Quality computer maker

I'm shopping for a new computer for work. I basically know what specifications I want (not down to the level of knowing what motherboard model I want, though), but I'm trying to select a vendor. I've checked out the electronics stores with their HP's and Sony's. I've checked out Dell. Now I'm checking out companies like Monarch and Envision.

For some reason I don't trust companies like HP and Dell. I've never bought a big brand computer. I've only ever bought two computers, my last one was a custom built generic clone from a local computer shop.

I use an older Dell at work currently, and there's no way to know why, but it's always run like isht. I've also been hearing terrible things about Dell's support (e.g. on resellerratings.com). Dell's prices are dirt cheap (with all their special offers), compared to pretty much everybody else. I don't like how they don't tell you the brands of any of the hardware, such as motherboard, hard drive. I know that vendors like HP, and perhaps Dell, have traditionally used propriety hardware, which I don't want, but I don't know if they still do that and they don't advertise it if they do.

With vendors like Envision, I like how you know exactly what you're getting, but it's a double edged sword, in that I don't keep track of everything that's going on with computer hardware, and the level of detail involved in configuring a custom system (selecting case, motherboard, etc.) is overwhelming. Their prices are also much higher than, for example, Dell.

So what do you think? What vendors are good? Are HP or Dell any good? Has anyone dealt with Monarch, or Envision, or another such company that you'd recommend.

I've never had any problems with Dell and for most people it's who I recommend they buy their computers from. I've had only good experiences with their tech support, which I've only used once. Others that I've sent to Dell for computers, and who use support a little more often, say they have had good experiences too.

I have an older Dell laptop that I bought used through a corporate refurbish program; it still had the three year warranty. I shattered the screen in a motorcycle accident and Dell sent somebody out the next business day to fix it on site, absolutely free. I don't think this warranty is the standard one on desktop PCs, but to me it shows that they stand by their products.

I've also had good experiences with Micron, but my last dealings with them was several years ago.

Dell are really good. I have never had any bad experiences with them.

My four year old Quantex is still trucking along just find and dandy, but I think they went under within 6 months of my purchase, despite their three years running before that.

When I worked at TVA, everything was a Dell. Anyone I know that buys a pre-built computer gets it from Dell. I'd say it's a fine, reputable company. Yes, the often use at least some level of propietary hardware, but most of the time it doesn't matter. You can always just go back to Dell for support, which they're very good at.

i'm a noob. and i can't even put a computer together. but from what i read MSI motherboards are good. but then again i just posted "how to get a hdd to work" in the beginners forum =)

Dell's aren't bad, just be sure you get a case that can be upgraded. Most of the manufactured computers use proprietary cases so you can't just switch out the motherboard and put in a new (better) one. They do this so once the computer is too slow, you have to throw it out and buy another.

Some other no-no's

1) Don't get integrated/onboard video
2) Don't get a celeron cpu (very underpowered)
3) If you need a modem be sure to specify a hardware or controller based modem. Most manufactured systems have a winmodem in them and they are very crappy.

The best computer to get is one that you specify the parts yourself. You get to pick all the different manufacturers and models that go into your system. This way if something does go wrong you know where to go to solve the problem. And if you need to, you can replace a part with any part that can be bought locally.

Good component reviews: www.tomshardware.com

It depends on your needs. These two will satisfy the needs for a majority of computer users.

Dell can't be beat for a packaged computer - good support, quality service, the works. Another pretty good one that is really starting to get recognition is Micron -> http://buympc.com/ ...

Perhaps the celeron, but onboard video, no.

One of the fun things about onboard video that most people don't know is that if the onboard video fails many times that means the motherboard is also junk. And yes, it does fail quite frequently.

Why? Because many motherboards with onboard video do not allow you to install an outside videocard. Many do not have a "switch" in the bios that turns off the onboard video nor do they have a jumper on the board. So, if you put a videocard in, it may not be recognized or Windows will get confused and start doing all kinds of wacky stuff.

What I usually see is someone with an HP/Compaq/Gateway/Dell/Etc with onboard video where the video is bad. We try to get it to work, and it doesn't. Then because it is a proprietary case, we can't get another motherboard that will fit into the case, and the manufacturer won't/can't provide a replacement. For the customer, that means New Computer.

Added note: Onboard video (most times) feeds off of the system ram, which reduces the amount of ram your computer has to use. Sharing the ram like this can also cause lots of fun lockups, and slowdowns.

[/rant]

I build all my own systems now, but anyway:

I bought a Micron Millenia three years ago when I took the job I'm currently at- it has been ABSOLUTELY fantastic. This box has been on the whole time- I run linux (and occasionally XP when I need fireworks, dreamweaver or to be on a webex call).

At the time, this was a $3000 system: tape drive, lots of space, extra fans, two monitors and everything else I could throw on it. This was not the low-end. The only issue: one of the monitors was busted upon delivery. I blame the shipping, though. Micron had a replacement to me in 2 days, IIRC.

The case is very high quality, very expandable and it has top-notch components all around. Nothing proprietary to be seen.

When I'm done with it, I'm turning it into a server. I'm very happy with Micron, and would buy from them or IBM without hesitation.

I have a Dell sitting here ticking away after 2+ years with no problems under the hood. Cost 1200 and has a PIII, dedicated 32MB vid card, audio from SB (albeit, cheap), and a reasonable case/mobo combo. Came with questionable quality memory that I gave away and a winmodem, but otherwise it was pretty good for 1200.00 USD. Only trouble I ever had was the junk monitor that came with it. The first one lost red so it always had a dull blue film over everything. Annoying. Dell hassled me for about 2 months with automated replies and reps who would reitereate the automated replies again and again. After I finally got tired of the last pointless e-mail, I just called them up and told them I was done screwing around and I wanted it replaced.

Lesson: Dell is a good choice technically and financially, just be sure to CALL c/s if you have any problems....

If you want a system that's going to give you a little better quality, however, I recommend a self build. It's worth it to take the time to learn about the latest gadgets if you want that added level of quality. You'll also be surprised at how quickly you learn about the latest stuff.

It all really comes down to price. How much are you willing to spend?

We use Dells at work and they work great. They are all from a goverment contract, so I don't know if they just gave us the lower grade stuff (like no mouse pad!) or the goverment decided to take the older stuff, but either way, they still work great. We've got a couple hundred of them and it's pretty much been "user" issues...

Quantex... awesome! I bought a computer from them in '96. A state of the art P133 for $2500. I used it all the way up until about a year and a half ago. It still runs great; I've even got WinXP loaded up on it!

---John Holmes...

WOW!

I am surprised that only a few build your own PC's.

I have built my own for years. Had a whole sale arrangement to get cheap prices.

Can't imaging running a box that I did not personally pick the components and tweek (overclock). Balance is very important, that is a PC is only as fast as its slowest component.

ie The GForce2 MX400 is max'ed out with a 800MHz CPU (it just can not display faster). Any faster CPU will be wasted (in a graphics app like a game)