If I buy a new pc in the vacation what should I buy ?

[GianniDPC]

If I buy a new pc in the vacation should I make a Custom one or buy a Pre-Built (OEM) computer what do you guys think is the best to do ?

 

[bigmck]

After my last experience with a name brand computer, I will always go custom from here on out. I had a Compaq PC. The power supply went out and since it was one made for a Compaq, it cost $300 to replace. I just put a bit more with that and got a custom PC. The power supply went out on the Custom and it was about $60 to replace. The parts is a big reason to go Custom.

 

[exandro]

I think you should go for assembled one
this more favorable to you
you can build your PC by your own choice and need

 

[Nitro58]

I can't say that I'll never buy a brand name again. I've had a number of them that severed me quite will, but I get much more satisfaction out of building my own. I love searching for the parts I want. Then receiving them and taking an afternoon to put it all together.

 

[pparks1]

I've done both and have been happy with both routes. Building gives me the satisfaction of getting it exactly how I want it, doing neat and tidy wiring and absolutely only installing what I need. Buying gives me the ability to just fire it up and begin using it, not having to research parts, find drivers and get it assembled.

Unlike the experience that bigmck had, I had a power supply go out in my Dell Dimension 4550 once. I called Dell and they replaced it and it was about $40 after shipping. The desktops that I have bought OEM have all been Dell. My wife has had an Acer laptop and an HP laptop (current) and they have both been fine.

 

[Bertison]

WHICH ARE YOU HAPPIEST WITH?

As has been said, a lot of satisfaction (and/or curse words!) can come from building your own system. Alternatively,you can buy "Bundles" with Motherboard/CPU/RAM to your wishes. Add case, optical and hard drives, whatever else you want. that can be cheaper and better than buying a built system.

 

[ignatzatsonic]

If I buy a new pc in the vacation should I make a Custom one or buy a Pre-Built (OEM) computer what do you guys think is the best to do ?

You have 3 basic choices:

Build it yourself.

Buy from a large OEM like Dell or HP

Buy from a local builder--a "mom and pop" store.

The problem with the local builder choice is that most of them have disappeared and it is difficult to get accurate info on who is both competent and honest. You can get anecdotes, but anecdotes are just that.

Therefore, I'd say most people should buy from a large OEM if they do not have the talent or inclination to build themselves.

 

[wanchoo]

If I am are buying a Desktop then a custom built is the best option. For a Laptop I would go for a branded one, either a Dell or a Lenovo but never a HP or a Compaq because they market tonnes of bloatware.

The choice is yours.

 

[merkat106]

Actually HP contains similar if not less bloatware as Lenovo or Dell. My experience with reliability suggests avoiding any Acer brand including Gateway or EMachines

 

[merkat106]

Do as much research as you can before you buy and ask yourself what you will be doing on a computer and do not over buy when any current unit can do the basics

 

[Trucidation]

Not sure how you guys do things over there, but other than buying a complete system, is the only "build" option to do it by yourself?

The way it is here, we go to the shop and pick components from the list and they assemble it for us (30 mins or so, unless you also bought an OS and want them to install that too). Prices of the hardware are no different compared to buying online, although they do add a (small) labour charge.

Wouldn't have it any other way. Buying prebuilt = can't choose components, pricey; buying parts online to assemble yourself = the wait, hassle.

 

[Zepher]

Not sure how you guys do things over there, but other than buying a complete system, is the only "build" option to do it by yourself?

The way it is here, we go to the shop and pick components from the list and they assemble it for us (30 mins or so, unless you also bought an OS and want them to install that too). Prices of the hardware are no different compared to buying online, although they do add a (small) labour charge.

Wouldn't have it any other way. Buying prebuilt = can't choose components, pricey; buying parts online to assemble yourself = the wait, hassle.

In the USA, most of those shops that would build you machines from parts you pick off the shelf have disappeared.
there used to be one on almost every corner in the 90's.

I always build my desktops, and I build desktops for other people as well.
My customers would rather deal with me for tech support than have to deal with Dell or any of the other OEMs.

One of my clients bought a pair of Dells in the early 2000's since it was a pretty good deal. But when she had an issue with it, it would take an hour or two on the phone, part of it on hold and the rest trying to understand what the tech is trying to say.
When it was time to replace the Dell, she had me build her one since she had enough of the outsourced tech support.

 

[wanchoo]

We do the same over here. But where is your here or is it a closely guarded secret?

Not sure how you guys do things over there, but other than buying a complete system, is the only "build" option to do it by yourself?

The way it is here, we go to the shop and pick components from the list and they assemble it for us (30 mins or so, unless you also bought an OS and want them to install that too). Prices of the hardware are no different compared to buying online, although they do add a (small) labour charge.

Wouldn't have it any other way. Buying prebuilt = can't choose components, pricey; buying parts online to assemble yourself = the wait, hassle.

 

[M1GU31]

There's literally like only one place where I live that will build the pc for you but it's a bit costly. They also repair them and sale other stuff and what not. It's a really small shop next to a subway restaurant but it's what is in my small town.

 

[DavidE]

What will you use the computer for, and how much are you planning to spend?

i.e. Hardware requirements for a Gaming rig are different than a PC used for Surfing/Office apps.

 

[unifex]

I think the discussion of what's better - custom-built or OEM is rather academic, unless you decide what are you going to use your machine for. Is it a desktop or a laptop or maybe a netbook suits you better? If it's a standard desktop PC, then are you playing latest games or doing some state-of-the-art research? Are you an architect or a top-notch photographer? Then comes the question of money - what's your budget?

 

[pparks1]

^ In addition, do you need to save money? I find it's often hard to build and save money over a mfg'd pc, especially when you need a monitor and an OS. Sure, you can find the crappiest parts on the planet and assemble a bit cheaper...but who would do that?? At least with a prebuilt machine you have a warranty from the mfg for a period of time....thus the hardware will at least hold up for that period of time.