One more time: Dell/Gateway/Micron ??

[jim.t]

Ive had a Gateway P166MMX for 3 years with very little problem, and I'm in the market for another system and have heard all sorts of things about ALL the major OEM's mentioned. I'm not going to build, so that's not an option. I've also read numerous discussions about this subject, but most seem too outdated. Are there any new revelations regarding these three mentioned? I WAS going to order another from Gateway because of my satisfaction but I'm am being told to stay away. Have they slipped that much in three years, or is it a case of sour grapes with some owners?

[daveleau]

My opinion after having all 3 systems in my lab (3 Gateways, 4 Dells and 2 Microns) is as follows:

#1- Dell
#2- Gateway (close behind Dell but a little more expensive and slightly inferior to Dell)
#3- Noone
#4- Micron- nothing but problems from our two Micron PCs. Cheap parts, fans that die, hdds that die...you get the picture.

I have owned a Gateway for my home as well and they were kind enough to help me out with the monitor that came with my system even after the system had long been sold. they RMAed me 3 monitors as the I had 3 of theirs die. You can either look at that as "Hey they really helped w/ tech support, or as "you had 3 monitors from Gateway die???" http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif

I like Dell though...
Dave

[Idnew]

I have owned two Microns since 1996 and except for lightning getting the modems, I have had no problems and the warranty is longer than Dell or Gateway, although I understand those are both good. http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif

[skywalker[TSG]]

i would get a DELL

a company that takes advantage of inocent cows cant be trusted LoL

gateway is a alien scheme to mutilate cows under the cover of a respectable computer OEM

[M_Six]

I run three computer labs and maintain 35 desktop systems for staff members at a college library. I've used Gateways, Dells, Digitals, Compaqs, and Macs. Without exception, the Dells are the best. They are super easy to work on and the tech support is awesome. One caveat, if you order a tower system, pay close attention to the configuration. My neighbor just bought a mid-tower from Dell and it has only one 5-1/4" front accessible bay, which is used by the CDROM. No place to put a CD-R or drive drawer.

[Warthog]

lol Skywalker http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif

I would definately go with Dell.

Of course, I myself am about to go with Dell for the second time. I have the same opinion about Gateway as does Dave. Try configuring to alike systems on each website. Gateways will be $200-300 more in my experience.

Warthog

[jjsole]

Customer support for both is still tremendous. Don't be afraid to buy another Gwy if you are really satisfied with the experience with the one you have.

[Dputiger]

If you're not a gamer, I'd go Dell. If you are a gamer, I'd go Alienware. Alienware makes only gaming machines and has systems to fit everyone's budget.

They ARE more expensive (about $300-400 dollars more than equivalent Dell) but have a reputation for being the best gaming systems, bar none. So if that's what your looking for--their the company I'd go for.

[Warthog]

Dputiger - it depends on what "class" of gamer. I consider myself a gamer, but am going to buy Dell. There is nothing wrong with their systems if you are a gamer. Although Alienware is definately the place to be if you are a super freako gamer who is willing to spend mucho dollar on a gaming computer.

Warthog

[Warthog]

I would have to agree with that. http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif

Warthog

[Colonel Casio]

As long as you have an operating system cdrom, then any well known national OEM should be fine. But if you do not own an operating system cdrom, DO NOT buy an OEM system! OEMs are not giving you an operating system cdrom. You get a so called restoration disk and/or restoration partition on your HDD. This practice is a major piece of $%!@.

[Paul Hubrich]

FYI - Not all the OEM's skip the OS disc. My brother bought a Gateway a little less than a year ago & it came with a WIN 98 SE disc.

If you're happy with your previous Gateway, then why not be a repeat customer??

It does seem like Gateway is trying to get heavier into the entry level market, and I've heard less than stellar reports about their $999 systems. I've also heard that their AMD systems have had some motherboard problems. But as far as mid to upper level Intel based systems I think Gateway is as good as anyone.

[Fingers]

I must disagree with Colonel Casio on this. I can say for sure that my Micron Millennia Max500 came with a full Win98 CD-Rom that is "exactly" the same thing you get with a full retail version of Win98.

I would recommend Micron to anyone. My experience is that they uses "top notch" components in their systems.

[This message has been edited by Fingers (edited 08-02-2000).]

[Warthog]

Colonel, what manufacturers are you talking about???

I have never heard of one not packaging the Windows cd with the comp. Ever.

Maybe with "E-Machines" or some **** company like that...

Warthog

[Dputiger]

Warthog,

You are correct, of course. Instead of gamer, substitute 'tweaker'.

If I was going to buy a pre-built system I only wanted to mess with a little, if at all, over the course of several years, I'd buy a Dell. Since I'm a tweaker and I like having all my options open, if I didn't build my own I'd buy from a company that let me specify all the parts I wanted if I chose to.

One other thing: Jim, if you want to do a processor upgrade at some point, I wouldn't buy Dell because Dell doesn't carry AMD processors. If you buy a 700 or 800 Mhz Thunderbird today you'll be able to upgrade it in the future (as long as you buy a Socket processor).

[jim.t]

Thanks, guys. All good posts. But most of you have have comfirmed my suspicions that Dell and Gateway are THE OEM to look at. I do agree that GW seems to price their stuff $2-$400 higher for similar equipment. Once again, thanks. Jim.

[Dputiger]

I've bought computers from IBM, Micron, an unknown company called Alcam (which went bankrupt) and Gateway. The ONLY one that gave me a Windows 98 SE CD was the crappy little Alcam company that went under. http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif

[jim.t]

DPU
When I received my Gateway PC three years ago I got a Windows 95 SE CD. How else would you reload the system when needed, which I had to do when I hit by lightning?

[Dputiger]

Restore disks. That's what I got from Gateway and IBM. These are disks that restore your system to its factory condition, including the OS--but aren't 'just' a Win98 CD.

[jim.t]

OK, I guess that's what I got also. Don't know about the other cd or what it's for.

[Win_98]

here the other brand that some people used and love it! compaq, emachine, & packard bell. they look kind of nice from outside but once ya look inside it look like ****. I've owned all three before and I say the average user will never know cause their not techie like us. well their also really cheap and use onboard all on one as well making upgrade nearly impossible or have to buy a complete new one anyway. best buy sell these so so brand name like hot cake and they don't sell any gateway or dell.

[Warthog]

No one sells Dell or Gateway except Dell and Gateway.

Warthog