Impulse

[threemonkeys]

That hard disk is as dead as dead can be. Something has broken off inside and gouged it to bits.

So there were decisions to be made. Get another disk and rebuild the machine? Not too difficult but the rest of the machine is getting on a bit and was going to be replaced soon anyway. So the decision is easy - get another machine. I may rebuild the old one too if I can get a cheap disk - I would like something to play with linux on - if I can find somewhere to set it up that is.

Next decision. Build a machine from components to get the exact spec I want at a lower cost than a package system. In the past I would have built up a system, but my computer use has changed. Its just a piece of furniture these days - a gateway into the internet and a document preparation platform. I only need a standard platform with a bit of tweaking. The payoff is in speed of delivery and probably reliability.

Who to buy it from? Well this would normally take quite a bit of research. The thing is, that is already done. So many people ask me what computer to buy, that I quite regularly have to do this research. My colleagues are happy with the machines I suggested they go for - it seems only fair to practice what I preach.

So the order is in place. In the meantime I will be grateful that my work PC is a notebook that I take home for "support" purposes. Although using it is like working through treacle.

Comments

[mashugenah.livejournal.com]

I bought mine from www.pp.co.nz. At the time, which was admittedly three years ago, they had cutting edge components at the cheapest rates, and the ability to fully specify all computer components and then they'd assemble it. I costed up my PC with Atech, Quay and Dell, and Paradigm came in several hundred dollars ahead of the next best. Course, I was building a high-end games machine (which turned out to be a bit of a waste, but still), not just an internet portal. :)

[threemonkeys.livejournal.com]

I believe Paradigm are still the way to go if you want to build your own high end machine. Their components usually rate as the best value of the local firms on pricespy and they did a good job of assembly for one of my work colleagues.