Recently I had the distinct pleasure of setting up a friend's brand new Micron computer. The system arrived complete, tested, with software pre-installed and with all original disks, CDs, warranties and documentation. The installation card gave step-by-step instructions for installing the machine. Each component was well-designed and industry-standard, and the system was full of added design touches indicating Micron cares about attention to detail.

When I switched the system on, Windows 95 launched in unadorned splendour. There was no intrusive and bloated front-end 'help' software. There was no infuriating 'communications centre' or 'entertainment console' software grabbing control of communications ports and the system interface.

In short, the system was the epitome of a beautifully put together, industry-standard PC.

The experience confirmed a number of deeply rooted beliefs I hold about buying computers. The first is that you get what you pay for. The second is that you should avoid proprietary systems and go for the most industry-standard system you can find.

Cheap temptations

The temptation to purchase an inexpensive computer system has probably never been greater. Take a look at the current state of the computer market. It's littered with cheap, cut-down, proprietary systems. Everything from 'no-name' sub-$US800 models, to bulk consumer lines such as Packard Bell's, to 'quality' brand names, such as IBM and Compaq. Computer manufacturers have 'discovered' the sub-$1000 market (in Australia, the equivalent price tag is around $2000) and are falling over themselves designing systems that can squeak in under this mark. In the process, they've indulged in a frenzy of corner cutting and component shopping, leading to systems that have drool-worthy price tags coupled with less-than-inviting innards.

Compaq, which once was a high-end technology leader, today purveys computers which not only lack polish, but which drive people crazy with their proprietary hardware and software. Similarly, IBM is guilty of producing machines which fail to run standard software (talk to owners of IBM ThinkPads who have been driven mad trying to get their Mwave sound drivers working in harmony with other software).

At least Packard Bell has never claimed to be more than it is: a manufacturer of modestly priced, modestly featured computers.

While many purchasers understand and accept that they're not going to get cutting-edge technology when they buy a cheap machine, many people don't understand that the cost-cutting creates a system which is non-standard and, frequently, almost un-upgradeable.

Just try to upgrade the video, modem or sound on many Packard Bell systems, for instance. Chances are, you'll find yourself in a cycle of multiple upgrades or operating system reinstalls to complete the upgrade successfully. And, of course, the Packard Bell version of Windows 95 is customised: it's quite likely a hardware upgrade will not be properly recognised by the mutant version of Win 95 that comes with your system.

With some systems, you'll find it's easy to upgrade them providing you pay through the nose for proprietary components such as RAM. You should be particularly wary when systems come with everything built in: sound and video incorporated in the motherboard, or speakers welded to the monitor. With such systems you often have to upgrade multiple components when a single component fails.

It's amazing the number of consumer systems I've seen that 1) fail to deliver full functionality when they arrive; 2) cause problems during upgrades; 3) work best only when all non-standard components, including tailored versions of the operating system, have been painfully replaced with standard components.

Price is the same, configurations change

Despite the plummetting prices offered on many mass market PCs, the price you'll pay today for a quality system that won't need upgrading for some time is the same price you would have paid for an equivalent machine three or five years ago. In the US, that price is around $2500 or a little more. For that you get a system built around a high-end processor with well-specced RAM, hard drive, monitor and video, plus modem, printer, operating system software and an applications suite. In Australia, equivalent machines are priced between $3500 and $4000.

Over the years, that $US2500 price tag has remained pretty much constant. What has changed are the specifications of the machine you'll get for that money. For instance, the Micron that I installed came in just over that $2500 mark and had the following specs:

That's a far cry from the system your $2500 would have paid for three years ago.

If you're happy with a system that will become outdated within a year or so, that's not easy to upgrade, and that provides the basics in terms of functionality, go out and check the sub-$US1000 ($AUD2000) systems.

If, on the other hand, you're in the market for a solid system made from components that you can easily upgrade and that will stave off obsolescence for at least a couple of years, keep the $US2500/$AUD3500 price tag in mind. If you already have software, a printer, a monitor, a modem and other peripherals you're happy with, you'll be able to cut several hundred off this figure.

© 1998  Rose Vines

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