Where's the best place to buy a new computer?

[Theystolemymoney]

Building my own's not an option. I don't have the technical expertise and I'd rather have the available support offered by a reputable vendor and/or brand name.

[_dave_]

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Building my own's not an option. I don't have the technical expertise and I'd rather have the available support offered by a reputable vendor and/or brand name.

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Building is easy - components can only fit where they are supposed to.

You are neglecting the the fact that once you build your own computer, you will then have the technical expertise, once the job is complete. Manufacturer support is probably the most overrated comodity in this industry - if you build it yourself, you can support yourself in most situations.


dave.

[kyleb]

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Building is easy - components can only fit where they are supposed to.

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Like the case pins that attach to the motherboard for power, reset, LED, HD indicator?

How about primary/secondary IDE channels and Slave/Master/Channel Select settings?

Building a computer is easy enough for someone who has reasonably good dexterity and comprehension, but most people are stupid.

[theRabbit]

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but most people are stupid.


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I think thats harsh. Most people have't a clue how complicated a computer is. Those that can build one probably don't realise how much they actually do know. Whether they are stupid well...that is diffent issue. [img]/images/graemlins/ooo.gif[/img]

[gusmahler]

People don't build their own computer because it is cheaper. They build their own so they have full control over the components put in the system. (Because they buy from the OEMs in volume, Dell can get components cheaper than you can). E.g., Dell used to have a terrible selection of video cards, so you only had a choice of the top of the line or the bottom of the line, no in between. I've heard that they've improved since then.

[theRabbit]

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Because they buy from the OEMs in volume, Dell can get components cheaper than you can

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From everything I've read (and I read lots of trade magazines), that is only part of the story. Dell gets most of their profit from the float on the parts. That is to say, Dell usually gets paid for the computer in advance, before delivery. They pay for the parts 30-90 days out or more. The money is put into some interest generating fund. A few percent on billions adds up fast. [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

[terrellk11]

There are some pretty ridiculous bargains at Dell right now. I got $750 off a laptop I bought this week using a coupon from fatwallet. Now I just have to wait for it to arrive . . . .

[Kneel B4 Zod]

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[ QUOTE ]
Building is easy - components can only fit where they are supposed to.

[/ QUOTE ]

Like the case pins that attach to the motherboard for power, reset, LED, HD indicator?

How about primary/secondary IDE channels and Slave/Master/Channel Select settings?

Building a computer is easy enough for someone who has reasonably good dexterity and comprehension, but most people are stupid.

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as I've said before, building a PC is a good solution for people who want or need the latest/greatest or are very picky about their needs. or for people who enjoy building and tinkering as a hobby.

everybody else is just better off buying a nice Dell for $300 or $400, which you can do with coupons.