TigerDirect Systemax computers

[Marie Boyer]

This is my first post. I am shopping for a computer for DV editing. I have narrowed down my choices to (a) a local company here in Portsmouth, NH, and (2) a wonderful company in Kentucky (ADK VideoEditing). Before spending the close to $2000 that those choices involve, I am looking recently at the computers built by TigerDirect. Brand name "Systemax." (I am looking at the Systemax Venture HU H540).

I have heard great things about TigerDirect, usually in the context of buying computer PARTS. I would think their product would be good, but I have called twice and spoken to two different sales reps, neither of whom could tell me much. One gave me wrong information about the power supply, the other could not locate the chipset for me (then I found it on-line myself). It makes me worry about spending $1500 for a product when the sales reps are that uninformed.

What do you guys know about their computers? Can you help?

[sevenal]

A computer more than $129.00 after rebate
eh??
Maybe "for resale"
I would rather have one of about a hundred other choices.
some of the people HERE could build a PC you would not beleive for $2000.
Try just to compare

http://www.monarchcomputer.com/Merch...Code=allcustom


I'm sure a lot of links from other members here will be forthcoming.
NO-Way would I buy a PC for $1500 from Tiger Direct

There are a million other options BETTER.

Just be patient and spend only when the right deal comes along.

Good luck

You come to the right place.

Standby for Questions about WHAT you need in a PC ect.
You will get some really good links

As a matter of fact post a reply stating what you would like in a computer and it will launch some advice.


sev

[Marie Boyer]

Thanks. Here is what I need. My computer is for Dv editing.

Intel Pentium 4 with at least 3 ghz
ASUS P4C-800 (or other good, stable motherboard -- not sure if I need to upgrade to one with PCI-E)
No integrated graphics
400 power supply (Antec)
1 Gig RAM
80 Gig first drive
200 or more second drive
CD-RW/DVD Rom
XP Pro
good graphics card for Pinnacle Studio (have heard AGP-based nvidia 5700 fx 128 MB is good)

Everytime I price one on line, the total comes to around $1500 or more (without a monitor). Except for Dell, where I can get a Dimension 8400 with monitor for less. But Dell has terrible customer service ratings. I can barely change a lightbulb, and tha is why I lean toward a local builder. But, if the price and service were great, I would consider on line.

[elroy]

Recently a Dell employee posted concerning their customer service. He said to buy thru the small business site and buy the $69 tech support package. You'll get much better support and from an American employee.

[bombledmonk]

All I have to say is (in my personal opinion) stay away from Tigerdirect, never had a good experience. Plus the computers they sell are grossly overpriced.

[Omega Man]

you're putting too much emphasis on the selection of the computer and not enough on the software. I have used the Pinnacle studio in the past and switched over to Sony Vegas several years ago and have never looked back. The Pinnacle product is just too buggy.it will crash on you right in the middle of a project.

http://mediasoftware.sonypictures.co...egasfamily.asp

put this product on one of those cheap Dell Computers and you will never be sorry. (Look into E machines also, they have great reliability ratings)

Here is your Dell Computer.
http://configure.us.dell.com/dellsto...oc=D84MC&s=dhs
With 1GB of memory, hundred and 60GB hard drive and a dual layer DVD burner the total cost is $988. It comes with a 17 inch monitor that you said you didn't want. But you only save $38 if you don't buy it, and it's handy to have an extra monitor around.

[sevenal]

I would agree with Omega
Set yourself up a small business account.
You don'treally have to have a business,make one up .
If you don't finance it, the tax number thing never comes in to play.
Pay with a credit card get the $69 tech support pkg.
Dell equipment still has great Intel chipsets and CPU's that run cool and last long.

[bombledmonk]

While I'm not the biggest fan of Dell, I've never had one fail for me personally. Their buissness site is great, I've ordered several machines off their, mainly because of the free LCD monitors. As for the buisness part, I just use "home" as my buisness, but since you have an actual buisness for these purchases no problem there. A basic 3Ghz P4 with at least 1GB of ram would easily fit under your budget (like half your budget actually) especially if you have the ability to wait a week or two to see the deals that Dell comes out with. Prices of even more powerfull machines will still be well within your budget.

[Marie Boyer]

Thanks for the advice. I am researching the small business option through a fantastic sales rep at Dell (if you ever need a Dell product, ask for Don Wright). Thanks for the tip.

I am also looking closely at the following place
http://www.windriderpc.com/index.html
It has high quality product with Dell-like prices.

Let me know if you see anything else!!! Appreciate your advice.

[TheKipster]

Tiger has many cool toys at attractive prices, I got an emachine for $300 bucks w/ monitor 5 years ago and the thing is still kickin... I pressed my luck with one of tiger's systemmax machines that was bad out of the box... My opion is they have one of the worst customer service operation around.. Try to contact them once you have handed over your hard earned money... I would only use them for brand items if that and hope ya get right the first time as correcting an error with these folks will cost you. From 1 to 10, I give them a 5.