i posted a coupla weeks ago about spyware and antivirus for desktop PC running XP. i mentioned somewhere along the line that the new computer was a gateway. i then started receiving the emails and PMs apprising me of wiser alternatives. but, the deal was done.
suffice it to say, i now understand, fully and in spades, the reasons for those words of wisdom. the “done deal” is now undone, the system is on its way back to gateway, and only after stern words, a lot of mess, time wasted and lost, and no doubt hassles and arguments still to come. so…
after two weeks of hell, i’m on the lookout for an entirely new system, something pentium in the 2.8 to 3ghz range, 17" flat panel LCD display, etc.
i’m inclined to think Dell, however i’m really not sure about this, what with me basically being an apple guy and all. i might parenthetically add that i also just broke out of its new box a dual processor 1.8ghz G5 a coupla months ago and, tho there was a hiccup or two, it has become so OVERWHELMINGLY apparent why apple over windows that it’s not even an intellectually serious question.
but i’m willing to be impressed by a computer company that has BOTH good product AND friendly, responsive, knowledgeable customer service and tech support.
Stick with Dell. Unless you’re looking to custom build your own system, Dell is the way to go. And I’ve been in the IT business for a long time. We stick with 'em for the value and after-sale service. They aren’t perfect, but I think they are the best.
I have been using Dell at my office for about 7 years now, mainly due to their customer support and warranty program. I would also recommend Compaq/HP. If you stay with either of these two, I would think you will find the customer support you are looking for. Happy hunting.
Why do you not want another Apple, if you like them? Do you NEED a PC? I like Windows myself, but I appreciate Apple and don’t really have a fierce opinion one way or the other. Get what you like. If you like Apple, get another one.
AMD is better than Intel, so you should get an AMD-based system. Dell doesn’t sell AMD. This is because Dell is stupid.
If you want a really nice computer, buy a custom system from Velocity Micro. They are the best. You can get a really nice desktop. Or a crazy gaming machine. Price is right. And the service/quality is unbeatable. Velocity Micro is like the Yaqui of computers…
Dells, etc. are for companies. You are one man. You may be a man of great fame and fortune, but you still do not run an IT department. Buy from a company that is geared toward offering top quality to single users, not geared toward lowest TCO… VelocityMicro.com is the website. The have a great list of pre-set configs. Did I mention the cases are brushed aluminum (similar niceness to Apple)? Dells are crappy plastic…
It is also not hard to build a computer yourself. I will come build it for you in exchange for 1) a FIST certification, 2) some good training in Xantusia, or 3) a mixed assortment of titanium tubing. But you can easily do it yourself. NewEgg is a good place to buy everything you need.
There are good deals on 19" or bigger LCD’s. A 19" is MUCH nicer than a 17", and not too much more. Dell and Viewsonic both make very nice, quite cheap LCD’s. This is definitely a worthwhile expenditure. I have a 20" LCD that I got for a steal. I cannot tell you how nice screen “real-estate” is. Dell is the best place to buy a monitor, however, as this is one area where buying from someone that gets a kajillion of something is okay.
another vote for Dell. We are on our third, only because we wanted faster machines, not because of any problems. They have always been very reliable and customer support was very helpful.
Bought my first Mac product last night, an I-pod for my son. Didn’t work out of the box and was going to have to pay to get help from Apple. That convinced me I won’t be buy that brand again.
“Why do you not want another Apple, if you like them? Do you NEED a PC?”
it’s for the GF. she’s windows. as for the 17" versus 19" monitors, on my own workstationi have two 17" side by side that basically act as one 34" monitor. which, of course, you can easily do with apple.
If you don’t have any applications that are lacking for the Mac, stick with it. It is a far superior mouse trap. If you have to go with a PC, we have used Dell for quite a while and they have been real good. I would stay away from HP or the ohter Costco varieties. Dell is selling machines really cheap right now.
I have not used many different computers in my time, but I have found one that works great. I have been using it for 8 weeks now. It is runs as fast as I need it. The information it spits out is very accurate as well. It is a Cateye Micro Sensor (wirelesss.) I highly recommend it.
“Why do you not want another Apple, if you like them? Do you NEED a PC?”
it’s for the GF. she’s windows. as for the 17" versus 19" monitors, on my own workstationi have two 17" side by side that basically act as one 34" monitor. which, of course, you can easily do with apple.
Dan, I don’t mean to be a smartass, but I think you’ll find two 17" monitors don’t really make one 34" monitor. You’ll actually need 4 of them to do that. Just think of the maths
Good luck with the PC though, I don’t have the experience of other posters, but I’ve been very happy with my Dell laptop and think these guys make a good product. And they do sponsor Ironman Hawaii don’t they ? Do you still sell Computrainers (I think you used to ?) Maybe you should tell Dell you want to do a joint Computrainer / PC review and see if they’ll throw something your way
Well, assuming converting her to your cult of Apple is not an option, I stand by my previous rec of a Velocity Micro system. It is so much better and cooler than a Dell. Like owning a Serotta vs. owning a K-Mart special. Or build it yourself. With the GF. It could be a bondage… I mean, bonding… experience.
And you can multi-monitors with a PC very easily too. That is a function of the graphics card only. Just get a dual DVI graphics card.
If you go with Dell, get one of the workstations, not a desktop. Reliable, stable, with juice for days (Optiplex series). I don’t mess with desktops any more. IME the workstations have been far more stable. Compare a pro race ready titanium bike with a stock alu setup for a a new AG’er, while they will both get you from A-B and get the job done in the long run that ti will be in better shape without having to be upgraded next season or wishing that you had something with more oomph. The customer service is very good, but personally I have make far fewer calls regarding workstations.
HP/Compaq’s customer service is highly underrated. I actually think it surpasses Dell’s in some areas, here is why. I have had to service/replace digital cams, dropped laptops, pda’s you name it. The difference between HP’s service & that of other companies is the speed/ease of replacement so that I’m not out in the cold. I don’t get the 50 questions routine and I have had a replacement the next day in some cases before shipping the damaged product. They ship things in the perfect little boxes that simply require you to put the dammaged product in the box and call for a pickup all on them. If there is a service location in your area they make arrangements to get your product repaired if you wish. The tech folks have been very knowledgable and accomodating. No pain, no pain. Just my experience. If you go HP, go workstation not pavillion.
Maybe something with dual monitors/processors and oodles of storage. I like the HP monitors but you can shop around and find something better. If you are an apple guy then go for it! Hackers typically write code for windows-based systems. A good way to avoid the hickups are a combination of personal firewall (not that software crap), virus protection, spam blockers (e dexter), and spyware detectors (you can install more than one sw detector because one migh pick up something that the other will miss). It’s takes time but strap up to be safe.
Another vote for a Dell. You might want to check out http://www.techbargains.com. There are deals on there for Dell desktop systems all the time. I think I got my parents a 2.8 GHz system with a 17" flat panel for something like $600. And that was like six months ago, so prices may have gone down since then.
I like Apple and Macs and what not, but they’re pretty costly and I think it’s more eye candy than anything else. Plus, if she got one of those, should wouldn’t be able to use the advanced editor here to post pictures and what not. cough
It’s for the GF. If you are going to be buying a tit’nium bike with fancy carbon wheels, it should be for yourself. And if you’re going to get a tit’nium road bike, it also shouldn’t be like a Douglas or Airborne. It should be a Serotta or Litespeed. Go custom, baby…
Dan, if the GF leaves, who gets the 'puter? That should play a large role in helping to decide the purchase…
