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Features and their importance
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Brand name computers - Compaq, IBM, Dell, Gateway, Micron,
HP, etc.
Generally reliable and compatible
systems with long term support. Many people prefer a
brand name system. These may cost more than a "clone"
system and support is more expensive but if you are a computer
neophyte one may be just the machine for you!
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Components may be proprietary and expensive.
Service may be quite expensive if you must pay for it.
Buy a 3 year service contract to avoid high repair costs,
preferably from the manufacturer. Many store contracts
require leaving the system with them for several days or weeks,
whereas manufacturers often provide in-home or overnight mail
support so read the contract carefully before you buy!
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Name brand systems are generally
reliable and well documented. Patches and new drivers
are generally available via the Internet for many years, even
for very old models.
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Retail systems may not be as well
built as their corporate counterparts but they are generally
suitable for home users.
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Telephone support and Web support
are available but the quality of service varies. You
may receive toll-free support with a service contract. On-site
service requires an initial diagnosis.
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Magazine reviews are usually available
for major brands.
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Clones - House brands from local computer stores and computer
shows
Clones use standard parts that can be
easily repaired or upgraded. Quality, support, and documentation
vary widely. Clones are cost effective but not necessarily
a good choice for the new computer user. Some come with
no software or operating system.
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Components can be repaired or replaced
easily and inexpensively if the system uses a standard ATX
motherboard. Service may be available through other companies
but read the contract carefully before you buy.
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Service may not be available from
the original supplier.
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House brands and other clones may
be reliable but not well documented. Patches and drivers
may be available on the Internet from the makers of each component.
If you don't know what is inside the system you may be out
of luck!
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Clones from the local computer show
or a clone builder may rely on cost cutting measures such
as all-in-one components and/or lower grade components to
be competitive.
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Telephone support may range from
excellent to non-existent. Warranties vary widely.
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Magazine reviews are often available
for clones from the larger makers but not from the local computer
builder.
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Look-alikes - "Home" computers, Internet appliances;
other inexpensive systems
These often look standard
but the components inside are highly proprietary. Many
use an all-in-one motherboard that precludes upgrades. Typically
the back of the system is oddly arranged or has only a few
vertical expansion slots. Look-alikes can be problematic
for home or small office users owing to potential incompatibilities
and service issues.
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Components are mostly proprietary. Service
can be expensive without a service contract. Inexpensive
systems may have a swap-out policy, which could be an indication
of poor quality control.
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Systems from well known companies
are usually reliable and well documented. Patches and new
drivers are generally available via the Internet for many
years, even for very old models.
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Systems from smaller companies
or from mass merchandisers may be notoriously unreliable and
poorly documented, with system design changing regularly. Patches
and drivers may be difficult to obtain.
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There can be software incompatibilities
and problems installing new hardware options.
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Telephone support can be good or terrible,
depending on the company. Check the magazine reviews
and talk to people who use the system you are thinking of
buying.
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Many brand name systems such as
Gateway and Micron are really high quality clones. Note,
however, that their "Home" and "Small Office"
versions may be proprietary. The systems from e-Machines are
very popular look-alikes.
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