View Full Version : Tired of Building a New PC
Bah .. all my PCS in this house are custom built by me. Over the course of 6 years I've built at least 450 machines and repaired over 1,000 (I use to work at a PC Store). Well I've decided my building PCS is over. My next machine (in about a 1 1/2) will be a DELL. But I wish Dell would sell their PCS w/o an OS! :fork:
There are a ton of places that sell pc's without an os... Dell isn't the only choice. Actually, I would think someone with your technical knowledge would stay clear of Dell just because their support will always be like "Is it plugged in? Did you turn it on?"
Anyway, I think I'm done building PC's too... the only pc at my house that wasn't built or upgraded by me is my laptop.
Dell was my choice not because of the support, possibly because of the hardware , but not for technical support. I would assume that a PC w/o an OS is very limited to the support they provide (Dell). But for the cost they offer, it sure would save me time.
Chicken
10-11-03, 06:10 AM
If you can get a $139 PC, then it's worth it. Can't beat that, even if you bargin shop. I'm just glad a few people suggested that I waited on the Dimension 2400 (for around $500) and saw the Dimension 4600 deal.
Compaq has really good workstations... there's a dual Zeon 3 Ghz I've had my eye on for a while with dual scsi drives and a ton of extras. My laptop is a compaq and their support is great... if something goes wrong and you know what it is you can just tell them and they'll either send you a part or a technician with a part, whichever you prefer. I'm not sure if they have no-os systems though.
I dont like HP/Compaq.
I like Gateway's Laptops. I just feel that a Dell is more "customized" and it's easier to upgrade and what not. And yea Dell has some crazy prices, like $850 with a 19" LCD Screen.
My computer isn't old.. it's a 2.08Ghz with a 18" LCD and what not.. but in about a year and a half it will be time... to upgrade.
And Chicken, I forgot we have a Computer Forum. Sorry.
Chicken
10-11-03, 06:55 AM
Originally posted by Robert:
And Chicken, I forgot we have a Computer Forum. Sorry.
It's OK. This forum and the Promotion forum seem to be most forgotten. :D now I'm off to find that Dell (laptop?) for $850 with the 19" LCD Screen.
Who said anything about a laptop? I mean desktops!
Dimension 2400
Pentium® 4 Processor at 2.20GHz with 400MHz front side bus
Microsoft® Windows® XP Home Edition¹²
256MB Shared DDR SDRAM at 333MHz (Performs at 266MHz for 400FSB systems)
2 Year Limited Warranty plus 2 Year At-Home Service
FREE 15" FLAT PANEL MONITOR UPGRADE!
Featured at
$689
$589
After $100 Mail-In Rebate
Rebate Details
This configuration only.
Ok ok so it's a 15"..
Chicken
10-11-03, 07:25 AM
Originally posted by Robert:
Who said anything about a laptop? I mean desktops!
That would be you...
Originally posted by Robert:
I like Gateway's Laptops. I just feel that a Dell is more "customized" and it's easier to upgrade and what not. And yea Dell has some crazy prices, like $850 with a 19" LCD Screen.
I see now that you are switching topic quickly and I haven't had my morning coffee yet. Have to get with the program, I know...
Did you catch the Dimension 4600 deal posted on various forums and tech bargin sites?
Dimension 4600
Pentium® 4 Processor at 2.40GHz w/800MHz front side bus/ HT Technology
40GB Value Hard Drive
256MB Dual Channel DDR SDRAM at 400MHz (2x128M)
128MB DDR GeForce FX 5200 Graphics Card with TV-Out and DVI
No Monitor
Stuff like Mouse, Network Card, 48x CD-ROM Drive, etc.
$150 (after $100 MIR) - or - $135 (after MIR) with just a 64MB Graphics Card.
Shipped free.
Whoa! Man that's tempting... but this is brand new custom machine (2 months old).
So I have to wait until a year and a half before I throw out more cash! I already got 6 machines here all above the 1Ghz and it's crazy!
Dang that is a greaat price.
I meant the only manufactor I like besides Dell is Gateway Laptops. =)
Chicken
10-11-03, 07:58 AM
Well, don't worry too much about being tempted, they changed the pricing very shortly after I ordered (in fact it was in my cart and I submitted it after they changed the pricing).
Originally posted by Chicken:
Well, don't worry too much about being tempted, they changed the pricing very shortly after I ordered (in fact it was in my cart and I submitted it after they changed the pricing).
So did you get the computer at the price or??
johnallen
10-11-03, 08:45 AM
The major computer vendors make it very tempting when they throw in a LCD monitor.
Originally posted by johnallen:
The major computer vendors make it very tempting when they throw in a LCD monitor.
Exactly! Plus the cost of the PC itself.. mann what's the point of building a pc now-a-days? As long as you know what you're doing and how to repair it, psh, it's easier!
For ONCE in my LIFE, I'd like to be able to buy a computer, and have it running with 5 minutes of taking it out of the box! :eek: :eek:
Chicken
10-11-03, 09:16 AM
Originally posted by Robert:
So did you get the computer at the price or??
In theory, yes. Someone said they got a note form Dell Legal about cancelling the order, but I didn't get that. I log onto status and it says it's built, being tested, and next would be shipped. I've not been charged yet, but have gotten invoiced. It will be a surprise.
rockergrrl
10-11-03, 09:27 AM
Personally, I'd rather either built the computer myself (sadly... I love doing it)... or get a computer from my distributor at a little above cost - like $1000+ below retail).
My first computer that I owed (solely owned) was a Gateway - and boy! I'm glad I got a 3 year warranty, because I replaced everything in that computer at least twice besides the actual case (within 2 weeks of getting it, I had to get a new mouse and a new keyboard because they just stopped working for no reason). I swear, the people at Gateway knew me by voice, because I was contantly calling because parts stopped working on me (3 mobos failed me, 2 hard drives, 3 cpu got fried because of the mobos failing, 2 PSUs, cd drive, cdrw drive, floppy... even my power button broke (my last replacement) ).
After that, I vowed to NEVER buy a Gateway ever again.
The machine I have now, I built myself, and haven't had anything go wrong with it at all - and its been a year. With my Gateway, within the first year, I had a new mobo, cpu, ram, hard drive, psu.... And I used a UPS with the machine - so it wasn't a surge problem.
Sorry... venting.... Man I hate Gateway! lol
Gateway has improved since their money problems.
But Dell makes some killer machines for a great price. I may take them up. Hell if it doesn't work out, I can sell it for a little less..
I've had 3 Dell pcs, and I only know of 1 problem I had with the 2nd one I bought about 5 years ago. I sold it about 2 years ago to a friend, and right after selling it, the crazy cdrom kept popping in and out for no apparent reason. I guess it was lonely. :jailed:
Originally posted by beley:
Anyway, I think I'm done building PC's too... the only pc at my house that wasn't built or upgraded by me is my laptop.
I never heard it, but is it possible to build a laptop?
i build a custom laptop once and I still have a few friends who sell custom built laptops. IMO, not worth it.
Yeah... I never hear people talk about building laptops... thanks
Custom laptops aren't very cost-effective.
Chicken
10-13-03, 04:31 PM
The problem is the displays are rather expensive one-off. See how much it is to replace the display should you crack yours. Often, it's more than the laptop is worth (approx. $1,000 last time I looked). Maybe it's less now, as LCD prices (in general) seem to be dropping.
rockergrrl
10-13-03, 06:00 PM
I've known of people that have *hacked* their laptops.. instead of buying a regular notebook LCD screen... they cracked open their case, and replaced it with a regular LCD screen - you can get them next to nothing at various places.
Chicken
10-13-03, 06:31 PM
What is a "regular LCD screen" ??? I used to be very into this stuff (technically), but time has dictated a different direction. I'm still trying to figure ot Plasma T.V.s heh, and why someone would buy a 15" plasma for $800+
Before submitting post edit:
I'm guessing you mean the LCDs that you can get for desktops. Like the $200-$300 15" LCDs?
rockergrrl
10-13-03, 06:59 PM
Not necessarily...
You can just buy LCD screens -- they have the wires and you wire them into your laptop (I've known people to put 5in LCD screens in their desktop cases for case mods).
You can get a 15/17in LCD screen for like $50 -- without the monitor case, et al.
johnallen
10-13-03, 09:50 PM
Please share with us this place where you get a 15 or 17 inch LCD monitor screen for $50 that is in full working condition.
Chicken
10-13-03, 09:57 PM
Ditto. While I wouln't pay a few hundred to play around, I'd blow $50 to check it out. A 5" LCD in the desktop hmmmm. That's interesting.
rockergrrl
10-14-03, 03:58 AM
Well, the $50 use to be with one of my distrubutors (don't think he has them anymore). Trying to search around for others...
Actually the price of the LCD screen depends on the make of the laptop (say you're replacing one out of your laptop).
Most retail places sell them for about $75-200 (some an upward of $400).
But I think one of my other distrubutors has them available. I'll give him a call today, and see what he can come up with.
If anyone is interested, give me a list of makes/models, and I'll get the prices for them (some models are expensive - but most are cheap - considering if the rest of your laptop works - but your screen died -- beats forking over $1500 for a new laptop, and only pay a couple hundred).
rockergrrl
10-14-03, 08:13 AM
For example....
A Gateway Tablet PC costs $2300 from Gateway. Say you only got a one year warranty, and you happened to drop it the day after your warranty ran out - causing the screen to tear/break. You call up Gateway, and they tell you $800+ (guestimate on my part) to replace the LCD screen. "Sheah right!" you say. I can get a LCD screen for the Gateway Tablet PC for only $290.
Would you rather pay $2300 for a brand new tablet pc, $800 to get the screen replaced from Gateway.... or buy it slightly over wholesale for only $290 ??
Buying the screen yourself you'll save over $500... you can install it yourself (really not that hard), or a laptop replace place fix it for less than $100 -- that'll still be $400 you saved.
Whoa :) You get some nice prices :D
Originally posted by rockergrrl:
For example....
A Gateway Tablet PC costs $2300 from Gateway. Say you only got a one year warranty, and you happened to drop it the day after your warranty ran out - causing the screen to tear/break. You call up Gateway, and they tell you $800+ (guestimate on my part) to replace the LCD screen. "Sheah right!" you say. I can get a LCD screen for the Gateway Tablet PC for only $290.
Would you rather pay $2300 for a brand new tablet pc, $800 to get the screen replaced from Gateway.... or buy it slightly over wholesale for only $290 ??
Buying the screen yourself you'll save over $500... you can install it yourself (really not that hard), or a laptop replace place fix it for less than $100 -- that'll still be $400 you saved.
Well there is your problem, you bought a gateway. :D
rockergrrl
10-14-03, 08:54 AM
LOL
As we all know... Gateway is over priced.
When I still had my computer that I got through them, I was looking to get more ram (checking prices), and they wanted $150 for a 128mb stick - and that was 2 years ago - even then BestBuy was selling 128mb sticks for $70 (or so).
But I was using the Gateway Tablet PC for an example (I know you knew that). Its a high priced *computer*, but you can get their LCD screens for cheap.
Other computers, on the other hand... aren't as cheap (but not very expensive in comparision in getting it replaced at the Manu).
Im just tired of building them and when something breaks, I have to check on the warrenty myself and if it only had a 30-90 day warrenty im screwed.
I'd NEVER get a Compaq or HP, but a Dell.. I'd get a DELL.. and as soon as I got it, i'd re-format it and install my own WinXP Pro.
Robert... why not HP? I have got good HP in the past. But I am looking forward to my next PC buy, I think I try Dell... :D
First off, they're crap. 2nd off, I have a Laptop that I bought from someone who had password protected their BIOS and I cannot get incontact with this person because he sold his laptop prior to moving overseas. Because of this, HP won't tell me what the master BIOS password is so I can remove the password. So I have a grudge against them!
Second off, they're crap. The hardware they use at times is made by them, and the only way to get a replacement is buy ordering it from their overly priced sales department.
Third off, and yes you guess it, they're crap. Their machines still cost more than a Dell and doesn't offer what Dell can offer.
And fourth, and last, I want to be able to say "Dude! I got a DELL!" ok ok maybe not thhhhhaaaaaaattttt .. but yano!
Originally posted by Robert:
I have a Laptop that I bought from someone who had password protected their BIOS and I cannot get incontact with this person because he sold his laptop prior to moving overseas. Because of this, HP won't tell me what the master BIOS password is so I can remove the password. So I have a grudge against them!
why didn't you ask the guy what it was? how does HP know that you didn't steal it? maybe they think something shady is going on...
but other then that... i guess we all have our likes and dislikes, i have had an HP i got 5 years ago... and it runs fine. it's still running... :)
I wasn't aware that the bios was password protected until I decided to install XP and get rid of the windows 2000 it came with. Upon contacting HP and informing them that I purchased the laptop from Mr. Syno, they told me that they would need to contact him and get proof he did infact sell it to me. I waited 2 weeks until I called back and they told me they were unable to contact him, that he apparently moved (duhh). I faxed them over a copy of the invoice showing I purchased it from him and the agreement we had, they refused to accept that and refused to give me the bios password.
I've checked every possible site to get the master password and nothing has helped. I could short circuit the memory, but I run the risk of killing the laptop.
If anyone has a HP and maybe could call and ask them what the master bios password for their HP Laptop is and tell me, I'd appreciate it!!!!!!
Robert there are many BIOS password "crackers" out there and also sites with master pw's listed. Just search google. My main source for security related news is http://www.astalavista.com they may have something of interest to you.
To the amazement of other people that site isn't actualyl a hacker/cracker meeting point, it actually is just a security site...if people post stuff thats illegal then it's removed.
As for HP/Compaq. I've only ever used HP for my printing needs but soon to use them for core network switching (5372-XL) and Compaq division i used once...my iPaq 3955 :D
Adam,
Yeep been to Astalavista and did searches and used cracks and nada helped!!
Maybe I should attack the issue again and do some searches.
rockergrrl
10-14-03, 09:26 AM
Maybe this will help
http://www.labmice.net/articles/BIOS_hack.htm
Or you can crack open the laptop and find the Bios Jumpers... and reset it that way.
Originally posted by rockergrrl:
Maybe this will help
http://www.labmice.net/articles/BIOS_hack.htm
Or you can crack open the laptop and find the Bios Jumpers... and reset it that way.
Thanks, but I've already been to that site. I've done everything that a computer guru could do except throw it away.
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