Introduction…
The choice of choosing to buy a branded or assembled computer is not a very difficult one if you know what you want from your computer. Hopefully this review will help you decide.
Now I will compare differences in various qualities between the two…
Quality
The quality of a branded computer is magnificent, considering you have bought from a well known MNC like Compaq or dell.
With assembled computers it is hard to judge the quality, since it solely depends on the components used in the computer and how well they have been put or screwed together. The quality of a assembled computer can easily match up to that of a branded one, considering quality parts are used and are put together nicely. Mine is assembled and when I opened it I found a few screws missing here and there, which makes the hard-drive vibrate, you should take it back to shop if this occurs.
Hardware
What branded computer manufactures do is use components(hardware) which is bought from other companies specializing in these components such as quantum(hard drive) plus the components they themselves manufacture, like monitors and cases. Thus, they are making a profit since they are selling their self-made company hardware as well. This ends in a high quality product but you definitely do not have as much choice in choosing components as in an assembled computer, since branded ones come as packages for “home use” or “office use” with not much flexibility. But this is adequate fro the average person.
Assembled computes are for people who know exactly what they want from their computers. You can hand-pick each and every hardware components thus not wasting money on things you don’t need, such as cheap speaker which will have to be replaced by you if you’re a music lover.
Software
Branded computers come with “original” software, a “windows” sticker is placed on the computer case to verify this. Every program included in the package is original.
With assembled computers the assemblers often put pirated(fake copies of original software) software into the computers to cut costs. If you are buying a computer with pirated software be sure that the shop does not charge you for the software as well. They might try to cheat you, you can look for the “windows” sticker on the case.
Advertising…
Branded PCs include the cost of advertising in the package, which increases the price significantly. Its just like buying a Nike(heavily publicized) shoe as opposed to a less known brand(lynx), Nike will be more expensive. Thus you save money on assembled…
Integration
Hardware is often put together so that you have less components, it is called integration. This is done to cut costs of manufacturing but there is a major disadvantage. Often the video card is “integrated” into the motherboard, this is usually done in the base(cheap) model. What this means is that you cannot change the video card if you wish to, when they have more advanced video cards on the market. You will have to change the whole motherboard. If you are a moderate gamer, be sure that you do not have an integrated video card.
Which is better…
I believe in today’s high tech age you should know about computers or you can be taken advantage of. Also if you are an old fashioned “papa” your kids, like me, will make fun of you if you don’t even know how to shut down the computer. They will say “ system bus…megahertz…gigabyte, ” and you will be lost. To not develop an inferiority complex you must learn all these terms, but you could say that I’m being mean to elders. So, If you would rather not waste your time on this, go for the branded computer, it is classified into “home use” and “office use” categories, you do not need to think at all, very easy. Although you may pay more, but it saved you the hustle, hasn’t it?
The assembled computer is once again for someone who knows exactly what he wants the computer for, and has an idea of what gigahertz, megahertz, gigabyte all mean. Knowing how much space you want in your hard drive and how fast you want your computer to be is important if you don’t want to waste money.
I hope the review is useful…I will be happy to answer any questions…hasta la huego!