Ah so you don't mind paying lots of money for a brand name? I usually go for generic as parts are easier and cheaper to replace. I could go out now and get a computer for 200 or less and can fix whatever is wrong with it on the cheap.
You have to remember nc73, the vast majority of home computer users have absolutley no clue what to do to fix, maintain, tinker with their PC's. For those users, paying for a reputable brand is the only choice - as home PC's have gotten to the stage within consumer conscience that 'it should just work'
I'll bet if you presented a user like that with a bare 'processor' component, they'd have no idea what it is.
Personally, I find that Sony have the 'biggest' brand image and the prices for their equipment shows it. But then, their items sell on the back of their worldwide brand recognition.
Courtney, Ask yer sis to get to Barnes and Noble (or book place) and have a leaf through the PC magazines and buy a couple. By looking at reviews, a shortlist can be made up and the various retail outlets for the machines chosen can be identified and compared. Some smaller independants might keep HP stock at say 10-20% cheaper than the HP official site etc etc.
Cheers! DtM! West London & Slough UK!
