Complete Desktop Computer System
Pros and Cons of Buying

The biggest things going for buying a complete desktop computer system are:

• you can plug and play the system in less than 1/2 hour
• you don't have to worry about whether the components are compatible with each other
• the system manufacturer offers warranty service, sometimes in your home
• free software that comes bundled with your ready to go system

Once you unpack your new ready-made desktop PC, open the manufacturer guide on setting it up.

For instance, Dell provides a picture guide that shows step by step how to set up your new system, very easy to follow and the parts are color-coordinated for fast setup.





When you order your system, most online ordering systems (Dell, Gateway, IBM, Toshiba) will give you warnings if you try to configure your system with hardware that isn't compatible. A nice way to be sure you get a fully compatible system ready to go.

The major PC system manufacturers offer warranties of 3 months to several years (basic service is free, anything beyond basic service is at extra cost).

Even going for a multi-year warranty can be a cost saver; especially if the system is for a college student away from home. No worries, Mom and Dad, if they have computer problems, they can use the Manufacturer's warranty service up to 4 years!

The variety of software that ships free with your new ready to go desktop can allow you to explore and learn more about a lot of things including basic music production, word processing, spreadsheets and financial software; graphics software and even games you can play online and offline!

The biggest things against getting a ready-made PC are:

• whether you will be able to easily upgrade later
• finding a system that isn't overkill for what you need which can drive up the price

Some computer makers have created proprietary systems that are hard to upgrade later; either the system is proprietary and only accepts their parts; or the case is packed so tight you risk damaging the existing parts when trying to upgrade.

Also, you need to know a little about the parts in your system so you know whether the new upgrades will be compatible with your current components. The system manufacturer won't help you here although the maker of the upgrade components might. No guarantees, but it helps to know in advance.

A lot of the systems offered today really have much more capability than the casual computer shopper will ever use; it's wasted money to buy a top of the line computer unless you plan to use all (or most) of the features and need the extra power a top model will offer.

So think carefully about what your needs are and whether you want to go with a ready-made computer system that is plug and play; or if you want to learn about the inside of a computer ... what makes it work, and how to do it yourself.

If you really want to go with a ready-made system, and there is certainly nothing wrong with that, then consider the basic new models or the refurbished complete desktop computers available online today.

Refurbished desktop PC's are a great way to get quality components, a manufacturer's warranty, a brand name and a cheap price ... and I mean cheap discount desktop pentium 4 computer systems!

Check out TigerDirect's Recertified Sale Center and Dell's Factory Outlet for refurbished computers now, and check back often, as the PC's offered change frequently ... it's a first come, first serve and frequently changing list of what's available.




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