[OT] Compaq computer reputation question

[Leon Goldstein]

Andrew Gould wrote:

>I'm looking for a new computer.  I was in Fry's yesterday, looking at
>a Compaq that was on sale, when a salesperson recommended HP, saying
>that Compaq was their lower end product and that computers with the HP
>label had better components.  I remember Compaq computers as being
>reliable, but that was long ago.
>
>Is anyone familiar with the current state of Compaq computers in terms
>of quality/reliability?  I don't need all the fancy, new multimedia
>stuff; but I would like good performance for data crunching (and
>watching a DVD or two).
>
>Thanks,
>
>Andrew
>  
>
I went through a series of Compaq's before the HP buyout when Sears sold 
them.  I'd pick up an open box or return for pocket change.
They were all reliable, once their BIOS's were updated.  I still have a 
little 5151 from 15 years ago.  It was a K6-2 350 mHz box that was the 
first with 100% Linux hardware compatibility.  I subsequently rebrained 
it with a K6-III+ overclocked to 500 mHz and it is still working. 

You ought to consider building your own system.  With a standard case 
you can use any non-proprietary mother board and upgrade your system 
over and over again.  Also,you can  pick your own power supply.  This is 
IMHO the most important component for long term reliability.  I stuck a 
PC Power and Cooling PS in my first computer, a Kaypro PC, when I got it 
in 1986, and the computer still works.


-- 
Leon A. Goldstein

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