This is rather O/T, but I hope no one minds! My computer is getting rather 'long in the tooth' (just like its owner), so I have been thinking of getting a new one. If I built my own and something didn't work, I'd be lost. So I will have to buy. But which machine?
Magazine reviews? Magazine 'X' tests computers 'A', 'B', 'C' and 'D'. They conclude that 'C' is the Best Buy. But, there is no way a purchaser can even see one before buying, let alone try one out. The manufacturer is either mail order only or situated 200 miles away. Then the follow-up letters appear in the magazine's forum, saying that "I bought one and it's a load of rubbish. It went faulty after a few days and the manufacturer's after sales service is non-existent". So, I read magazine 'Y'. They test computers 'B', 'D', 'E' and 'F'. Best Buy is 'F'. But how does that compare with the Best Buy of the other magazine? They are of similar specs. Again, no chance of seeing one. Any way, they will almost certainly have Vista installed (or occasionally XP). Removing it and replacing it with Linux will immediately invalidate the warranty. I don't know if dual booting would. I don't want to have Vista on the hard drive, just so that the warranty is valid. There are a few machines with Ubuntu installed, but how do they compare with the others? They never seem to be tested by the magazines. What happens to their warranty in a month or so when a new Ubuntu comes out? Would I be stuck with the older Ubuntu version and daren't replace it? So, I look at our local Curry's or Comet. Only a very few machines on display, all running Vista. "We don't supply computers without Vista installed. Everyone uses Vista now!!" There were two reasonable computer shops near here, who built machines to your specification, but they have both closed. Then, there's the chap who advertises in the local paper. Is it just a sideline for him? Is he any good and reliable? Or will he make a botch of it and his guarantee will be worthless? Isn't buying a new computer a minefield? End of rant!! Sorry it's been rather O/T, but it does concern Ubuntu. Cheers Keith -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
