An IT veteran's opinion on which Desktop PC to buy next.

Having worked in computers for about 11 years, I've seen a lot of computer manufacturers come and go. As things stand currently, there are really only 3 major manufacturers of desktop PCs left that have any market share to speak of. They are;

HP/Compaq
Dell
IBM

Read on and I'll tell you exactly what I recommend and why.


I have worked with literally hundreds of machines from the three manufacturers listed above, and I have definitely developed a preference. From the standpoints of cost, performance, and service, it is my opinion that Compaq "Business Class" desktops are superior to machines offered by IBM or Dell.

Let me clarify my "Business Class" statement by saying that the recently merged HP/Compaq manufacture a variety of machines intended for a variety of different consumer markets. Some of these "makes" I would not buy myself. Among these makes are;

The Compaq Presario (6000 and 8000) line. 
Anything HP desktop.
Anything that can be purchased from a store such as Circuit City or Best Buy.

Currently I feel that I can only comfortably recommend the Compaq EVO 300 and 500 series computers. 

RELIABILITY - Desktop Computer Comparison

To me, probably the most important thing when shopping for a desktop computer is reliability. Not just the reliability of the parts but also how well do the hardware and software mesh (i.e. compatibility.) The hands down winner in this category is Compaq. Over the years, I have experienced fewer bizarre issues related to Microsoft software and or service pack installations with the Compaq computers than with any other make of computer. I've seen the most software issues on clones and Dell machines. I can't count the number of times I've applied a Microsoft service release to a Dell machine and afterwards the machine exhibit unexpected issues or just simply not boot up. IBM comes in at second to Compaq but due to other factors that I'll explain later, I wouldn't personally buy an IBM desktop.

SERVICE - Desktop Computer Comparison

I've long felt that Compaq supports their business model machines better than any other manufacturer. IBM also offers great support, but the general experience of dealing with IBM support/parts is a  more of a headache than with Compaq. IBM's website also has much to be desired when finding drivers and updates. Dell offers decent support but their drivers section is by far the least comprehensive. Compaq shines in all these areas, but I should tell you that there is a tremendous difference in the level of support between the Compaq Presario line and the Compaq Business (EVO) line. This is the primary reason why I can't also recommend the Presario line. Presario support is a joke while the EVO support is first class. If you buy a business (EVO) model Compaq machine, you can rest assured that your technical issues will receive more serious attention than with the consumer models.

QUALITY - Desktop Computer Comparison

Both Compaq and IBM build great quality computers. Dell's computers however generally seem to be more cheaply made and their manufacturing processes seem to involve less standardization. I have on occasion had two identical model Dell machines side by side on the bench with entirely different motherboards in them.  I have never seen anything like this with either IBM or  Compaq machines. I've learned from experience that greater standardization generally means the parts will be more  reliable. I'll take standardization over the "motherboard de jour" situation anytime.

PRICE - Desktop Computer Comparison

My experience with Dell is that they include a great deal of potentially unneeded software and hardware into their PC packages. As a result, the price you pay for a Dell generally ends up being higher than it needs to be. While the IBM computers are great quality, they are generally the most expensive of the the three. When configuring your new Compaq on their website, the configurations start off fairly basic and you can add exactly what you need without being required to buy anything you don't want. With Compaq, you can usually save anywhere from $50-200 over an identically configured Dell computer.

OVERALL RESULTS - Desktop Computer Comparison

It is my honest opinion that the Compaq EVO machines offer the best value when factoring both cost and performance. After dealing with literally hundreds of computers and resolving just about every  imaginable hardware or software issue, I feel that Compaq computers have generally exhibited fewer issues than any other brand of computer on the market today. Every year I buy and configure hundreds of machines. It is my sincere wish that the majority of the machines I purchase and configure for customers in the future will continue to be Compaq.