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Fact and Fiction

Jul 12, 2000 Write an essay on this topic.

So you have decided to buy a new computer. So where do you go from here. Well let me give you some ideas and options to consider. There are 2 basic types of computers to look at, Mass produced and Individually made. By mass produced I mean companies like Gateway and Dell. By individually I mean a small local company that will build you computer to order. There are many pro's and con's to each so let me explain both in detail.

Mass produced computers such as Gateway and Dell seem to be the best bet on the surface because they are highly marketed and have "Names". Having worked with many of these types of computers in my profession, I can say that these computers are great when you don't plan on doing any upgrading and can afford to buy a new computer every few years when the computer you bought becomes insufficient. Now this may seem like a bad thing, but for a first time computer buyer, this may be the best route to take because the big companies offer a great tech support service. Now if you are looking to tinker a litter with your computer's hardware, you will be very disappointed with a mass produced computer. Many, if not all, of the parts of the mass produced computers are integrated into the motherboard and are not easily upgraded. Another downside to the mass produced computers is the line, "We make them to your liking." Don't be fooled by this, they have many limitations as to what they can and will put into your computer. Many mass produced companies use cheaper and less reliable parts which is why they can offer computers at a "discount price." Be sure to ask about a warranty when buying computers from big companies. Most of them will offer them to you for a price, make sure you buy it. From past and present experience, you will need to call for tech support at least once. I personally do not like mass produced computers due to their limitations for upgrade, but if you are just looking to get a family computer and don't really care about what goes on inside the box, then by all means, go for the big companies.

Now for individually built computers. Many small companies exist that will build you a computer exactly the way you want it. There is only one limitation with individually built computers, money. You will not get the great deals that you can get with the mass computers when you have one built for you. This is a big downside to this type of computer. There are many pluses to having your computer built for you. You will be able to upgrade for a small cost in a few years versus having to buy a new computer from the mass produced companies. Another plus is that you can pick the parts you want to have installed. The mass produced companies only have a limited selection for you to choose from, mostly because of contracts with these companies. With a personally built computer, you can choose any product on the open market and have it installed. This gives you the greatest flexability when it comes to what technology you want to have and to how much money you want to spend. So if you are looking for a computer that is going to be cheaper to upgrade in the future and have the money to invest upfront, go with the computer that is built just for you by a small company.

I personally have been working with computers for 15 years and swear by personally built computers. I have worked with many of the mass produced computers on the market and have seen many flaws with all of them. I have never really liked the mass produced computers because of there limitations and the ability to upgrade when the computer becomes obsolete. I hope the above information will help you make and educated choice.

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