Dell,Gwy? etc.recommendations and when??

[breeze]

Hi Everyone...
I have a couple of friends who are planning to buy a new computer. Both users use pc's but their purchase will require tech support etc. I feel Dell somewhat better than Gateway from what I have read and used..If it was me I'd build ...but they will prefer "good " tech support and hardware...safe.
I am a slot one Abit Mobo user { very pleased). Slot one supports P3 and celerons via slockets so there are options. Abit has provided numerous bio upgrades to my board ,but I never used an Alton. So I dont even know if these motherboards have all the bugs out of them? Also should they wait for the new line of CpU's to come out? $$$$ or some savings?
The system doesnt have to be the very best but will support features that may be added on later if not in package..DVD Usb zip etc.....
All suggestions will be appreciated
Breeze

[daveleau]

Well, I like Dell the best. I had a Gateway and like theri tech support. But Dell is a bit better. I have experienced Dell through work and like them a little better.They have some great deals, too. I'd go with something a few processors back (600 or 650) to save some cash. Athlons are great. Fast. I don't know right off-hand whether or not either has a deal w/ AMD though. Try to go for something w/o all of the onboard **** if you can. Good luck-
Dave

Oh- a little experience I had w/ Gateway recently.
I bought one of their systems in 97. I sold it and built my own but kept their monitor. It went out about 25 months after buying the system. I called them up and they had a new monitor out to me and in my hands in a weeks time. Gotta love that! http://www.sysopt.com/forum/biggrin.gif

[Richard_Cranium72]

www.consumeraffairs.com (http://www.consumeraffairs.com) had a article about the poor customer service and had several issues to present about Gateway. Dell has a interesting unit a 733mhz pIII with 133mhz bus speed and memory. A 17" Monitor for about $1800.00 this is large coin I know, if they can afford, this is pretty good stuff. DrVette

[This message has been edited by Richard_Cranium72 (edited 01-19-2000).]

[Clink]

I know this doesn't help you - sorry http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif but just in case anyone in the UK's reading this. The best tech support I've had is from Dan Computers(http://www.dan.co.uk) and the worst is from Time - but anyone who has a Time Machine will know that http://www.sysopt.com/forum/frown.gif

S http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif

[UncaDanno]

I've had two Gateways, two HPs, a Micron, and a Compaq at work. Of those, I rate the HP (Vectra) tops and the Gateways next.

Personally, I've had four Gateways (still got three, including my laptop) and one cheapo barebones I bought for the CPU and memory.

Take a look at Gateway's refurb site. These machines are typically ones that customers have returned unopened. Gateway strips them down, checks them out, and rebuilds them. They can't be sold as new since they've been out the door, but they usually aren't new, either. The prices are really good, too. You can call the refurb number, tell them what you want the maching for, and they'll make recommendations out of their stock.

Oh, and if you buy a Gateway, get the Gateway Gold warranty. Costs $100. But you get an "inside" 800- number where you can talk to an actual meat-being within 5 minutes.

[Jackson3D]

I ordered my Gateway Athlon 700 Select yesterday and it has already been finished. Will be on my desk by Wed. ( http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gifKnock on Wood http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif)

About the System.

700 K7 Athlon
128 mb
17" upgraded to 19 for 220$
20 gig " " to 27 for 60$
8/32 DVD-Cd Rom
I think it comes with the GEfoRce
I downgraded it to 8mb since I have a 3500TV
I downgraded the sound card cause i have SB Platinum
Took off the speakers I have my own 5.1
saved 20 bucks on limited tech support option
saved 25$ on internet deal
payed 89$ for shipping
NO TAXES!!! for Texas resident can't vouch for all.

total with shipping $2168
I am sure I will like it and can tell you more once I have it running on my desk.

I have been doing research and searching the net since mid summer on which PC to buy soon as my School Loan came through I found out that Gateway was finally putting an ATHLON Pc together. That is when I finally decided to go with them. The have been very friendly since day one at both the Gateway Country and on the phone. I have had no problems with any delays as of yet and so far I am very satisfied with the service I have recieved.

I looked elsewhere(Dell, Micron, Quantex, IBM, Compaq) honestly i looked very hard at Dell and Quantex but the Gateway Athlon sealed it.

Sorry I am now rambling but I had to share my decision with someone http://www.sysopt.com/forum/wink.gif

[breeze]

Hi everyone,
Thanks for all the replies...It seems like Dell and to a lesser Gateway are still putting out good computers...I felt Dell was a little better than Gateway esp in hardware and service..but I didnt know Gateway started an Alton line...Are the Alton motherboards still too new a product at this time?? Any recommendations on what the best Althon motherboard is? I love ny Abit but other vendors like Ascus and Soyo have also made some very good boards..
Any other info or recommendations will be helpful.
Thanks Breeze

[Jackson3D]

According to Gateway AMD made thier Motherboard for the select series(The Series that Gateway is selling the AThlon under). I have seen no proof of it just going on what they have told me http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif

[This message has been edited by Jackson3D (edited 01-22-2000).]

[alan]

why do they need tech support?
not saying anything but surly to save some money there better offf building it themselfs
if they can save 25-30% off of the cost then they could if they really need to phone a premiem rate help line

[breeze]

You may be right,
I love the Idea of suggesting a build
lets see:
Awin case about $75 250watt ps
Abit or Ascus mobo...$160-185 slot one
pc 100 ram micron case2 32mega $42 dollars x3
voodo banshee or Ati rage 32(they not big gamers) about $100 - $200+
intenal zip $ 100-150
good hard drive (suggestions) $200+
Monitor 17in $200-275 ( suggestions)
if Ati rage a DVD player $200 ( suggestions)
MOuse & keyboard $50
modem $45-75 ( suggestions)
sound card SB 32 awe...still sweet $45ish
CD burner...$150 -175 ( suggestions)
OS win95b win98 Win2k $ 75-how much is win2K?
speakers etc ...$75
Finally cpu..500hz celery $100-150 or so?
(5x100hz FBS for the average user) PentIII (best bang for the buck?)a long term cpu...
Norton system works $55
Printer $150-200
Did I forget anything? Is Althon that good?
Tech support..none.. read the operators manual. Did I save my 25-30% ??? But having user picked hardware is nice!!
I really appreciate all the input on this question.....
Thanks again,
Breeze