Does anyone have any experience with Alienware, Falcon NW, or Voodoo computers? They are very expensive, and I am curious about if they are really that different from a Dell or Gateway. Post here if you have any comments!

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--Daniel--

Well, I don't know much about Voodoos, but I know Alienware has good parts and Falcon NW are great builders of PCs.
The thing about Dells is, they are specifically designed not to be upgraded by the customer, but by the company. I'm not sure about Gateways, but I think their computers are built the same.
In any case, you're probably better off building your own computer. It will most likely save you money and/or hassle, and it can be a very rewarding experience. If you're not sure about how to construct a computer and what kind of parts are compatible, just ask around forums like this one, or look at sites like Tweak3d that have tutorials.

I notice a lot of people usually say Dell is great. My guess is that these people have not used a dell in a high use area such as a University. My experience with Dell comes from 2 universitys and 1 community collge, Dell likes to donate in this area , and I would say they are just like any other computer in with the problems they develope, and actually seems like there is always something wrong with them. Of course these are software problems, but... because of this experience, I have decided I will not buy a dell.

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Road Runner!!!!

Dell support is pretty good, probably better than most other companies. It also well known for its optiplex line which runs window 2000/NT with least problem of incompatibility. It is a computer for people who don't know much about computer but want to have a relative peace of mind.

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redcarpet

I can't attest to the other companies but I can say that Dell has very good customer support compared to IBM and Compaq. I never have a problem with their support and their turnaround times for receiving replacement parts are the next day. The only issue I have with Dell support, and the others for that matter, are the sometimes long hold time when calling for support.

Are these gaming machines? No. But as a business workstation, I love 'em.

Heh, I used to do tech support for Dell, Gateway, SBC DSL, Ameritech, and SNET(DSL and dialup).

The hold time at Dell is so long because you get routed to their main support center first. If you have been on hold for 20 minutes(it may be less now) there you then get re-routed to one of their outsourced companies where you get in line in their call queue.

Well from what I heard about Falcon NW and Voodoo, is that they also optimize all your drivers and software to there best performance. From all of the reviews I have heard about them voodoo is usually the best one out there. Both of those companys take allot of time designing there comps.

I can understand Voodoo being the best, well, it better be the best, because it costs far more than either Alienware or Falcon NW.

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--Daniel--

I`ve never heard of Voodoo computers?:] I like the alienware pc`s.Is there a website for these Voodoo PC`s.I agree with one of the other guys build you own !

Voodoo is probably the most expensive computer company. Their website is www.voodoopc.com

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--Daniel--

I just got myself an Alienware Aurora DDR a few days back (bout a week and a half). It just arrived, but I'm in London until the 18th, so I have to wait to try it out. Once I start it up, I will start benchmarking the system and I'll post the results here so we can do some comparisons...

Also, heres the specs (I posted it also on the New System Specs thread):

Athlon XP 2200+
MSI K7N Pro (I dont remember the exact model, and Alienware just changed their motherboards for Athlon XP 2200's, so as soon as I open it I'll edit this post.)
256MB DDR 2100 RAM
40GB Seagate Barracuda HDD
16x DVD-ROM Drive
GeForce 4 Ti 4600
Sound Blaster live 5.1 (Im happy with this card, no need for an Audigy just yet)
I skipped on the monitor, speakers, keyboard and mouse. They want a whopping $110 for just a keyboard and mouse with matching color (blue, like the case)
Intel Ethernet Card
Conspiracy Blue Full Tower Case

Total price (with shipping): $1608

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--Daniel--

Damn Daniel....another computer....who got you this one?

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ActiveTuning - Partner & Director Of Sales & Marketing

Haha I knew you were gonna say that ...

The computer I got about 9 months ago was only $250 cause it was only a barebone kit. I used parts lying around to finish the PC, so the computer costed me really only $250. This one I paid for with my money. I sold my other computer, and used some savings I had, plus stock that my dad had recently selled that I bought. SO it was my computer.

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--Daniel--