baller@cbnewsi.att.com (eric.h.baller) (07/12/90)
Thank you to all those who responded. For the people out there considering a cheap clone, here is a summary of the differing opinions I recieved. (I posted the mail, but removed the names. Thanks to all) >Subject: cheap AT clones >I've seen ads for complete AT systems for less than $1000. .... >Has anyone heard (or experienced) anything with these brands or [several NYC stores named] Eric Baller AT&T Bell Laboratories Holmdel, NJ ehb@erebus.att.com ---------------------------- My experience with 47th Street has been good. And they usually have people that can answer your tech questions too. I'd look into a 386 or 386SX as an entry level machine. You should be able to get a good deal on one (You may want to look at the Maxum). Hope I helped. ---------------------------- Why don't you try talking to the better business bureau about 47th street photo, camera world , etc. If I recall correctly, Camera World recently got in trouble with the Better Business Bureau. ---------------------------- 47St Photo is not a place I would buy a computer, just my own personal view I guess. Here's why.... One time I needed a printer, so I looked in the newpaper (NYTimes) and found some thing pretty cheap at that place. So I drove up NY from NJ, anyway, the place looks pretty bad and the things they carry are (for the most part) some what old (by old I mean a little outdated) sort of like Crazy Eddy. You're better off buying a computer at a computer store or some. I've seen ATw/40MB HD prices go for ~$800 in a Chinese newspaper call World Journal I think. The thing's in NY. Their prices beats Computer Shopper and every thing's in stores. Gee... I think I went beyond my call of duty here............ ---------------------------- Hopefully this won't be considered an ad, but I would just like to say that if you are interested, I will give you the best prices I can. I am a dealer, and only sell to average people, and don't mark up the normal 50% (usually more like 10%). Mail me what you are interested in, and I will get you a quote the next day (or sooner depending on mail delivery). ---------------------------- I mail ordered a printer from Harmony computers and had no troubles. Of course, if the printer was defective then I would have had to send it back, and I don't know how much trouble I would have had with them. The three companies you mention all make quite reputable products, so I don't think that you'll get stuck with a lemon with any of them. I've used a friend's older Epson Equity I, and found it to be a reliable machine. A friend with a NEC portable swears by it. (And of course they both make great printers.) I hope that this is helpful. ---------------------------- Many years ago I called up 47th St. Photo to get prices on some photographic equipment. I went there to get it, and only after I left realized they'd charged me different, higher prices. Scummy. ---------------------------- My $.02 - get a 386sx, a little more money and *alot* more machine. I'm a consumer the same as you except I buy lots of PC's. Use VISA if you can when buying, it'll extend the warranty and give you a 'buffer' if there's a problem. A 16 meg 80386sx w/ 1meg RAM, 14" flatscreen mono monitor, 101 keyboard, and the rest should be about $930. Add $320 for a hard disk. Get a 1:1 hard disk/floppy controller. And a 14" monitor. Good luck!