Buying a name brand computer by the numbers
Jul 17 '00 (Updated Oct 20 '00)
In my opinion over the past several years, the big brand name computer manufacturer kept the prices for their PC's artificially high by putting expensive options that most people would never use to keep the prices high. It seemed just when prices on processors would go down they would add a zip drive to their package, or a tape drive .
Now since there is much more competition they have to lower the prices, so the next tactic is put lower end components, with little to no expandability. They say you can design your own PC and they will ship it to you (Gateway and Dell) but that comes at a hefty price. Another thing that name brand manufacturer like to do with their PC's, if you need a certain speed processor you can only get that model with certain components that they choose, and they are usually things you don't need.
If it was me I would go to your local computer store, not CompUSA, Best Buys or any chain stores like them, at sit down with them and setup a good machine that better suits your needs. I sell PC's for a local service company, but I believe giving the customer what they need, not what I want them to buy is the best thing for a customer.
My recommendation for a good PC that will fall in this price range:
Pentium III 600 Mhz processor
20 GB hard drive
128 MB ram
16 MB AGP video card
128 bit pci sound card w/ 3 spker
52x CD-rom
56K modem
17" monitor
Epson Inkjet Printer
with this system you will be able to run most software programs with the exception of some of the really graphic intensive games. With a simple video card upgrade, you play those games on this system.
I feel the informed of a consumer you are you will be able to buy the best computer for you, shop around first, pick up a computer magazine. See what the experts are saying about a certain machine or brand of machine. I still think, your best bet is a local computer company they are handy if you have a problem, and it their reputation they have to worry about, not a large nationwide company that couldn't care less.
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