Off the Shelf (Dell) v Self Built PC's

[ozymango]

Although I'd never recommend getting a Dell unless you have money to waste and plan on buying a new computer to replace your limiting upgradable POS Dell will serve to you.

So what laptop(s) do you recommend to your customers looking for a laptop? Do you also build laptop computers?

[rallynavvie]

Oh, if only the market had grown enough to allow us to build our own laptops *drool*

[Craig Tucker]

http://www.daileyint.com/build/buildtoc.htm

[offline]

Oh, if only the market had grown enough to allow us to build our own laptops *drool*

In the early 90ies I was offering something along those lines. You could buy the blanks in bulk from HK suppliers, or like I did, in much smaller amounts via an importer.

Each "blank" included everything but the memory, hard drive and CPU. Everything else was built in. You could buy various blanks to suit different market segments. This is/was along the same lines as what the big guys were doing at that time (Gateway/IBM/Dell.)

Customers were very pleased as the upgrade path was superior and the cost per replacement parts for big ticket items (LCD) were cheaper. You can still buy blanks today.

[ROF]

Although I'd never recommend getting a Dell unless you have money to waste and plan on buying a new computer to replace your limiting upgradable POS Dell will serve to you.

So what laptop(s) do you recommend to your customers looking for a laptop? Do you also build laptop computers?

Occasionally, Yes I do build them. I also repair them. Dell and Gateway both have the hardest screens to replace. You generally have to take the entire laptop apart just to get the screen and attached ribbon cabling removed. Not surprisingly this is also one of the most replaced parts on laptops especially Dells. The screens are manufactured quite flimsy.

My recommendation for laptops generally go according to customer desire and price. While you can sometimes get a great deal (money-wise) for a Dell laptop it's construction leaves alot to be desired. If I had to pick a brand to choose I'd go with IBM for it's solid construction and ease of getting at parts to replace/upgrade.

[ozymango]

If I had to pick a brand to choose I'd go with IBM for it's solid construction and ease of getting at parts to replace/upgrade.

I like the Thinkpads (both to use and to work on) but the other IBM models are outsourced to somebody else, can't remember who, but I think the same factory also makes a bunch of the Dell Inspirons.

Although my work machine is a Dell Latitude d505 and I love this puppy, it's travelled around the world and dropped more times than I care to mention (or will admit to!) and it keeps on running.

But the pain of working on laptops is worth noting for many people who aren't techies -- we might grumble about how hard it is to get to some parts on some computers (I worked on a Compaq laptop that is a nightmare, six zillion hidden screws!), but your average slob, he or she better get a good warranty on their laptop because aside from changing your hard drive and RAM, I'm gonna charge them $$$$ for keeping track of those six zillion screws.

Also my pet peeve -- hard drive power supplies are now standardized, why don't laptop manufacturers get with the program and just make one $#$## adaptor? :P

[ROF]

I'm more of a visual guy, but that doesn't seem like a shabby deal at all especially with a 19" LCD (generic, I take it?)

An Acer 1912.

[shelbyGT]

I'm more of a visual guy, but that doesn't seem like a shabby deal at all especially with a 19" LCD (generic, I take it?)

An Acer 1912.

Ahh, usually when things don't include a brand or model it's because they feel it would hurt 8)

[ROF]

Nope the Acer 1912 is the monitor of choice around here for 19" LCD. I can get it in black, beige, or silver/black. It's a good monitor and plenty bright in all environments. No speakers however which some people appreciate.

[shelbyGT]

Built in speaker on a monitor is not what I want, either.
If only a 19" LCD computer monitor went for under $150, then I'd get one. Unless that day ever arrives, CRT it is for me!

(hey, that rhymed)

[b1tchm4gn3t]

Different strokes for different folks. I run a HP I have had for 3 years now, I never turn it off and use it for everything. I must admit I have upgraded the shit out of it (add on Graphics card, added 200g hdd, surround sound audio card, ram, firewire, dvd burners, etc) and I cant complain. It has served me well. But I have grown alot in the last 3 years and know quite alot about computers now (I fix them on the side). Moral of the story: Im now ready and confident to build my own, which I will be doing in less than a couple weeks. Until this point, there has been nothing wrong with this HP I bought. I will never say one is better than the other, there are pros and cons to everything, even 'store-bought' vs 'custom made'.