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For my own clients, I prefer to custom-build Intel-based workstations
and servers. That way I have full confidence in the components and we
get _exactly_ what we want. (I'll end up supporting and configuring
them for years afterwards and I want them to work well.) However, I
agree with the others. I think I'd go with Dell over HP or Gateway (if
they still exist in some incarnation). I've used large numbers of Dell
desktops and laptops over the years and they are generally built well
and have a good price tag. If I had a complaint about them, it would be
mostly about the hard drives. But that's the same complaint I put
against the others as well.<br>
<br>
Another option might be Acer. I haven't worked with an Acer computer in
the last three years or so, but for the ~10 years before that I worked
with them quite a lot. Quality and price were always good and I suspect
they are still.<br>
<br>
<Soap box on>Cheaply hard drives tends to be one of the areas
that system builders skimp on to keep costs low, but it creates a
longevity problem. I especially dislike Western Digital hard drives.
I've seen a disproportionately high number of WD drives fail at the 2-3
year mark over the years. I'd rather pay a little extra up front and
have a machine that has a greater chance of working three years later
than have to spend time and money replacing the drive and reconfiguring
the computer. For the average consumer who may replace his/her computer
every two years or so that might be fine. But for a smaller library
that may need to keep it for 5, 6 or more years, the computer needs to
last.<Soap box off><br>
<br>
My two cents.<br>
<br>
Chad<br>
<br>
<pre class="moz-signature" cols="72">-----------------------
Chad Neeper
Senior Systems Engineer
Level 9 Networks
740-548-8070 (voice)
866-214-6607 (fax)
-- Full LAN/WAN consulting services --
-- Specialized in libraries and schools --</pre>
<br>
<br>
Dan Will wrote:
<blockquote cite="mid:000a01ca74e4$251ec720$6f5c5560$@org" type="cite">
<pre wrap="">I agree with James, go with Dell and forget Gateway. We have 30+ gateways
that came from MPC (they bought out Gateway's commercial & government
division. Then, after 2 years they went belly up. All of the computers have
the Gateway logo on them but Gateway will do absolutely nothing to support
them. I personally think Gateway has shot themselves in the foot, as I don't
think anyone with Gateway/MPC experience will ever buy or recommend anything
from Gateway, but that's just my opinion. ;^)
Dan Will
Technology Supervisor
Meigs County District Public Library
<a class="moz-txt-link-abbreviated" href="mailto:willda@oplin.org">willda@oplin.org</a>
740.992.5813
740.992.6140 (fax)
The difference between fiction and reality?
Fiction has to make sense.
Tom Clancy
-----Original Message-----
From: <a class="moz-txt-link-abbreviated" href="mailto:oplintech-bounces@oplin.org">oplintech-bounces@oplin.org</a> [<a class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="mailto:oplintech-bounces@oplin.org">mailto:oplintech-bounces@oplin.org</a>] On
Behalf Of James Guilford
Sent: Thursday, December 03, 2009 3:40 PM
To: Greg Wheeland
Cc: <a class="moz-txt-link-abbreviated" href="mailto:oplintech@oplin.org">oplintech@oplin.org</a>
Subject: Re: [OPLINTECH] Desktops
Make contact with your Dell State & Local Government sales
representative. You'll get special quoted pricing from them and can have
them build your machines from an image you create -- a great time saver.
Dell has been very good for us in support, pricing for purchase, and
leasing. -- JG
Greg Wheeland wrote:
</pre>
<blockquote type="cite">
<pre wrap="">I realize this is going to seem like a very broad question. But we
are looking at switching from custom built desktops to one of the big
manufacturers. Just looking to see what people recommend. All I am
really considering at this point is Dell, HP, and Gateway. Let me
know if you are getting special pricing and how you are eligible for
that. Also would be open to other manufacturers.
<a class="moz-txt-link-rfc2396E" href="mailto:Gwheeland@delawarelibrary.org"><mailto:Gwheeland@delawarelibrary.org></a>
</pre>
</blockquote>
<pre wrap=""><!---->
</pre>
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