I'm configuring a computer for a friend that lives in the northeast, I'm in Florida.

Does anyone have a suggestion for a reliable barebones system builder? I usually build the systems myself, but for this it would cost too much in time and shipping. I've had decent experience with MWave, but am seeking other possible alternatives.

Thanks.

DUDE! He's gettin a DELL! If I were you, I would just wait for the next killer deal from Dell and tell your friend about it. This will save your friend money, and it has the added benefit that you will not have to provide the long distance tech support. I've been there, and done that (building computers for friends and family, and or telling them what barebones/parts to buy and how to put it together). If anything goes wrong, it is your problem, and they expect you to fix it, even if it is some crap they downloaded that fragged their video drivers, etc. Just check the forum until a deal pops up. It always does eventually, and it will be cheaper than what your friend would have to pay getting a barebones and parts.

Nack

I am kinda with Nack on this one. I have a buddy - let's just say he is computer challenged - that I built/sold a computer to about 3 years ago and he is STILL calling me for tech support!! However, if you decide to subject your self to eternal tech support damnation - I have bought barebones stuff from NewEgg and Computer Geeks before. The stuff from NewEgg was alot closer to being ready to go than the stuff from Geeks, but they were both fine in terms of quality, price and service.

"...eternal tech support damnation..." That's a good one, and so true!

I cannot wait to hear what Alan has to say.........

eternal support... been there... on a massive scale... sold used pc's to customers of a sotware subscription product I sold...

My secret.... NO MODEM INSTALLED..

I went to help 1 guy.. He had the whole win98 system inside the MyDocuments folder.

What a trip..

The question is would havin a DELL help.. 8Hs on the phone.... I'll just call Alan... :lol:

Nack, JDMnAR, thanks for the feedback. I certainly agree with both of you, but not for this person. He is special Actually, he is very close to me, is the one who 12 years ago convinced me to buy my first PC and also started me on my career in IT. As far as eternal tech support, well, that has been happening for the past 12 years as well (on both ends) and I would be badly insulted if he went anywhere else.

Over the past few weeks many of the parts have been collected....all quality stuff at much reduced prices -thanks in part to B$ BTW.

What I needed was an assembled case, psu, motherboard, chip, heatsink & fan, with the ability to choose the same. He can add the rest & install the OS.

Anyway, thanks for the responses. Went to MWave and ordered a barbones system shipped to his place. Did this for his son 2 weeks ago and all worked out great. FYI: the son is an 11 year old kid - talked him over the phone how to install all the other parts. I think he'll surpass me like I surpassed his father


equiptech, thanks so much for the compliment! You made my day

you might try www.adamant.com
not too bad on prices....but when your use to building them yourself its easy say that.

not sure...but www.allstarshop.com I think has some barebones as well

Cool. Thanks p0larbear. I'll keep them in mind for the next one, which shouldn't be too far off.

I like to have options when going this route as I hate having to rely on one retailer. Being able to choose the parts I want and having it assembled & tested is the best way to go for me in certain situations. Too bad Newegg doesn't assemble parts.

I know a couple of people that have used http://www.adamant.com will lots of luck

hahaahah...lol

Alan,

You might try www.monarchcomputer.com.

They have been around for quite awhile and I have never had any problems with them. In fact, one of my machines was built with an Abit/Duron Combo purchased from them over 2 years ago and I have never had any problems with that system. I usually buy motherboard/cpu combos and build them myself, but I know they also sell barebone machines. Good luck on finding your friend a system.

Fritomonk - Thanks. They have a good reseller rating. Never bought anything from them, but maybe I'll try them out.

Update: system was shipped yesterday. Should arrive by Tues/Wed next week. Hope it comes in one piece I always get nervous w/ UPS. They tend to think my packages are soccer balls.

I think part of UPS' training is to watch Ace Ventura Pet Detective. I have had more broken/damaged items come to the office through UPS than any other carrier I can think of.

got chocolate milk? commercial. lol.

i hate ups, their tracking is horrible fedex is sooo much better... i only use ups because of the staples $5 for $20 shipping... not to mention the scale for the staples near me seems to be a bit off.... d135 only weighed in at 16 lbs...? the hp website says it weighs 30.8 lbs!!

Despite the 5 off 20, you'll pay MUCH MUCH less if you use UPS' online shipping where you print the labels yourself and drop it off...you can even fudge the weight a little

Ummm, UPS can and does re-weigh pkgs.

Nothing wrong with UPS where I am. It's Fedex that needs to get its act together.