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Cyber Shopping for the 21st Century!
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I continue to receive letters, voice and e-mails and calls on my radio shows from
folks that are so confused and concerned about taking a plunge on their next computer
purchase.
From worries about buying off-brand PCs (also known as "clones") to worries
about buying name brands that sound too good to be true, I think I've heard and seen it
all. And the fact that I survived buying a Betamax VCR back in the late 70s is
proof that I've been down the road myself when it comes to making the wrong technology
choice.
So take a minute for me to tell you a story that will save you a bunch of grief (and
money!) down the road.
My little sister bought a "name brand" system a few years ago. It was reasonably
priced, had the bells-and-whistles of the day, but like any investment in computer
equipment, was quickly outdated. When she started looking into upgrading her system, she
was stunned to find out that her "name brand" was designed so that she would
have little more than a sophisticated, electronic doorstop in a few years. She could
upgrade the system, but it would cost more to upgrade than to buy a new system...and I'm
convinced that the computer company knows this going in.
I always seek out the experts...this time asking Ronnie Neighbours, owner of Take It Home Computers in Arlington for some
tips for computer buyers this holiday season:
- Availability of local service?
Does the place that sells you your computer also
service the computer? If they are forced to send it away to a repair depot, you're asking
for longer delays. Find out if free technical support is available. Are they open on
Sundays? Are there technicians available on for you to actually talk to? (And not some
minimum-wage order taker.)
- Brand name computers many times design a machine for obsolescence.
Custom made
clones give the consumer a chance to make a system specific to their needs. Not everyone
can wear a suit off the rack...same thing goes for computer systems. Why buy hardware (or
software) that you don't (or won't) need?
Custom made clones also give the consumer a chance to get quality, name-brand, FCC
conforming parts throughout. While Dell, Compaq, Gateway and other "name" brands
tout having "Intel" inside, consumers need to realize that Intel is only the
central processing unit (CPU) chip(s) inside, but doesn't reflect the quality of the
motherboard it's mounted on.
A custom-tailored clone allows consumers to plan now for upgrades in the future; the type
of motherboard selected is a key part of this option, and one of the reason my sister's
computer is not easily upgrade-able, and why she's looking for a new system today.
- Speaking of "upgradability"...
be VERY wary of these mini-towers that many
of the brand name computer manufacturers have started using. A smaller case means a
smaller mother-board...and that means far fewer slots and space for upgrading at some
point in the future. Smaller is NOT necessarily better!
 Is
it a fully integrated system?
 Do yourself a favor and buy a computer with a motherboard that has all of the
potential upgradability you'll need, for not only things like upgrading video and sound
cards, but adding extra hard disk drives and even upgrading the CPU to the
sure-to-be-coming-to-a-computer-near-you fastest chip set in the not so distant future.
What's the warranty? Most name brands will offer an extended warranty for a price;
however a well-built clone containing quality, name-brand components can carry warranties
ranging up to 5 years.
No matter which direction you choose, I urge you to do your pricing and components
homework ahead of time. A good starting place to research your purchase is the Personal
Technology section every Tuesday in The Dallas Morning News. And of course if you find
someone that really understands what their doing and is truly concerned with what your
short and long term needs are, then keep their number right there in your file next to the
doctor and auto mechanics!
My choice? Easily Ronnie Neighbours at Take
It Home Computers in Arlington. No matter where you live in North Texas or around the
nation (he ships anywhere in the country) I urge you to at the very least, check out their
website and give them a call. He's got the Dover Seal of Approval!
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