Any issues with cheaper brand computers?

[Doctor Zoidburg]

I would like to know what the experience some of you guys have had with non HP, Dell, Applle computers. Are the Acer and the e-machines as good?

 

[Ashton.]

I'm on my second Acer laptop and have liked them both. I only use it for basic things like email, word processing etc. though. If you have more complicated needs I can see it beeing more beneficial to have a better machine like a Mac.

 

[dreamblade]

Avoid e-machines. They're the hyundai pony of the the PC world.

Acer is ok for your basic needs, like Ashton said, but nothing to write home about.

Also, what are you looking to get, laptop or desktop?

For laptops you pretty much have to go for a brand, but if you're doing desktop, you're much better off having a smaller store build it for you (assuming you don't know how to build it yourself). You'll get a much better price/quality experience.

Try www.canadacomputers.com . Camelot Computers, on College just off of Spadina will also give you good advice.

 

[Mr Sinister]

I've been using acer machines for years there great

 

[Radio_Shack]

e-machines are in fact a cheaper brand but are ok.

I have used several and don't have any complaints.

Most problems are software related with computers not hardware.

 

[Edifice]

What about Gateway PC's? Are they along the same line as emachines?

 

[papasmerf]

What about Gateway PC's? Are they along the same line as emachines?

No they are over priced

 

[AnastasiaStripper]

I have an acer laptop it works good, I paid like around 500 for it brand new with warranty. Cant complain!

 

[maverick]

fyi, acer bought out both e-machines and gateway a few years back...

 

[Twister]

Do not get a emachine, buddy of mine repairs them

 

[tboy]

Do not get a emachine, buddy of mine repairs them

Before asking what name is on the outside of the box, you should be asking: what components are used inside the box. There are very few brand names that produce their own components. For eg: HP uses asus motherboards and list the asus number right on their spec sheet.

You have to remember: a pc is only a collection of components made by other people installed in one case.

The best way to compare a brand name PC to another brand name, see what components it contains and then compare those.

For eg: many use either an intel processor or an amd. NONE make their own.

 

[The LoLRus]

I love my DELL, hardly ever any issues

 

[to-guy69]

I love my DELL, hardly ever any issues

+1...affordable, low noise, good warranty and 24/7 support

 

[The LoLRus]

+1...affordable, low noise, good warranty and 24/7 support

I once walked into an internet cafe that had about 20 Dell's, I asked the manager if he had many of them breaking down. He said in 2 years he had yet to have one not work properly. And they were being used all day and night

 

[Rockslinger]

There are very few brand names that produce their own components.

Hey tboy, this is a very valid point when talking techology. Here are a couple more examples.

1) There are only one or two companies that manufacture memory cards.
2) There are only one or two companies that manufacture blank DVD discs.

BTW I have an HP and a Compaq desktops.

 

[Ceiling Cat]

HP and Compaq are the same company.

 

[tboy]

Hey tboy, this is a very valid point when talking techology. Here are a couple more examples.

1) There are only one or two companies that manufacture memory cards.
2) There are only one or two companies that manufacture blank DVD discs.

BTW I have an HP and a Compaq desktops.

Just like there are only a few companies that actually make plasma and lcd screens, everyone else just builds the boards and case they put them in.

I recently purchased a small CNC machine and I was down to two companies: 1 warrantied the machine for 3 yrs with unlimited phone support and free replacement parts, the other warrantied their machine for 3 months.

Which one do you think I chose?

 

[WoodPeckr]

What about Gateway PC's? Are they along the same line as emachines?

I'm still using a 12 yr old Gateway running XP and linux with no complaints. It's a rock solid desktop.
Acer recently bought out Gateway as Gateway had earlier bought out E-machines. A buddy has a Gateway laptop and loves it. Priced the same as HP and Toshiba.

 

[Radio_Shack]

I love my DELL, hardly ever any issues

I have 2 Dell 530's. Good value.

 

[Twister]

Just like there are only a few companies that actually make plasma and lcd screens, everyone else just builds the boards and case they put them in.

There are at least 25 companies that make motherboards. There are different grades of motherboards, Intel can make a cheap crappy motherboard and a better grade one. Asus too, although they are recognized to be the leaders, they make cheap motherboards too, the capacitors on some of them leak over time. A cheaper company such as PcChips sucks and don't last long.
You usually get what you pay for....