Play with your own box!

[Tom Yossarian Joad]

I just heard CNN say Dell was now the leading PC maker in the world.

I wouldn't own one because of the proprietary software and hardware.

If you could work with an erector set or lincoln Logs, you can build your own! exactly the way you want for about the same amount of money.

Then load it with Linux and you have a truly free machine with total control!

[Tux]

1. I agree

I did temp tech support at Dell and let me tell you this: build.

I built my own PC and it ran for over 2 years before the RAM and power supply died. I now use my Dell notebook PC (eeewwwww) but once I get a job, I can make a bitchin' PC. If you have no idea how to do it, check for Microsoft's A+ guide. Has more info than you need to understand PCs and build your own. I have a love/hate relationship with MS since they're books are great for learning but i hate Windows. Too bad NWN client only works on Windows.

[Mythsaje]

2. LOL

I'm getting a replacement laptop (a Dell) in a few weeks. I have a friend who builds PCs on his own, but I don't WANT a desktop. I'd rather keep my P.O.S. gateway 450 mhz machine than try to figure out where I'd put another desktop in my house anyway.

I get a hell of a lot more mileage out of a wireless equipped notebook than I would a desktop, so the "build your own" option SO doesn't work for me.

[Tom Yossarian Joad]

4. You cfan build your own laptop as well....

It just wouldn't look as spiffy,

:toast:

[skids]

3. or if you're no techy, try a "white box"

A "white box" is a computer built by a local small computer shop, using upstream components -- the leading vendor for which is AOpen. These at least support local businesses.

Knowing a lot about computers, I have to say, the amount of crippled hardware that is put in current PC computers in order to shave a penny here or a dime there off the price is very upsetting. Fortunately there are a lot of boards on the net where people talk over their home-assembled designs, so it's not too incredibly hard to figure out which buzzword technologies live up to the hype and which are just advertising campaigns with nothing real to offer.

Personally, though, right now I'm leaning towards shutting down all my desktops and towers and using laptops, since it will make the switch to DC/renewable power easier. In laptops, they have to worry about power efficiency, whereas the desktops are built without much concern for wasted power. That leaves a whole lot less room for customization, though.

[globalvillage]

5. Dell is a neocon enabler

BuyBlue.org's Position:
Dell currently has a 12% BuyBlue rating due to political contributions for the 2003-2004 election cycle. Dell's exuctives and particularly Dell's founder and chairman Michael Dell contributed heavily and almost exclusively to Republican politicians in the 2003-2004 election cycle. Dell also has a political action committee which contributed $97,888 (29.00% D, 71.00% R) during the last election.


Blue-Friendly Alternative Companies:

Apple Computer, Inc. 99%

Gateway, Inc. 84%


http://buyblue.org/detail.php?corpId=87

[The Jacobin]

6. I gotta tell ya

I struggled through building my own P3 machine.

I did learn alot.

But I'm too old for that crap now.

I've got a real job and a wife and kids.

I don't have hundreds of hours to go back and forth to the Frys buying parts and looking at support websites just to say "Look at me! I'm Microsoft free!"

Just make it work, OK? I don't have time for that crap.

P.S. I bought a Dell as an upgrade earlier this year. It just works.

[FreedomAngel82]

7. We have a Dell

I've had SO many problems with this computer. I had a problem recently too with my login name for some unknown reason. I've had to call up the company service help so many times it was so annoying. I've heard Compaq is really good from people I know online who have those brands. Why Dell is number one? :shrug: