does the brand of a pc really matter?

Question

i want to buy a new laptop but all the cheap ones are brands i've never heard of... does it make a difference when compared to the well known makes like sony, toshiba, dell etc? x

Answer 1

The "unknowns" usually use much the same components as the bigger names, it's only the care with which they assemble it that differs. Usually the "Names" have better support and technical departments, but even that's being outsourced nowadays.

With desktops it doesn't matter so much as they're easier to get into to fix, but with a laptop I'd be inclined to stick with a well-known brand for peace of mind. For instance, Dell, now they've branched fully into personal computers rather than business systems, have improved immeasurably and I'd have no hesitation in recommending them.

Answer 2

Not really...most of the innards are generally mass produced and can be found in different PC's. Sometimes, though not always, you are better off sticking with a good branded product. Dell offer good back up and customer support. Packard Bell are less well known for their customer support as PCWorld, Dixons & Curry's won't let them deal direct with customers and you have to pay a premium rate number to get a poor service!

Hewlett Packard, I have to say, have improved immensely since they and Compaq became one. I have a HP laptop and the support has been fantastic when I needed it.

Don't forget the golden rule though, shop around and don't be afraid to tell the shop that another shop has offered you a better deal....sometimes they will give you some goodies free.

Answer 3

The cheap ones use the same components as the name brands. However, I have found that the unknown brands may not be in business next year. Then you're stuck. I would suggest looking for the features you want, and try to find the best buy among the known brands.

This suggestion only applies to laptops. Desktop computers are much easier to fix and upgrade; laptops may have strange and unusual configurations, and may be difficult to modify/upgrade.

Good luck in your search.

Answer 4

Hi i dont suppose its about the brand rather more what it does and the graphics and memeory and all the technical stuff. But i as with brands when out goes wrong i suppose parts can be easily found but expensive. I got a new pc and my boy friend got a lap top, There not brand names but both have better graphics and technical stuff in them. I know this as my bro is up on computer and he told me that my computer is better than is and he spent alot of money doing his up and mine was less that half the price of his and plays games his doesnt. I suppose if you get it from somewhere like PC WORLD like we did then you get insurance so if out goes wrong they can help. All i say if one does everything you want it to then get it. As we looked at the brand named lap tops and the screens were tiny and they wouldnt play anygames at all etc. So He got an advent one and its brill. Just have a look and shop around.

Answer 5

The most important thing to consider when buying is the seller and their guarantee. I tend to like Sam's Club for computers. They offer a 3 year warranty for a very reasonable price.
www,pcworld.com has done quite a lot of testing and rates the different computers. also, Consumer Reports (web site is subscriber only) has done a lot of testing and rates manufacturers of both laptops and desktops by number of repairs (reliability) This is a real world rating because it is based on CR members (people who take the magazine or on-line). There is an annual survey listing all kinds of products cars, computers, appliances, just about everything. it asks what you have-how old it is-what problems you've had-how they were handles-how serious they were-etc. for 2006 this survey included 1.3 million people. I have subscribed to CR for over 20 years and use it for all major purchases.

Answer 6

A friend of mine bought an expensively priced Sony Vaio a couple of years ago and the casing seemed really cheap crappy plastic.

I bought a Rock laptop a few months ago and am really happy with it. Would highly recommend one over a Sony or a Dell any day.

http://www.rockdirect.com/

Answer 7

Yes, and especially so if it's a laptop. Many of the parts in a laptop are propietary and for many makes, no spares are available. When it breaks, through it out!

Historically the best makes have been Panasonic Toughbooks (really well-made with good components) and IBM Thinkpads (well made and spare parts available). Whether the Thinkpads are as good now that the line has been sold to Lenovo, I don't know.

Answer 8

It does matter because later on you will get problems with a cheap computer. You can buy a Dell at a reduced price due to either a change in specification or a cancelled order. Go to
www.dell.co.uk/outlet and take your time to see what is available.

Answer 9

I would recommend that you look at the specifications and any software bundle you get and where you purchase it from ( use a good supplier) and not the badge that's on it. You will find that after the your guarantee is up no one wants to know. Just remember Laptops have a lot smaller life span as they tend to be more knocked about and cannot be upgraded internally.

Answer 10

Mostly no. However, unless you are ready to speak pigeon english, yes. Some PC manufacturers have completely outsourced their tech support to the third world. Even though these people are English speakers, they are not NATIVE speakers. They don't always know what you are talking about and you probably won't be able to get past the accent to understand them. So, YES the brand matters. Ask other people who have had experiences with Tech Support for their PC. Then, buy the one that has US tech support.