Many times clients ask me which new computer I recommend. Almost
invariably I recommend a custom built (aka bespoke) computer but am anxious
to point out that not only do I not benefit by selling such computers myself,
but I expect to get less income from maintenance and repair work as a result
of someone heeding my advice. This is perhaps contrary to initial thoughts,
so here I list my reasons for giving such advice. Note that I am including
any mass produced computer in the phrase 'off-the-shelf' whether from a brick
and mortar shop, catalogue or web site (even those with self configuration options).
- A recent study by PC Pro Magazine found that an average 10% of the cost
of off-the-shelf computers was attributable to performance needed solely
to run the bundled software. That's 10% of the cost wasted according to
most people who would consider such software as bloatware. The reason for
this is simple: the publishers of the software pay to have their programs
included as enough end users go on to buy add-ons to make it worth the publisher
paying the PC supplier.
- Since Windows version 8 there has been practically no advantage in having
part of the disk tied up with manufacturer's recovery partitions. Windows
itself does a fine job of enabling recovery of a failed system - often without
the need to delete all the documents & photos that restoring the machine
to factory defaults entails.
- A significant number of new, typically discounted off-the-shelf models
come with specifications designed to convince buyers that they are getting
more than they really are. Examples of this would be including an obsolescent
CPU that lowers the cost but limits performance to much less than would
be the case with an up-to-date CPU. Another typical scenario would be advertising
a huge amount of memory or other relatively cheap components while obscuring
the relatively slow CPU (the component that has most effect on cost and
performance). A computer will only run as fast as the slowest component
- having a PC specified professionally should give a well balanced system:
one where you pay for just the components you would use and none else.
- Large mass market suppliers can dictate component specifications so
that when one fails you are forced to buy a replacement from the original
supplier. That is normally at a grossly inflated price or, worse, not available
at all causing the machine to be trashed. Examples I have encountered include
proprietary power supplies (Dell) and manufacturer specific connectors (HP).
I have also come across disk drives that could not be replaced by larger
models (Sony).
- For technologically informed people choice of components is a considered
decision based on full knowledge of the market. Without that knowledge cheaper
components are often used. Prime examples are disk drives where most informed
purchasers would happily pay a little extra for a solid state model, but
most of those included in off-the-shelf computers are the old electro mechanical
variety that are much slower and have a much shorter lifespan.
- The biggest misconception is that bespoke computers cost more than off-the-shelf
models. This is quickly dispelled when fair comparisons are made. In fact
taking the longer expected lifetime into account, in terms of years of use
relative to cost, a custom PC will always work out cheaper as generic replacement
components are an option when a failure does occur.
The amount of time and therefore cost needed to prepare a new PC for use is
a little greater for an off-the-shelf model. This because bloatware has to be
identified and removed and recovery CDs should be created.