reberhar@a.inf.ethz.ch (Rolf Georg Eberhardt) (08/30/90)
Hi everybody I'm planning to buy a 386/25 or 386/33 PC and by browsing through PC-mag and BYTE I've come up with a couple of companies. As they all proclaim the ultimate salvation I'd like to know how they *really* are. What were the delivery periods, how well built are their machines, how do they react when a machine is broken, ... . The following companies are : - AGI Computers (Fremont CA) - Iverson Computer (Mclean Virginia) - Standard Computer (Irwindale, CA) - ZEOS - Swan Technologies - DATAWORLD - Northgate - Gateway 2000 - Altec Corp - Cheetah Inc. - PC Brand Inc. - MIS Computer Systems - Fortron/Source Any other companies will be of interest too. Please name the machine you bought and it's specs. I'll post the results. Thanks for your help -- rolf ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Rolf Eberhardt; ETH Zuerich; Switzerland reberhar@inf.ethz.ch
mcjilton@handel.CS.ColoState.Edu (charles mar mcjilton) (08/30/90)
In article <4949@neptune.inf.ethz.ch> reberhar@a.inf.ethz.ch (Rolf Georg Eberhardt) writes: > > >Hi everybody > >I'm planning to buy a 386/25 or 386/33 PC and by browsing through PC-mag and BYTE I work for a company called Applied Computer Technology (so be warned ;-) doing some software development (in other words, I get money from them, but selling one computer isn't going to get me any profit). They are very popular around here because of their service facilities, and the quality of their computers. Since you don't live in town, you would still have to ship it off to get it repaired. This weekend is going to be the grand opening of a new store, and they're having a sale to celebrate it ;-) One display I saw had a ~16MHZ 386sx with 40MB hard, 2MB ram, and some kind of color display (EGA or VGA, I'm sure) for something in the neighborhood of $1557. This also included some software (Windows 3.00 was in there, I think... Also a mouse). I'm not exactly sure on the price/exact specs (as I work in one of the back rooms). As for the quality of the machines, they seem really good. I have one at home that is rated a 12MZH, but seems to be about a 16MHZ. They're very close to the 386sx we used to have inthe software lab. (BTW: We had a hacked together 486 for a while. That's the only time I've seen Word for Windows run respectably quickly ;-). For some more information you can call ACT at 1-800-7474-ACT. I'd try talking to Dave if he has some time, otherwise try Brad (our ex-salesperson and salesperson respectably). Hope this helps. <Using a friends account> Sean uunet.uu.net!ccncsu!ncuug!seanr
reberhar@iiic.ethz.ch (Rolf Georg Eberhardt) (09/20/90)
poll on pc-clone makers (results) First of all thanks to everybody who answered to my questions. I often got very detailed information on their computers (cards used, etc.). It seems that most net-landers buy Gateways. I'm tending strongly in that direction. Although parts often must be replaced everybody seems to be happy. An additional plus for the folks in Switzerland: Gateway has just opened a shop in the Switz and starting from Jan 91 they will do the guarantee services for machines bought in the States (for an additional 6% charge). Following companies were mentioned (# of responses = # of tics (+-)) : Zeos + good service Swan + good service - too expensive, service to returned product :-< + good luck with 2 386SX, good manual, telephone support, service and performance. + bought 8088 three years ago. Immediate help when solving HW-compatibility problem. Gateway -/+ motherboards & power supplies had to be exchanged on two machines, but service excellent + 2 weeks delivery time, good controller cards, mediocre keyboard, problems with HD-controller and Copy II PC board. Quick response on letter. Three 386/25 bought. + when calling long distance put on top of tech support. One 386/33 bought. +/- fast and reliable. Fan died but replacement sent by UPS. 386/25 bought. + good, solid construction. broken disk-drive (due to transport). prompt service. Should be more honest with their estimates on replacement parts :-<. + two weeks delivery time. good components. Problem with HD but fast replacement. (three 386/33) Dyna Micro Systems + good prices, said to be ok company, got pc a couple of years ago EPS Technologies + just ordered system, has not arrived yet, but excellent service up to now. 386/33 bought. Northgate + fast delivery (1 week), fast shipment of replacement parts. 386/ slimline bought. (keyboards said to be excellent) ACT + work on a 386sx. Runs ok. Fivestar Computers + no problems with it. good cards inside. (386/20). Club AT + Epson based system. good service and machines. (286 bought in 1987). AMI + works excellent and good price. (386/33) Dell + good product and customer service. delivery 10 days. PC Brand +/- documentation adequate. Problems with credit card (them putting hold on funds) power supply died. Agreed for replacement but took time. -- rolf