Computer Upgrade Time - Locals? Market?

T1G3R said :

Local computer stores are overpriced unfortunately but the service is somewhat worth it. Don’t get dell’s as they may be “impressive” they use cheap parts within the machines/laptops. If you want that you can buy at any retailer but I recommend HP, they are affordable and seem to never break down for me. If its laptops go for Toshiba and Asus.

The computer markets fellows HATE MSY but they are great, I always get my parts from them from either Melbourne or Sydney and build my own PC. If you really like them you can also get your gear couriered.

Another geek favourite if you want to do some online shopping is http://www.scorptec.com.au/

My mistake, the sellers at the computer markets don’t like MSY because they cannot compete and match their prices, not that the products sold are bad 😛

Local computer stores are overpriced unfortunately but the service is somewhat worth it. Don’t get dell’s as they may be “impressive” they use cheap parts within the machines/laptops. If you want that you can buy at any retailer but I recommend HP, they are affordable and seem to never break down for me. If its laptops go for Toshiba and Asus.

The computer markets fellows HATE MSY but they are great, I always get my parts from them from either Melbourne or Sydney and build my own PC. If you really like them you can also get your gear couriered.

Another geek favourite if you want to do some online shopping is http://www.scorptec.com.au/

I’ll thow a word in for ATM computers at belconnen – bought there first in 2002 and have purchased another 4 there over the years since – always found Eva and staff very helpful

I often purchase equipment from the computer markets, however I know hardware quite well and I know what works and what doesn’t.

If you know what you’re doing the computer markets can be a great way to get hold of really cheap hardware, but do your research first, otherwise you’ll end up with overpriced crap and \ or the “really fast card” won’t be as fast as the salesperson says it should be.

As for warranty, I’ve only ever had to replace one thing under warranty, yes I did have to wait a week until the next fair, however the person had a working replacement for me. Keep in mind that if vendors don’t honour warranties you can complain to the markets themselves. Furthermore a computer store having a Canberra shopfront is no guarantee that they don’t sell dodge equipment, there are at least 2 such stores which I can think of which have come and gone.

My partner and I bought a PC from this guy several years ago. I think we got the basic home/ office pack with a few specific upgrades (you can mix and match). Its just a young computer geek type guy running his own business, but he seems to know his stuff.

We had a few issues with the PC not being ready on time and the original motherboard blowing up within a day or 2 (replaced and given an upgrade as an apology). But were happy in the end and at least 3 years later (can’t remember exactly how long) its still going fine. We had to get the power supply replaced last year, but for a budget job its pretty good.

I think we got what we paid for here.

I buy all my computer stuff at the computer markets, all the stands at the markets are acctual computer shops with their stores being located interstate (so provide warranty and contact details). I have never had a problem with anything I have bought there.

OA Computers in Belconnen did a good job for me, and they’re responsive to whether you want cheap or high-end. They would be good to talk to if you want to ask about a piece by piece upgrade.

and +1 for Dell too.

I forgot to mention that Elemax in Fyshwick are well known as computer suppliers with prices only a bit above the markets…

AI Trilogy ads look ridgey didge and the specs are good. Seems to me if you can pick up the computer, confirming that the thing works, loads up Windows 7 as the operating system, and the CPU and RAM are correct in the My Computer details, there’s no reason to think it’s not a kosher deal.

For basic home computing, internet and watching a few youtube clips etc the $580 package would be fine IMHO but if you have the funds the $1490 one quoted loks like excellent long term value.

Dells are good as well but you’ll be paying about 30% more than AI trilogy and your computers won’t be as flexible for future upgrades etc.

I nearly bought one of his computers but found a second-hand one that suited me better the same week, but otherwise I would have bought one of the top of the line ones.

Are you just looking for parts? or a ready made box?

IJK has an affiliate store in Fyshwick – http://ijk.com.au/branch/canberra/ I haven’t bought from them personally, but have told you can save instead of shipping from interstate.

I went to the computer fair and didnt have much success tbh. I found it interesting to look at overweight smelly computer nerds haggling over $1 as per this post. http://the-riotact.com/?p=1961

In the past I’d always used a local shop to build my PCs, and last year organised a “quote” from the usual place, but coincidentally saw a Dell ad on the telly that day. The Dell machine was massively over specced compared with the quote I had, and was roughly $500 cheaper.

Ordered it, got it a week later and its a beauty. The flat panel 24″ monitor didn’t work out of the box (BTW was not included in my local quote either), but one phone call had a new one delivered the next morning. Never thought I’d be recommending Dell having had 3 work laptops go U/S on me – but there you go. Watch out for “TV” specials.