5/5
posted Jul-08-2012
I’ve bought two computers from AVA Direct, a workstation in the fall of 2011, and a laptop in mid-2012. In both cases, I’ve been very satisfied with the experience, and would recommend AVA to prospective buyers.
Last fall I was contemplating building a desktop to replace my seven-year-old Dell workstation; I’d been happy with the three Dell computers I’d owned, but this time I couldn’t find the configuration I wanted. However, I wasn’t experienced enough to be sure about choosing compatible components, so a friend suggested looking for a build-to-my-specs company, and I discovered that AVA offered by far the most comprehensive selection of components, and easy access to information about them.
Using a credit card to place an order for over $1000 is a little complicated because they want you to FAX an authorization form with your signature. I decided to use PayPal instead, and that required getting in touch with AVA for special instructions, because they don’t have a PayPal account. It didn’t turn out to be that hard, and I found dealing with Joe Mundy to be a pleasure: He sent prompt and helpful replies to my emails. Although it’s a bit awkward, it’s a good idea to use your customer account for emailing because the whole correspondence is stored in an easily available format.
There were glitches in both computer orders. The workstation took six weeks between ordering and receiving, where I had expected two. And I understand that unforseen problems can arise, but I was upset that they didn’t let me know that there was a problem with the optical drive and the build would take longer than expected. I had to contact them twice to find out what was happening. With the laptop, after I placed the order I got a message from Joe Mundy saying that the OCZ SSD I had selected was causing problems in laptops and they recommended going with another brand. I decided on an Intel, and it turned out to be backordered. So I finally went with a Corsair. We could have saved some time if AVA had removed the OCZ drive from its list of compatible components.
Both units were beautifully packed for shipment, and the laptop box even included the unused portion of the special thermal compound I had chosen. The build of the workstation looks fine, with attention to cabling details; a friend who builds computers was impressed by the quality of the components and the workmanship.
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![Share](javascript:share_rating({"review_body":"I\u2019ve bought two computers from AVA Direct, a workstation in the fall of 2011, and a laptop in mid-2012. In both cases, I\u2019ve been very satisfied with the experience, and would recommend AVA to prospective buyers.<br><br>Last fall I was contemplating building a desktop to replace my seven-year-old Dell workstation; I\u2019d been happy with the three Dell computers I\u2019d owned, but this time I couldn\u2019t find the configuration I wanted. However, I wasn\u2019t experienced enough to be sure about choosing compatible components, so a friend suggested looking for a build-to-my-specs company, and I discovered that AVA offered by far the most comprehensive selection of components, and easy access to information about them. <br><br>Using a credit card to place an order for over $1000 is a little complicated because they want you to FAX an authorization form with your signature. I decided to use PayPal instead, and that required getting in touch with AVA for special instructions, because they don\u2019t have a PayPal account. It didn\u2019t turn out to be that hard, and I found dealing with Joe Mundy to be a pleasure: He sent prompt and helpful replies to my emails. Although it\u2019s a bit awkward, it\u2019s a good idea to use your customer account for emailing because the whole correspondence is stored in an easily available format.<br><br>There were glitches in both computer orders. The workstation took six weeks between ordering and receiving, where I had expected two. And I understand that unforseen problems can arise, but I was upset that they didn\u2019t let me know that there was a problem with the optical drive and the build would take longer than expected. I had to contact them twice to find out what was happening. With the laptop, after I placed the order I got a message from Joe Mundy saying that the OCZ SSD I had selected was causing problems in laptops and they recommended going with another brand. I decided on an Intel, and it turned out to be backordered. So I finally went with a Corsair. We could have saved some time if AVA had removed the OCZ drive from its list of compatible components.<br><br>Both units were beautifully packed for shipment, and the laptop box even included the unused portion of the special thermal compound I had chosen. The build of the workstation looks fine, with attention to cabling details; a friend who builds computers was impressed by the quality of the components and the workmanship.","link":"http:\/\/www.resellerratings.com\/store\/AVA_Direct\/review\/1697276#comment1697276","store_thumb":"http:\/\/www.resellerratings.com\/store\/thumbnail\/AVA_Direct.jpg","store_name":"AVADirect Custom Computers","username":"Glycera","rating":"5"}, "single");){kind=link}