advice needed please on buying a new computer?

[Henry Barker]

Hi Gray,

I had always bought Gateway, and had great backup both on hardware and OEM software.

AS Gateway pulled out of Europe, I wonderedwhere to turn next, called Dell and was assured I would get the same service from them, so 2 years ago I bought a Dell Precision Workstation, the dogs whatsits 2 years ago, dual monitor etc etc.

I called because going from Win 98SE to Win 2K Pro I needed to know about some differences with installation etc. They just said they gave NO support to Microsoft products, I called Microsoft here in Sweden, and they don’t support, because its OEM bundled software.

So the machine is great, very good quality never let me down, but same level of support as Gateway…no far from it, and not as the saleman promised.

Today being familiar with XP, 2K and Win 98 it would not be a problem, but you know the kind of problem, new operating system old drivers, not enough LPT ports or such problems.

The Dell model I bought was very expensive, I have a cheap old box I bought from the local store here at home which also works really well! These are not laptops, but am familiar with the Dell laptops.

[Phill Fenton]

I bought an Acer last November and would certainly buy another. The only problem I had was when playing DVD’s. I telephoned their help line and was talked through how to change some software settings which cured the problem. Apart from that it’s been a first class machine with no other problems at all. Battery life is excellent too

[Lorraine Buchan]

Hi Grey

I have an acer Travelmate 280 and it;’s been brilliant so far.

I use a dell desktop at work and would definately buy another one

Both brands are great in my view

[John Childs]

Ahem…. 😳

Do yourself a favour. Apple Powerbook.