I am often asked about recommending computers to our clients. The issue I find with this is that there are two types of computer buyers: those who ignore it and those that take the advice. Everyone has an opinion but after working with computers for about 30 years I would like to believe that I know something about computers.
Many years ago some of the best computers were assembled from some of the best parts money could buy. There were some great products in the 80's into late 90's but building a computer was one way to get the best of the best and the satisfaction that you did it yourself.
Today the majority of the consumer computers are manufactured by just a few companies located in Asia. You are not likely to find computer hardware manufactured in the USA. The one goal that the computer makers of today is low cost and OK quality. There is a reason that most of the computers you can buy at the local box store come primarily with a 1 year warranty. The company knows it will last at least a year and maybe two. When it fails, you will likely concede and purchase another one.
So what do I recommend when the outlook is so bad? Dell business class computers. After working for several corporations I found that Dell was the best on all accounts when it came to their business class computers.
- Product Quality
- Reliability
- Driver Availability
- Support
So why do people ignore the advice if the product is so good? Price and immediate gratification. Our culture today is so bent on saving a penny now only to spend a dollar in 12 months. In addition they often can't wait for their product, they have to have it now. They don't realize the cost of buying cheap products from the local store.
I once worked for a company that made the motor for another company's product and we were told that the motor was too good. So they requested the company to build it to fail after a set number of hours of use. This is why consumer products, computers are no exception, are so cheap.
Well you made it this far in this article and you are still wonder what I would recommend. OK, I told you already that price is a factor for many, but if you want it to last you need to pay it forward. The Dell OptiPlex desktop line and the Dell Latitude laptop line are some of Dell's best equipment. It is what many of the fortune 500 companies purchase because they know the quality and the durability of the product. They don't need to waste valuable dollars on their IT groups supporting defective equipment and they expect it to last 3 to 5 years.
Firestone Technical Resources, Inc. is a Dell partner and for a good reason. If you want a quote on a computer system that will last and assist with the transfer of your data, you can call or e-mail us. But don't bother us if you don't really want our advice.