Okay here's the deal, I don't have a degree in computing or engineering but being a frequent user since the atleast 10 years, when I bought my own computer around 5 years ago I got an assembled computer from one of the so called'experts'. Well the exceptional piece of junk he heaped onto me was a shocker, it did run(those were the days of 386 being top of the line).
After that experience with assembled computers, I bought branded stuff as I was sure that I was getting what I was paying for(even though I had to pay through my nose for it).(HP Pavilion). It was good but limited scope for upgrades so when I became a net junkie(which didn't take long at all), I decided that I would assemble my own SUPER COMPUTER(look out IBM/ NEC here I come),
To hell with Branded and Assembled comps from other guys, if I was spending my money I wanted to personally see that went into that machine of mine.
MY BUYING EXPERIENCE
I was lucky that I was residing in Delhi near NEHRU PLACE, now describing Nehru Place is difficult as computers and peripherals and pirated software are everywhere stacked out in the open, (seems like a vegetable market but the only difference being that instead of veggies they sell computers.
YOUR PROCESSOR & MOTHERBOARD are the heart and soul of your computer so please read and find out which will suit you best normally Intel(PENTIUM) & the new AMD(ATHALON) are pretty good, if cost is an issue you can buy CELERON but I wouldn't recommend CYRIX as it is BAD.
I had read up enough in magazines like DIGIT / PC QUEST and decided that I needed a machine which I would be able to upgrade in the future as I knew that them moment I walked out of the shop my computer was obsolete so check to see that your cabinet has enough slots for USB ports and other slots to insert video, sound, LAN cards(ethernet if u're on cable connections)
THIS IS WHAT I ENDED UP WITH:
Processor & Motherboard - INTEL 810 E chipset, P III 855 Mghz
RAM - SAMSUNG/SIMMTRONICS 128(SD RAM) Please note that RD - RAm doesn't fit into the dim of the above Intel chipset as usually all assembled computers come with this one as it is quite good and stable.(prices differ day to day but stay about Rs. 925 - 1000 for 128 MB SDRAM, Life Time Warranty), you even get some RAMS with one year warranty which are a bit cheaper but they usually are second hand(LIKE ALL ZENITH COMPUTERS WHICH ARE BASICALLY MADE OUT OF SECOND HAND HARDWARE).
HDD - Seagate most popular and the new BARRACUDA DRIVE IS SIMPLY MINDBLOWING but choose at least something above 10 GIGS as normally the pricedifferencee is aboutRs.s 500 between one of 40 Gigs and 18 Gigs(another thing which is very strange).
SOUND CARD - Unless and until you are not a big time gamer and just want good sound CREATIVE 128 Soundblaster is cheap and durable.
MODEM: D- LINK or GVC, try to go in for an external modem rather then an internal one as atleast you see the lights and can make out whats happening with your modem
CD_ROM: Usually Samsung drives are very popular, but over a period of time they have to be pushed back rather then them sliding themselves when loading a CD.
ASUS & CREATIVE are other options.
These days a lot of people go in for a combo drive too i.e. CD-RW and DVD player(Samsung has a model out but the burning speed is pretty slow 8 x. but if you wanna enjoy DVD's its worth it.
I personally have a ASUS CD-RW which is excellent and has a good performance record(atleast for me I burn CD's nearly everyday and it takes me around 4 mins to burn(32 x)
UPS: A 500/ 750 KVA is enough if you have a comp, printer, scanner attached.
Printers: HP changes its models so often and the price of the cartridge is pften quite high and there are a lot of spurious one's about so I would personally suggest CANNON or a printer with a tank system(inkjets, saves a lot on money but you have to refill often). You can pick them up for Rs. 3, 500(with a sample cartridge) tank ones will be costlier.
Graphic Cards/ Video Capture
Depends upon the use, if you are using design intensive material then better go in for a good one otherwise Mercury Graphic Cards(SVGA) will do.
I ended up paying around Rs 18, 000/- for all the hardware including keyboard, speakers, etc.
Then I had to call an'EXPERT' to connect and load my Computer which cost me around Rs 1, 000 with Windows XP etc. preloaded and all the latest software which you can actually use not the FREE SOFTWARE you end up getting with branded PC's which you'll hardly ever use or open.
GENERAL ADVICE: These days branded computer prices
SCANNERS and other peripherals are not essentials immediately so you can always buy them later unless you absolutely want it.
WEBCAMS: So far KODAK have come up with cheap and good quality straming webcams otherwise LOGITECH's webcam which is cheaper has a very slow refresh rate so slow streaming.
If you just want to buy a comp off the shelf please do, You will get the pre-loaded softwares and other freebies, but just keep in mind whether upgrades are possible or not, these days DELL is offering good deals as is HCl, COMPAQ so its your choice.
-
A TIP this is for the people who want to know whats inside that CABINET.
-
For those who reside in Delhi there is a very good shop who has probably sold stuff to nearly 40% of all cafes in DELHI
I would recommend COMPUTER EMPIRE, MEGHDOOT BUILDING NEHRU PLACE to shop, you'll find the pricing better then anywhere else in the whole market. FLIPSIDE: NO AMC but he will replace defective stuff.
-
In Mumbai you can try Lamington Road, don't know much about other cities but if going in for Assembled make sure you know what you want and find a good'EXPERT', trust word of mouth rather then advertisements or prices(like ZENITH)
-
