David, Personal experiences based on name brand can lead you astray. Most manufacturers sell PCs available in many different models at many different price points. For example, in broad terms, Dell sells Dimensions for home users/entry-level systems that compete on price, and the Optiplex series for commercial/business use that typically competes on performance/reliability. Similarly, HPs available through the business channel are different than the home-user Pavilions found at Best Buy or Costco. We have had people not want to purchase an enterprise-level server from HP because they had a bad experience with a sub-$500 Pavilion bought for Christmas three years ago. It's very frustrating, but while not an exact comparison, it's somewhat similar to comparing a 2000 Ford Ranger with a 2007 F350 - both are Ford pickups, but they are different models at different price points made for different purposes. One other piece of advice: with Dell, always pay for the Gold support. Unlike HP, Dell doesn't allow local service centers to become warranty authorized. Therefore, even we have to call into tech support to open a claim. Unless you have Gold level support, the quality of the initial calls are very poor and the frustration factor can be huge. With HP, in addition to getting warranty service through HP direct, there are many HP authorized warranty service centers nationwide, including one in Easthampton ;). Dave DelVecchio General Manager Innovative Business Systems, Inc. 161 Northampton Street Easthampton, MA 01027 Phone: 413-584-4274 E-mail: ddelvecchio at for-ibs.com web: www.for-ibs.com -----Original Message----- From: hidden-discuss-bounces at lists.hidden-tech.net [mailto:hidden-discuss-bounces at lists.hidden-tech.net] On Behalf Of DAVID F. FARKAS Sent: Saturday, January 06, 2007 1:39 PM To: hidden-discuss at lists.hidden-tech.net Subject: [Hidden-tech] Thanx... next question... ** The author of this post was a Good Dobee. ** You too can help the group ** Fill out the survey/skills inventory in the member's area. ** If you did, we all thank you. Many thanx for the suggestions about local storage places! Next question... If you were going to buy an off the shelf computer with a 19" LCD monitor, what manufacturer would you say gives the best product at the lowest price? I used to build my own computers and things have changed so much I'm not sure who has good stuff, good tech support, etc. I've heard eMachines are good. Have heard to stay away from Dell and HP. But that's all old info. Thanx. Ain't Hidden-Tech grand? David _______________________________________________ Hidden-discuss mailing list - home page: http://www.hidden-tech.net Hidden-discuss at lists.hidden-tech.net You are receiving this because you are on the Hidden-Tech Discussion list. If you would like to change your list preferences, Go to the Members page on the Hidden Tech Web site. http://www.hidden-tech.net/members