Do clones have the same quality as name brands?
It's time for me do purchase a new computer. Do you guys think the
clones manufactured by small companies have the same quality as name
brands like Dell or Gateway?
It depends a lot on how much you know about computers and the individual
components so you can make a useful comparison between a brand name and
a clone. Most of the brand names are good to very good systems. I
personally prefer a true clone system, but that is because I can build
my own computer. With the price of new brand name systems being
comparatively low, compared to 2 years ago, combined with upwards of 2
to 3 year warranties, many small clone makers can not compete with that
anymore. If there is an independent computer store in your area you may
find a system there with either more features or a little less price
than the name brands. The biggest advantage is that they are there to
help if there is a problem. No calling tech support and waiting and
waiting until you are cut off or sent to voice mail. The clone makers
usually use all separate components also, which is good because you can
replace that component or upgrade it easier than if it is a all in one
package like some brand names. They often have the sound and or video
built right onto the motherboard making upgrading tricky if not
impossible. When buying a new computer ask lots of questions, try and
read reviews, you can find them on-line at ZiffDavis or Cnet or other
sites. Ask the independents what brand components are inside and what is
their warranty and tech support policy. Also consider the software
bundle that comes with the computer. The brand names can usually offer a
better bundle but make sure it is software you think you will use, not a
bunch of game demos or trail versions of other types of programs. Hope
that helps a little.
Compaqs have always had a good reputation. Compaq makes some good
inexpensive desktops (although I would never buy one)and some of the
highest rated servers on the market, the Proliant 1600 and the 6000.
Compaq seems to be playing catch-up with Dell, NEC and Gateway now-a-days
however. Dell is the company to beat currently. NEC and Gateway are a
close second. Packard Bell is a different story. I agree that they
should be avoided. They cut corners and the quality of their products
has been poor. They still sell a lot of computers though.
What a clone maker does is to just assemble computers from components
they purchase from third parties. They usually buy components in bulk
and just assemble them. Then they load in the OS and such. They just got
a sticker they put on the front that says Quantex (or something that
ID's them as such). Nothing wrong with that. As long as the components
are of good quality and they know how to set up a computer and back up
their product.....CLONES RULE!!!!:^)
If buying a brand name stick with Dell, NEC or Gateway. IBM is good
also. There are the "specialty" makers that gear their product to a
certain market like Falcon. Top dollar, fantastic components and
performance. CompUSA makes it own brand that is very attractive in
price. They will build you a custom system also. Education is the key.
(the new)Milleneum
Dell, Gateway, Compaq, etc. manufacture nothing. These companies
purchase all components from actual manufacturers such as Micronix, ATI,
STB, etc., and assemble the systems themselves in a factory. They do
contract special components for their own systems, but mfg. nothing.
(crtguys )
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