Name Brand Computer v. Off-Brand Computer - Which should we buy for our office?

Question

We are about buy a couple of new computers for our office. We traditionally have bought off-brand computers from our computer guy. I assume he makes a few bucks on the sale which is fine. However, are the name brand (Dell, etc...) better than the off brand computers? I want something that will last 5+ years without major problems. What would you buy and why?

Answer 1

Dell does not make the components they use in their desktops. Nor does HP, Compaq, etc. They only assemble them into a finished computer and slap their name on them.

However due to the amount of buying power they have they can get these internal components cheaper than your local computer person can.

But if they break you'll appreciate your local computer guy being able to service it. If he's like me there should be a 1 year warranty on labor and parts on anything he/ she sells you.

As far as 5 years goes, you can use a computer even longer but technology waits for no one. I can still type a letter on my DOS computer but I can't do much when it comes to processing video etc.

If your computer person cares about you more than the money you pay then they should be building you a computer that has some forward thinking involved.

The current use of your computer should dictate what they are installing. Dell, Best Buy, CompUSA sells inventory, not solutions.

Answer 2

Off brand computers are just as good as name-brand computers. So long as they have similar specs. as far as them lasting 5 yrs + That would all depend upon how much use and abuse your company's users put to the system. Pounding on the keys with 10-PSI as opposed to 2-PSI. Having addequate security measures like Antivirus, and Firewalls. Etc. But, the biggest factor would inherriantly have to be the warrenty incase something does happen.

Answer 3

I would build my pc's cause i know how to fix them, and usually they break due to human error.

I do tech. support, and the users always say : i didn't do nothing! But in the end they always did DO something and broke it, lol.

But if you don't want to deal with problems then yes you can buy from Dell, and get a service plan like next business day service, that way your head is clear.

Answer 4

As far as I can tell the off brand pc's have the same kind of parts on the inside--if your computer guy has been good for you in the past, I'd stick with him--if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Answer 5

Brand are fine but come with a lot of junk such as programs from their vendors that pay them to load junk onto your hard drive.

If you are happy with your custom build PCs why rock the boat? You don't change a team that is winning. However, if you must change go with Hps, they are far supperior than the others.

Regards,

Cesar

Answer 6

if both type of computers run the same internal components, they are virtually the same. however branded ones boast of superior after sales service and warranties. if you have your own trusted computer guy, then go with the non-branded ones as i would assume you are also getting a nice after sale warranty from him.