From somewhere roughly c. AD 2005 : -
Acer:
Acer makes some good budget computers (namely, the Aspire series) and some
hideously overpriced "gaming" models (*cough*Ferrari*cough*). If you need a
a good business PC on a budget, Acer is definitely the way to go.
Alienware:
Alienware makes ridiculously expensive but equally powerful gaming machines.
That's the sole point of buying an Alienware: gaming. And they do excel at
that. However, their computers are heavy (as much as 12-15 lbs.) and get
almost no battery life due to the use of desktop processors. That's okay;
they weren't meant to be taken with you anyways, at usually well over $3000.
Apple:
Apple makes a variety of user-friendly, well-built, compact computers with a
moderate level of performance. It's almost impossible to break one, due to
the incredibly simple OS and the nigh-indestructible aluminum casing.
They're terrific for first time users and know-it-all geeks alike. The
downside? They're quite pricey and will run almost nothing due to the Mac
OSX operating system.
ASUS:
ASUS, renowned in the past for initially cheap components (every ASUS
component I've owned from before 2003 has broken down or been in dire need
of replacement) and later some high-quality motherboards, makes high
quality, lightweight, and powerful computers. Of course quality comes at a
huge price. ASUS computers tend to be very pricey and are not readily
available at retail stores.
AVERATEC:
AVERATEC makes inexpensive, lightweight computers. The downside is that
AVERATECs are poorly constructed and use mainly integrated components. If
you need a thin & light to take to school or work, look to AVERATEC. If you
want an HD mobile theater or gaming powerhouse, look elsewhere.
Dell:
Dell offers a wide variety of computers, ranging from very low-end desktops
and notebooks to insanely powerful gaming rigs. Not surprisingly, it's these
extremes that are the least cost-effective. Their Inspiron 6000 and 9300
series are among some of the most popular notebooks available today. Dells
are seemingly very expensive, but be sure to check the coupons at the top of
the site; you can get some incredible deals with them.
eMachines:
eMachines makes a few series of notebooks. The M6000 is based on the same
blueprint as the popular Gateway 7000 series, but usually has less RAM. They
also have a newer M5000 series with Turion and Mobile Sempron processors
that can be found at Wal-Marts nationwide. eMachines computers are cost
effective performance-wise but poorly constructed. To add insult to injury,
their tech support is atrocious.
Note: It would appear eMachines no longer officially acknowledges its
notebooks on their website (much as you won't find the 7000 series on
Gateway's website). Rest assured, they do exist, and can be found at most
major computer retailors.
Falcon Northwest:
Falcon makes computers even more expensive than Alienwares, though they're
basically identical on the inside. Where do you pay the difference? Falcon
Northwest has better tech support (Alienware is infamous for ignoring you if
you have a problem) and does custom paint jobs. For a mere $5000! Wow, the
XPS2 is beginning to look like a bargain.
Fujitsu:
Fujitsu makes powerful, stylish, lightweight, durable, reliable computers
that will run forever. Which is good, because once you pay the exorbitant
mortgage-your-house price, you'll never be able to afford another computer.
They're also extremely hard to get your hands on, especially in the US.
Gateway:
Gateway used to be a very respectable company, with quality made-in-the-USA
products. Then they bough eMachines and all of their problems. Now Gateways
are shoddily constructed, made in Malaysia, and have zero tech support and
warranty behind them. Irregardless, they are very cost-effective computers
while they last, especially for a casual gamer or professional-on-the-go.
The 7000 series is by far their most popular model, and is available at Best
Buy at good prices. Watch out for the 90-day warranty, though.
Hewlett-Packard/Compaq:
HP and and it's subsidiary Compaq maintain separate lines of computers, but
they're identical except that Compaq's are silver rather than black and
usually are cheaper. (Maybe silver is considered a cheaper color.) Anyway
you go about it, HPs are fairly powerful and inexpensive, and they'll also
run forever ??" unless one of the highly-integrated components dies. Then
the whole thing is usually shot. Fortunately they come with good warranties
and friendly, knowledgeable tech support. Watch out for desktop processors,
though, if battery life means anything to you. HPs are very user-friendly
and are perfect for the common user, say that aunt or parent that can barely
turn one on without a step-by-step guide and a 100-minute call to tech
support.
IBM / Lenovo:
IBM (now taken over by Lenovo) has been in business since the dawn of the
computer age, so you'd think they'd know how to build a computer. And that
they do, but not inexpensively. IBMs are reliable and well-built, using
top-quality parts, but the standard T series starts at $1299 for a barebones
model. Truly powerful ones can quickly reach prices of nearly $3000. To make
matters worse, they have recently sold their computer manufacturing division
to Chinese company Lenovo. Time will tell if quality declines significantly.
LG:
LG, manufacturer of everything from phones to refrigerators to stereos,
makes a handful of notebooks. They're high-quality, powerful machines, but
they're expensive and almost impossible to get anywhere outside of mythical
LG-land. Check eBay.
Medion:
Medion is a new company, just getting their start in the notebook business.
They make very inexpenpensive, light, and decently powerful computers, but
the build quality is still questionable. They aren't yet a well-established
company, so I'm hesitant to reccomend them, but they seem like a soid choice
for those on a tight budget.
Panasonic:
Panasonic's Toughbook line is among the most rugged of laptop computers.
They're designed for use in extreme environments, with ultra durable cases
and water-resistant interioirs. They're an expensive, niche-market product,
but worthwhile if you need the endurance.
Sager:
Sager makes high-end gaming machines that bear striking similarities to
those of Alienware and Falcon Northwest, with one major exception: Sagers
are much cheaper (and slightly ahead on the technology curve, in some
cases). Sager is an established company, noted for quality computers. If you
need the jaw-dropping power of an Alienware, but haven't got the
jaw-dropping budget to go with it (or even if you do - no one should waste
money), give Sager a look.
Sony:
Sony makes high-quality, lightweight and ultra portable laptops. The VAIO
series is powerful and reliable, but comes at a high price. Sony's strong
suit is their new ultra portable notebooks, weighing less than 4 pounds and
equipped with powerful Centrino processors.
Toshiba:
Toshiba used to be the premier source of quality notebook computers with
their Satellite series of laptops. In recent years, however, build quality
has declined a bit and the internal components have moved more towards
integrated ones for cost reasons. No longer cost effective, newer Satellites
and the new Qosmo series leave much to be desired.
s wrote:
> I will need the machine for typical office work(mainly MS office
> applications). I will also need a Web camera for video conferencing.
> How many pixel Web camera should I choose and which brand is
> considered better?
>
> My budget is around 700$. I want the machine to last 5-7 years. Speed
> is also vital, so I wish to have 4GB RAM as Windows Vista consumes
> about 2GB.
>
> Are the below choices a good option?
>
> http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...rkey=h24-15071
>
> http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...=WARRANTY#tabs
>
> http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...rkey=t71-15413
>
> Should I go with Dell, HP, Lenovo, Acer or are Tigerdirect, Bestbuy,
> Staples, Circuitcity which offer
> deals occasionally a better choice?
>
> I hear Dell typically lasts longer, has somewhat better customer
> service, but that is arguable.
> Also, what is the difference between purchasing a HP machine from HP
> or getting the same machine from Tigerdirect, Bestbuy, Staples and so
> on? Does it matter in terms of price or quality?
>
> Can anyone please advise?
>
> Thanks a lot.
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