Computer Question

[paraka]

So there's actually a ton of things I want to update about but I'm feeling kind of lazy at the moment. Instead, tech questions.

My laptop has been running really hotly lately. I have a cooling pad, but it can still feel hot. I have this vague plan where I want my next computer to be a desktop but I want to get the desktop before my laptop dies. If I'm going to do that, I should probably buy the new computer soon.

Does anyone have suggestions for good brands? I've decided that Gateways suck ass, and that Dells can suck in the long run because they're hard to upgrade. But other than that I don't know.

Comments

[runonmoonlight.livejournal.com]

Just a quick note, Dell's North American customer service is also pretty shit. Apparently they're decent in Europe, but North America? *shudders* Never getting a Dell again.

I'd maybe look at Lenovo and Acer? That's what I'm looking at for my next desktop.

[paraka]

Well, I work at a company with a call centre in Ottawa. Since Dell closed down it's Ottawa call centre we've taken in a couple refugees. One of the things I've been told is that it's really hard to upgrade a Dell, since they build it for you and work the hardware specs into the BIOS or something. So if you just change out the hard drive or something the computer won't recognize it. This is a big issue since I want to buy a desktop. A laptop you don't care about upgrading, it's too hard, but if you buy a good desktop it can last you years and years if you upgrade as you go.
Otherwise I'd totally buy a Dell. raxhel bought a Dell laptop back in 2004 and is still using it. That's pretty amazing considering you're lucky if a laptop lasts you two years.

I was thinking about an Acer. My sister got one and she liked it but it's motherboard just blew short of it's 2nd birthday. That worries me slightly. jolinar suggested checking out custom made computers so I might do that.

[jolinar.livejournal.com]

To be honest, I'd like to know this myself. I've never tried a Dell before but have heard bad things. I have tried Compaq/HP though and hated them. Its funny, a lot of people rave about Compaq but I had nothing but trouble with mine (frequently had to replace parts and when I had to reformat it'd take almost a whole day because of all the goddamn extra junk you've got to install to get it running correctly).

I generally prefer custom-built computers now. I've just been getting a good friend of mine to build me one with specs I ask for but theres quite a few shops who do similar near where I live too. I'm not sure if you might be able to find one there?

[paraka]

:p You know, it's funny, but mostly people tell you what kind of computers to avoid rather than which ones are good.

I'll cross HP/Compaq off my list though.

I hadn't thought of a custom built but I think I'll look into it. I use my computer a lot, and want something that's good and useful to me but can also withstand a lot of hard use. That's why I want to move away from laptops. I use my computers *hard* and laptops just can't handle that.

[jolinar.livejournal.com]

mostly people tell you what kind of computers to avoid rather than which ones are good.
I know, we're so unhelpful aren't we? :P

I hear ya on using the computer a lot. It can make it difficult with warranty on a custom-built computer if something does go haywire, however I guess it really depends on where you get it built. If you make it clear that you plan on using the crap out of the computer and would like some sort of assistance if something does happen to it, I'm sure they'll set up a good warranty for you.

[paraka]

God, you know what? warranties in general suck. I find most of the time if you try and get something fixed through the warranty than you're going to be without a computer for weeks, at least!

Another thing a friend mentioned is that maybe I could try building a computer on my own, which would be even cheaper. I'd have to research specific parts, but I bet I could do it. I took Computer Fundamentals! I have a screw driver! :P

[kronos999.livejournal.com]

I'd second the recommendation of getting a custom machine if you are going for a desktop, especially since you vid. Unless, of course, you see something beautiful that you have to have on sale somewhere.

[paraka]

Do you have any suggestions of places around here to get one made?

[kronos999.livejournal.com]

Sorry about the late reply. Someone defended their thesis yesterday and I didn't get home until very late last night when I wasn't in any condition to give advice. Much the same this morning too ;) I'm afraid I can't think of any places off the top of my head that I could recommend for personal use. You'd have to look around for what they charge to put various systems together. I've only searched for people who build high-end workhorse machines for research, but there are enough computer places in town that I'm sure you could find a good one. We ended up using Laurier Computers as the dept. has an ongoing deal with them so we got a ridiculously good price, but they may not be the best for you. You might also be able to find something online that has the basic system and then you can customize to exactly what you rather than just walking into a store with only a small selection.

[paraka]

I'll definitely check Laurier Computers out, thanks for the suggestion. lilithilien also suggested just building the computer myself, and come to think of it, I probably could if I were willing to do the research. *shrugs* I'll figure something out :)