Topic: Computer Stores??

[Pale]

So, I've been challenged to price out a system overhaul for my company.  We need between 8 and 15 new systems, a combination of desktops and laptops.  A good portion of them, the ones for developers like me, have to be quite nice, while some may be for execs who don't need the performance.

We as devs, will want good 3D performance as well as general overall performance.

I would love to deal with a nice company who specializes in higher end machines instead of just going to Dell or something.  If they are an American company, all the better.

As of now, alienware seems to actually do alright on the price side of things.  I know they are currently being swallowed by Dell, but I like their systems for the most part.

Do any of you have any other suggestions for stores I should check out?  Don't say build them myself... I sure as heck don't want that liability.  

[TMW]

I've always been partial to Gateway, personally (and not just because they are the underdog).  The difference in just the feel of a Gateway laptop as opposed to a Dell laptop is astonishing.  They don't feel like cheap plastic.

Also, they have this awesome new logo.  

Having never bought computers in bulk though, I don't know who would give you the better deal.  

[jasonditz]

store.apple.com?

Quad G5 Powermacs for the developers and iMac Duos for the execs?

[Pale]

You're hilarious Jason...

[jasonditz]

"I would love to deal with a nice company who specializes in higher end machines instead of just going to Dell or something. "

[ShyGuy]

check out Falcon Nothwest http://www.falcon-nw.com/flash/

[Pale]

I would love to deal with a nice company who specializes in higher end machines that can actually be used to make/run windows software.

ShyGuy, I've checked out Falcon and like everything about them but their prices.  They seem to run significantly more expensive for similar machines.  Thanks for the suggestion though.

[KDR_11k]

Newegg. Seems to be the only store in the US that offers low prices. There is no such thing as specializing in high-end machines but there is such a thing as overcharging. Alienware tweaks the hardware and charges a hefty fee for that. Clearly nowhere near the gain in performance you actually see. You'll probably wipe the harddrives anyway and fill them with an image from a central server.

I don't know what exactly you plan to do with these machines but usually high end CPUs are a waste of money (little gain for big money). Grab a "mid-range" version of the newest GPU available (e.g. a GT but not an Ultra) for these machines and if applicable some lower end dual core CPU (64 bit can be an advantage for work machines, try going for AMD). Lots and lots of RAM is mandatory for work. Nice screens are important but make sure to get CRTs for anyone even remotely involved in graphics, an LCD is the digital equivalent of colourblindness. I'm not sure if Ati is recommendable for work yet, I'd go with NVidia just in case. If you're paying more than 2000$ for a PC without some seriously special hardware (think Quadro/FireGL) you're wasting money.

Of course that's the machines for those who need performance, for office work you could theoretically use a 486. Take the lowest end hardware they have for that, even that is already overkill for office applications.

[jasonditz]

Newegg is excellent too... I bought a case for my server from there, it was like $100 cheaper than anyplace else.

Can't help you as far as windows software, I was going to suggest Penguincomputing.com as well, as I know of some people who've gotten some excellent highend systems there. I guess those can theoretically run Windows, but you'd be on the hook for buying a retail copy and installing it yourself.

But seriously, it's just Windows... is there any reason you can't just go to Best Buy, get some gaming PCs for your development staff and some eMachines for your corporate types?

[KDR_11k]

I think a volume license might be cheaperthan a bunch of OEM versions, at least it'll save you the hassle of reactivating them after each reinstall.

[Pale]

To be honest KDR, I used to share the same opinions about alienware, but I'm somewhat shocked at their prices relative to anywhere else right now.  One wrinkle is that some of the developers are looking for laptops that still have good 3D capabilities...  those are definately harder to come by then desktops..

Anyway, I've been looking at Alienware and they seem to have a good laptop in the 1500-2000 range depending on upgrades...  I've been hard pressed to find a good 3D laptop for better than that... you guys have any suggestions there?

Alienware also talks the good talk about corporate bulk discounts which could take even more off of that.  So, I used to hate alienware, but prove to me why I shouldn't go with them here?  I'm serious about that, not trying to be a jerk.  I want to make the best financial decision for my company while still getting good machines.

[bustin98]

Why not local? I work for a shop that specializes in providing machines of all flavors for local businesses, offer competitive pricing, and usually stronger warranties, plus install. I'm sure there are other shops in your neck of the woods that can offer similar deals. Plus, buying from a 'name brand' usually ends up with extra software on your systems that only confuses the un-initiated (execs).

[Pale]

OK Jason, Here I am still shopping for computers.... and this apple boot camp thing has me intrigued..

Tell me what is going to happen if I drop 2 grand on a intel powerbook and put windows on it?  Is it going to work?

[wandering]

yes.

[Pale]

It's interesting the way they end that article with "mostly..."

[wandering]

...that's just the first page....

[Pale]

Hahah, I was confused.. I read taht "Download the PDF for subscribers only" thing and thought it was over.

[Pale]

Ok, I read the entire article now... It's very informing.  Some of the driver issues on the MacBook pro are a little frustrating but they can be taken care of.  I may have to consider it.