Assembled is in a class of its own,
first i’ll give you the pros:
assembled computers cost much less( a very big pro)
assembled computers can be configured for any combination to get the best configuration. this is very important in comparison to branded ones, where u’ll have to live with the given conf whether u like it or not. make sure u know what combination u want, whether they are compatible( some could cause bottlenecks). get a friend in the industry or even the dealers to sit down with u and spend some time on this.
if u know the dealers well or build a good rapport with them, free s/w are a bonus(including all of’Windoze’ and the works).’ask and u shall receive.’
and the major cons:
many people say that u wont get a guarantee. this is true in some cases. there can be dealers who just disappear off the face of the earth. then ur stuck. but normally this doesnt happen if u go to renowned dealers. these people have their reputation and they would do whatever is necessary in the guarantee period.(thats from experience)
be careful if u require the bill of purchase, dealers normally charge for the individual parts and not on the whole machine. this may cause problems when u have claim to the amount u spent. especially if ur taking a machine on a loan. better be clear from both sides, the bank and the computer dealer before u even think of going for this.
Branded computers:
pros:
cool looks, u can boast saying, ’yep, mines Dell’
guaranteed to have guarantee on all parts. make sure u claim them:)
cons:
u pay thru ur nose( or maybe the bank will do it for u, in any case u still end up paying thru ur nose)
u can get a system based on what they wish to give u.(add in pros if u prefer)
u’ll have to buy all the software(even the basic ones) for which if u opt out may turn out good for the free software foundation(and for u if u know what ur doing).
I guess ure probably bored to death by now. just one piece of advice - if u know ur assembling dealer well( or at least he has a good reputation) and u want to use the machine at home, then assembling would be the best bet. else go for branded(if ur company can afford it)