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Just got back from BB after trying to negotiate a deal on a computer, laptop or tower. Latest wrinkle: BB removes HALF the adware on most of these computers; you have to get their $99.99 'setup with restore disk' plan to get the other half removed.
Two extended warranties now: $119 for 2-year "hardware" coverage; $179 for 2-year "software" coverage! Total on a lousy $299 POS e-***** mini-tower : $729!
The ONLY saving grace in this otherwise disgraceful marketing scam: 18-month interest-free financing.
Does anyone know an honest reputable store where they will sell a decent PC with a decent warranty at a decedent price?
Mistake #2: Trying to "negotiate a deal" with anyone there
Why can't you remove the crapware yourself?
Not knowledgeable enough. Is it basically just going into "add/remove software" on the control panel? But then I don't know what's what and might remove some important components. My understanding is that the manufacturers tie this crapware up with necessary running components to keep novices from removing it themselves, thus cheating the geeks out of a not-so-deserved $100, the clever little SOB's!
Not knowledgeable enough. Is it basically just going into "add/remove software" on the control panel? But then I don't know what's what and might remove some important components. My understanding is that the manufacturers tie this crapware up with necessary running components to keep novices from removing it themselves, thus cheating the geeks out of a not-so-deserved $100, the clever little SOB's!
Most of the crapware is pretty obvious. For anything you're not sure of, Google search it before removing it.
Well that's not the fault of the store now, is it?
Quote:
Is it basically just going into "add/remove software" on the control panel?
Yes.
Quote:
But then I don't know what's what and might remove some important components.
Google it.
Quote:
My understanding is that the manufacturers tie this crapware up with necessary running components to keep novices from removing it themselves, thus cheating the geeks out of a not-so-deserved $100, the clever little SOB's!
Manufacturer's preinstall bloatware them because the software companies pay them to put it there.
FWIW, that $300 E-machine (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/eMachines+-+Desktop+/+Intel%26%23174%3B+Celeron%26%23174%3B+Processor+/+2GB+Memory+/+500GB+Hard+Drive/9974267.p?id=1218204533255&skuId=9974267 - broken link) ... it performs about as well as a 5-year old computer. Which means it's SLOW.
I second Newegg for a reliable place to purchase. Not only do they have an excellent review process, their search function is amazing. I have, over the years, bought PCs, laptops, parts, software, etc from them both for personal use and for clients.
Never had a problem. The single time I received a bad RAM chip they covered it without hesitation.
Get past the atom powered computers at the top of the list...
I second Newegg for a reliable place to purchase. Not only do they have an excellent review process, their search function is amazing. I have, over the years, bought PCs, laptops, parts, software, etc from them both for personal use and for clients.
Never had a problem. The single time I received a bad RAM chip they covered it without hesitation.
Get past the atom powered computers at the top of the list...
Thanks for that link, Tek. I have saved it to my Fav Places and will reference it when I buy the new rig. I'm just using the on-the-verge-of-going-out HP now and when it does I will buy a lower end $400-500 dual core 4-Gig/500-Gig Dell (most likely) and stay the hell away from HP's and Compaques. I'll judiciously keep away from any and all extended warranties and just take my chances with the manufacturer's 1-year, figuring that since most computers are disposable nowadays because of bad worksmanship anyway, if I get a years use, fine; if I get 2-3 years use w/o problems I struck gold.
I'll also check out Newegg, since it appears to have a good reputation in here. Thanks to all who advised.
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Total on a lousy $299 POS e-***** mini-tower : $729! 
