Where to buy a pc?

[kappa73]

I would say go with Dell...the safest and easiest bet.

[frostbitetwice]

Originally Posted by burychka

I suspect they get commission bonuses for unloading old stuff and overselling. I'm an independent IT consultant, and I have too many times been called to setup a computer bought from an online Dell salesperson, and found that the person bought $500 or more too much computer (high-end graphic cards, etc. for data entry clerks, and so on.)

Interesting post, Burychka...I would say, that on your information is enough for me not to purchase Dellco...

[burychka]

As I said, just configure and buy online. Dell online is still my preferred computer source. Telephone overselling is not unique to Dell. Before they abandoned the business sector, a Gateway telephone sales person sold a friend of mine--a registered financial advisor--a pure gaming machine. She needed 3 monitors and wanted RAID for data protection. She was sold two top of the line video cards and two hard drives configured for RAID 0 (RAID 0 is striping for high performance. Rather than reduce risk of data loss, it essentially doubles that risk).

Bottom line is if you know what you need, a Dell on sale ONLINE is a good way to go. If you ask "What do I need?" of a person with a vested interest in selling you more...well?

[JimJRJ]

If you do get a Dell do not pay extra for any "special" tech support, it will be a waste of money. My dad bought a Dell and started having problems, he called tech support which is a phone center in the Philippines and they couldn't do much to help. He paid extra for the on-site tech support but they didn't want to send anyone out. I told him it sounded like either a power supply issue or mobo issue. He finally got fed up and got rid of the computer and I built one for him.

Of course this isn't only restricted to Dell, probably most on-line computer makers are the same when it comes to tech support.

[michaels39]

Originally Posted by JimJRJ

If you do get a Dell do not pay extra for any "special" tech support, it will be a waste of money. My dad bought a Dell and started having problems, he called tech support which is a phone center in the Philippines and they couldn't do much to help. He paid extra for the on-site tech support but they didn't want to send anyone out. I told him it sounded like either a power supply issue or mobo issue. He finally got fed up and got rid of the computer and I built one for him.

Of course this isn't only restricted to Dell, probably most on-line computer makers are the same when it comes to tech support.

The large dealers - like Dell and HP - are like that,but there are several good smaller "boutique" builders that have excellent support.And depending on the kind of system you're looking for,they're actually less expensive.

[burychka]

I don't know about the extra cost tech support--which my clients never buy, because they have me--but the tech support that is integral with their warranty, now that can be a problem. For certain, the first level support will be someone working from a script. Two ways to get better help are:

1. Be persistent. Ask for the tech support's supervisor. Be firm. Sometimes it takes a call back (be sure you have the case number) to get to the next level. And be patient. It's beneficial to have a cup of coffee and a snack at your desk when you call.

2. If you are shopping for an advanced model PC, consider the Dell XPS line. With an XPS, you get a different support telephone number--a number which calls to a US-based tech support. Last time I called, I got someone in San Antonio, Texas. Yes, I ask, "Where are you?" If I doubt the answer, I ask "Who is the governor of nnnnnn?" Then I ask, "Who is the lieutenant governor?" Note. If you get a California tech support office, they'll know the governor but not the lieutenant gov (LOL)!

[michaels39]

If someone were considering a higher end system like the XPS line,then a good boutique builder would definitely be better,both in price,quality,and support.

[burychka]

Originally Posted by michaels39

If someone were considering a higher end system like the XPS line,then a good boutique builder would definitely be better,both in price,quality,and support.

You may have a point. One advantage to a PC built by an independent, is that the components are generally standard off-the-shelf products. The big companies tend to have more proprietary stuff, especially mobos, and that can result in higher repair costs once the machine is out of warranty.

This would be moreso if you typically keep a computer for five years or longer. Five or six year old computers are generally in need of upgrades, and this is much easier with standard components. I don't know any "boutique" PC builders, though. Are you talking about local shops? If online, can you name one or two?

[michaels39]

By boutique builders I mean online dealers who specialize in custom built systems.My personal choice was Maxforce PC based on a combination of good reviews in the computer enthusiast forums I frequent,great prices,and complete freedom to chose the exact components I wanted.Other good builders are Maingear,Puget Computers,and Falcon Northwest.

[JimJRJ]

It seems that digitalstorm makes good systems and I know puget and falcon as michaels mentioned make good systems with good support. You will pay extra for that but you do get what you paid for.

Many places that offer cheap prices for systems have low profit margins and they therefore cut back on support.