8/30/1998 Changhsu Liu wrote:
>
>I asked whether I should buy a name-brand PC instead of building it by
>myself a few days ago. Sorry that I'd to bring up similar topics on a PC I
>saw in Best Buy.It's a UMAX Pentium IImmx 300MHZ for $999


Liu:

Please remember that this mailing list is dedicated to building,
repairing and upgrading microcomputers. This is not a consumer
products list.

Regarding your question, the primary determinants of whether a
pre-assembled computer is worthy of consideration are:

        1. Motherboard
        2. Case
        3. Warranty
        4. Software
        5. Resale value

You should know exactly what motherboard you are getting. The
motherboard is the defining element of your computer, as far
as features, quality, design, expansion, compatibility and value.

Next, is the case. That defines your physical parameters, power
quality and quantity, unit convenience, expansion, appearance,
and ergonomics.

If you put the best motherboard for your purposes and budget into
the case which you find most suitable and attractive, you have the
core of the computer that best fits your needs. Add a floppy and a
keyboard and you have what is called by VARs as your barebones
unit. Everything else is a component that can be added or upgraded.

A retail store warranty is essentially a handholding service but good
companies will stand by their products (which service is built into
the cost of the product).

Software is the biggest reason to buy retail. Retail PCs come with
lots of software, but this is only a plus when they give you what
you need and wanted to purchase. The economics of bundling
software with the computer keeps the cost down; however, don't
expect retail packages, or even manuals.

Resale value is self explanatory. Usually one would not consider
this factor in a value line (economy) computer.

Retail PCs are manufactured to meet marketing and profit goals.
Custom PCs are built to satisfy you. I believe most of the gurus,
hackers and technicians here would rather build their own systems
unless they had an unrestricted budget, in which case they would
have someone else build their system for them.

Regards,

John Chin

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