Sadly, I have a massively elitest-techie chip (yeah, computing pun attack
!) on my shoulder about non-proficient computer owners so I'll have to bite my lip before I blurt out "If you don't understand how to use it and fix it then you shouldn't have one! It's not an effing washing machine!"
I so totally understand what you said here! It is NOT some appliance, some washing machine or a refrigerator. It can do logical anding, oring, it is the w0000----$@$!@#$! !!!!!!!!!!
BUT -- I also know that not everyone is interested enough to dive into learning more about them. I, for one, thing that Cruentus did the right thing. He got a reasonably priced, adequate computer for what he needs, and if it ends up falling off of a helicopter or something, well,,, its not the top of the line, so its an acceptable risk.
Now, I did not have a computer until about, oh, 5 years ago. I did not know how to turn one on! But, I went to the public library as I was saving up money to buy hardware, and I read every freaking single book on computer hardware that there was, and even bought one book new.
So, I bought the parts from this totally righteous guy who immigrated from China and he has the best computer hardware store around, totally leet! Everyone in the "scene" around here knows him. He's got a possie!
Then, I built the rig! And I did it in a 1337 way!
50% humidity
anti-static protection
naked! (haha -- just kidding, but no shirt on either -- don't wish to have any static charges anywhere on my BABY!).
That rig is now colocated, but is dear to me, 'speeder' was my first!
I think that everyone who is inclined should get some old rig, any P4 grade processor or above would be fine. Then, TRASH IT! That's right! Hose that box!
Then, reinstall. Choose a BETTER OS. Do the GNU/Linux like Mr. Hubbard did on the server! Get r0wdy!!! Hahaha!!! Yes!
It is so much easier to learn about these computer machines than it is to learn about, say, automobiles! Then, you can always fix your own computer, and it is interesting to learn about them, too!
But, the bottom line of this thread is, no, you should not take some very expensive computer to any kind of shop like this. Just get to know some people in your area who are computer enthusiasts instead, and they can recommend someone who is more reliable!
BestBuys are good for buying hardware at cheap prices, though, but,... haha! newegg.com is a very good vendor, too! Fast, cheap, reliable!
).
So I was pretty clear as to why I picked best buy, and why it was a good choice for me. It was basically all about the deal I was getting. And considering the chances I will take traveling around with a laptop, I just don't feel comfortable spending thousands of dollars knowing that I may very well destroy or lose the machine through my travels and will have to replace it anyway (and this is beyond any warrenty policy offered, or any type of resiliancy that a macbook or toughbook would offer). Not to mention, I had $260 worth of gift certs to Best Buy that I had compiled over a 3 year period. So...for me it was a good choice.
