Which will save me more money?

[Win_98]

Buying a premade computer such as Emachine, Dell or built myself another computer.

[LittleKing]

Personally, I won't buy another "premade" computer for myself. I would suggest you build one but if you don't have the time or what ever reason I would say get one from Dell. I had good experience with them. Others might disagree, but that's the way I feel.

LK

[darrelld]

I too would suggest building one. When you do you always know what you have, and what you need for future upgrades. Also you will have no hidden bios settings, or goofy OS settings, Not to mention all the startup **** the manufactures allow that bog down your system.

[randy48]

Build your own! An E-machine would be OK for a kid or someone's first machine, cheap, nothing to do but jump in, turn the key and go, add gas once-in-awhile...oops! that's a car http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/wink.gif same difference! Build your own! You'll put in exactly the components you want, not what someone else thinks you need. You'll have the satisfaction of doing it, own the bragging rights to it http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif And if you research what you put in (and read about what's coming out on the market in the near future i.e. main boards, processors, etc.) you'll buy the things that will be upgradable, and not have to give away or sell cheap when you want something new. You also are the one that knows what you do and what you want the computer to do. Play graphic intensive games, do high end graphics, quality sound for your MP3s, crack RC5, over clock, whatever. Dell, Gateway, etc. will give you what they want, tell don't take requests for specific components. And the biggest problem with the big brand names...the big branded boxes cost several hundred dollars because of the name on the box! If you don't know what parts to use, this is the best place to find out, just post a message and ask if I want to do this, what is the best...for it http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif

[Ed_S]

Your question was
Which will save me more money?

Unless the intended use is actually business, the answer is - none of the above!

If it isn't creating income, then it can only cost, not save.
Some cost more than others, but none save money.

[wyvrn]

Building yourself is usually cheaper, you get better components, and no on-board stuff. Plus you can experience the joy of overclocking!!

[Win_98]

I have built myself a few computer but Im getting lazy and Im stuck with limited software. Yes what about software bundle, isn't that a plus for premade computer. I wanted windows98 SE or even windowME. so wouldn't that cost me more if I have to built it and buy the software as well.

[wyvrn]

You can usually pick up cheap copies of software in the for sale/trade forums. In fact I got a full oem version of 98 for free in a trade where the seller did not want it and just tossed it into bundle much to my suprise when the package arrived. But if you don't want to build it, then don't. Its your choice and you do not need our justifications.

[sharder8]

I was going to build my current computer, did the research, priced the components, then found all the components I wanted or better in a computer from Altima Solutions but about $400 cheaper. Bought it and while overall, I've been happy, I will build my next one myself!

Altima substituted a WD HDD for the IBM HDD, installed CAS3 Generic PC133 instead of CAS2 Micron, forgot to include the BioLink mouse, and had some missing software. They eventually shipped the mouse, explianed the the WD was equal and cost more (HA!), and sent a nice software bundle for the missing software, and refused to address the PC133 issue.

Moral of the story, build your own and you know what you got!! .

[Nuclear_Confusion]

This is a toss up question. I think the answer lies in what your interests are as well as how much time you are willing to spend.

I would personally never buy a "premade" system. I hate that they use all the on-board stuff. I don't like that as time goes on you can't change a thing on em. However, building systems can take time, effort and a lot of trial an error to get some things configured correctly. This is how I learned about computers though.

If you just want a computer that you can set up easily and not have to mess with too much I would go with a "premade".

Its sort of like buying a classic car. If you just want a pretty ride to cruise around in you just go out and buy one that someone else has built or maintained, it will cost you more but most likely you won't have to tweak it too much. If you are really interested in cars and their components you buy the parts and build it yourself.


So I guess the question really is do you want to cruise or do you want to do some work and cruise with a sense of personal satisfaction?

Nukey
No electrons were harmed in the posting of this message.

[Win_98]

Im not so good at building PC, even after 10 yrs of experience. It costing me more money and time. Sure U get to pick your own stuff when building your own but what they got prebuild is mostly likely higher quality that cost even less then what you pay for seperately. I been told that it cost more to build your own which is very true most of the time. I mean who has all the time in the world to fiddle with one until it is perfect as prebuild. there some advantage to building your own and that when upgrading from a prebuild computer. rather buying new one just using old stuff actually save alot of money. THAT the only ADVANTAGE, but there is no software bundle that come FREE in buying it wholely.

[This message has been edited by Win_98 (edited 12-14-2000).]

[voogru]

I say Build One also Im getting Parts as I get more Money! Its a tad Better than Spending all your cash at One time and then you get a pile of ****. I was not sure if building my own rig would work out.. But it did! People used to Laugh at me saying.."Your Never gonna get it too work" I guess they were wrong! I leanrd soo Much By building it Myself. and it's fun as long as you dont destroy sumthing.

If you Build it you will save!


good luck

-=[voogru]=-

[This message has been edited by voogru (edited 12-14-2000).]

[Beemer]

I think it depends if you are a computer hobbyest as well. Do you have the patience for this kind of adventure? If the answer is yes and you have access to another online computer, you have us to help you out in the stickier moments of installation.
I bought an OEM Compaq 4540 back a few years ago. It was my first puter. I asked the sales guy if it was upgradable as this is what I heard as a requirment for purchase. He said. He was right. It is cache, ram, video upgradable with their proprietary parts that cost you big time. A stick of 32 EDO ram costs $240.00
Who knows what the other stuff costs. I didn't purchase of course but my next machine will be home built. I want the advantage of overclockiing and on going hardware development that Compaq has stifled.

Cheers!

[Nuclear_Confusion]

It seems that your hung up more on the lack of software than the components of the hardware. When you build yourself a system you can collect software just like hardware. Buy when you have the cash or the dire necessity. Aside from Windows and ocassionally Office but more likely Works you don't get much in terms of valuable software. If you are really ready to enter some serious computing check out Linux...its FREE. Its definately a learning process but its worth it!

It sounds like you are most interested in a box system though.

Happy Puting