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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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Okay, John...
Apr 24, 2005 3:24AM PDT

Certain Dell officials have made quite a few "contradictory statements" recently...so I guess it is my fault for not waiting for them to get their stories straight. The same guys who were saying things like, "We don't see ourselves as a 'computer company'," and "PCs are a 'mature market," etc., are now saying things like they expect PCs to be an area of "phenomenal growth". However, they are still referring to the majority of people as the "unprofitable consumer market" and stating quite clearly that "business customers" are their "primary target". So, I hope you'll excuse me for getting "faked out" by Dell.

As for Dell as a vendor of computer equipment...you have your opinion, and I have mine.

That's the end of the "issue"--as far as I'm concerned.

-JDM

(*If, on the other hand, it's not the end of the issue for you--and you choose to persist in launching personal attacks on my honesty and integrity--you'll only be proving that "you" are the one with a vendetta...and I may have to complain to CNET. Yes, I may have made plenty of "negative" comments about Dell in my postings--but I believe they are based on good information. I have also made quite a few "positive" statements...as you well know. However, I have never tried to attack you as an individual...nor do I ever intend to.)

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Yes, we both have a different opinion
Apr 24, 2005 4:25PM PDT

You started out ok in your post above, but had to end up negative again.
Perhaps you should read the Speakeasy forum and note for the past 6 years (I have been reading), there are dozen and dozens, I would think hundreds, of request for people to provide a link (URL)to back up statements they post. So you get bent out of shape accusing me of calling you a lair for asking you to furnish a link (URL) to a statement you made.

Sorry...err no I'm not sorry, but IMO you run this survey like a third world dictator. You declare,

"So, these are the winners...
Emachines wins the "overall" category.

Apple wins the "best hardware" category.

Voodoo PC wins the "extreme gaming" category.

And Monarch wins "honorable mention",

Someone else (not me) tells you he doesn't understand how you can say emachine emachine wins overall when Dell had the most favorable comments. (Note, you don't even mention Dell at all in the results.)

http://reviews.cnet.com/5208-7586-0.html?forumID=68&threadID=98240&messageID=1145682

I almost fell out of my chair reading what you had to say:

"Dell, on the other hand, has a lot of bad press--and I know from personal experience (i.e. what they've done to my friends, and to people I know) that they can be really bad for individual consumers. With Dell, things tend to be "hit" or "miss". Given the current lawsuit against them in California, I've chosen not to list them here."

Well, I'll be, you knew about Dell before the survey, and all of a sudden see Dell won out and change the rules to suit your bias towards Dell. I have never seen a survey changed like that in my life, and I do recall many surveys. So much for democratic surveys under your control (since it's your started survey). This is not a personal attack against you, I am just amazed that someone can run a survey, and decide they don't like the results, so eliminates the winner like it is a beauty contest which disqualified the winner because she posed nude in Playboy or may have possibly screw someone in a deal. (no smiley here)

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Hah!
Apr 25, 2005 7:03AM PDT

He's supposed to give Dell the top spot based on six or seven positve comments - most of which came from people who sound like they work for Dell? Despite all the bad press and a current lawsuit? To suit who - you?

And read his first post - he didn't say anything about voting, or how he was planning to judge things. You just assumed that you would get to vote for your favorite company, right? Grab a few like-minded hacks, jump in and steal the election - just like Washington, right?

I've read some of your other posts to Culture of One in these forums - and it's clear that you're just some jerk who can't stand it when people refuse to agree with you. Talk about a dictator - you're only interested in dictating your own personal version of the truth to anyone who will listen. You don't even own a Dell!

The real truth is this: It's not really about Dell or Culture of One - it's all about you. I've seen your type way too many times!

W.W.

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the best? It varies...
Apr 22, 2005 9:29AM PDT

Although Self-Built PCs are the best, IMO, those aren't the best for anyone who do not know how to make one...

eh.... a list

1) Alienware PCs

AWESOME Wink Great gaming desktops...

2) Dell

Dell's are low priced, common brand name standard. Great!

3) Customized - nothing usually beats Customized PCs built by yourself, a friend, or a small group - can be pricey sometimes, but it's worth it!

4) Macs Happy Always great for multimedia and graphics.

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In Response
Apr 22, 2005 9:50AM PDT

1) Alienware - Very Expensive, "Iffy" Quality, Extremely Bad Attitude, and Terrible Support.

2) Dell - Too Many Lemons, Bad Attitude, and Terrible Support. (Currently being sued for "bait-and-switch" practices.)

3) Macs - Excellent Hardware, Fairly Expensive, Biggest Problem = Software Compatibility Issues.

*We're not talking about custom-built here, but I agree with you that it's the best way to get exactly what you want.

Wink JDM

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Whenever I look at a company...
Apr 23, 2005 8:10AM PDT

I always try to do my best to be as "fair" as possible. I keep myself open to "new" information--and I try to take "everyone's" experience and opinion into account. However, "personal opinion" can't be the only deciding factor.

Therefore, I have not included any firm who's quality and/or business practices are in doubt in my "rankings". Indeed, I could not do so in good conscience...as that would amount to "tacit approval" of the company in question's behavior.

As to my assessments...I have at least been able to admit what "certain companies" do right, while the "apologists" continue to assert that their pet companies "can do no wrong". They will never be convinced--because they don't want to be convinced.

Now, if anyone objects to Emachines for "best overall" and/or Voodoo PC for "best extreme gaming machine"...I would love to hear your comments.

Sincerely, JDM

(*There was one other company which I "chose" not to include in the rankings--not because it isn't a fine company, but because it's "in transition". So, the best I can say is, "Up till now--they've been fine machines.")

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Since you asked, I object
Apr 24, 2005 3:55AM PDT

Above, you wrote "Now, if anyone objects to Emachines for "best overall" and/or Voodoo PC for "best extreme gaming machine"...I would love to hear your comments."

I think I do. I would replace best overall of eMachines with Dell. This is based on dozens of positive comments on this forum, reviewing many sites like Consumner Reports (2 of their 3 best buys in March), PC World and even CNET AND on personal experience.

I have posted a bunch of times now the great experience I just had with them I will also note I work ia large company thayt uses Dells. Withint eh 70 or so in my "area" we all have a Dell desktop and laptop each. To date over the last 4-5 years I can;t think of one pc that has just "died" on us - they run great. I have a Dell Laptop that is used and abused and it works great. Since they are bought by the company, I neven knew if on the consumer market if proice or service was good. I found out it is great.

So I would replace emachine with Dell, but I will admit from your previous posts I am sure you will not

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So you're...
Apr 24, 2005 7:13AM PDT

a "business" customer. No one is saying that Dell doesn't take good care of its business customers.

Dell hasn't been included in the rankings because it is involved in an ongoing lawsuit for "bait and switch" pricing practices. That's not a hardware issue--but it is clearly a "service" issue.

IBM has also not been included, because their PC business is currently "in transition"--having been sold to Lenovo recently. They are my personal favorite, but the best I can say in here is that they've made great PCs "so far". I have no way of knowing if that will continue to be the case...so no ranking.

-JDM

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And I'm surprised that...
Apr 24, 2005 7:22AM PDT

someone with your knowledge and experience would register with CNET Forums just to ask about the "best computer to buy for his mother". Why didn't you just buy your mom a DEll? Seems like your mind was made up long before you came to CNET Forums.

Wink JDM

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Actually not even close
Apr 24, 2005 11:02AM PDT

Although I appreciate the compliment of having a lot of knowledge and experience, that is pretty far from the truth. I have bought 2 PC's in my lifelime besides the one I bought for my mom this week. In 1990 or so I bought a 486 and then in 1997 a Pentium II (so 2 pc's in about 15 years - not exactly the high volume buyer) I do use a pc everyday at work and now the processor and ram I have but thm company buys them and they are pretty stripped of the extras so I pay little attention to the "extras" or the price.

I consider myself higher than entry level in BASIC computer knowledge (I understand processors, memory, hard drive, 32 vs 64 bit processing) mainly from my extensive research I did originally years ago for my other PC purchases BUT I can't even begin to explain the 939 pin slot advantages, AP versus PCI advanctages for video cards, watts & power etc you guys babble on about so well (smile)

I am very busy at work (work about 60 hrs a week), I have two young kids, I play a lot of poker (too much poker sometimes for the time I have - ps that is the basis for my forum name of Chip Leader - poker chips, not computer chips smile) and I thought the forum was a quick way to get a few thoughts on good PC's.

I was far from having my mind made up on Dell, HP or any other brand. I will say when I do tackle something I obsess with it, and over the last 10 days or so I have spent about 30-40 hours + on web sites, in stores, reading these and similar forums etc. Again, last time I bought a PC was 7 + years ago, and at the time it was a far different world - you went to a computer store lie Micro Center or CompUSA where they had 3-4 models max OR you found a custom built place - there was no best buy or circuit city etc or internet ordering, at least not like today.

SOOO... I did not have any idea what I wanted about a week ago. Please read through ALL my posts before you acuse me of having my mind made up before I started this. I thought I would share my journey and experience in case it may help others, but honestly I am too busy and not that concerned about this stuff to have taken all the time to write these posts if I already knew what I wanted. I also do not have enough time to think I will just join a forum and write 50 posts about dell as if it would make a difference one way or the other to anyone.

My biggest issue (as I said in other posts) was that I was trying to buy a middle of the road to bargin PC for my mom. I had to find the right combo of a good price without getting less then she needed without overbuying and getting way more than she needed. For example - swear to god, I spent all this time, bought the Dell, spent about 2 hours getting it set up (it was not hard, but she has a huge desk system that could not be moved so I spent a lot of time crawling undetr the thing) and then when it is finally up and running the FIRST question she asks is "do I still have solitare?"

Other posts I have said for THIS LEVEL I thought dell was great. I also said numerous times for higher end PC's or even maybe the next minor step up to like a emachine, that Dell may not be the best, at least based on price. Or of they were, I had not done the research to verify it. My deal and service was great, but if I wanted to add just a few componants to get to a similar emachine t6212 I think I ended up about $650-$700, well over the $550-$600 price.

SO - in summary, I did not have any idea of what I wanted when I started, if I needed to go a bit higher then I did system wise I think I may of done a T6212, but after what I have researched and my experience with dell for this level of PC I think they are hard to beat. I am extemely pleases as a CONSUMER (not business buyer, not sure how you made that mistake a few posts ago) in Del. Ordered Tues night, built and shipped in a day, and got it Friday. P4 with good ram, monitor, printer etc for $460 - I think great.

I will say when it comes into a situation with a mind made up that is unmovable you may be winning that battle on this forum. Not trying to be a jerk I hope (although this is the 2nd time I know I have said something kinda jerky to you over the last 3-4 days, but just calling you on facts, and I apologize for maybe not doing it very well). However you start a post asking who makes the best desktop, the Dell for exceeded the other votes, but then you post a messgae saying emachines wins depite only two votes, including one from you (dell had at trhe time about 8-9 out of 40 or so total messages). The you say that YOU decided Dell can't count since you don't like them. Then more positive comments come in for Dell (yes including some from me) and you then later Re-reward emachines with the best overall. Talk about having your mind made up. What was the point of folks taking time from their day to answer your post, sharing there experiences, and then you ignoring their comments and posting your thoughts. Why not just say int he first post "I think emachines rock, they are MY best overall... etc." But don't solicite responses on the front of asking a open ended question, ignore all the good people that posted their thoughts, and then post a fictional and incorrect statement. One post you said "the votes are in..." but yet you did not even look at the votes or posts.

Again, I know I am sounding like a jerk, but I am kind of confused about why you would ask for thoughts, then not even acknowledge folks like me who took tike to "vote" in your thread and post wrong results. PS do not think folks are going to buy that you really meant couting responses and comments in EVERY thread across cnet or others. You started a thread, asked a question, Dell won and then you "disqualified them" since you did not like them. Have no iodea why that got me so worked up, but it did, and maybe did cause me to pusj my GOOD experince with Dell a bit more. Again though, 10 days ago I had no idea what PC I needed for the user at my mom's level. I would say if I was buying a new one for me it would be much easier, I would simply get THE BEST I could for my budget. That was not the answer for my mom, since I could of way over-bought so she can "play solitare". Which for the record my original 486 from 1990 also did quite fine (ha ha).

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Look, Chip...
Apr 24, 2005 12:47PM PDT

You're accusing me of all kinds of things...which I don't think is entirely fair. You're even claiming to know what I'm thinking...which makes you what...a mind reader? And "you" are not listening to "me".

I quote:

"You say that YOU decided Dell can't count since you don't like them."

Now, find me any post where I say that "Dell doesn't count, because I don't like them." (You won't find one.)

My feelings about Dell are irrelevant here. The facts are as follows:

Dell has very good reviews and very bad ones--so the least you can say is that the company is "controversial". (Read some of the other posts in here and on CNET in general...please.) And they are involved in an ongoing lawsuit:

http://chipchick.blogs.com/chip_chick/2005/03/dells_lawsuit_a.html

The writer of this article has purchased about $30, 000 worth of stuff from Dell in the past--and she seems to be more disappointed than anything else.

And check this out:

http://news.com.com/Open+letter+to+Michael+Dell/2010-1042_3-5130816.html

John Dickison is an avowed Dell "fan", who regularly recommends Dell to people he knows--so you should at least read what he has to say.

Now, given all this information...how do you suggest that I give Dell the "best overall" rating? Based on what? Your personal opinion that Dell is the best company in the world? Come on, Chip...give me a break. The jury is still out on Dell--quite literally! I'm happy you had a good experience, but that's not the only thing I can look at...and I'm not going to base the rankings on "a couple of opinions" one way or the other.

I've put Emachines on top because the positive to negative feedback ratio is not only better--the negative feedback (and I'm looking at quality, price, AND service) is practically non-existent. They did have a hard-drive issue for a little while, but it appears to have been resolved. (However, I am currently reassessing them because "one" person has said that their machines basically "die" after a year. Not my idea of a "good deal".)

If you don't like my assessment of Emachines, why don't you ask John Robie what he thinks? You seem to respect what he says at lot more than what I say.

Now, I could be "nasty"--but I'm trying to be "fair". Nasty is for children who should be sent to bed without supper. (You and I both know this.) And it's no secret that two of my dearest friends were very badly treated by Dell...so it would be very easy for me to be just jump up and down and yell "Dell sucks!"...right? That might even be justified...but it wouldn't be "rational", or "logical"...and you've got to stay "cool" in order to be "fair". (Check out my posting in "Problems with Dell"--where that kind of thing really belongs--and then tell me if you think it's "just another rant".)

And, as to my personal opinion, I believe that IBM makes the best computers, and has the best service and support. I think IBM beats Dell hands down--even when Dell does things 100% right (and when they do it right, they are really great)--but that's just my "personal" opinion. And how could I include IBM now that they've sold their PC business to Lenovo? Who knows what will change? (Maybe nothing...but we'll just have to wait and see, right?) Now, why else would I leave out both IBM and Dell if I believe that IBM would "toast" Dell in a head to head? Answer me that? And if I only left Dell out because I "hated" them...why would I leave out IBM? Would I leave them out because they're my favorite company? The simple truth is that I'm "trying to be fair".

You also seem to have missed the negative postings about Dell in this forum...and on CNET in general. Plus there's a lot more stuff available on the web. For me though...the lawsuit really does it.

The "allegations" against Dell are really bad--but they have yet to be "proven" or "disproved". If they do turn out to be true, however, it would most definitely affect Dell's rating as a company. So, for now at least--Dell is on "hold".

I'll assume you've also noticed that I put HP in second place--until someone said that they had to go to a local TV station to get the company to "do the right thing". Well, that's kind of blows their "customer service" rating, doesn't it? So, no more HP.

What I'm trying to do here isn't rocket science. It is far from perfect--but I think it's a step in the right direction. I also sincerely hope that I can include "Dell" and "IBM"...oh, say next year or so. I expect the lawsuit will be over for Dell by then, and Lenovo should be firmly in charge of IBM's PC business. At that time, I will still look at the positive and negative reviews--but I will definitely include "both" companies.

Sincerely, JDM

(*Please don't fall into the "My favorite company is best, and screw the rest!" mindset. I know you can do a lot better than that! You've had a good experience with Dell--and some people haven't. That's the reality here. So, if you really want me to "rate" Dell I will--as "most controversial".)

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My last (I hope) comments on kind of a useles debate anyway
Apr 24, 2005 2:01PM PDT

Here is the link to the post where you said you disqualifed Dell (I guess I would read that as the same as "not counting them", isnlt that the same) although to be fair you sited the reason that there is some legal suit with them (with an apparently guilty until found innocent foundation) not because you did not like them. I am already spending much longer on this dumb debate to keep looking up posts, but you did say you would decided not to count Dell.

Link:
http://reviews.cnet.com/5208-7586-0.html?forumID=68&threadID=98240&messageID=1147840

Anyway, I actually have thought this was pretty fun for a few days, but maybe it is time to either stop this string or restructure your original question. I agree with comments that this is a lot like saying "which car is the best" or "what is the best college". for WHAT? Budget PC, Gaming? From this thread alone though if you simply count Dell they won. I have to admit I was very focused originally on this one thread - you asked a question, people responded, and then without saying why, you deemed emachines the winner despite the dell votes. I know this sounds like the same thing, but I am not judging you, just questioning this forum. I did not try to accuse you of anythingk, I tried to stick to the facts. Again, sorry I misstated why you disqualified Dell, but you did decide not to count them. I think you seem like a great guy with a lot of great points. I was just trying (for some unknown reason, even to me since it does not really matter) to understand HOW you came to your final conclusions.

Anyway, somehow I think I have come across as some Dell cheerleader. Not even really sure why. I had a great SINGLE consumer experience, but by no means does that mean there are not 100 other great companies, or that others may not have the same luck. So far, I have simply tried to state only a few things each time (and make sure to state them):
1) Fact around MY experiences only (which is my single purchase for my mom and the fact my work has tons of Dells with little issue.
2) My Opinions I formed then from my experiences. I tried to make sure it was clear they were my thoughts on what I experienced alone.
3) Note that I cannot speak for all levels of purchases, just the entry level to high "bargin" range. I even went as far to say for slight increases in the PC (add another 512 ram, add a dvd burner etc) that Dell's price can slowly creep up over the standard store bought PC's and MAY NOT be the best choice.

What is really going to screw up this debate (which is kind of fun between us, so sorry) is now that I went and got this machine for my mom I of course now have the bug to get a NEW pc for myself. I would say it is a 50/50 shot (I do have an 7 year old pc). NOW THE KICKER - If I went to get a PC FOR ME in the next week or two knowing my needs and the prices, I would buy the emachine T6212 in a heatbeat. I like the price, I like how you can upgrade easily after market ( can can add ram, video card etc myself), and I like the comments I have heard on this forum about the quality. I am very close to going out and getting one if I can just talk myself into doing it now instead of waiting. If you can tell by the fact I have had 2 in the last 15 years I don't exactly rush right out and buy the latest (smile). I have also only had 2 cars in the 18 years I have driven, one for 7 and now a Honda for 11 years (these are my cars, does not count the mini van etc my wife has).

So, anyway I am about done with this, it is kind of going in circles and I agree again it is kind of an open ended question anyway. I did not mean to come off as some jerk (although for the 3rd time I will admit I most likely did even if that was not my intent). When I did I apologize, it was not my intent. I DO LIKE the posts where individuals can describe what they are looking for and then folks like you and John can give feedback. I think open ended questions like this just don't work if you are trying to actually form a final conclusion like who is the "winner". I will stick by the fact tat in this Thread Dell did get many more votes and you did originally say the votes are in and emachine won, but to your credit later you did explain why ( agai, you disqualified Dell) I'm not wasting anymore time on this, by the end of the day it is just a hunk of metal and wires that sits by a desk that becomes outdated within 3 months after we buy it anyways. I can't get too worried about this. Anyway, thanks for the healthy debate, sorry if I pushed my questions about how you did this thread a bit the wrong way. You (and John and others) are great - I would love to forget this PC stuff and instead play a great game of poker with you guys, but it would be great fun. Hope whatever folks purchase it works out, regardless of the company.

This was a lot of work just so my mom can play solitare (smile)

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Thanks!
Apr 24, 2005 2:52PM PDT

I appreciate all your comments and your participation in this forum. (Guys like you help us to keep things real.)

I'm sorry that you don't agree with my methods, but I hope that you can at least see where I'm coming from.

I haven't come to the conclusion that Dell is "guilty as charged" (although it does look bad for the company)...as there is a chance that the real problem was overtaxed systems that fell apart under the stress of too many orders. I've left Dell out for what I think are "good" reasons...as I have done with IBM (which hurts me more than you know).

Even John Robie acknowledges that there has been quite a bit of trouble with Dell's "offshore" support, so the company would've lost points for that...even if I had chosen to include it.

Emachines, by the way, wins more or less by default, since there are almost no complaints against them. (There were several on Complaints.com, but they are getting rather old.) Their ratings in CNET Forums and on the web are generally "excellent". Considering their consistently good ratings for quality, price, service and support, I chose to rate them "best overall". I could've easily rated them "best budget PC", but I don't believe that the price is the only good thing about them. Wink

Once Dell's case has been resolved and IBM PC really becomes Lenovo, I'll be looking forward to your comments when I put those two companies head to head (in a new forum). By that time your mom will have had her Dell for a while, and you'll be able to give us valuable "long-term performance" updates.

Happy JDM

(*The original reason I started looking at "outside information" was that there weren't enough "votes" to make any kind of "reasonable assessment". Check the dates--you'll see what I mean. Who could've possibly imagined how popular this forum would become?) Silly

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BTW
Apr 24, 2005 1:24PM PDT

Sorry for "misinterpreting" your background.

Wink JDM

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Who makes best desktop PC
Apr 23, 2005 8:21AM PDT

I've only owned HP's (my 3rd) and I've had virtually
no problems. I've bought each one at Costco. Don't
expect even one word of help from a sales person
but you can't beat the prices.

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HP...
Apr 23, 2005 8:28AM PDT

makes good machines, but their service and support is in doubt. They do seem to make a lot of machines that don't require much service...so I think we can give them 2nd place overall!

Wink JDM

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SGI's Tezro/or Octane-2's
Apr 23, 2005 8:39AM PDT

Of course I have to say the Silicon Graphics Tezro with its quad 800mhz 64bit processors/ 16 gigabyte DDR/SDram. It also uses the IRIX operating system, which is much different from the windows format. More like Linux.
I can get up to 96 bit visual graphics, with the Tezros hardware accumulation buffer(24,24,24,24).
I was drueling over these back when they had the original Octanes with duel processors.
Oh the price? Well a refurbished Octane2 from SGI, can run you $11,000.00 U.S.

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Easily networked with MAC/Linux/Win
Apr 23, 2005 8:51AM PDT

SGI's computers are the thing you see in a biomed lab or Pixar/Universal studios uses the Octane2's, but may have upgraded recently.
I still would love to own one! I could make my, movie dreams come true!
Check out the SGI website at: http://www.sgi.com/ highlight the products tab, then look at workstations also check out the refurbished models. Alienware move over! SGI has been here MUCH longer!

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Who makes the best automobile?
Apr 24, 2005 5:11AM PDT

The ?best computer? question might best be illustrated with this best automobile question. With a automobile you have to ask the big question - what will I use for? Driving on the Autobahn? - you?ll need a high performance sports car. Hauling kids? - get a minivan. Hauling bricks? - get a truck. Etc. You just can?t ignore this question when looking at the ?best? computer. What is best for you might not be for the next guy. I think asking what is the best computer for gaming, or the best computer for graphic uses, etc would be much more appropriate.

When looking for the best computer for you, ask yourself what is the most important function you want to use the computer for. Once you decide, look at what the pros are using.

I know Apple computers get slammed by window users but if you really want the best computer for graphics and video this is the choice for you. Just walk into any newspaper?s art department or go to a video production company and you will see bushels of Apples.

The computer gaming industry focuses on window based systems because more people own these computers. In this case get the fastest windows computer you can afford, you can upgrade the memory, video and audio cards later. Sony has a great product but their computers seem a but overpriced.

If you want to use your computer to surf the web, print the occasional birthday card, or watch a movie -get a cheapo entry level eMachine.

An all-purpose computer should be a windows based system as there is a greater choice of software. In this case I would still suggest you go for the fastest computer you can afford. Upgrade the memory when you can and upgrade the video and audio cards if you find the need. Best Buy?s store brand vpr Matrix is quite good.

If you have the expertise BUILD YOUR OWN! You will get exactly what you want.

Whatever system you get invest in an external hard drive. It instantly increases hard drive space on any current or future computers you?ll own. They are also great for backing up your files should you lose all your data.

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Thanks!
Apr 24, 2005 6:18AM PDT

Thank you for your comments!

Wink JDM

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You took the words right outta my mouth!
Apr 24, 2005 8:03AM PDT

The question is too vague in my opinion. There are simply to many variables to consider in the make-up of a computer. You could say who makes the best computer with a 3 Ghz P4, 512MB of RAM, and a 160GB hard drive? Or who makes the best computer under $1500? Those are questions.

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I'm just looking for...
Apr 24, 2005 1:16PM PDT

some kind of "general consensus"--based on information available in this and other forums, and on the web.

I have actually established some "loose" categories:

Emachines is rated "best overall". (Quality, Price, Service & Support)

Voodoo PC is rated "best extreme-gaming PC". (Quality, Performance, Price, Service & Support)

The smaller and less well-known makers don't have enough votes or information about them available on the web...and I did check...but it is nice to hear about them, all the same. And the "workstations" don't really belong here...comparing apples to apples, and all.

Don't take things too seriously--just let us know what you think is best.

Wink JDM

(Dell and IBM haven't been included for reasons listed in other posts.)

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Well all things considered....
Apr 25, 2005 7:38AM PDT

Put me in for Emachines, for best overall.
Gaming goes to Velocity Micro for pre-configured computers and customizing (Its got wheels! lol)
And Monarch Computers for the ultimate in build-your-own without actually doing it youself.

I've read all good things from them.

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Yes, I agree with this!
Apr 25, 2005 8:31AM PDT

Eveyone has an opinion and specific use for their comps. I like to consider my Dell a hotrod, sense I had to buy it, a piece at a time.
By the way, Dell Loves people like me who spend and spend and spend.....4 years of dealing and I've not one bad experience with Dell.

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computer for graphics
Aug 7, 2005 8:35AM PDT

What should I look for in a new computer to work with Autocad, Adobe Premier Pro, 3DS Max, Form-Z, and Flash?

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Emachines - Not Dell!
Apr 25, 2005 1:35AM PDT

The guy running this thread is 110% right! Dell is a scam! The people who wrote good things about Dell only showed up after emachines won first place! Most of them sound like they work for Dell anyway - like they are reading from scripts! Don't believe them! Those of us who have been burned by Dell know the truth! They WILL lose their lawsuit!

My vote is for emachines! It's the best choice!

W.W.

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Culture of One
Apr 25, 2005 6:02AM PDT
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Dell Wins
Apr 25, 2005 8:12AM PDT

I'm totally impartial, since I build my own systems.
Sorry if you're unhappy with the results, but it's an obvious win for Dell.

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Dell,dell,Dell,dell,DELL
Apr 25, 2005 8:53AM PDT

hooray!!!

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Yeah, right!
Apr 25, 2005 10:25AM PDT

Based on what? Six or seven pro Dell posts - most of which sound like they were posted by people who work for the company - and your say so? Hah! Add to this the fact that the Dell people only showed up 'after' Culture of One posted his results. Check it yourself, if you disagree.

And read Culture of One's original post again. Tell me where it says that his results will be based solely on the 'votes' of the people in this thread. It says nothing at all about 'votes', or the information used being restricted to what little is available in this thread. Would you agree if only two people showed up and voted for emachines? No, I didn't think so! So much for your clear victory for Dell!

I believe he excluded Dell for what he thinks are good reasons. Personally, I would have excluded them because they are dishonest and make crap - based solely on my personal experience - but this is not my thread. And it sure as hell isn't yours. His forum, his rules - right? If 'you' don't like the results, you are perfectly free to go start your own thread!

W.W.