Since I don't want to get into the tech support business I want to steer a coworker to a decent system.
I know, Dell. But what are some other sound chices. It doesn't need to be anything super.
The very newest EMachines are nice, since gateway bought them. Cheap, easy, nice.
0
Straight_ManGeeky, in my own wayNaples, FLIcrontian
edited April 2004
Um, Alienware.... Partly because they come with a binder of howto.... VooDOO PC if this is a gamer's box, and Micron PC has decent tech support also. Moneywise for overall value??? DELL.
Gateway has closed some of its brick and mortar stores, is closing all of them. AND they acquired eMachines-- DNB those, PLEASE. If you want a starter box that does not need upgrading, Dell or HP-- but the HP box will be much less upgradable, especially the lines that were mfr'd by Compaq's desktop division, the whole Presario line as a specific example. For grandma, HP or Compaq-- reasonable budget boxes for letter writing or email, not much else, mostly the grandkids will squawk while grandma will be happy at the low cost.
John D.
0
Straight_ManGeeky, in my own wayNaples, FLIcrontian
The very newest EMachines are nice, since gateway bought them. Cheap, easy, nice.
TANSTAFL-- in this case, the PSUs used do not let you put a big HD or optical drive in, they are cut to the bone as far as PSU specs for most eMachines. For a kid who will be expected to keep box, no way will it survive as long as its CPU will. Kid will talk folks into giving it to grandma, eventually.
Depends on persons age, enthusiasm for IT, and ohter tings like is the person wanting it for media work or very interested in digital photography ior gaming... If so, go to more multimedia oriented mfrs. Otherwise, get a budget box. Dell even makes those these days.
John D.
0
Geeky1University of the Pacific (Stockton, CA, USA)
LeonardoWake up and smell the glaciersEagle River, AlaskaIcrontian
edited April 2004
I would go Dell. If he just needs a machine for all around use with decent mutlitasking, I'd go with an Octiplex. These machines are rock solid dependable. No peaks in any area of performance, but good overall. (They even run Folding@Home with no hiccups!)
If plans on gaming, DON'T go Dell Optiplex - they have dated video video hardware.
Comments
Gateway has closed some of its brick and mortar stores, is closing all of them. AND they acquired eMachines-- DNB those, PLEASE. If you want a starter box that does not need upgrading, Dell or HP-- but the HP box will be much less upgradable, especially the lines that were mfr'd by Compaq's desktop division, the whole Presario line as a specific example. For grandma, HP or Compaq-- reasonable budget boxes for letter writing or email, not much else, mostly the grandkids will squawk while grandma will be happy at the low cost.
John D.
TANSTAFL-- in this case, the PSUs used do not let you put a big HD or optical drive in, they are cut to the bone as far as PSU specs for most eMachines. For a kid who will be expected to keep box, no way will it survive as long as its CPU will. Kid will talk folks into giving it to grandma, eventually.
Depends on persons age, enthusiasm for IT, and ohter tings like is the person wanting it for media work or very interested in digital photography ior gaming... If so, go to more multimedia oriented mfrs. Otherwise, get a budget box. Dell even makes those these days.
John D.
http://www.resellerratings.com/seller1431.html
If plans on gaming, DON'T go Dell Optiplex - they have dated video video hardware.