Sales
Computers are cheap. Very cheap. It's possible to build a computer that costs
less than a fill up at your local gas station. Which either says something
about the price of computers or the price of gas. Computers are in danger of
becoming an appliance, much like a toaster. And just as disposable. However,
the software on your computer is the real value. Your documents, photos, e-mail,
favorites, etc. The programs you've installed and gotten set up the way you
like. That's what we want to protect. We build quality systems, with an eye
towards longevity and performance. We don't do bleeding-edge, unless you ask
us to, and we don't do cheap cheap cheap, even if you do ask us to. However,
given how inexpensive computers have become in general, a fine system can be
had for not too much money. And, it will last you longer than ever before.
Here are some of our design decisions:
Motherboards and CPUs
We use only Intel motherboards. In addition, we could buy OEM boards, which usually come with a 30 day warranty from the distributor, but instead we buy retail boxed boards. These cost more money, however as it is a retail product, Intel provides the warranty directly and their term is 3 years. Generally, they ship boards the same day they receive notification, and they generally ship overnight. However, as they build a high quality board, we have a very low failure rate with their products. The same goes for CPUs. Intel retail boxed only, with a 3 year warranty.
Memory
Cheap RAM is everywhere, but we stay away from it. Memory is a critical part of your data integrity. Crucial, Kingston, or Infineon is our memory of choice.
Hard Drives
Western Digital was founded in 1970 and has consistently produced a quality product. We've used their drives almost exclusively, and have experienced a failure rate well below industry norms. That being said, it's your data. Please back up responsibly. I know you say you will, but...
Monitors
I had a client one time show me her new monitor she had just bought at a warehouse store. She was very proud of it, and mostly of the price she paid. It was so fuzzy that I started getting a headache from the brief time I spent in front it. But it was inexpensive. We sell ViewSonic monitors almost exclusively. They are of a consistent high quality, generally review well in the press, and look sharp (at least to my 20/10 vision).