The Computer Guy

Why I don’t build custom computers

by Marv Dealy

Published May 2004

WHardly a week goes by without someone stopping by my shop wanting to buy a parallel printer cable, a USB printer cable (printers don’t come with cables any more folks, and haven’t for years), an ink cartridge or sometimes even a quote on a “custom computer.”

While in many industries having a custom model connotes exclusivity and perhaps a leg up on the Jones, I don’t think a custom built computer in this age makes sense, unless you are the one willing to do the actual custom work yourself.

I’ve seen what we’ll call screwdriver computers many times over the years. They come with a variety of parts inside – typically whatever the person building ‘em had on the shelf and had gotten a deal on. This isn’t to say that all screwdriver computers are bad.

I recently worked on a brand new from the factory Dell that upon removal from the shipping box was covered in some sort of sticky dirt on two sides and the top. Took a wet cloth and some scrubbing to make it go away. I have pictures if you don’t believe me.

I’ve also opened up Dells fresh from the factory to discover a hard drive flopping around loose inside the box. Other computers came fresh from their respective factory with RAM chips not firmly inserted in their respective slot, which means the computer won’t start.

On the other hand, the IBM Net Vista and the Toshiba Satellite that I got from the factory about a year ago now have been flawless, with absolutely no problems that weren’t user-induced.

But back to why I don’t build screwdriver computers.

In this day and age of $399 computers it really galls me to hear that someone locally is building screwdriver computers, allegedly loading them with bootlegged software, and selling them to the unsuspecting for as much as $1,500. Someone out there is cruising for a really, really bad Karma day.

By way of comparison, let’s see what the major manufactures (who have been in business for years, some of which may still be in business years from now, and all of which provide tech support, factory warranty service, and other good stuff you don’t get with a screwdriver computer) are offering.

From Dell, we find a Dimension Desktop from $339 and folks, this is not a stripper. It comes with a Intel Celeron Processor running up to 2.4 GHz. It includes XP Home (always get the Pro version – it’s way better albeit a little more expensive). Also included are 128 MB of DDR SDRAM, and a CD-RW drive, along with a 40 GB hard drive.

Not excited by a Dell? How about a desktop from HP? They are currently offering one for $329 after rebate that is even better equipped than the Dell above. It comes with XP Pro, for example, and HP is offering a free memory upgrade to 256MB. Go to the HP store and search for the a500y series.

For still more examples, get on over to the http://clearance.cnet.com, where you’ll find computers from HP, Compaq, Sony, IBM, with an HP offering (A302x) leading the pack at $319.

Next time you’re thinking about buying a screwdriver computer, visit some of the manufacturers web sites, or the clearance sites such as the one noted above, and see what you can get, complete with factory warranty and tech support, and fully registerable software, before overspending on a “custom computer” with questionable warranty, unknown sources for parts, and bootlegged software.

And why don’t we stock all the ink cartridges, printer cables, and other junk? Well, first you’d all just stop by to comparison shop, then say “well, I’m going to Sonora or Modesto anyway, so I’ll get it at Staples or Costco or wherever.” We couldn’t begin to compete on a price level with those stores, and we’d have to fill most of our floor space with display racks to sell you the occasional part you really, really had to have. And we wouldn’t even make enough to pay for the floor space. Should I go on?