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Buying a computer
i am looking to buy a computer very soon - I have heard that it is better (and cheaper) to have one assembled by a small specialist than to buy a cpu from one the more well known manufacturers eg dell, HP etc
Is this true firstly, how much would it cost to have a good/top spec bespoke cpu made and where from?
(I am based in Hong Kong)
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Posted by Philip Robert (2841 days ago)
Wanchai Computer Mall. They offer dozens of different packages, the software is licensed and the package I bought safed me 40% compared to a similar deal from Dell.
(I am based in Hong Kong)
Posted by Mini Mao (2841 days ago)
Much cheaper to buy in Wanchai, Mong Kok or Sham Shui Po Computer Centres. $3000 - $7000 will get you something suitable for most people's requirements.
(I am based in Hong Kong)
Posted by Mighty (2841 days ago)
I know its cheaper to buy at those shops, but how about the after service. Recently I bought a Sony laptop and their technical support is 24x7. So far I have been calling them for about 10 times now. Every time the staff was patient and solved my problem. May be people in this forum most of the time are poeple who are good at computer. For me, I still find the after service far more important than just the price. PCCW is offering quite a good one at their shops @only 6000 (LCD monitor of course). Fortress offers interest free instalments as well. So a lot of choices...
(I am based in Hong Kong)
Posted by Mini Mao (2841 days ago)
Just had a look at the PCCW website. If the computer including the LCD is $6000, then it is the low spec celeron model. 256 ram and 80GB HDD is very low these days (I know there are options to upgrade). Desktops have such a fast evolution that this model will be a dinosaur in 1 or 2 years.
I recommend a higher spec custom built - you will be able to time-proof your purchase much better. Also beware of the small cases, since this limits the upgradeability in the future. Many of the shops now give extensive warranties. I was recently offered 3 years and free installation of any future upgrades, EVER.
The only thing I would do is buy from the nearest to me, eg for me it's Wanchai. I can save a couple of hundred by buying in Sham Shui Po, but if there's any problem then I have to carry the bugger all the way to SSP and back.
I understand some people are happier buying from Fortress etc - I just don't like to spend the extra money and I believe the custom built ones can often use better components.
(I am based in Hong Kong)
Posted by Radiodoc (2841 days ago)
The main problem with the computers from major makers - Compaq is one that I *DO* know of - is that they use "NON-Standard" mainboards and plug-in boards *&* peculiar shaped power suplies.
Therefore, in my estimation, it is better to have someone put together a computer from **STANDARD** components which meets your requirements.
Buy a "Compaq" or any other "branded" computer and, after the warrantee dies, and then followed by a component failure, you can well be shafted by a large bill for items you can't get elsewhere - and, by then, not even by the original maker!
Voice of experience : I've built computers [right down to component level] since the early 80's.
(I am based in Hong Kong)
Posted by Mighty (2840 days ago)
Agree COMPAG is a big no no.
(I am based in Hong Kong)
Posted by ldldjr (2840 days ago)
As someone who cut their teeth on punch cards, and still has my beloved CP/M Kaypro, and having been flamed in this forum for daring to mention the "MS Knowledge Base" and GASP, asking newibes to USE IT (????!!!) I ask you, who cares if Compaq or any other branded computer uses or does not use "standard" components? The technically challenged won't be able to do anything when the time comes. And a motherboard and other component swap may be in the works anyway after the warrenty expires.
When I did a stint at MS tech support I learned, through the (GASP) KB that there were lots of brand name PCs that had "issues", and Compaq is not among the names that come to mind when I think about "problem" pcs.
For a technically challenged buyer, go with a good brand name, and ideally a 3-year warranty. By the time the warranty expires you should have gotten some needed knowledge, the hardware will be "antique", and you need to upgrade anyway - or better yet build your own - it isn't that difficult, and it is fun - if you are so inclined. If not, get another 3-year warranty box.
Buy from a local parts shop, remember, they may not be there next week, let alone next year!
(I am based in Unspecified)
Posted by Radiodoc (2839 days ago)
13-08-05 @ 10:13
Idldjr suggests :
"Buy from a local parts shop, remember, they may not be there next week, let alone next year!"
The point I'd make is that replacement parts are relatively cheap when compared with those sought from (say) IBM / Dell / Gateway [who anyway fled ages ago] or HP / Compaq. And where is "Packard-Bell" NOW???
I build my own desktop computers and squirrel away all the warrantees & bills for materials - for the inevitable "Rainy Day" when I may have to seek warrantee repairs etc.
I can't speak for other sources, but I've always had good service from Hornington in NgauTauKok for ASUS products, the Seagate HD distributor in ChaiWan, & the IBM / Hitachi distributor in NTK too.
Of course any buyer of a complete system from a local "We'll build it for you" shop should insist in receiving an itemised bill of components *&* the warrantee cards that come with each item.
To do otherwise is foolish in the extreme.
With such items to hand, it isn't so bad if the selling shop disappears.
I've always found it far more expeditious to go straight to the distributer rather than any slow moving retailer who's already got & spent my money & would rather not spend a cent more in forwarding warrantee claims.
As for computers being "disposable" after three years - declaring them obsolete only fills up our landfills that much quicker.
I'm typing this on an old DELL portable that I suspect is more than 3 years old - I got it second hand a year ago - & I also have a several year old Desktop & a year old IBM T42.
The T42 was a "Vanity Purchase" - bought at a huge discount to "street price" via a University Road Show for the students.
In actual fact, I use my secondhand DELL when travelling, it's lighter & I'd be really upset to have it stolen, but even more so for the much heavier & 5 times the co$t IBM.
To me, it doesn't matter how "Long in the tooth" a computer is - just so long as it does all I need it to do.
I doubt the "need for speed" [within reason]- It only bestows "Bragging Rights" before something even faster comes on the scene.
I guess that only gamers and those doing complex computations *really* need super-fast computers.
As for obsolescence - I used a 486 for more years than I can remember before I finally got a P4 - jumping the P3 entirely.
I only changed because I realised if I left it much longer, I'd find it more & more difficult to find a buyer for a secondhand 486.
(I am based in Hong Kong)
Posted by mcevans (2838 days ago)
I got mine in wc for about 5 grand. The pc is ok but a bit slow. Also two of the usb sockets crashes from time to time and the first dvd rom them gave me used to eat cds. The main problem i had with it was that it kept locking up all the time. I sent it back to the shop twice, had them come round and they basically weren't interested and tried to fobb me off with bullsh*t excuses.
In the end I bit the bullet opened it up adn rearranged the motherboard and now it is fine. Just a little slow, when i get my next one it will be badged.
(I am based in Hong Kong)
Posted by Radiodoc (2838 days ago)
Crashes can be caused by the system, or part of it, overheating.
I fit the small double fan assemblies under all my "Viagra" Disks, and keep them well oiled & the blades clean.
I've also occasionally fitted fans in unorthodox locations to cool specific chips.
Of course, it does add somewhat to the noise levels, but not excessively - and "Better safe than Sorry".
The portables my daughter & I use around the house are always sitting on top of a 4 fan variable speed cooler.
They co$t me $120 - well worth the money.
(I am based in Hong Kong)
Posted by allok (2837 days ago)
If you look for good post-sale service, buy one from vendor. Don't buy it from Acer. I will recommend DELL. (I have no connection with any supplier.)
If you look for best compatibility/flexibility, buy one from WC, SSP. But, please understand that there are a lot of "not so honest" shops. I will recommend you to try the Videocomm at WC or SSP. Morevoer, you ought to know the characterstics of the Motherboard .... Some components have bad reliability, compatibility etc.
Personally I "assembly" my own computers.
(I am based in Hong Kong)
Posted by Mac-010 (2837 days ago)
If you need support; buy brand name. If you want best bang for the buck; buy from Wan chai computer centre etc.
The dell, HP and so on offer less for money but relativelly well working systems and hardware that works together.
(I am based in Hong Kong)
Posted by danielevans (2836 days ago)
any ideas about price? i know its a piece of string question, but for an 'assembled' cpu (inc monitor, keyboard etc) with top specifications. is it on a par with uk prices?
(I am based in Hong Kong)
Posted by Radiodoc (2836 days ago)
Gotta B a lot cheaper - by at least the equivalent of the iniquitous "Value Added Tax" !
(I am based in Hong Kong)
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