PC recommendation? (but NOT Dell)

Steve Kreiter · Mar 20, 2003

Please help me figure out what PC to buy to replace my old one. After 3 infuriatingly unsuccessful attempts to actually GET a computer from Dell, I've given up on them. I was thinking Gateway, but then I heard they're in big trouble financially and are closing a bunch of stores. Doesn't bode well for continued support. Used to own Microns, but they've almost faded out of the picture completely. I can't get a Mac because I don't have the $$ to make the software switch. All the magazines tout Dell, but there's no way I'm going through that quagmire again. I need a computer, not just an order number and endless delays.

So - what's left? Anything? I want a standard desktop - nothing fancy - capable of letting me do what we all do here - process and print digital images- at a reasonable clip. Any and all suggestions appreciated.

David M. · Mar 20, 2003

I have ordered numerous computers from Dell, including laptops and desktop systems, as well as my Oly E20. The longest delay was when they had to re-order memory for a P4 machine (RDRAM). The delay was no more than a week and a half.

Last one was several months ago, so I don't know if they've gotten worse since then. How long was your delay?

Steve Kreiter said:
Please help me figure out what PC to buy to replace my old one.
After 3 infuriatingly unsuccessful attempts to actually GET a
computer from Dell, I've given up on them. I was thinking Gateway,
but then I heard they're in big trouble financially and are closing
a bunch of stores. Doesn't bode well for continued support. Used to
own Microns, but they've almost faded out of the picture
completely. I can't get a Mac because I don't have the $$ to make
the software switch. All the magazines tout Dell, but there's no
way I'm going through that quagmire again. I need a computer, not
just an order number and endless delays.

So - what's left? Anything? I want a standard desktop - nothing
fancy - capable of letting me do what we all do here - process and
print digital images- at a reasonable clip. Any and all suggestions
appreciated.

--
(DC's)/ Oly E20, Kodak DC4800's, (DV)/ Canon GL1, ZR25,(35mm)/ Minolta HTsi+
PBase supporter

Steve Kreiter · Mar 20, 2003

I've ordered Dells without a hitch before, too. The one I'm replacing is a Dell that shipped in 3 days, but that was 2 years ago. I have no idea how long the dealys might have been, but I ordered 3 different computers on 3 different dates and got a delay notice on each one the day it was slated to ship. After each showed in "Testing" for 3 or 4 days on their order status page. Aren't the machines BUILT by the time they're tested? Each time I called to ask what was up I was given a line of BS (one guy implied that my order might have been diverted to "the war"). I don't have the time or energy to deal with that. Check out their Community Feedback forum - I'm one of the lucky ones. There are people who sent them checks (of all things!) and didn't get their order OR their money back. There are lots of folks who have never received their rebates. And there are lots and lots of unhappy people who were in the same boat as me - an order number but no computer. I can understand parts delays. But not delays in crediting accounts or receiving rebates. And certainly not handing customers a line when they call for information.

David M. said:
I have ordered numerous computers from Dell, including laptops and
desktop systems, as well as my Oly E20. The longest delay was when
they had to re-order memory for a P4 machine (RDRAM). The delay
was no more than a week and a half.
Last one was several months ago, so I don't know if they've gotten
worse since then. How long was your delay?

.

David M. said:
--
(DC's)/ Oly E20, Kodak DC4800's, (DV)/ Canon GL1, ZR25,(35mm)/
Minolta HTsi+
PBase supporter

Jim_Ryder · Mar 20, 2003

I'm in the market for a new p.c. as well; I don't know what your requirements are but I was looking for certain specs.After first considering HP and Gateway, I've come to the decision that my next p.c. will be a Sony Vaio desktop - as it has both the 4 and 6 pin firewire inputs,since I have a Sony MiniDV-cam; so after taxtime I'll be getting one (can't wait- my present p.c. is flickering & humming & freezing up continuously!!!) Good luck with your hunt ! Ciao

Jon Ragnarsson · Mar 20, 2003

Ask your local computer geek. He should be able to tell you. I built my own, and it is still chugging along 2 years later. Hardly ever turned off.
J.

--
http://jonr.beecee.org/gallery/

Randolph McMillan · Mar 20, 2003

Steve Kreiter said:
Please help me figure out what PC to buy to replace my old one.
After 3 infuriatingly unsuccessful attempts to actually GET a
computer from Dell, I've given up on them.

Are you using the phone or the internet? Most of my phone calls to Dell end in frustration, but ordering on the internet goes smoothly. At least that has been my experience.

IBM, Toshiba, Sony, HP-Compaq all make good laptops. Sony has several which are quite nice for digial photography uses. Try going to Best Buy or Circuit City. Both offer long financing without interest if you make your minimum payments on time and pay the full balance by the end of the designated time, 6 months to a year.

Hope this helps.

Randy

Nate Lam · Mar 20, 2003

I use a Gateway at work and it works flawlessly without a hitch, and they have great support and deals on monitor/PC combos. I don't recommend the Sony because the benchmark speeds are lower than other computers of the same specs. I believe the problem is in the size and the integrated motherboard. Don't even both trying to open it up and upgrade parts...you have to take the POWER supply out to got to the motherboard, take the CD rom out to get to the sound card (integrated) and it's just a big mess that gets too hot easily. Good luck! Stick with Gateway or Dell (or Mac!!) but stay away from HP they have horrible support.

marcelissen · Mar 20, 2003

I agree with Nate, stay away from HP for a computer. Printers and scanners are OK.

I have used Gateway PCs for years without any problems. I ordered two Gateway PCs last fall and had no problem with the order process and I have not had any problems with them. One PC was a high-end desktop for me and the other was a mid-level laptop for my daughter to take to college.

One tip if you order from Gateway, place your order using their web site may save you from paying sales tax. I found out when I ordered from them last fall is that Gateway has several different divisions for selling their products (retail store, 800 number, web site, etc.). When you place an order with one of their retail stores or by calling their toll free 800 number you will be charged state sales tax (well they do for Michigan anyways). But if you place your order using their web site no sales tax is added.

If you have any questions and need to talk to someone at Gateway, they offer a chat feature on their web site which is helpful. The can even call you if needed. I did this and even place my order over the phone with the rep at that time. But since this rep was from their web site division, no sales tax was added. They just remind you that you may need to claim this when you do your income tax.

At work we use Dell's and don't have any problems with their desktop PC's. Some of their laptops we have had problems with, but they really take a beating and are a couple years old now.

Tim

Nate Lam said:
I use a Gateway at work and it works flawlessly without a hitch,
and they have great support and deals on monitor/PC combos. I don't
recommend the Sony because the benchmark speeds are lower than
other computers of the same specs. I believe the problem is in the
size and the integrated motherboard. Don't even both trying to open
it up and upgrade parts...you have to take the POWER supply out to
got to the motherboard, take the CD rom out to get to the sound
card (integrated) and it's just a big mess that gets too hot
easily. Good luck! Stick with Gateway or Dell (or Mac!!) but stay
away from HP they have horrible support.

Dr. Don Sandell · Mar 20, 2003

Build your own..........then there is only 1 person you can blame if it doesn't work.

Pat L · Mar 20, 2003

If your not able to build it yourself, have a local company build you one. A plain white box is totaly upgradable. The brand names have components that can only be upgraded with thier components. Won't cost much less, if any, but better in the long run.

--
Pat L - Oly forum's first official 'Lurkbie'
2100'UZI' http://www.pbase.com/uzi_pat

PapaRazi · Mar 20, 2003

Steve Kreiter said:
Please help me figure out what PC to buy to replace my old one.
After 3 infuriatingly unsuccessful attempts to actually GET a
computer from Dell, I've given up on them. I was thinking Gateway,
but then I heard they're in big trouble financially and are closing
a bunch of stores. Doesn't bode well for continued support. Used to
own Microns, but they've almost faded out of the picture
completely.

Nothing wrong with Micron; It's almost like building it yourself. Their
individual drive warranties are nice, especially if you burn a lot of CD's.
I think it's mpc.com now. I compared spec for spec against an Alien,
and saved big bucs, plus got more warranty.

DannyV · Mar 20, 2003

The last computer I bought from a large company was an NEC 386/20 about 10 yrs ago. I build my own and you can too, thats why PCs are commodities. If you choose not to build your own, go to a local PC shop and have them do it for you. One word of advice, the most important part of your PC will be the CASE! Select a case that is very flexible, with lots of expansion possibilities, and "easy-open" access covers.

Jón Ragnarsson said:
Ask your local computer geek. He should be able to tell you. I
built my own, and it is still chugging along 2 years later. Hardly
ever turned off.
J.

--
http://jonr.beecee.org/gallery/

--
Daniel
Sony 717, Oly 2100, Nikon 6006, Pentax ME Super Program
http://www.pbase.com/dvogel11

brianj · Mar 20, 2003

Have your best local shop assemble one with the components that you like the best. It will cost less and be better.

Brian

sigpop · Mar 20, 2003

if you dont want the hassle of building your own, configure a computer on dell/gateways website, print it out, and take it to best buy. i was told they would match the price and hardware.

Steve Kreiter said:
Please help me figure out what PC to buy to replace my old one.
After 3 infuriatingly unsuccessful attempts to actually GET a
computer from Dell, I've given up on them. I was thinking Gateway,
but then I heard they're in big trouble financially and are closing
a bunch of stores. Doesn't bode well for continued support. Used to
own Microns, but they've almost faded out of the picture
completely. I can't get a Mac because I don't have the $$ to make
the software switch. All the magazines tout Dell, but there's no
way I'm going through that quagmire again. I need a computer, not
just an order number and endless delays.

So - what's left? Anything? I want a standard desktop - nothing
fancy - capable of letting me do what we all do here - process and
print digital images- at a reasonable clip. Any and all suggestions
appreciated.

HWLee · Mar 20, 2003

Steve Kreiter said:
Please help me figure out what PC to buy to replace my old one.
After 3 infuriatingly unsuccessful attempts to actually GET a
computer from Dell, I've given up on them. I was thinking Gateway,
but then I heard they're in big trouble financially and are closing
a bunch of stores. Doesn't bode well for continued support. Used to
own Microns, but they've almost faded out of the picture
completely. I can't get a Mac because I don't have the $$ to make
the software switch. All the magazines tout Dell, but there's no
way I'm going through that quagmire again. I need a computer, not
just an order number and endless delays.

So - what's left? Anything? I want a standard desktop - nothing
fancy - capable of letting me do what we all do here - process and
print digital images- at a reasonable clip. Any and all suggestions
appreciated.

Jim_Ryder · Mar 20, 2003

The model I'm considering has a 120GB 7200 rpm ATA/100 speed- P4, 2.53 GHz; 512 MB PC2100 DDR Ram- is that not high enough? The Gateway I looked at 'only' had 5400 rpm speed AND NO firewire inputs; I'm up in Canada so ordering direct from Gateway is not a consideration - I did go to their website & looked at their higher end video-editing 700XL system - out of my price range !

As for 'building-it-myself' - ha, I'm a non-techie;I used to work with- not in the IT dept.-compatibility issues galore ! And as for the smaller shops building-it-for-you: nice idea - went to 5 differents shops, got NO help what-so-ever, so I'm afraid I looking at getting brandname. Any other suggestions welcomed !

Nate Lam said:
I use a Gateway at work and it works flawlessly without a hitch,
and they have great support and deals on monitor/PC combos. I don't
recommend the Sony because the benchmark speeds are lower than
other computers of the same specs. I believe the problem is in the
size and the integrated motherboard. Don't even both trying to open
it up and upgrade parts...you have to take the POWER supply out to
got to the motherboard, take the CD rom out to get to the sound
card (integrated) and it's just a big mess that gets too hot
easily. Good luck! Stick with Gateway or Dell (or Mac!!) but stay
away from HP they have horrible support.

Ian Yates · Mar 20, 2003

Yeah!
Here is a link that will show you how to do that--->

http://www.flightsim.com/cgi/kds? $=main/howto/upgrade.htm

--
Ian Yates

Steve Kreiter · Mar 20, 2003

Now that's an idea! And we have 2 or 3 good reputation stores in this area. I'll check 'em out. Thanks!

Jón Ragnarsson said:
Ask your local computer geek. He should be able to tell you. I
built my own, and it is still chugging along 2 years later. Hardly
ever turned off.
J.

--
http://jonr.beecee.org/gallery/

Steve Kreiter · Mar 20, 2003

Wow! Never expected this response. Thanks to everyone for so many ideas. Used to be a network tech so building my own shouldn't be a problem if I decide I'm not too lazy to do it. I'll also check local geek stores, box-stores, etc. Read in today's paper that the local G'way store is one of 80 or so being closed around the country. Maybe I can swoop in for a fire-sale deal this weekend.

AdamW · Mar 20, 2003

Steve Kreiter said:
Please help me figure out what PC to buy to replace my old one.
After 3 infuriatingly unsuccessful attempts to actually GET a
computer from Dell, I've given up on them. I was thinking Gateway,
but then I heard they're in big trouble financially and are closing
a bunch of stores. Doesn't bode well for continued support. Used to
own Microns, but they've almost faded out of the picture
completely. I can't get a Mac because I don't have the $$ to make
the software switch. All the magazines tout Dell, but there's no
way I'm going through that quagmire again. I need a computer, not
just an order number and endless delays.

So - what's left? Anything? I want a standard desktop - nothing
fancy - capable of letting me do what we all do here - process and
print digital images- at a reasonable clip. Any and all suggestions
appreciated.

Build your own. If you want a laptop, buy Fujitsu.

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