DELL XPS or Alienware?

[tycoot]

I've been configuring systems about same price, should I go with Dell XPS Gen4 or an Alienware, never been with either company, always built my own. I'm just not wanting to build a computer I want it to come built :p Let me know what you guys think.

[lmaro]

You might really want to reconsider if you can build your own systems. For example, the Dell BIOS won't let you change any timings and voltages. Alienware is horribly overpriced, but I haven't actually bought anything from them.

[tycoot]

i probably wont be overclocking or anything as i have no need. i also kind of like the whole onsite repair

[EnderW]

Alienware probably makes a better system, but if you're patient you can catch one of the big Dell sales and get a good deal on the XPS

[Jasonx82]

Why not just get someone like monarchcomputer.com to custom build you one, probably way cheaper.. and just as good.. ;)

[Badger]

Haven't had experience with either as well, but I would probably go Dell and try to get a good deal, like a reduced price 2405 widescreen LCD to go with it. You could probably find some coupons or codes to reduce the price, too.

[Megadeth_Guy01]

Why not just get someone like monarchcomputer.com to custom build you one, probably way cheaper.. and just as good.. ;)
qft
.

[Epicenter]

Third'ed. Monarch will build you a better machine on the cheap. And then you can pick the parts that are the best bang for your buck, not total overkill with a further inflated price tag.

[BossNoodleKaboodle]

Neither, for the same price you can get a 9100 from Dell with a dual core processor and a 256MB 6800 with 2GB of ram. The XPS is a good value too. Alienware is overpriced, plus they have that stupid ass case. Dell's are quiet, and the XPS gen 1 I had with a 700Mhz P3 is STILL running strong and that thing saw all kinds of abuse. Dell's are well tested high performance machines.

[KoolDrew]

I wouldn't go with neither personally. The only place I would get a prebuilt from is Monarch computers since you can completely customize it and they don't overprice it.

[tycoot]

i just priced a few systems on monarch and its just as much as alienware

[KoolDrew]

i just priced a few systems on monarch and its just as much as alienware

What specs?

[tycoot]

alienware i had an x2, monarch i had 4000+ and it was more. 1gig ram corsair, 6800gt,160gig hitachi hd, dvdrom, dvdrw

[TSS Modder]

if you really arent gonna at least attempt to build your own system, i choose dell only because i hate alienware more.

http://www.hardfolding.com/ftag1.php/mem/8210.png (http://www.hardfolding.com?go=38&id=8210)

[harmlesskils]

i'd say alienware to get there "cool" cases

seriously if i had to pick i'd get whatevers cheaper

[TSS Modder]

...seriously if i had to pick i'd get whatevers cheaper
AKA build your own

[Z(+)DIAC]

Both are overrated and overpriced

As suggested before..build your own or find someone to build one for you.

[tycoot]

as i said im not wanting to build my own, i dont want to look around for what i want, easier to order and have it here, also has a nice warranty on it. i was just asking if people would prefer alienware or dell xps/9100 (their 9100 now has pentium d).

[TSS Modder]

you must select which parts you want either way. building your own just gives you more options.

its extremely simple. you could just start a thread in 'General Hardware' stating your budget and any brand preferences, and have the rest of the [H]ard do the work for you.

if you arent even gonna attempt to build your own PC, then you arent [H]ard... youre [s]oft. and thats [s]ad... :(

[astern]

Just build your own. For a cheaper price you can probably build one just as good as any Dell or Alienware.

[knothead34]

sounds like he is talking about a laptop. :confused:

[kirbyrj]

Just build your own. For a cheaper price you can probably build one just as good as any Dell or Alienware.

I think he said like 4 times he didn't want to build his own even though it was cheaper :p .

Anyway, if you're buying a machine like this to play games, then go Alienware because Dell only deals with Intel and AMD is better for games. That being said, you can probably get a better deal on a Dell with some of the huge coupons that come out. The P4 D's don't look like they game particularly well :rolleyes: .

[cell_491]

go with monarchcomputer.com

[tycoot]

some of you people have a 5 second reading span or you just read the topic and state your mind. i said ive built pcs before (built 5 for myself, even 4 that i can think of for other people). all i was asking for who would you go with alienware or dell. was just wanting feedback or info if anyone has been with either of these people.

[ScHpAnKy]

Think of this way...
You buy a pre-built, you pay for a worse system.

For the same price of a pre-built you can get a BETTER system.

I don't get why anybody would NOT want to build their own system if they knew how... it's such a thrill/fun time. Also, Dell uses shitty motherboards, and you can't do anything about it.

If you absolutely won't build, for whatever reason... go monarch... much better support, will ship faster than both companies, and guaranteed BETTER components.

[tycoot]

main reason for not wanting to build a new system, im busy the next 4 weeks i dont see myself having 2+ hours of freetime to sit down build a computer. i just want to order and go, and ill probably just go monarch once they get amd x2 in. much easier for me.

[HekoAridese]

i'd build it, it's much cheaper than going with dell or alienware.

[cell_491]

i'd build it, it's much cheaper than going with dell or alienware.
learn to READ

[MrSlacker]

go with monarch. yeah building is fun and cheaper, but if u dont have time, there is nothing u can do about it.........

[Himmler]

go with alienware...i have 2 :D

[BossNoodleKaboodle]

What's so "extreme" about your RAM Himmler??? Its not from outer space is it?

[sc00ter]

Performance = Alienware
Price = Dell
Looks = Alienware
Support = Alienware
Quality = Alienware

If you have enough spare cash, I'd get the Alienware. Of course, I'd still build my own over either of those..but that's up to you.

[andrew911tt]

What about a XPS laptop from dell.

I would go for an Alienwear for a Desktop.

But maybe you should think about a Dell XPS Laptop.

[GeForceX]

I think he said like 4 times he didn't want to build his own even though it was cheaper :p .

Anyway, if you're buying a machine like this to play games, then go Alienware because Dell only deals with Intel and AMD is better for games. That being said, you can probably get a better deal on a Dell with some of the huge coupons that come out. The P4 D's don't look like they game particularly well :rolleyes: .

You have to understand that many average users won't realized that. In fact, when they get their hands on the "Gaming" system with a P4, they will say, "Wow, it's fast!" In reality, it is fast anyway. An Athlon 64 / FX / X2 is only faster. But I really doubt you'd actually see a big discerning difference when playing between two identical but different processors (depending on the game/software).

-J.

[GeForceX]

Only go with Alienware if you do have the cash and you have an absolute necessity with service and support. I've gotten one and I'm quite satisfied.

-J.

[1c3d0g]

...

if you arent even gonna attempt to build your own PC, then you arent [H]ard... youre [s]oft. and thats [s]ad... :(
What a fucking thread crap. Troll somewhere else. :mad: Some people simply *do not* have the time to spend hours messing around with their PC and simply want to get their important work done, computer machine be damned.

Personally, I'd really really go for an Alienware. Only if price is a severe problem for you, should you go for a Dell, because upgrading parts on a Dell is a complete no-no. Just keep that in mind and you shouldn't have any problems finding the right PC for you. Good luck. :)

[BossNoodleKaboodle]

I bet he doesn't even use his computer for anything productive, just puts dumb looking fan grilles on it. Eat my dual Xeon Dell's dust.

[lithium726]

Dell's are quiet, and the XPS gen 1 I had with a 700Mhz P3 is STILL running strong and that thing saw all kinds of abuse. Dell's are well tested high performance machines. youre comparing a 700mhz p3, which put out a max of about 25w and could be passivly cooled to a pentium4 EE which puts out ~100-120w of heat? plus a high end graphics card putting out another buttload of heat... do you see the flaw in this argument? now, i havent dealt with a current gen XPS system myself, but I have heard (from users on this forum) that under heavy load, those fans ramp up and become very loud, which is something i am not willing to deal with, as a consumer.

[cell_491]

What a fucking thread crap. Troll somewhere else. :mad: Some people simply *do not* have the time to spend hours messing around with their PC and simply want to get their important work done, computer machine be damned.

Personally, I'd really really go for an Alienware. Only if price is a severe problem for you, should you go for a Dell, because upgrading parts on a Dell is a complete no-no. Just keep that in mind and you shouldn't have any problems finding the right PC for you. Good luck. :)
or go with monarchcomputer

[Kyle_Bennett]

if you arent even gonna attempt to build your own PC, then you arent [H]ard... youre [s]oft. and thats [s]ad... :(

So you have the time to build all the computers in my family at no profit and give them free support as well? I guess if you can't do that then you are soft too eh?

[BossNoodleKaboodle]

youre comparing a 700mhz p3, which put out a max of about 25w and could be passivly cooled to a pentium4 EE which puts out ~100-120w of heat? plus a high end graphics card putting out another buttload of heat... do you see the flaw in this argument? now, i havent dealt with a current gen XPS system myself, but I have heard (from users on this forum) that under heavy load, those fans ramp up and become very loud, which is something i am not willing to deal with, as a consumer.


Dells are still almost silent. Even their highest end workstations like mine. Dual Xeon heaters in there with a 256MB Quadro 3400. The XPS with a single processor is no big deal. They're well designed, thats why they're owning the market.

[Blah425]

I would go with Dell on this one!

[Mushroom Prince]

So you have the time to build all the computers in my family at no profit and give them free support as well? I guess if you can't do that then you are soft too eh?


wow ... ownt :D


Anywho.. relating to the question asked in this thread I would like to point out a few things. If your not asking anyone how to build a computer but who you should buy a gaming computer from then I am going to assume that you are willing to pay 1500-2000 for a desktop PC. In my honest opinion it really doesn't ~matter~ who you get a gaming PC from. Its just a PC right? And you seem to be just unsure who is going to rip you off and who's wintel box is going to blow up the next day you get it. Both machines will work fine, both companies have at least mediocre tech support.

You can always pay someone to put a computer together for you >.> It would be cheaper ( even though you don't seem to care ). And .. if you want you can get a custom built pc from someplace like monarch computer.


~bestwishes

[GeForceX]

So you have the time to build all the computers in my family at no profit and give them free support as well? I guess if you can't do that then you are soft too eh?

This is what I often do a lot. But I usually get a free dinner. :p

-J.

[cell_491]

This is what I often do a lot. But I usually get a free dinner. :p

-J.
i usually get free dinner and money :p ... but seriously guys if the guy asks whats a better pre-built system then help him find the best pre-built system dont tell him to build his own. People actually have jobs and lives here folks, they dont allways have time to fuck around with their computer.

[Talonz]

I'm pretty tired of people complaining about others not building their own systems. A lot of people just don't have the time anymore. Read the forum title: Full Computer Systems (OEM) That would be, computers you buy from other companies. If you have no interest in OEM systems, then this is not your forum.

FWIW, both are good systems, but if you can afford the Alienware, I would go for it because of their tech support.

[cell_491]

hey tycoot check out monarch... http://www.monarchcomputer.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=M&Category_Code=allgaming

[PawNtheSandman]

Go monarch. Anyone who suggests alienware has rich parents who are trying to buy their love.

[darknite]

i think everyone that posted about monarch or build you own should be banned from teh forums...can yall not read people...geez
neways...i would go alienware
i did a repair on the high end xps and OMFG...it took all day for somethin that should have taken 10 mins...reading other peoples "opinions" alienware is the best of teh 2
I hate dell support, hate it , hate it, hate it. you will get much better performance from the alienware....mainly cuz its amd baby.
Theres my opinion...

[elite.mafia]

If you really want a prebuilt system, go to www.abspc.com - WAY cheaper than buying from big OEM retailers such as alienware and dell.

[TSS Modder]

What a fucking thread crap. Troll somewhere else. :mad: Some people simply *do not* have the time to spend hours messing around with their PC and simply want to get their important work done, computer machine be damned.
...
that statement was made before he stated that he didnt have enough time. i was under the impression that he was another guy who was too lazy to build his own. time-constraints change everything. now pull the stick outta your ass... :rolleyes:

So you have the time to build all the computers in my family at no profit and give them free support as well? I guess if you can't do that then you are soft too eh?
actually, yes i do. i do it quite often w/ close friends and family. i also usually get a meal, and occasionally a small amount of money...:rolleyes:

[cell_491]

that statement was made before he stated that he didnt have enough time. i was under the impression that he was another guy who was too lazy to build his own. time-constraints change everything. now pull the stick outta your ass... :rolleyes:


actually, yes i do. i do it quite often w/ close friends and family. i also usually get a meal, and occasionally a small amount of money...:rolleyes:
when kyle sees that hes gonna ban you

[TSS Modder]

when kyle sees that hes gonna ban you
did i say anything against him? why would i be banned? :confused:

[cell_491]

did i say anything against him? why would i be banned? :confused:
because the :rolleyes: symbol is insulting and he can do anything he wants...he pays for the forums :rolleyes:

[Kyle_Bennett]

actually, yes i do. i do it quite often w/ close friends and family. i also usually get a meal, and occasionally a small amount of money...:rolleyes:

Cool deal. Please send me your name and contact information so I can get all my relatives in touch with you as I don't have the resources to accomplish what you have. Hell I will give you $5 and a burger for buiding systems and supporting them all day long.

[SilentZED]

Go monarch. Anyone who suggests alienware has rich parents who are trying to buy their love.
Yeah, Alienware is a company built on the business model of numerous parents who are tring to buy their child's love.

[ufster8]

how come at this era of computing glory people who want stable and relatively powerful pcs are forced to choose between Dell or Alienware, i dont mean to flame since i once had the same decision to make, because there were not many other viable alternatives. why can't there be a brand(s) which customizes its products to suit the wishes of its customers and offer more than these two pathetic companies can. imho alienware buyers tend to think that what they buy is the best that money can buy and they also tend to be so wrong since naming a pc alienware does not make it faster or more reliable, its not like they are going to tweak nvidias/atis drivers for you and hold your hand while you frag your first bot with your overpriced rig.

[Leon2ky]

Hmm why not do a little more research first? There are other companies out there that supply awesome PCs for awesome prices (Pick up a CPU Magazine from your local bookstore or someplace like that, I have a monthly subscription to them and they have alot of Ads on pre-built computer suppliers).

[ufster8]

Hmm why not do a little more research first? There are other companies out there that supply awesome PCs for awesome prices (Pick up a CPU Magazine from your local bookstore or someplace like that, I have a monthly subscription to them and they have alot of Ads on pre-built computer suppliers).
i am not just talking about local stores or companies, i am talking about a company that can be compared to dell in terms of sales, i believe this is the only way consumers can guarantee fair prices and also, through reviews and so on, know a little bit about what they are buying as a pre-built computer. i.e. before i bought my first dell, i did not know about the non-atx parts and it kinda came as a shock to me later, i thought i had a great deal considering the specs and the price of the pc.

[TSS Modder]

hey tycoot, sorry for shittin in your thread after my first post. i didnt realize this was a new forum only for OEM questions. sorry for all of the troubles. :)

[jon67]

Dells are still almost silent. Even their highest end workstations like mine. Dual Xeon heaters in there with a 256MB Quadro 3400. The XPS with a single processor is no big deal. They're well designed, thats why they're owning the market.

QFT. Just got a XPS gen4 with a 570J and it's remarkably silent even under max load.

Good idea with a OEM/pre-built forum. I hope people respect that some of us prefer to buy computers assembled and QA'ed by professionals, instead of spending time putting together an amateur product. I barely have enough time for my favorite hobbies, I don't need another one. Hope we can avoid endlessly repeated posting of "build your own" in this subforum at least.

[elite.mafia]

Well I personally did not say build your own. I said go to www.abspc.com and configure one. The tech support is great, just make sure you get a year subscription for support. I bought my system from them, and I love it. Now I have upgraded a lot of it.. video card, hdd, case, PSU, fans. They also allow you to choose the case you want, fans, etc.

[GeForceX]

It's nice to know that Monarch uses Thermaltake for their cases and PSU's. I feel so very safe with Monarch! :p

-J.

[Cryptic]

main reason for not wanting to build a new system, im busy the next 4 weeks i dont see myself having 2+ hours of freetime to sit down build a computer. i just want to order and go, and ill probably just go monarch once they get amd x2 in. much easier for me.
If it takes you 2+ hours to build a computer then I doubt you've ever built a computer before. Takes me 45 minutes top to unwrap everything and getting it to boot.

Anywho, that being said, Dell because alien ware has ugly ass cases and I've never heard of the other company before(I'm not saying its a bad company though, just that I've never heard of it).

[tycoot]

lol why are people always out to get other people on online forums, heres what i have going starting tomorrowing morning at 6am: a funeral in florida (i live in IL) i'll be there a week. currently im moving to st louis, i have to pack, goto school and finish registration i have to drive an hour and a half about 5 different times in a week period, work 40+ hours a week, i also have soccer conditioning starting next week. between me figuring out which system i want to go with and pricing it all, you do all of that and find the time to sit down and build a new computer (last compuer i built was 3 years ago i believe when nforce came out and amd 2100s and what not) will take me sometime, sli which i have no clue about not sure how that 100% configures/installs, also last i check it takes 30mins or so do to a windows install i believe? so good luck in 45mins jackass also do you even take time to rotue wires in 45mins? before you speak think about what your saying

[darknite]

I didnt really think about going to a store or something....considering its what i do..
/me smacks himself (for the irc fans)
....alot of times you will get a better system at jsut about the same price. I custom build alot of high end systems for our customers. I have yet to have one not pleased. you get local support, name brand products, and NONE OF THE PROPRIETARY PARTS. Its just like ordering one online or on the phone, except its all american baby.. :) and its right down the street. I love to build computers, im not an assembly line, and it will not leave the store unless its perfect and what the customer wants. Come in, tell me what you want to do, how much you wanna spend, and ill have it just like you want it.
Im still sticking with my alienware choice though.
Good luck man I hope this thread isnt really getting to ya...Funny how a simple ? turns into a whole discussion...not knockin neone..im just sayin.

and yes 2 hours is pretty decent time...considering os load and all that....take the time to do it right....plus i bench for a minumum of 4 hours

[elite.mafia]

45 minutes? wtf, do u you just throw everything in, throw wires into their slots, and slam on the power button? Took me about 4 hours to transfer my system to a new case... but I'm a nub =/

[cell_491]

45 minutes? wtf, do u you just throw everything in, throw wires into their slots, and slam on the power button? Took me about 4 hours to transfer my system to a new case... but I'm a nub =/
bro i can build a whole system in under 10min and it will work and be stable to...though i choose to spend more time because its a labor of love for me.

[mytiburon]

Whats with all the hate?? Please put everything else aside and disscuss the issue. I'm for one a big fan of dell, althugh im sure nothing is wrong with alienware. I ve currently myself been seriously disscusing getting a gen 5 XPS(im crossing fingers for price drop)
In Canada, you can not but that computer,part for part, cheaperand that is the bottom line. I've had great luck with my dells,they run great,they have decent support, solid as a rock, and can finance for us poor people. I suggest the upgrade to the xps 5 over the 9100 though. For a few more dollars, you get the 955x which supports the EE dual cores etc.

[mytiburon]

BTW, dell told me if i purchase a Gen 5 xps, it is overclockable on the dual cores, the were willing to give a hand written guarenteed statement on that.Also the 955 is not DRM enabled

[icthus13]

Check out Falcon Northwest (http://www.falcon-nw.com/) also. They're a great company.

[ScHpAnKy]

ABS is not a bad idea, they are owned by newegg and will also give you great parts and newegg's awesome for support as many of us have been made aware!

Dell's are absolutley not upgradeable, and you are paying a premium for a lesser product than what ABS would be providing you.

http://www.abspc.com/

Best option here.

I, personally, like the fact that they are both phone and forum support

[BossNoodleKaboodle]

It's nice to know that Monarch uses Thermaltake for their cases and PSU's. I feel so very safe with Monarch! :p

-J.

Crap are you serious!? I can't believe they'd waste money like that. TT doesn't even MAKE their own PSU's. So their profit margins are either small or they dick the customer over. What a shame.

[jon67]

Dell's are absolutley not upgradeable,

Wrong, most parts are standard and can be replaced/upgraded: CPUs, fans, RAM, vid cards, sound cards, HDDs, CD/DVD drives, floppy drives etc. Some systems have special MB/PSU solutions, e.g the XPS PSU is located in a separate vented compartment in the bottom of the case.

btw Dell gives you the options of phone, e-mail and forum support. The forum is frequented by Dell technicians. XPS owners also get 24/7 toll-free phone support world-wide.

[cell_491]

Wrong, most parts are standard and can be replaced/upgraded: CPUs, fans, RAM, vid cards, sound cards, HDDs, CD/DVD drives, floppy drives etc. Some systems have special MB/PSU solutions, e.g the XPS PSU is located in a separate vented compartment in the bottom of the case.

btw Dell gives you the options of phone, e-mail and forum support. The forum is frequented by Dell technicians. XPS owners also get 24/7 toll-free phone support world-wide.
well kyle gives us the option of the best tech support on the web for free and it doesnt matter where you get your system from... [H]ardforums

[TSS Modder]

well kyle gives us the option of the best tech support on the web for free and it doesnt matter where you get your system from... [H]ardforums
QFT. amen... :cool:

[Chris_Morley]

well kyle gives us the option of the best tech support on the web for free and it doesnt matter where you get your system from... [H]ardforums
Are you going to send him a new part and pre-labeled box to send the bad one back in?

[TSS Modder]

Are you going to send him a new part and pre-labeled box to send the bad one back in?
just about every single piece of electronic equipment will break w/in a year if its bad. thats covered by your standard 1 year warrenty.

typically anything past a year is caused from 1) electrical spike (covered by power strip manufacturer's warrenty. unless, of course, you were too stupid to use one, then its your fault) or 2) physical damage (thats your own fault or somebody elses fault. the OEM cant be held responsible. only yourself or whoever broke it.)

[jon67]

well kyle gives us the option of the best tech support on the web for free and it doesnt matter where you get your system from... [H]ardforums

In addition to the Hardforums, I would also like the option of a tech support that doesn't tell me that my comp is OEM crap, or to build my own comp, or that I'm a noobie with no technical skills whatsoever.

[TSS Modder]

In addition to the Hardforums, I would also like the option of a tech support that doesn't tell me that my comp is OEM crap, or to build my own comp, or that I'm a noobie with no technical skills whatsoever.
thats gonna be the purpose of this new Full Computer Systems (OEM) forum. once everybody catches on, then the flaming and crapping will end.

this thread was an early thread, and its more like a test thread at this point. everything will eventually get smoothed out. this will catch on and the thread crapping will not come in here.

[Chris_Morley]

just about every single piece of electronic equipment will break w/in a year if its bad. thats covered by your standard 1 year warrenty.

typically anything past a year is caused from 1) electrical spike (covered by power strip manufacturer's warrenty. unless, of course, you were too stupid to use one, then its your fault) or 2) physical damage (thats your own fault or somebody elses fault. the OEM cant be held responsible. only yourself or whoever broke it.)
LOL!

[magoo]

im a little late to the party. i have three i built and two that alienware built. I like their stuff and their support is good, but hold times can be trouble. As of one year ago all of alienwares stuff was in house. You will most likely speak to the techs when you have a problem. They are responsive. You can custom build an alienware to a point. I dont think their ALX is all that hot for $5000,but i dont own one of those. Ive looked at Falcon, Voodoo and Alienware. I must say that I am more than satisfied with Alienware overall. could you build it for less,yes. but if you want it now and want support to go with it get the AW. (and yes, all the monitors at my house are Dells, the comp at my office is a Dell.) Alienware started as an "extreme"builder back when there werent many of these at all. Lately theyve tried to go to the mainstream a bit with their "bot" comps, but I still think at heart they like to build fast gaming boxes. 2 cents. :D

[cell_491]

Are you going to send him a new part and pre-labeled box to send the bad one back in?
dude i said tech support...for most companies the rma department is seperate from the tech support department. Anyway i dont see your problem with my post i havent told the guy to build his own so bug off

[Cryptic]

lol why are people always out to get other people on online forums, heres what i have going starting tomorrowing morning at 6am: a funeral in florida (i live in IL) i'll be there a week. currently im moving to st louis, i have to pack, goto school and finish registration i have to drive an hour and a half about 5 different times in a week period, work 40+ hours a week, i also have soccer conditioning starting next week. between me figuring out which system i want to go with and pricing it all, you do all of that and find the time to sit down and build a new computer (last compuer i built was 3 years ago i believe when nforce came out and amd 2100s and what not) will take me sometime, sli which i have no clue about not sure how that 100% configures/installs, also last i check it takes 30mins or so do to a windows install i believe? so good luck in 45mins jackass also do you even take time to rotue wires in 45mins? before you speak think about what your saying

I said get it to boot in 45 minutes, jackass. I said nothing about windows. So before you speak think about what you are saying next time. Thanks. Also, its not that hard to route wires. Anyone with an IQ over 5 can do it in 10 minutes or less.

[texuspete00]

Alienware seems to cost on the high-side. Dell seems to as well for their gaming PC's only. They're great for the budget boxes, and I'm sure the expensive ones are nice too... just the gamer rigs a bit much. Then you are strictly going intel. I like to have choice.

I dunno man... when I saw those ABS boxes I was like wow! Now I have a PC I can suggest to people who would want a gamer... and I won't feel quilty they are getting ripped off, hence forcing me into building it myself or not feeling warm inside. Seem to finally settle my desire to get my not so close friends a great box, non-propietary, for a fair price WITH few obligations after the fact.

Hope this forum goes well for y'all! I know what the concerns are. I've seen people advised into building their co's office computers in [H] forums (HELL NO!!!)!! I can see how it quickly snowballs on both sides after. My "thrown together computer is amateur" or something!! I'm beyond your factory line worker if for no other reasons than a loving hand (i.e. look under a factory applied nb sink). Not everyone wants to be obsessed.

Bit of a mainstreaming of the site but this isn't a niche site like XS and what not. Kyle's got to eat! So I guess gaming hardware with two cups of OC mixed in would be a good category? Alright I ramble now.

[elite.mafia]

Dell does rip you off.. My sister got a gateway for $500 less than a dell of the same specs.

[Chris_Morley]

dude i said tech support...for most companies the rma department is seperate from the tech support department. Anyway i dont see your problem with my post i havent told the guy to build his own so bug off
Tech's authorize RMAs. You still haven't answered my question.

[cell_491]

Tech's authorize RMAs. You still haven't answered my question.
you should be banned for being an ************ (you decide what word that is). All i said was you can get great tech support on these forums i didnt say that was a reason to build his own or anything.

[SEALTeamSix]

For what it's worth, I've had a good experience using Dell warranties on their laptops. The battery stopped holding a charge, and 2 days after my 15-minute phone call I had a new one in my hands. My father has also had good experience with their on-site service. But, having said that... you should rely on the [H] tech-savvy friends and for desktop tech support - warranties are not worth the cost. Laptops still use proprietary parts (mostly) and tend to be abused more thoroughly, and the warranty is already built into the cost.

-SEAL

[BossNoodleKaboodle]

Dell does rip you off.. My sister got a gateway for $500 less than a dell of the same specs.

Gateway is also perrenially rated among the lowest of all pieces of crap by Consumer Reports and the only people I've known who own them hate them.

[cell_491]

Gateway is also perrenially rated among the lowest of all pieces of crap by Consumer Reports and the only people I've known who own them hate them.
also sray away from compaq or hp

[magoo]

one of my first comps was a gateway and it almost turned me away from home computers altogether, but it was quite some time ago (windows 95) . I think all computers were a bit buggy that you could buy enmass at that time.

[Dan_D]

Gateway is also perrenially rated among the lowest of all pieces of crap by Consumer Reports and the only people I've known who own them hate them.

Consumer reports doesn't know their ass from a hole in the ground when it comes to comptuers. I've worked on just about every brand there is, I can say that Gateway isn't the worst you could get by any stretch of the imagination.

I can't speak too much about desktop support in the consumer market. Business support wise HP/Compaq is second to no one that I know if. I deal with them on parts related issues all the time. I've delt with some other commercial systems, but anyway. From a hardware standpoint, the Gateway isn't that bad. They don't make anything in the system. Software wise, yes they suck. As do all the consumer OEM's. Dell probably being the best about not loading your PC with useless shit.

also sray away from compaq or hp

Do you have some reason for saying this? Or are you going off 5+ year old information?

The Presario used to suck ass. Theres no getting around it. HP's always been one of the better OEM's when it comes to hardware. Support wise, both HP and Compaq have always been good.

I used to refurbish HP's and Compaq units when they were still seperate companies. They were pleasant to deal with. They were also one of the only manufacturers that didn't require a receipt in order to honor a customers warranty. The same holds true today.

Now, they've got a program for the retail systems called HP Rapid Repair, which allows service centers to use pre-authorized non-OEM replacement hardware pulled from the retail floor if need be to repair a unit, in order to expedite a repair. No other manufacturer makes warranty repair easier.

As to their quality, they aren't perfect, but they are better than 75% of the other units out there. For example, they are alot better than Sony. Sony crams their units full of bullshit hardware and software that is buggy and problem ridden. Their hardware is usually plagued with all kinds of BIOS and firmware issues, especially on the notebooks. Not to mention they use cheaper and more fragile plastics than their competetors.

I could go further off on my tangent here, but I'll stop. Point is, HP and Compaq aren't deserving of the reputation many people give them. Not any longer. You could do ALOT worse.

[cell_491]

Consumer reports doesn't know their ass from a hole in the ground when it comes to comptuers. I've worked on just about every brand there is, I can say that Gateway isn't the worst you could get by any stretch of the imagination.

I can't speak too much about desktop support in the consumer market. Business support wise HP/Compaq is second to no one that I know if. I deal with them on parts related issues all the time. I've delt with some other commercial systems, but anyway. From a hardware standpoint, the Gateway isn't that bad. They don't make anything in the system. Software wise, yes they suck. As do all the consumer OEM's. Dell probably being the best about not loading your PC with useless shit.
yea ive heard compaq makes great servers and stuff but their home pc's BLOW

[Chris_Morley]

you should be banned for being an ************ (you decide what word that is). All i said was you can get great tech support on these forums i didnt say that was a reason to build his own or anything. You're the only one getting upset here. I asked rhetorical questions to get you to think, if that qualifies me as an asshole in your book, I'm not bothered by it. And I seriously doubt Kyle's going to ban an editor of his for asking questions.

[Dan_D]

yea ive heard compaq makes great servers and stuff but their home pc's BLOW

Their servers and commercial equipment are excellent. Their home PC's are much better than they once were. Alot of techs may even say they don't like them. Take that with a grain of salt. They'll see alot more of them, just like I see alot of Dell's. The reason for that is simple. They outsell the other PC makers by a large margin. That means more of them end up in the shop.

As to consumer reports, HP, Compaq, and other OEM's throw alot of BS software on their machines which does account for alot of the perceived problems that retail units will have.

For example, Gateway has chosen to add Symantec and McAfee products to their machines. Those two companies programs do not co-exist easily. This is a poor decision on Gateway's part.

[Chris_Morley]

For example, Gateway has chosen to add Symantec and McAfee products to their machines. Those two companies programs do not co-exist easily. This is a poor decision on Gateway's part.
Tell me about it. I have a 9310XL from them that I'm reviewing right now, and the first thing I did was uninstall McAfee. What a cluster-fark.

[cell_491]

You're the only one getting upset here. I asked rhetorical questions to get you to think, if that qualifies me as an asshole in your book, I'm not bothered by it. And I seriously doubt Kyle's going to ban an editor of his for asking questions.
did i call you an asshole?...really, you shouldnt have such a low oppinion of yourself. I never said hardforums could rma his stuff i just said that it can provide excellent tech support, so stop being an ***********************.

[jon67]

did i call you an asshole?...really, you shouldnt have such a low oppinion of yourself. I never said hardforums could rma his stuff i just said that it can provide excellent tech support, so stop being an ***********************.

You're on thin ice, son... :rolleyes:

[Cryptic]

Gateway is also perrenially rated among the lowest of all pieces of crap by Consumer Reports and the only people I've known who own them hate them.

When I was 10 my dad bought a gateway. That was 8 years ago and it still runs. I'd rather buy a gateway then a POS overpriced Dell or Alienware.

[cell_491]

You're on thin ice, son... :rolleyes:
first off i never called anyone anything bad second thing is im not your son... :rolleyes:

[Chris_Morley]

did i call you an asshole?...really, you shouldnt have such a low oppinion of yourself. I never said hardforums could rma his stuff i just said that it can provide excellent tech support, so stop being an ***********************.
Grow up.

[cell_491]

Grow up.
you grow up...do you know how childish it sounds when you keep pushing me to answer a rehtorical question? I didnt write my original post just so you could piss on it, all i said was hardforums provide excellent tech support then you get all self righteous and crap. :rolleyes:

[Cryptic]

How long untill this thread gets locked?

[cell_491]

How long untill this thread gets locked?
probably pretty soon

[aZn_plyR]

ABS.COM

[elite.mafia]

ABS.COM
it's www.abspc.com

[aZn_plyR]

yah thnx :) havn't visited them since last september...

[BossNoodleKaboodle]

Consumer reports doesn't know their ass from a hole in the ground when it comes to comptuers. I've worked on just about every brand there is, I can say that Gateway isn't the worst you could get by any stretch of the imagination.

I can't speak too much about desktop support in the consumer market. Business support wise HP/Compaq is second to no one that I know if. I deal with them on parts related issues all the time. I've delt with some other commercial systems, but anyway. From a hardware standpoint, the Gateway isn't that bad. They don't make anything in the system. Software wise, yes they suck. As do all the consumer OEM's. Dell probably being the best about not loading your PC with useless shit.



Do you have some reason for saying this? Or are you going off 5+ year old information?

The Presario used to suck ass. Theres no getting around it. HP's always been one of the better OEM's when it comes to hardware. Support wise, both HP and Compaq have always been good.

I used to refurbish HP's and Compaq units when they were still seperate companies. They were pleasant to deal with. They were also one of the only manufacturers that didn't require a receipt in order to honor a customers warranty. The same holds true today.

Now, they've got a program for the retail systems called HP Rapid Repair, which allows service centers to use pre-authorized non-OEM replacement hardware pulled from the retail floor if need be to repair a unit, in order to expedite a repair. No other manufacturer makes warranty repair easier.

As to their quality, they aren't perfect, but they are better than 75% of the other units out there. For example, they are alot better than Sony. Sony crams their units full of bullshit hardware and software that is buggy and problem ridden. Their hardware is usually plagued with all kinds of BIOS and firmware issues, especially on the notebooks. Not to mention they use cheaper and more fragile plastics than their competetors.

I could go further off on my tangent here, but I'll stop. Point is, HP and Compaq aren't deserving of the reputation many people give them. Not any longer. You could do ALOT worse.

Hey Einstien why don't you go up to your local Best Buy and pull down the cheap little door on the front of ANY HP computer, or slide any one of their useless, easily broken pannels and see just how it sticks and doesn't open with anything resembling smoothness. Their cases are the cheapest pieces of shit in the world. Emachines is a billion times better and they're total crap too. If that wasn't convincing enough, my friend who kept his rather new piece of shit HP in an air conditioned room and didn't load its PSU had it blow up on him and he had to send it all the way back to HP for a replacement. What a pain in the ass that was. My ex producer had one that got a virus, and being computer illiterate, she sent it to them and they promised to reinstall Windows for her. They didn't. They just did the recovery partition, which was also infected and sent it back to her. Their service and support is CRAP. My neighbor had an HP which is sitting in the garage now, because he bought my old PC as a replacement. It just mysteriously died and wouldn't post or boot and no amount of diagnostics could locate the problem. I know what the problem was. I told nim many times: 'It's an HP."

You couldn't do much worse than any of that BS. Get a Dell. Get an Alienware before you get an HP/Comcrap computer. The HP cases are enough reason to stay away. They're the nastiest, cheapest, most flimsy and easily broken pieces of crap in the world. Even the pre-modded junk is better.

[Zinn]

HP desktops are laughable crap... their laptops are okay.

I really don't dig the whole cheap plastic look. It seems so 1998.

[BossNoodleKaboodle]

HP desktops are laughable crap... their laptops are okay.

I really don't dig the whole cheap plastic look. It seems so 1998.

That look has never beein in, HP is just shit until you get to their SuperDome.

[Cryptic]

Hey Einstien why don't you go up to your local Best Buy and pull down the cheap little door on the front of ANY HP computer, or slide any one of their useless, easily broken pannels and see just how it sticks and doesn't open with anything resembling smoothness. Their cases are the cheapest pieces of shit in the world. Emachines is a billion times better and they're total crap too. If that wasn't convincing enough, my friend who kept his rather new piece of shit HP in an air conditioned room and didn't load its PSU had it blow up on him and he had to send it all the way back to HP for a replacement. What a pain in the ass that was. My ex producer had one that got a virus, and being computer illiterate, she sent it to them and they promised to reinstall Windows for her. They didn't. They just did the recovery partition, which was also infected and sent it back to her. Their service and support is CRAP. My neighbor had an HP which is sitting in the garage now, because he bought my old PC as a replacement. It just mysteriously died and wouldn't post or boot and no amount of diagnostics could locate the problem. I know what the problem was. I told nim many times: 'It's an HP."

You couldn't do much worse than any of that BS. Get a Dell. Get an Alienware before you get an HP/Comcrap computer. The HP cases are enough reason to stay away. They're the nastiest, cheapest, most flimsy and easily broken pieces of crap in the world. Even the pre-modded junk is better.


Finally, someone who realizes shit isnt as shitty as a HP system. I've been saying it all a long.

[Kyle_Bennett]

You're the only one getting upset here. I asked rhetorical questions to get you to think, if that qualifies me as an asshole in your book, I'm not bothered by it. And I seriously doubt Kyle's going to ban an editor of his for asking questions.

I would suggest you handle yourself a bit better though. These guys hold part of your future in their hands.

[Kyle_Bennett]

This thread is done. I want to thank everyone who turned it into a shithole. Anyone that called a name has been banned for one week.

I suggest you all look at your behavior here and learn to discuss things in an adult manner. These bullshit blanket posts of "company X is shit" will not fly with me. Either you state your case in an adult manner with the logic to back it up or you will be banned.

I will not tolerate idiocy and childlike arguing in this forum. You are all warned.