Computers and Technology

At some point in time, you are going to be in the market for a new computer. When this time comes, you should definitely check out your options with custom built computers.

First off, let me develop a bit of credibility. I have been working on the net, and thus computers, for nine years. Between my partner and I, we have over 200 total sites. We also handle internet marketing for a wide variety of clients through MarketingTitan.com. All of this means I am on a computer roughly 15 hours a day during the week and at least four hours a day on the weekends. I love the work, so it isn't a problem. Regardless, I have gone through at least 15 computers and developed a feel for what works best.

If you work on the computer frequently, you need one thing more than anything else. You need speed. Most computers are built to minimum levels in one area or another. Like the weak link in a chain, one slow area kills the speed of the computer. So, you need a computer that flies on all fronts. So, who sells them. Sadly, the answer is nobody. Instead, you need to have one built for you.

The best recommendation I can give you is to go to a computer supply store by you. Avoid the big megamarts. Do a search for computer supply in your area and you should get plenty of selections. At the store, tell them you want a computer built specifically for you and can they make a recommendation? They may be willing to do it themselves or they may refer you to someone.

Whoever you finally end up should be told some things. You should tell them the type of work you do, what you want the computer to do and what you don't care about. If you use the computer for business purposes, you probably need excel. If you don't, you probably don't. Also emphasize that you want to the computer to be blinding fast. The computer I am working on now is custom built. The pages load so fast on the web that I can't actually see them loading. They are just there. This is what you want. Make sure you tell them this clearly.

You are probably skeptical about two things - price and quality. On price, you should expect to pay about the same amount you would for an off the shelf computer. I paid $800 for this one and it is better than anything you can get off the shelf. As to quality, I hate to break the news to you, but name brand computers are made from the same parts your professional will be building. Dell does not make hard drives. IBM does not make video cards. They all are using parts from Intel, Selectron and the basic suppliers. Your computer will be built with the same thing and you won't have to pay for the "brand name".

What if you have a problem with the computer? Well, you can call the person that built it. They are like car mechanics. They are always around and they take pride in their work. If there is a problem, they will fix it for free. Now, contrast that with a name brand computer. Let's say we buy a Dell computer, one of the worst brands on the market. If you have a problem, you call "customer service" This person, of course, is in India, the Philippines or some other location. They are reading a script of solutions to complaints. If your problem isn't on that script, you are out of luck. Now, which situation sounds better to you?

At the end of the day, name brand computers are a scam. For the same price, you can get a custom built computer that blows away anything off the shelf. Try it just once and you will be amazed how much better buying a computer will end up. Hey, that's my recommendation after years of using them.