ZT Systems ... anyone heard of them?

D

ditzilla

Limp Gawd
Joined
May 17, 2006
Messages
421
Hi all!

I have a very nice VM Gamers Edge 1000 (a year old in June) ... so hopefully this isn't anything urgent. And I do plan to save up for a new VM maybe next summer (by then Vista won't be such a pain?). Right now a new VM isn't in the budget -- at all. And as much as I love my Velma, I do wish there were more options in, say, a slightly smaller case and in being able to stay with XP (and layaway? :p)

Anyway, I really want to stay with XP(Home) and I'm looking for a "cheap" just-in-case OMG computer. I don't want to through the eMachine/Gateway experience again -- once with each company was quite enough. I'm not that keen on most of the big companies -- all that bloatware, proprietary parts, etc.

Was just looking through Target online and found this:
http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/ref=sc_ri_4/601-4341507-8827338?ie=UTF8&asin=B000FMVZZ2

ZT AMD Athlon 64 3200 Desktop Computer CA-8001T $499.99; I don't know what the shipping would be.

Then I found the actual ZT site:

http://www.ztshopping.com/Default.aspx?tabid=877

Now, there you can to some degree configure a system. Thing is they don't tell you who makes the motherboard, the power supply is 300 watt, but unknown whose it is -- those things are kind of important.

But you can select XPHome, you can upgrade on RAM/HD/some other options.

I did a quick configure on their Affinity 5000Za, selecting XP Home, 2 gig ram, a modem (talk about just in case!), No productivity or AV software and no monitor ... total $496.00 + $49.99 s/h; total is $545.99.

basic config page for the 5000Za here: http://www.ztshopping.com/Default.aspx?tabid=895&productid=18856

And yes, I did think about that 17" monitor for $173.00.

Anyway, has anyone ever heard of ZT Systems or Cisnet? Cisnet is clearly shown on the Target computer. Is this even worth looking at as a back up computer?

I'm using the puter for mostly -- making graphics (PSP type, not flash, etc.); playing PC (Call of Duty, Fish Tycoon) and online flash games (Pogo, MSN, Neopets) and music - ripping/burning/some recording and using SAM Broadcasting 3 as I'm an online DJ ... that's around 11 to 15 hours a week and yes, I do have alot of music sitting on my hd as well as flash drive. Also, general wasting time I should be doing other stuff by goofing around/reading news/surfing the net.

Any advice, opinions, greatly appreciated. Thanks! :)
 
ZT is a smaller boutique builder that advertises in computer shopper, pc world, etc. To be honest, I didnt think a basic desktop with integrated graphics for $500 was anything special.
 
Hi burnin!

Thanks for the quick reply :)

Here's the thing ... I know about *this* much about computers. I can add/remove ram and with a tech on the other end of the phone guiding me step by step I replaced a video card. That's pretty much the extent of what I can do physically. So, building a computer is pretty much out of the question. And no, I don't have anyone nearby who could help me with such a project. I'm the most "tech-savvy" person in our small group of friends ... which is really scary.

I've got speakers, in fact I think I have a spare set sitting in a closet. Keyboard/mouse? got, but can always use a backup (I'm rough on both).

The integrated graphics didn't thrill me either, even though I'm not doing really graphic intensive stuff. After looking at the Newegg link to the case, if that is the same case (and sure looks like it), would it be impossible to change the power supply?

So far, I've found very very few reviews - good, bad or indifferent for ZT desktops. A few laptops, yes, and the ones I found were actually quite favorable overall.

Thanks again for your time and for going through the egg like that! I really appreciate it :) Now if I wasn't a) older; b) semi-scared of the guts of computers, c) not disabled - do have problems with my hands ... I'd probably have tried building a computer by now.

Any other suggestions?
 
http://computershopper.com/reviews/zt_affinity_5002za

there is a link to almost the exact configuration you specified but it uses vista + a tv tuner card. Computer Shopper is known for being biased towards their advertisers, and they didnt have anything negative to say and didnt even bring up the power supply issue. Regarding your concerns, its not that it would be impossible to get a replacement, but you would have less choices than a unit with a full size ATX psu. From what you said, you probably wouldn t be replacing the power supply yourself anyway... but the worst case scenario is you would have to pay more down the line for a small form factor power supply instead of a cheaper, possibly better, certainly more plentiful full size psu. Anyway, the psu issue is worth mentioning but certainly not a big deal. If you aren't going to build a system yourself, and you're looking for a back up box, the Zt will probably meet your needs.
 
Hi burnin

Thanks again! That review was ... ok? only because it is somewhat different and I do see your point that they appear to go easier on their advertisers. But as a basic, no I'm not going to hook my tv and stereo up to it, just in case kind of computer ... it may do.

I did just look at this one at ZT: http://www.ztshopping.com/Default.aspx?tabid=895&productid=18785

this one does, according to the specs, uses a "real" atx psu. That should open things up a little more if it should need replacing.

I configured this one (the Element 2000Xa) with these extras:
XP Home
AMD Athlon 3800+
2GB DDR2 667MHz (PC2-5300) SDRAM (2 DIMMs) (do you think I need 2 gigs? ...
or would just the 1 gig do me well)
1.44 floppy
20x DVD+/-R/RW Dual Layer Burner
56K V.92 Data / Fax Modem
no productivity or av

and it comes to $497 plus s/h

Just as an example of the lack of computer shops/repair/expertise: I stopped by the one and only repair shop in our area. They had a used HP Pavillion 511n for sale, said they'd do a clean install (how, since they only want to use the HP recovery disc), only has 128 ram -- they said they'd up that 1 gig and put in an unused AGP card I'd bought for my old computer (before the board blew) so I wouldn't have to use the integrated video.

I went to the HP site, just because I don't quite trust these guys. I watched one of them try to fix a loose cd latch on a laptop by repeatedly banging it on the edge of a desk. That computer can't take 1 gig, 512 is the max. And it doesn't have an AGP slot. Oh, and they want to charge me $400 for the HP -- note that this is a 2002 Celeron 1.3 GHz, Intel 810e, 128 MB Ram (uses PC100 SDRam), 40 gig hd.

I wish I could build my own! I know just enough to get by, but not enough to not possibly do damage to the computer or myself.
 
AVADirect - best low-margin builder around, in our opinion. They have several product lines under $1K.

If you're willing to splurge a bit more, VM's 2007 Campus Edition is lights-out. Great bang for buck.
 
Hi Jason!

Thanks for the suggestions :)

Just went to AVA and for me? the techn00b? I found myself really overwhelmed with all the different options. I did "play around" with different configurations, I kept coming up with things well over $700. Maybe I'll give them a call tomorrow and get their take on what would really work well for me.

The VM Campus Edition? You know I'm a VM fangirl, but I do not like the campus edition. Aesthetically, I hate the silver case; I really wanted something smaller size (not micro, but not another huge case to be lugging around -- this would be my OMG just in case box), I just don't have a grand to drop on anything, let alone a computer. And finall, I do not want Vista ... and there's no option for anything else.

So why don't I want Vista? My printer and scanner will need replacing (I've checked both - no driver updates for my models); I internet DJ - the software I use doesn't work or doesn't work well with Vista. And I'm not sure what else I have that Vista will decide is just too old or out of date for it. According to eVGA's little test page? my current 1 year old in June VM Gamers Edge 1000 is only ready for Vista Basic ... like, why bother?

And just in general -- I didn't get XP until they came out with SP1, used 98SE until then.

But I will say I am very very spoiled with custom builds, even if they're not top of the line (don't need/can't afford). And I've had horrific luck with most of the major manufacturers.
 
eMachines? Ewwwww, I had such a bad experience the one and only time I actually bought one of those. Nightmare city.

Randy! Pimp away. I think I love you! I took a peek at that category, but I thought it was just for businesses, you know ordering 5 or more. Now you've got me looking at the Vision Pro. For some reason, I just really like Athlon. And onboard graphics should be fine for what I'm doing ... at least for now ;)

Now to get a bill paid off this month so I can order :) And yes, I will add in that extra 1 year - your support staff just can't be beat!
 
I have been pricing systems with these companies too. I liked VM but found that the prices were quite a bit higher than AVAdirect with less options. Another problem is that they are pushing for the 1KW PSU if you go 8800GTX 768MB SLI. Actually the 850KW PSU they have listed should be fine. I got the impression talking to them on the phone that I would have to use the 1KW PSU if I went dual 8800GTX so this brings the price up even more.

I also looked at ABS and IBuyPower but Im not getting a good vibration about them although the prices look good.

Maingear has nice systems but very expensive.

So Im still sitting here on the fence trying to decide.
 
Well, once again, I would like to thank everyone who replied, for the suggestions and for your patience with me. I'm not always the most articulate or clear when writing what I'm looking for.

But as always, this is the place to come for help and advice! So a huge thanks to you ... yes, YOU who keeps this forum going for all of us. And even though you're not doing any more of the Comsumer reviews (which I really miss), the archived reviews are invaluable.

I am, after I get a bill paid off this month (slowly getting there, while juggling things on a fixed income), going to go for either the VM Vision Pro (right size for a "back up" computer ... but I do miss those fans! and the power supply maybe?) or the Vision GX Custom Home & Office (even though it's got that huge silver?! case, it's got so much going for it) . It's going to depend on how much I can finagle in my budget. And what happens when I call to torture, errr I mean ask a few questions and place my order.

I have no experience with AVA personally. Second hand here, as far as peoples' opinions on the computers they've bought and the support. Which do seem very good. For me, I found their site to be overwhelming and confusing ... and trying out different configurations ended up just costing too darn much.

IBuyPower? I have not heard anything really good about them. I'd suggest searching and reading reviews here and perhaps on resellerratings. ABS, I've heard good and bad. Personally, I wouldn't buy from either of those companies.

The reason I've decided to spend the extra (and yes, even the least expensive VM will be a financial stretch for me) is a) I already own a Gamers Edge 1000 (bought last June)

b)I have been treated so well by Support. They really do go out of their way to help find a solution that works for the customer. Including when, after a phone call, it was decided that my video card needed replacing -- I had the new card within 2 days, called back (as instructed) and the amazingly patient tech support person sat on the phone, both walking me through and holding my hand through the process of installing the new card. That and installing RAM are the extent of my hardware capabilities. As an older, disabled person and someone who does have to watch what is spent on a "luxury", aftercare on a product is just as, if not more important than, the price of the actual product.

c) no bloatware, no proprietary parts, all good retail components that are upgradeable (to a point of course depending on your basic build) and in a really nice case that won't dent if you look at it crossways. Very good ventilation and the wiring! superb. Oh, and when your computer arrives you get the original OS cd and any other cds needed and documentation in a handy, sturdy folder -- I like that!
 
Keep in mind that it's targeted towards corporate users, not LAN party-goers.
 
DO NOT BUY
cheap cheap cheap
blue screened while changing resolution, lots of customer returns (compusa)
 
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