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General discussion

Who makes the best desktops?

Apr 13, 2005 6:29AM PDT

Alright, guys...let's get this over with, "once and"...well, "for a while"...at least! Silly

In your opinion, pound for pound, apples to apples, and all that--who makes the best desktops in terms of performance, price, reliability, and support?

You can stump for any company which you believe fits the bill--yes, even tiny little makers most of us have probably never heard of before.

-JDM Wink

(*No laptops, please! I'm going to start a separate thread for that in the Notebooks Forum.)

Discussion is locked

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I'll even go first...
Apr 13, 2005 6:42AM PDT

The best desktop I ever bought came from my university's computer shop. It was built by students who were (and probably still are) deeply in love with computers. I never had any problems with the hardware, and they were more than willing to help me with any software problems I had. (Mostly trouble with Win 95 at the time.) To this day, I believe that buying from a "university computer store" (i.e. a place where they make and sell generic systems) is the next best thing to building your own.

-JDM

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The best ones
Apr 13, 2005 7:22AM PDT

The best ones are always custom made; whether by yourself or a local store. I built my first one about 4-5 years ago, and haven't looked back since. Plus, upgrades and repairs are a lot cheaper. Of course, this requires some knowledge of computers (or knowing someone who has said knowledge), but a custom build is exactly what you want and nothing else. I think it even ends up being the most powerful per dollar, too, if you build it righr.
Note: Make sure you have a powerful enough power supply...I went through 3 of those suckers till I found a good one..and a more powerfull (480W) one

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Who makes the best desktops?
Apr 13, 2005 7:38AM PDT

Since the "best" is alwise a moving target. I agree with the custom built ones over mass produced ones. John

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Apple.
Apr 13, 2005 7:43AM PDT

Even though I can't use them, the units outclass any PC in terms of support and polish. Too bad I can't use them for my line of work.

Bob

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Apple definitely...
Apr 13, 2005 1:59PM PDT

makes fine hardware. However, I think most people will continue to choose PCs over Macs for at least a while (primarily due to "compatability" issues).

On the other hand, all my "creative" friends (i.e. anyone I know who's into art, photography, music, etc.) are die-hard Mac fans. As far as they're concerned, it's strictly a "performance" issue...but I strongly suspect that they also like the styling. Wink

-JDM

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Sorry...
Apr 13, 2005 2:17PM PDT

That should've been "compatibility issues"...

"...can't think and type at the same time..." (Muttering to self.) Silly

-JDM

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Best computers
Apr 15, 2005 10:09PM PDT

I knew one of you Apple lovers could not resist the temptation for a PC put down. Please grow up.

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All growed up.
Apr 15, 2005 11:05PM PDT

I really like the Apples, but can't use them in my work and business. Here's why.

-> I do a lot of embedded software work. Also some automatic test software. Crosscompilers (Cosmic C, others), Visual Studio and such are non-existant on the Apple and ... the PC is what is used in the test sets.

While a better system, I can't use it.

Bob

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i dont kno..
Apr 25, 2005 6:02AM PDT

maybe Im missing something about the whole Apple Thing. Sure, I would agree that there look and style is a whole lot better, and support. But it just seems that you aren't getting much for the money, no?

Compared to new computers on the market, apples seem a little outdated with it comes to specs. Maybe Im wrong?

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apple desktop
May 28, 2005 4:41AM PDT

im apple only and from our first computer, open the box,
plug in a keyboard, mouse and go.........anything more complicated, has easy instructions and software installs itself and your up and running......i dont think it could be much simplier...... ive used computers since 85 and
there is no question.....apple only for me

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Bob Proffitt is much more than...
Apr 16, 2005 2:47AM PDT

just another "Mac Lover". His opinions are all well thought out, and based on a depth of knowledge you or I would be lucky to have. If he says that Apple makes better computers (pound-for-pound), you have to respect his opinion.

-JDM

(*No one here is disputing the kind of compatibility issues which limit the overall acceptance level of Apple's computers--especially not Bob.)

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And any software...
Apr 16, 2005 3:08AM PDT

which is available in both formats always seems to run better and faster on an Apple machine. Photoshop and Illustrator are the first that come to mind, but my friends who use Apple in their work (and believe me, they can't afford to accept second-rate performance) say that the Mac version of Word also runs much, much better.

I use PC's now because 1) they run "all" the software I need...which is primarily determined by what my clients use, and 2) because, after many long years, I feel comfortable with the format. (Old habits die hard, and all.) I do, however, always keep my eye on Apple...and I remember that they were the "first" company to make computers that "everyone" could use.

-JDM

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About Word.
Apr 16, 2005 3:14AM PDT

I haven't been using that much. Here's what I use -> http://www.openoffice.org

I know this is getting off topic, but Word is hundreds of dollars per machine/user and this is our advantage to use this fine alternative. The less nimble companies get to burn up their money faster...

Bob

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I hear you!
Apr 16, 2005 3:21AM PDT

I've had my eye on Open Office for a while now. However, in my case, the MS software is deductible...and it's 100% compatible with what my clients use. If that weren't the case, I'd never buy MS Office. (I much prefer Wordperfect to Word anyway.)

Sincerely, John

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comment on Open Office
Apr 18, 2005 11:19AM PDT

obviously you've never tried it, it allows saving of files in Star Office, MS Office, Corel, and it's own format (it's multiple versions of the above)
it's a very easy to use interface
gets along fine with nView (just a note for those nVidia users with 2 displays (some applicatoions *cough* FL Studio *cough* don't like nView's display switch ability, and won't move to the other display at all)

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I have friends who...
Apr 18, 2005 1:20PM PDT

use it, so I've played with it a bit. I like it a lot. However, there are still some issues with MS Office--things like fonts and/or formatting being altered or lost. And you and I both know who's fault that is, right? (Hint: He's the richest man in the world, and he has a lot of "bad hair days"!) Silly

-JDM

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Re Open Office and lost fonts, formatting.
Apr 19, 2005 12:23AM PDT

Same thing happens between Office 97 and 2000, 2003 etc.

The lost fonts even occurs between same versions when we shuttle from machine to machine.

As such, there is much work they need to do still (MS and others.)

Bob

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A classy and Honest response
Aug 7, 2005 8:09PM PDT

An Honest reply to be sure, I have two Apple desktops, a blue and white 1999 G3 and a 2001 G4 'Quicksilver . Both machines are upgradable, scalable and very easy to work on. Memory, processor, optical drives, PCI cards all easily accessible visible inside the box. Just lift the tab on the side, and the whole computer is at your fingertips!
A true piece of genius to be sure!
Ask anyone whose lost blood opening a wintel box to install memory!Happy

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I agree that...
Apr 13, 2005 1:33PM PDT

building your own unit (or having it custom built) is the best deal in terms of getting "exactly" what you want.

Now, suppose someone you knew wanted to buy a ready-made unit...and it had to be a PC...which company would you recommend?

Based on what I've read on CNET Forums...I'd probably recommend Emachines for the low-end, and Falcon Northwest for the high end. How about you guys?

-JDM

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neither, and an Apple comment
Apr 13, 2005 2:42PM PDT

um, i'd reccomend neither
eMachines systems probably come lacking features, and of the high end companies (I am anti-OEM, as you probably all know, so i'm always gonna say build your own first)
but of all the high end companies out there, the one I hate least is VoodooPC

mainly VoodooPC gets my acceptance because they do things that the average builder CAN NOT DO (for example their Omen system, has a non-standard case, while the cooling inside is probably beatable with a DIY water cooling system, the case is something I can't just goto newegg or ZZF and buy, their silent PC's case is buy-able, BUT it's only avliable from one retailer that i've seen (it's $1300) and Voodoo warranties theirs (if you buy the one from Xoxide (it's a Zalman, same thing Voodoo has) you sign a waiver incase your hardware overheats due to the lack of cooling that they don't gotta pay for it (afaik that is what the waiver is), i'd rather have a warranty to replace the hardware


VoodooPC is also REALLY expensive (which is why i hate them, mostly is that their systems are like $6000+ no matter what....)

Alienware is a sell out of a company any more
3 or 4 years ago they were like Voodoo, pushing the envolope to make nice systems, but now their jsut a sell out


Falcon Northwest only has 1 feature that you can't get on a custom build, their casing

and believe me, i'd take my Enermax case over one of theirs (even with the custom painting and laser cutting)


ALSO
you can buy case skins, to get simmilar effects to theirs, or air brush your own case


for low end i'd say you wanna go with whoever has the best deal at the time
as all the low end machines out there are basically the same thing:
moderate CPU
no RAM
crappy graphics
under-powered PSU
bad cooling
junk mobo
good price


pick the logo you like best


as for Apple comment:
i feel Apple's systems are nice, but their compatability is poor
the thing i sort of see if Longhorn's rumored subscription fee comes true, is that most will move to Apple or Linux (the rumor is that you will have to pay a monthly or yearly fee to use Windows Longhorn, as long as you own it...so M$ can make more $$, if that is the case, expect to see a PowerPC replacing my AthlonXP...oh wait, it's WinXP, so it has no fees, ok, expect to see a PowerPC joining my AthlonXP (there we go, lol)

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As far as I'm concerned...
Apr 13, 2005 2:55PM PDT

If MS ever tried to start charging a monthly fee--I'd be right behind you in line to buy a Mac, OZ! Wink

Cheers, JDM

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If MS ever tried to start charging a monthly fee-
Apr 14, 2005 12:51AM PDT

Well look at the the new mini MAC comming out in 2005 just 1 year before the rumord release of longhorn, Hmmm.
Since MAC OSX is unix Apple could release a PC version, Hmmm. John

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Definetly not the best
Apr 22, 2005 3:45AM PDT

I'm not sure of the best but I do know my expierience with Systemax and Tiger Direct had to be the worst. I wanted to buy American and Tiger had some good prices, the only problem was the computer locked up more than a guard at Chino. After more than a dozen tech calls and a week and a half of following instructions, the machine went back to the factory for service. After two weeks in Ohio it came back worse than it was sent. They sent me another new unit (which I was billed for without my OK)that did the exact same thing. By the way, My old 400 meg Inteva had no problem with my power supply or internet connection, the only things I hooked up to the second unit. To avoid tying up my money I agreed with thier customer service to change my order to a Sony of the same price. When I recievd the Sony it was the wrong model. Thier reply was they were out of the model I had ordered. I hope this will keep people who were planning to buy from Tiger to think twice unless you love being run around and told you are stupid. P.S. The Sony works well.

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Thanks for the info!
Apr 22, 2005 5:45AM PDT
Wink JDM
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Re: Which desktops are best?
Apr 13, 2005 6:07PM PDT

Are desktops manufactured by Velocity Micro any good?


Big Steve
End Of Message
04/14/05

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I can't find any...
Apr 16, 2005 3:15AM PDT

bad press concerning Velocity Micro. All the reviews I've found have been very positive. I'd dig around a little more if I were you (your money, and all), but VM looks like a great company.

-JDM

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haven't read up on them recently
Apr 17, 2005 10:39AM PDT

currently the only high end PC maker I advise is VoodooPC, as they seem to be on the ball as far as a company goes

Alienware has sold out
Falcon NW isn't offering anything amazing
and Velocity Micro seems to be in line with Falcon NW

i'd suggest building your own though, as VoodooPC is EXPENSIVE! (just check them out, their one of the most expensive makers out there)

and I am anti-OEM build, as they offer you less control over the parts in YOUR system...you should be able to choose what you have, 100% (imo)

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The Best Pc or laptop?!?
Apr 22, 2005 3:50AM PDT

So I am taking it no one would prefer to work with dell or gateway. I keep hearing they are not so good from family members, but can you tell me what you think. I been upgrading mine with a family member, but now my motherboard is shot. I can not use my speakers at all. The family member I work with told me it would cost me either the same if not more to buy a whole new system as it would to build another one. I would have to get a new motherboard and upgrade everything else to make it compatible with my motherboard. I also right now need a video card. It is ashame too because I just upgraded my memory. I am a college student right now and I can't afford to go out and buy a computer outright, so I thought maybe I would finance one. What do you think?

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Emachines
Apr 22, 2005 9:03AM PDT

Emachines would probably be a good bet for you. Check out some of the other postings on CNET Forums.

Wink JDM

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RE: The Best Pc or laptop?!?
Apr 23, 2005 3:37PM PDT

Personally, I used to use a Compaq and a Yamaha computer. My Yamaha motherboard rocked except that I could not get to Pentium 1. Now I am using a Dell 4700 and it rocks, have not crashed it once. I installed new hardware and it was no problem. I got a base tower and installed my own hardware and had no problems. Alienware is awesome, but is way too expensive. Same with Falcon. But they offer limited upgrade as far as changing the system settings. Personally, I wish I could keep the system and get Win98 second for the operating system. As far as the graphics, dvd's play awesome. Apple has editting software, but I swear by my Dell. You base line it and you get someone who knows systems to work the upgrades, you could get a P4 for about $600 with the basics.