Low end - can anyone compete with Dell?

[jw]

Archived from groups: alt.comp.hardware.overclocking.amd (More info?)

It's time for a new PC. I'm not a gamer, so don't need the hottest (no pun
intended) machine around. But I would like an AMD as they offer more bang for
the buck and run cooler than Intel. Also need 512mb-1gb memory, 160gb drive,
cd-r, and front usb ports. I can do with on-board video and sound. I really
don't need much more than that to get started other than some bay expansion and
XP Pro.

Is there anyone that can even come close to Dell at the low price point end of
the market? (It's almost unbelievable; they now have a $400 2.8 system with
512mb, 80gb, AND a flat panel!)

Suggestions?
--
jw@nospamforme.com

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.comp.hardware.overclocking.amd (More info?)

"JW" <jdub@nospamforme.com> wrote in message
news:m2iv211a70b5nhfmhafcqfv6v2141bdkbp@4ax.com...
> It's time for a new PC. I'm not a gamer, so don't need the hottest (no pun
> intended) machine around. But I would like an AMD as they offer more bang
> for
> the buck and run cooler than Intel. Also need 512mb-1gb memory, 160gb
> drive,
> cd-r, and front usb ports. I can do with on-board video and sound. I
> really
> don't need much more than that to get started other than some bay
> expansion and
> XP Pro.
>
> Is there anyone that can even come close to Dell at the low price point
> end of
> the market? (It's almost unbelievable; they now have a $400 2.8 system
> with
> 512mb, 80gb, AND a flat panel!)
>
> Suggestions?


Just out of interest what's the link for that $400 machine?

--
Derek

 

[augustus]

Archived from groups: alt.comp.hardware.overclocking.amd (More info?)

>
> Just out of interest what's the link for that $400 machine?

I don't think there's any such thing as a 2.8Ghz Dell, 80 gig drive, with a
flat panel for $400. There's this one with a 17" CRT for $499. Upgrading to
a flat panel puts it up to $610. Still a good deal, but not $400.

 

[augustus]

Archived from groups: alt.comp.hardware.overclocking.amd (More info?)

I don't think there's any such thing as a 2.8Ghz Dell, 80 gig drive, with a
> flat panel for $400. There's this one with a 17" CRT for $499. Upgrading
> to a flat panel puts it up to $610. Still a good deal, but not $400.
http://www1.us.dell.com/content/products/features.aspx/featured_dp_desktop1_1?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.comp.hardware.overclocking.amd (More info?)

JW wrote:
> It's time for a new PC. I'm not a gamer, so don't need the hottest
> (no pun intended) machine around. But I would like an AMD as they
> offer more bang for the buck and run cooler than Intel. Also need
> 512mb-1gb memory, 160gb drive, cd-r, and front usb ports. I can do
> with on-board video and sound. I really don't need much more than
> that to get started other than some bay expansion and XP Pro.
>
> Is there anyone that can even come close to Dell at the low price
> point end of the market? (It's almost unbelievable; they now have a
> $400 2.8 system with 512mb, 80gb, AND a flat panel!)

I believe Dells are proprietory machines, ie - they don't use standard
parts.
So if your PSU blows in 13 months time, you can't fit a standard unit - you
have to buy Dell's own.
Same with the memory, etc - so you're locked into Dell.
What you save on initial purchase, you'll lose when you upgrade.
Get a PC made from non-proprietory parts and you can't go wrong.


>
> Suggestions?

 

[Moi]

Archived from groups: alt.comp.hardware.overclocking.amd (More info?)

On Thu, 10 Mar 2005 11:14:33 GMT, "Forum User"
<forum_user@ntlworld.com> wrote:

>JW wrote:
>> It's time for a new PC. I'm not a gamer, so don't need the hottest
>> (no pun intended) machine around. But I would like an AMD as they
>> offer more bang for the buck and run cooler than Intel. Also need
>> 512mb-1gb memory, 160gb drive, cd-r, and front usb ports. I can do
>> with on-board video and sound. I really don't need much more than
>> that to get started other than some bay expansion and XP Pro.
>>
>> Is there anyone that can even come close to Dell at the low price
>> point end of the market? (It's almost unbelievable; they now have a
>> $400 2.8 system with 512mb, 80gb, AND a flat panel!)
>
>I believe Dells are proprietory machines, ie - they don't use standard
>parts.
>So if your PSU blows in 13 months time, you can't fit a standard unit - you
>have to buy Dell's own.
>Same with the memory, etc - so you're locked into Dell.
>What you save on initial purchase, you'll lose when you upgrade.
>Get a PC made from non-proprietory parts and you can't go wrong.
>

All that, and you won't have to talk to service people in India
either.

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.comp.hardware.overclocking.amd (More info?)

"Augustus" <augustus@wrtt.net> wrote in message
news:%CQXd.16930$i6.9635@edtnps90...
> I don't think there's any such thing as a 2.8Ghz Dell, 80 gig drive, with
a
> > flat panel for $400. There's this one with a 17" CRT for $499. Upgrading
> > to a flat panel puts it up to $610. Still a good deal, but not $400.
>
http://www1.us.dell.com/content/products/features.aspx/featured_dp_desktop1_
1?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs
>
>

256 MB Ram? 40 Gb Hard drive? Intel extreme graphics? God, no thanks.
And it's still not 400$

Maybe for my grandma.

If you need ultra cheap, buy a used machine for 50$, when it breaks repeat.

The market may change when X-Box 2 and PS3 start showing up as desktop
replacement boxes.

If you use refurbed parts, you can build a computer DAMN cheap. Duron
(Applebred) 1.8 Ghz still costs around 50$ and is the best bang for the
buck. Integrated NForce2 IGP graphics are also the best bang for the buck.
If you need cheap you will likely be buying a used/old case, monitor and
keyboard. I wouldn't trust a refurb RAM stick, or CPU. And I don't
trust cheap power supplies.

--
LTP

When the llama speaks you listen. Unfortunately the llama hasn't spoken
yet.

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.comp.hardware.overclocking.amd (More info?)

On Thu, 10 Mar 2005 11:14:33 GMT, "Forum User"
<forum_user@ntlworld.com> wrote:

>JW wrote:
>> It's time for a new PC. I'm not a gamer, so don't need the hottest
>> (no pun intended) machine around. But I would like an AMD as they
>> offer more bang for the buck and run cooler than Intel. Also need
>> 512mb-1gb memory, 160gb drive, cd-r, and front usb ports. I can do
>> with on-board video and sound. I really don't need much more than
>> that to get started other than some bay expansion and XP Pro.
>>
>> Is there anyone that can even come close to Dell at the low price
>> point end of the market? (It's almost unbelievable; they now have a
>> $400 2.8 system with 512mb, 80gb, AND a flat panel!)
>
>I believe Dells are proprietory machines, ie - they don't use standard
>parts.
>So if your PSU blows in 13 months time, you can't fit a standard unit - you
>have to buy Dell's own.
>Same with the memory, etc - so you're locked into Dell.
>What you save on initial purchase, you'll lose when you upgrade.
>Get a PC made from non-proprietory parts and you can't go wrong.
>
>
>>
>> Suggestions?
>

You cannot play with the bios in a Dell . If you don't buy a Dell HD
and you have problems detecting the drive you are screwed .
You have to know the tricks to get the machine to re detect the
drives.

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.comp.hardware.overclocking.amd (More info?)

Basil wrote:
> On Thu, 10 Mar 2005 11:14:33 GMT, "Forum User"
> <forum_user@ntlworld.com> wrote:
>
>> JW wrote:
>>> It's time for a new PC. I'm not a gamer, so don't need the hottest
>>> (no pun intended) machine around. But I would like an AMD as they
>>> offer more bang for the buck and run cooler than Intel. Also need
>>> 512mb-1gb memory, 160gb drive, cd-r, and front usb ports. I can do
>>> with on-board video and sound. I really don't need much more than
>>> that to get started other than some bay expansion and XP Pro.
>>>
>>> Is there anyone that can even come close to Dell at the low price
>>> point end of the market? (It's almost unbelievable; they now have a
>>> $400 2.8 system with 512mb, 80gb, AND a flat panel!)
>>
>> I believe Dells are proprietory machines, ie - they don't use
>> standard parts.
>> So if your PSU blows in 13 months time, you can't fit a standard
>> unit - you have to buy Dell's own.
>> Same with the memory, etc - so you're locked into Dell.
>> What you save on initial purchase, you'll lose when you upgrade.
>> Get a PC made from non-proprietory parts and you can't go wrong.
>>
>>
>>>
>>> Suggestions?
>>
>
> You cannot play with the bios in a Dell .

Not my experience.


If you don't buy a Dell HD
> and you have problems detecting the drive you are screwed .


What on earth are you on about ?


> You have to know the tricks to get the machine to re detect the
> drives.

Some interesting concepts, to say the least.

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.comp.hardware.overclocking.amd (More info?)

I would never buy anything other then the parts my self. Although I do like
my local computer shop, I did get them to build a computer for me when I had
a lot of work to do, but I told them what parts I wanted and I got all of
the boxes, manuals etc. I ate companies since yes, they don't use the proper
products to save money hence why they always break, never are what you
ordered, and piss up when you want to add something of your own. So unless
you use outlook and word all of your life (excel pushes things a little)
your going to have problems

--
www.deadlyhosting.com - Great Game, Voice and Web Hosting.
www.deadlyhosting.com/special.php for a great special.
I apologise now for any spelling mistakes or bad grammar
--
"Basil" <ab_lis_@llaf_f_fer.br> wrote in message
news:iufc31hv9erm4rlc57mvachnvug1hkuf46@4ax.com...
> On Thu, 10 Mar 2005 11:14:33 GMT, "Forum User"
> <forum_user@ntlworld.com> wrote:
>
>>JW wrote:
>>> It's time for a new PC. I'm not a gamer, so don't need the hottest
>>> (no pun intended) machine around. But I would like an AMD as they
>>> offer more bang for the buck and run cooler than Intel. Also need
>>> 512mb-1gb memory, 160gb drive, cd-r, and front usb ports. I can do
>>> with on-board video and sound. I really don't need much more than
>>> that to get started other than some bay expansion and XP Pro.
>>>
>>> Is there anyone that can even come close to Dell at the low price
>>> point end of the market? (It's almost unbelievable; they now have a
>>> $400 2.8 system with 512mb, 80gb, AND a flat panel!)
>>
>>I believe Dells are proprietory machines, ie - they don't use standard
>>parts.
>>So if your PSU blows in 13 months time, you can't fit a standard unit -
>>you
>>have to buy Dell's own.
>>Same with the memory, etc - so you're locked into Dell.
>>What you save on initial purchase, you'll lose when you upgrade.
>>Get a PC made from non-proprietory parts and you can't go wrong.
>>
>>
>>>
>>> Suggestions?
>>
>
> You cannot play with the bios in a Dell . If you don't buy a Dell HD
> and you have problems detecting the drive you are screwed .
> You have to know the tricks to get the machine to re detect the
> drives.

 

[jw]

Archived from groups: alt.comp.hardware.overclocking.amd (More info?)

"Augustus" <augustus@wrtt.net> wrote:

>>
>> Just out of interest what's the link for that $400 machine?
>
>I don't think there's any such thing as a 2.8Ghz Dell, 80 gig drive, with a
>flat panel for $400. There's this one with a 17" CRT for $499. Upgrading to
>a flat panel puts it up to $610. Still a good deal, but not $400.
>

They change their deals all the time. Their current best low-end deal is

2.8Ghz Dell, 80 gig drive, 512Mb, XP Home, 15" FLAT PANEL for $449.

See

http://www1.us.dell.com/content/products/features.aspx/outrageous_desktops?c=us&cs=04&l=en&s=bsd

I think that Dell must be offering these as loss-leaders; I can't imagine that
they can be making much $$ on them. Their upgrades (memory, larger drives, etc)
and accessories (printers, software, networking equip) are not cheap, and they
probably make lots more profit on those items.

Didn't really get any suggestions here as to an alternative source for low end
PCs. Monarch Computer has some decent offerings. Also, I recently got a PC from
ETC Computer in Canada; after the exchange rate they seem to have pretty good
deals.

jw

--
jw@nospamforme.com