Pre-built system concerns...

[Nick]

I've not bothered ever going with a pre-built system. This has been for several reasons, the two main ones being that half the stuff you get bundled in with them I wouldn't need or want; and the second is that I've heard some real horror stories over getting the software for them.

People like Dell have taken the legs off of my first objection by building a bespoke system to your own specs... so what about the software?

I've read and heard lots of people moaning about that fact that they get an OS pre-installed on their PC but no actual disk for that OS... or any of the software pre-installed on the PC for them. This is a big tunr-off for me buying something like this.

As far as I'm concerned, I bought the software too, so I want the disk!

And while we're on the subject of software... the software packages that are on offer (MS Works, Lotus suite etc etc) seem to be a tad 'below par' to put it politely).

Thing is, becuase of theses worries I've never bought a ready made system, so I'd be very interested to hear what the experiences of peopel owning a pre-built system are.

So, lets hear it!

[iMc]

My mates is like that. Bought from PC World with no windows CD. Got hacked and had to format. So had to use a dodgy CD key. Not fair when you pay £999 for a PC.

[CrapshoT]

A friend of my wifes bought a emachines pc from a certain supermarket chain it was a ex-demo model so she got it for £300,from £400.It's a pure pile of turd.1.6 celly,256mb pc2100 ram 32mb onboard gfx,sound etc..She asked me if i would have a look at the pc for her as she was getting hit with loads of porn when she connected up to the net.Turns out who-ever had been using it in the supermarket had only been using it to browse loads of porn sites.Her 12 year old son was getting the blame for it as well !!! you got to be carefull wherever you buy from!!

[[GSV]Trig]

All of the systems I build at work come with all the CD's, driver OS etc..
There also patched as far as available when the system is built.
I preinstall AcroBat Reader, AVG, Adaware, Winzip, Google Toolbar....
IMHO theres no reason why all builders dont do this as its all useful free virtually industry standard stuff...

I never build Celeron PC's and wont build PC's that are just cheap nasty corner cutting things that are built jsut to be cheap, spend a few extra quid in the right place gets you a proper PC with components that work together with the OS n stuff...

[IBM]

I've bought a pre-built system from Holly Computers before, and it was a cracker. Excellent components ('cause I specified exactly what I wanted, but they don't offer anything that's not top notch anyway. And the pre-sales service was very knowledgeable and very helpfull), came with the OS on disk, offer fairly comprehensive support, and I've been exceptionally happy with the system.

I still maintain that opting for the 3-year warrenty is a waste of money, since you're going to want to crack it open and upgrade yourself after a year, but it was only about £70, so I went for it....they actually told me that swapping things around (to a certain degree) won't invalidate the warrenty, but I'd have to check with them first.

Pretty good attitude. Plus the cost of building the system myself - when I factor in how long it would take me to source out the components, and the time it would take to build and install the OS - was roughly the same cost as that offered by Holly. All in all I don't have a problem ordering pre-built, as long as the company is up to scratch.

[nichomach]

We use pre-built systems here, mostly Dell, a few Compaq laptops, and we've NEVER had a machine delivered without the OS disk and install disks for any pre-loaded apps. It's simple; reputable companies give you the disks, disreputable companies don't, and to a certain extent I'd argue that whether a company does or doesn't is a fair indication as to whether they are a reputable company. OK, what's required for a corporate machine is different to what's required for a home user, but I haven't had any bad experiences with our pre-builts, and I love the warranty cover; as Bender said in "The Breakfast Club", "Screws fall out; it's an imperfect world."

[Angus]

I'd argue that most systems now have the key on a tamper proof sticker stuck to the case - then as long as you use your key - you're legit.

I don't know this for sure though and obviously don't want to go down the dodgy software route.

Any comments?

[petrefax]

I'd argue that most systems now have the key on a tamper proof sticker stuck to the case - then as long as you use your key - you're legit.

the stickers used at present are pretty tamper proof, they have slits in them & so tear when you try to remove them. it looks as though they're virtually impossible to remove in one piece (which is useful, seeing as i caught a little scrote trying to peel one off a machine in my training room last week )

as Bender said in "The Breakfast Club", "Screws fall out; it's an imperfect world."

damn...that takes me back mate!

[Dorza]

iI personally wont be buying a pre-built system, ever. Reasons.

1) I can build them my self.
2) Some companies stick silicon along the edge of drives,connectors etc and onto the IDE cable, If they see the silcone is broken when you take it back, your warranty is more or less voided. Some would argue they do this so that normal computer users dont have to worry about the cables falling out, but i think its a sneeky move to see if people have been tampering with the connectors.
3) I know exactly what software goes on my system.
4) I get proper installation disks. I hate rescue disks such as the ones many companys provide.
5)I can upgrade my system when ever i want.
6)I know for sure that its built correctly. A mate of mine bought a computer and couldnt understand why his CPU (XP 1800) was overheating. So he took it back and it turned out the guy that built it in the shop installed the wrong heat sink and didnt use any thermal padding/grease. He also didnt install the correct sound card, or dvd drive either.

I think alot of companies prey on those people who dont know much about computers. And that really ticks me off

[Moby-Dick]

Within the enterprise market , your hands are tied. You more or less have to use prebuilt systems , though we tend to only use Compaq or Dell Kit. The recovery CD's are an annoyance , but the warrenty is good.

[Ravens Nest]

I've bought a pre-built system from Holly Computers before, and it was a cracker. Excellent components ('cause I specified exactly what I wanted, but they don't offer anything that's not top notch anyway. And the pre-sales service was very knowledgeable and very helpfull), came with the OS on disk, offer fairly comprehensive support, and I've been exceptionally happy with the system.

Yeah i agree about Holly computers being a great place to get your PC from, i used them years ago when they were called "Database computers" and were in lakeside shopping centre, there now based in grays.

[nichomach]

Within the enterprise market , your hands are tied. You more or less have to use prebuilt systems , though we tend to only use Compaq or Dell Kit. The recovery CD's are an annoyance , but the warrenty is good.

Yeah, but at least the Dell ones are a full OS disk, just BIOS-locked to work in Dell systems; TBH I'd rather give my standard users Optiplexes and Latitudes. They're really good manageable corporate machines, and the warranty cover is great.

[emul8]

I am still learning about computers and loving every minute of it and i would advise anyone to build there own comp

Here is my experiance
http://forums.hexus.net/showthread.php?t=20867

LOL very nice quote
New Motoring Law

In order to assist other motorists in identifying potentially dangerous drivers, it's now compulsory for anyone with a lower than average driving ability to display a warning flag (comprising of a red cross on a white background) attached to the top of at least one door of their vehicle. For drivers of exceptionally low ability, additional flags are required.

[Moby-Dick]

Yeah, but at least the Dell ones are a full OS disk, just BIOS-locked to work in Dell systems; TBH I'd rather give my standard users Optiplexes and Latitudes. They're really good manageable corporate machines, and the warranty cover is great.

I agree , its just that we get a better discount on HP kit as our mail supplier ( Ingramm ) dont do dell :/

WE get dell kit direct , but their lead times are bloody awefull.

[nichomach]

http://www.bananacomputers.com/ are pretty good for lead times and discounts on Dell kit.

[Moby-Dick]

seems ok - will keep an eye on them !