http://www.ati.com Best sound: SoundBlaster Live was the last sound card I got, but their latest is the Audigy2. http://www.soundblaster.com If you would like to save money, yet want high performance, go with Advanced MicroDevices instead of Intel. http://www.amd.com See also http://www.simhq.com/simhq3/hardware/reviews/xp1900/ VIA makes a good matching motherboard for the AMD chip. ASUS makes excellent motherboards with their chipset. I would suggest the CompUSA route for picking a custom assembled computer. Dell computers are seriously limited if you want to do any significant upgrades in the future. They prefer you buy a new computer every few years. Last time I looked at a Gateway, which has been a few years, they still had a fully upgradeable platform. Dell does integrate their sound and video. | ||
| Court |
Lot to be said for being able to watch the news without getting up or drag an Excel spreadsheet across multiple screens.....  This is Vick's asst's office....we use Dell at home. | ||
| Dynarider |
Dells at work & they kick ass. Had gateways at my old job & they sucked. Lots & lots of issues with em. I have shitty old compaq myself & its dying. Crummy 475 mhz, but I have 256 mb ram at least. Need to upgrade & definately going the dell route. Wanna talk crummy puters. What about the old Commodore 64 or the Texas instruments TI. Those were real works of art. | ||
| Aaron |
Joey really hit on a key point. MOST of the name brand computers you can buy anymore, it's difficult or even impossible to figure out what you're buying. They rarely disclose critical things like how many slots it has and of what kind, or what's integrated onto the motherboard versus what's run by a card, or what processor or FSB speeds it supports. It's critical information for future expansion and upgrades. Say you want to add a SCSI card down the road, do you have a slot to do it? What if you want a hot video card, do you even have an AGP slot to put it in? What speed AGP slot? How about a faster processor someday, will the motherboard allow it? How many hard drives does the case allow you to mount? Plus, when you buy a ready to go computer, how do you get the exact CDRW drive you prefer? Or your favorite hard drive? Or video card? I just build my own computers, that way I know exactly what's in them and I get exactly what I want. Last month I built this one I'm using right now ... Asus P4S8X motherboard which has 6 PCI slots, an AGP 8X slot, integrated Serial ATA & Raid, 1394, Ethernet, sound, and 6 USB ports. Running a P4 2.4 and 256MB of PC2700. Also have a SCSI Ultra 160 setup with a 15,000 rpm system drive (4 hard drives altogether) and an All-in-Wonder Radeon. It's pretty fast. Had some stability problems for awhile but I think I got'em sorted out. But it ain't the cheapest way to do it. Kind of like building a fast bike I guess. | ||
| Mbsween |
There are way to many freakin geeks on this board, wait a minute, thats what I do for a living.  If you really want reliable and cheap, drop windows and get Linux (you'll need to know you're way around Unix or be willing to learn), ,but thats a software issue, not hardware. If you're going mail order, Dell works, Gateway works, but can have quirky service. I'd go with Dell I still think building a computer is a lot like building a bike or motor, if you know whats going on fine, it helps to have spare parts, lots of time, and a willingness to tweak something thats working fine. Follow Saro/Dyna/Court's advice, get a slower processor, tons of ram , and the biggest friggin monitor you can afford/have space for. Dyna, if you still have the TI or maybe a TRS 80, I think it may be time to flip the tape over! | ||
| Phillyblast |
>Dyna, if you still have the TI or maybe a TRS >80, I think it may be time to flip the tape >over! Man I remember those days. Wish I still had that Trash80 just for sentiments sake. Dating myself, but hey it's my birthday, I remember when I got my first color monitor and it was FOUR COLORS!!! Before I got the "tape recorder" and could save programs I used to leave it running and my mom would vacuum the house, unplug the 'puter so she could plug in the Hoover, and erase all my work. Hey Jerry, ya know they're making Amigas again I run Linux exclusively at home, have for years, there's a learning curve but it's been worth it for me. Especially since I like to build my own systems. If you build your own and go with Windows keep in mind you'll have to buy an operating system and other software: Windows XP Pro $175.00 (upgrade) $220.00 (full version) Office XP $275.00 (upgrade) $450.00 (full) That's a pretty good chunk of your $1000 right there. | ||
| Joey |
Amigas! Technology from 1984 that has yet to be matched in the PC world! If you don't believe me, say so, and I'll give you a comparison. Last I heard, Gateway owned them, but I haven't checked in a while. I had a feeling they wouldn't die. Wow! They're about to release Amiga OS 4, and I'm still on 2.1! Time to get with the program! | ||
| Jim_Witt |
Aaron, I know you always do your homework but doesn't the Asus P4S8X support IEEE 1394 and USB 2.0? Just curious, -JW:> | ||
| Sarodude |
Joey- I was an Early Adopter of the Amiga - back when it really was a leading edge machine. I've owned a mostly stock 1000, a 2000 with some stuff I can't remember, and a bone stock 3000 with the smaller disk and faster CPU - specs which I can no longer recall. The 3000 is collecting dust in the garage. I do take issue with the 'has yet to be matched' statement. That was true probably up until later versions of Win95. I'd say the closest comparison to any of the Amiga OSes would be Linux - but I mostly lost touch with that whole thing in the early 90s. Anyway, this is all academic. Someone asking about what brand of PC to buy will likely not be ripping into it himself to further expand the thing. If expansion is an issue, Aaron's point is one to consider. Bottom line: It's like any vehicle. If you REALLY want EVERYTHING done right, you have a long, hard learning curve to reckon with. -Saro | ||
| Aaron |
Jim: yes ... the 1394 is an option, as is the audio & ethernet, I got'em all. | ||
| Blastin |
Well if I didn't know Aaron was soooo busy with all sorts of things, I'd ask him to build me a system. Thanks to everyone for the good links. Alienware looks like good stuff, but a little much for me, Saro-very good point. In 5 years I have added software and a scanner to the computer. Likely I would add some more peripherals with the new computer, but nothing out of the ordinary. Unless something is broke or completely inefficient/effective, I tend to use it till it dies. Computer related of course. The Buell is a different beast. My current system has seen better days and is definetly showing its age. I have a brother in the computer business that I use as my tech support when neccesary. I have no problems going into a case and adding or pulling things out. I have been in the case a few times to look around and readjust some things, but not reconstructive surgery. I just don't have the knowledge to do it all myself(My brain is being used elsewhere.) When things aren't running so smoothly, I can figure things out to a certain extent, but after that I'm pretty close to clueless. Therefore I would probably have one put together for me and save myself the headaches but not the cash(unfortunately). I will probably be going with either a Dell or a "locally" built system. I have to check out a few places yet and talk to some more people and check out some more equipment. Talking to a few friends about a Linux OS. Feel free to keep the comment and suggestions going, they are not only helping me. Thanks, Jerry |
