Who makes the best complete PCs these days?

[Chronos]

Assembling a PC from scratch requires little skill [I am living proof] and can be done at a fraction of the cost [ie, get more computer for the same money]. As Russ pointed out, retail stores usually cannot compete with on-line store prices [although it don't hurt to look, sometimes you can catch a bargain]. The last computer I bought off the shelf was an apple IIe.

 

[Tom McCurdy]

Actually if you buy from big name stores or order a custom built online you dont' save a tremendous amount-- plus when you consider the warranties then you save money buying from places like www.cyberpowerinc.com

 

[PICsmith]

The computer I'm using now I built about 4 years ago; I have the know how and I keep up to speed with the current trends and tech of pc hardware and have considered putting together a basic (but much faster than current) machine for my mom. But that would kinda designate me as the tech support, which I don't really mind, but I might not be around in a couple years to fix it should something happen (to the computer, not me, hopefully). That's the only reason I would rather go with a mass produced pc with a warranty for her.

 

[Zantra]

I've worked on both IBM and Dell- IBM still makes the better server, but Dell's the way to go for your home PC. It breaks less, and it's easier to fix when it does. Plus it's easier to get at the parts if you DO have to upgrade or replace. Ever opened an IBM? Taking a part out is like unscrambling a rubix cube.

As far as building your own, It USED to be that it was much cheaper to just build it yourself. I even put together PC's for peoeple for a few years to make a few bucks. You saved a bundle by cutting out all the useless software junk that jacked up the prepacked PC price you would get at best buy. But nowadays companies like Dell and Gateway have bulk order agreements with the parts manufacturers, so they get the parts for pennies on the dollar- it's cheaper to buy direct from the manufactures. You can come close to the same price, but it's hard to build a PC nowadays for the same price as dell or HP, still get all the software, not to mention the warranty you forgo if you build. Better to just buy it.

 

[Moonbear]

Hmm...I'm trying to figure this one out. I see people here saying either get Dell, it's one of the best, or saying avoid Dell. I know I've heard our IT guy grumbling over Dells many times. Is this an issue of choice of product lines? Since the IT guy has to get everyone's computers to behave with the department servers, maybe his bias has something to do with the networking and isn't an issue for the sort of home usage described here.

Some folks suggested various Apple computers, iMacs and eMacs. My opinion is if the primary use is accounting, don't get those. You don't get any advantage in Macs for accounting purposes, and it may be a disadvantage in terms of software availability. Since you're describing someone who needs something uncomplicated to use, you're only going to have headaches expecting her to switch to a different platform (guess who your mom will call when she can't figure out how to do things on it). Besides, if she primarily uses Excel, the newest version for Macs is ugly (yeah, that's my very technical assessment of it )! I still need to spend more time learning how to use it to its full advantage (I haven't really used it much since I upgraded), but the default settings, menu placement, etc., look quite foreign compared to previous versions (I'm sure this can all be changed, I just have to spend some time doing so), so this may be too much change for your mother. I'm basing this on the assumption that the reason you're asking about all-in-one PCs is because she isn't very computer saavy. Hmm...I should point out I have no idea what the most recent version of Office looks like for Windows. I haven't seen it yet.

 

[Tom McCurdy]

dell = hell

buy your pc online

 

[Dr Transport]

I have both Dell and Gateway systems at the house, Dell at work. I bought a cheap (?) noname brand generic system earlier this year, replaced the hard- drive and loaded Linux. Happy with all of my machines. If you know anything about building them, build your own, it will be cheaper in the long run.

 

[PICsmith]

Right Moonbear, she isn't very computer savvy and Mac is out of the question...all she knows, however little, is Windows. She doesn't use MS Office either, I think it's Lotus and some specialty things. So the main issues for her are reliability and price. She really doesn't need the latest and greatest Speed Machine. When I put together a PC on Dell's customizeable website thingy for her she wasn't interested in the 4 year warranty, since it would cost I think it was about a third of the pc cost. Well, now I guess it would make sense to build one if I can do it cheaper than Dell can. I'll have to look into it when I have more time.

 

[Tom McCurdy]

Honestly you don't save much building yourself than from buying online, hell now you can buy computers at major stores like best buy that are cheaper than some you could build.

 

[alexkerhead]

Three advantages to building a rig yourself
#1, bragging rights, so you don't have to say "I got a dell etc"
you could say I built my PC, and it is nice.
#2, Looks hella better.
http://alexrushing.com/water/
http://www.alexrushing.com/MeanGlowComp/
http://www.alexrushing.com/MyUberCase/
just a few of my computer builds, sure beats having a dell.
spent a total of $1300 for my main water cooling rig, upgrades from previous etc.
#3, upgradability.
You can upgrade a certain part, or overclock without having to replace the whole PC, like motherboard exchange.etc.

one disadvantage(to me)
no warranty, everything has to sent off and RMA'd indiviually..

So, I believe building it yourself if more fun and enjoyable, but if you lack skills and talent, and are lame, a dell, gateway, ibm, etc is just right for you.
and building a high end PC is close to the same price as a store baught.