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Thread ID: 41640 2004-01-17 21:08:00 choosing new pc eliza (5132) Press F1
Post ID Timestamp Content User
208119 2004-01-17 23:24:00 try ascent.co.nz or http://pp.co.nz/
to build up your own PC
if you want dvd stuff wait it will become cheaper with time I just got a liteon 411 and am very happy with it after about a month experimenting with different software and media
kiwibeat (304)
208120 2004-01-17 23:39:00 >>I see that you are from the Chatham Islands
That will test support channels for firms such as Dell, HP, Compaq etc (if the pc needs hardware attention, I mean).

So I trust it would be difficult to pop down to your local Noel Leeming, Bond and Bond, Farmers etc etc. I think Jen has the right idea, is there a pc assembler over there? You would get better support than the "supermarket" brands hardware wise (although he/she probably doesn't have a 0800 number) but you may have to pay slightly more, but it also supports your local business.

Good luck, buying a pc can be so confusing with all the gigahertz and megahertz and gigabytes and cache (sorry - started to get carried away).
Dolby Digital (160)
208121 2004-01-17 23:43:00 Ooops, I now see you don't have local support . Re Packard Bell computers, Noel Leemings sell them (maybe Bond and Bond too) . They no doubt have a small market share; HP and Compaq have a bigger market share .

Have any of your friends purchased a pc . If they have, see if they are happy with the pc and also any support they may have required .
Dolby Digital (160)
208122 2004-01-17 23:50:00 I'm in the same boat.

I'm buying a new desktop in a month, and spent the last three months worrying about not what to buy, but WHERE.

I've narrowed it down to two options - Dell and Quay Computers.

Dell I hear are quite good, but problems can arise when needing after-sales service. I don't fancy sending them $3500, then speaking to an operator in India when I have a problem.

As for Quay, well I'm currently throwing them a few curve balls solely to assess their customer service skills. So far they aren't doing well, e-mails haven't even been acknowledged, let alone answered.

"Supermarket" PC's from Harvey Norman, Noel Leeming etc don't have much appeal, I like this idea that I can build my own with Dell or Quay.

It's a tough road to travel, especially when you consider the $$$ being spent.

I'll watch this post with interest to see what happens....

Cheers
Tim
Allblack (4982)
208123 2004-01-18 00:06:00 If you prefer to buy from a big name company such as Noel Leemings, have a look at their online store (www.noelleeming.co.nz). They offer Compaq, Packard Bell and Hewlett Packard systems. They are ranked according to price so take a look in the price range that suits you. Feel free to post back with a shortlist if you like. Were you going to use your computer for video editing or similar? This will make a difference to what sort of system will suit you as a general office with minor gaming usage will not require such a high-end system. Jen C (20)
208124 2004-01-18 00:34:00 >
> Try Noel Leemings.......thats who I got mine
> from.....sorry I don`t know the web address.
>
> DD.


http://www.noelleeming.co.nz
Megaman (344)
208125 2004-01-18 00:42:00 Avoid anything with no AGP slot and I prefer seperate soundcard as well being a fussy part time gamer , H/P tends to have small cases and proprietry parts as does older compaq models something to be avoided at all costs .
A standard white generic box with a decent power supply and good motherboard Abit, Asus Gigabyte etc is essential anything else can be added on later on bigger HDD dvd burners etc .
If possible use your own O/S saves heaps on costs dont neglect ram 256 min is recommended along with a decent graphics card if you like 3d games , a large monitor is one of the best investments CRT is cheapest and good if you have the room and a sturdy desk.
kiwibeat (304)
208126 2004-01-18 02:37:00 With your location, it would be a good idea to have it delivered to some friend or relative in NZ who can use it for a month or so. That would give a chance for any "infant mortality" to take place while warranty service is easy. :D

Then most package computers have a CD which will restore it to "original", or you could do a format and reinstall if it comes with "full" versions of software.
Graham L (2)
208127 2004-01-18 02:40:00 Hi Eliza. I'm just a bit curious whether any computer company would be willing to freight it to you (and if so, how much it would cost). How do letters/parcels usually get sent over to the Chatham Islands?? Ship/Plane???

For a business machine, a computer around the $1000-$1500 mark would be sufficient (can burn CDs, but probably not DVDs), whereas for a computer which can burn DVDs, you would look at about $2000 +. Personally I prefer to have a custom built machine, cos that way I can make sure that the parts are brand new, and from a reputable manufacturer, which lessens the chance of system crashes or other issues further down the line. I wonder if there are any PressF1 members who run computer businesses who would be able to help you with such a machine?
somebody (208)
208128 2004-01-18 03:33:00 WOW! u guys are awesome, THANKYOU ALL VERY MUCH, i have taken in so much from all of you, now i need to process it.

Tell me, is it very difficult to learn how to build/upgrade pcs? this interests me no end.

CHEERS FROM THE CHATHAMS
eliza (5132)
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