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stxopher · 05-09-2007, 02:41 PM

The basic rules that I use for systems for other people are:

1) if you are just looking for a basic net/typewriter/general use machine, pick up a cheap prebuilt. At that level they all are pretty much the same and will serve your purpose as well as a more expensive machine and at a better cost. (-$500 and under)

2) if you are needing something more robust or specialized then still feel free to look at prebuilts but research what they come with, what can be added in and what the insides look like. If they won't open the case in the store, go somewhere else or order from one of the online builders (Dell, etc.) ($500-800)

3) if you start looking at systems at the $1000 and up range, ask around and see if anyone knows someone who builds systems instead of buying a prebuilt. Yes, systems are generally easy to build but not everyone has the time or (unbelievable as it seems) the mental fortitude to find everything needed to make a good, stable system. In these times there is a high chance that there is someone around you who can build for a small charge. The cost (parts + labor) should be the same as a prebuilt and since most builders are a bit retentive anyway it will be a nicer system (with a margin of over-building likely but that's a good thing). If the cost the geeker quotes is to much higher than what you saw in the store, get another opinion (your first geek may be to much of an enthusiast for your needs).

And for heavens sake, if you don't have the ability to build a system yourself do NOT let the local geeker talk you into saving money and going to Linux! I've had to fix systems like this before. (Nothing against Linux. I use it a lot and love it. But let's be honest about the "ease of use" myth. If you can't put together a computer, you SURE can't manage a operating system that still often needs tinkering "under the hood" to get it running. Stick with Windows. One of it's strong points is the general stability and lack of customizing available to the average user.)

So far this year I've built 7 systems for people who either had no aptitude but did have an experience like yours (and so were NOT going to buy another prebuilt) or had the aptitude but no time. Oddly enough the majority have been media centers/graphic stations. Lots of people are starting to see the advantage of digitizing photos, movies and documents. Which means they are also starting to see the limits of things they are using (DRM and format shifting).

05-09-2007, 02:41 PM	#23
stxopher Nameless Being	The basic rules that I use for systems for other people are: 1) if you are just looking for a basic net/typewriter/general use machine, pick up a cheap prebuilt. At that level they all are pretty much the same and will serve your purpose as well as a more expensive machine and at a better cost. (-$500 and under) 2) if you are needing something more robust or specialized then still feel free to look at prebuilts but research what they come with, what can be added in and what the insides look like. If they won't open the case in the store, go somewhere else or order from one of the online builders (Dell, etc.) ($500-800) 3) if you start looking at systems at the $1000 and up range, ask around and see if anyone knows someone who builds systems instead of buying a prebuilt. Yes, systems are generally easy to build but not everyone has the time or (unbelievable as it seems) the mental fortitude to find everything needed to make a good, stable system. In these times there is a high chance that there is someone around you who can build for a small charge. The cost (parts + labor) should be the same as a prebuilt and since most builders are a bit retentive anyway it will be a nicer system (with a margin of over-building likely but that's a good thing). If the cost the geeker quotes is to much higher than what you saw in the store, get another opinion (your first geek may be to much of an enthusiast for your needs). And for heavens sake, if you don't have the ability to build a system yourself do NOT let the local geeker talk you into saving money and going to Linux! I've had to fix systems like this before. (Nothing against Linux. I use it a lot and love it. But let's be honest about the "ease of use" myth. If you can't put together a computer, you SURE can't manage a operating system that still often needs tinkering "under the hood" to get it running. Stick with Windows. One of it's strong points is the general stability and lack of customizing available to the average user.) So far this year I've built 7 systems for people who either had no aptitude but did have an experience like yours (and so were NOT going to buy another prebuilt) or had the aptitude but no time. Oddly enough the majority have been media centers/graphic stations. Lots of people are starting to see the advantage of digitizing photos, movies and documents. Which means they are also starting to see the limits of things they are using (DRM and format shifting).