Question for the computer experts

[Dina Lerret]

On 6/25/06, justcarol67 <justcarol67 at yahoo.com> wrote:

> I can't build a computer from scratch myself, but I'm wondering if

A time-consuming project but not difficult.  Website I used when
piecing together a computer for the first time:
http://www.mysuperpc.com/

I had no idea what I was doing, so I appreciated pictures with the
instructions. :-)


> it's a good idea to have a local merchant do it. He seems reputable
> and knowledgeable, but I'm afraid that he might be edged out of
> business by the chain stores or whatever you call them (Dell, etc.).
> that happened to me once before and my warranty was worthless because
> the company no longer existed.

Get a Dell (dealnews.com, slickdeals.net, and fatwallet.com are good
spots for coupons and cheap tips).  They're taking over the world,
might as well go with the flow. ;-)

Get a Dell via Costco.  From
http://weblog.infoworld.com/foster/2006/02/27_a369.html :
[[
Reader comments in a recent discussion, however, singled out one
retailer as having far better return policies and practices that the
rest: Costco. "I buy all my electronics at Costco," wrote one reader.
"Everything except computers you can return at any time, period, no
questions asked, while computers are limited to six months.
Occasionally I'll get something that's a lemon or just doesn't perform
well, and back it goes. I then turn around and give them lots more
business."
]]

My bad, I knew electronics have a "lifetime policy", but computers
have a shorter 'no questions asked' policy.  I believe, once the six
months are over, the computer goes under the manufacturer's remaining
warranty.  However, computer *monitors* may not fall under the
six-month policy; they may fall under the *lifetime* policy.  Monitor
upgrade, w00t!

Go with what you feel comfortable and what you need such as you voiced
concerns on warranty.

Five computer towers, two CRT monitors, one LCD monitor, and a
partridge in a pear... whoops, laptop (bought off eBay used - may have
been new... *ten years ago*)... Personally, other than that crapass
Compaq, I've not needed a computer warranty... yet. {knock on wood the
newly built computer holds}  Research on the model and parts going
into that model.

Dina