[OPLINTECH] Desktops

[Chad Neeper]

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.

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.

<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>

My two cents.

Chad

-----------------------
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 --



Dan Will wrote:
> 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
> willda at oplin.org
> 740.992.5813
> 740.992.6140 (fax)
>
>
> The difference between fiction and reality?
> Fiction has to make sense.
> Tom Clancy
>
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: oplintech-bounces at oplin.org [mailto:oplintech-bounces at oplin.org] On
> Behalf Of James Guilford
> Sent: Thursday, December 03, 2009 3:40 PM
> To: Greg Wheeland
> Cc: oplintech at oplin.org
> 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:
>   
>> 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.
>>
>> <mailto:Gwheeland at delawarelibrary.org>
>>     
>
>   
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