Should I Build or Buy for my friends Dad?

[spartacuskzm]

I recently built a cool mini-PC (Shuttle SK41G) for my buddy. His dad really likes it and I offered to make one for him too.

His requirements are a fast, powerful computer for digital video and still editing (digi cam and digi video), Firewire, and a CD-RW (though ideally a DVD-RW that does regular CD's too).

Since expandability might become an issue in the future, he's open to the option of a full-size desktop as well. If that's the case, then I saw a deal at Fatwallet for a Dell - through Small Business and w/ the right coupons you can get a P4 2.4Ghz, 533FSB, 256, 80GB w/ CD for $385 after rebate. At that price it almost doesn't make sense for me to build one.

I figure we can tweak the specs a bit, add a firewire card, and voila, I'm done w/ no need to ever play tech support.

Here is the deal (I hope this isn't against forum rules) Deal ...anybody care to configure a decent system for me that they think would suffice and rival a home-built for cost.

Thanks,

Derek

 

[MDE]

You'll need more memory, and maybe a more powerful video card if he does any gaming. I'd also spring for a bigger hard drive too. 80GB seems kinda slim for DV editing and everything else that will get thrown on the drive.

 

[AndyHui]

You've got the right idea. Configure and buy a DELL, and save yourself from being his tech support slave for the rest of your life.

 

[Corporate Thug]

go dell, add ram

 

[OverVolt]

Yep i'd go with preconfigured, when it comes to big OEMS i guess Gateway would be my 1st choice. Even tho they all have crappy OEM OS's tied to the hardware so you can't install Your copy of WinXP to another machine even since you own the key and can legally do it (long as u uninstall on the old one)they prevent you !

Thats the only drawback wit OEM's, thats and proprietary case stuff, and the un-upgradeability of some cheaper machines (no agp ect ect) this stuff has been talked about to death.

But the answer is: go with premade and save yourself the tech calls. not worth the trouble. but if it's your own personal rig than definatly do it urself.

 

[OverVolt]

DP, midas well say i don't like reccomending Dell because of the patented "reboot and see if that fixed it" tech support they applied for a patent on.

 

[bozo1]

Your copy of WinXP to another machine even since you own the key and can legally do it (long as u uninstall on the old one)they prevent you

That is not true. Your Dell/Gateway/HP/whatever came with an OEM copy. By getting the OS for half price retail, you live with the stipulation that it can only be used on the PC it was sold with.