computer brands to purchase...something simple?

cazort

I think it's finally time for me to buy a new computer, and I don't even know where to begin. The companies that I used to be somewhat loyal to have all declined in quality. My current desktop is a Compaq Presario S3200NX, it's an Athlon-XP, with no SATA, and I've been incredibly happy with it, but the similar lines have been discontinued and I don't like what HP is offering these days. I mainly want to upgrade to get a faster processor and SATA.

I would like to find a computer designed for a user like myself--one that comes with no OS, has all linux-compatible hardware, but is fairly low-end. I would prefer very high-quality parts and well-designed system to a faster processor. I also want a computer that has low power-consumption and is quiet, like the one I have now.

Any idea what sorts of companies to look at? I have been doing some searches on google and I can't find anything I like--there's the standard low-end rubbish from the mainstream manufacturers, the high-end gaming and multimedia systems which are way more than I need, and then there's the build-it-yourself stuff, and I can't find much in-between.

I would be grateful for any pointers anyone could give me.
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Alex Zorach | Teacology | RateTea | Why This Way

brot · Guru Joined: 06 Apr 2004 Posts: 322

maybe this page will help you, at least, it is worth a look

http://www.linux.org/vendor/system/desktop.html

cazort · Posted: Sat Jun 02, 2007 3:35 pm Post subject:

Has anyone actually bought from any of those vendors? There is an attractive-looking system from ASL that I have found.

http://www.aslab.com/

I would not want to buy something though unless I can talk to at least two people who have had prior experience with the company. If push comes to shove I'd rather stick with my old computer than go with something unknown like that.
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Alex Zorach | Teacology | RateTea | Why This Way

Monkeh · Veteran Joined: 06 Aug 2005 Posts: 1656 Location: England

Why not build your own?

merlijn · Posted: Sat Jun 02, 2007 5:00 pm Post subject:

At work we mostly use HP's as desktops (dc7600 models) and apart from them being a tad pricey I've had no complaints. Cases are great to maintain, and generally if you buy hardware thats been on the market for over 3 months, they will be compatible with linux or if there is some tweaking needed to get everything to work smoothly, it's easy to find a forum thread pointing in the right direction.

As for the perfect pc, I think u still have to build your own, and you will save quite some money in my expierence.

brot · Guru Joined: 06 Apr 2004 Posts: 322

the aslab homepage looks pretty serious, and the prices are really great.

cazort · Posted: Sun Jun 03, 2007 2:06 pm Post subject:

Thanks very much everyone!
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Alex Zorach | Teacology | RateTea | Why This Way