Advanced Micro Devices Inc (AMD)

[neye_eve]

Matt - more about the AMD systems from alienware

a couple thoughts, as I just looked through those pages.

1) Good: I checked and you get the OEM version of windows when you get the system, instead of one of those really annoying "system restore" disks that dell/cpq/gtw/etc are shipping now, which limit you quite a bit.

2) Good: The upgrade to XP pro, if you want it from them, is only $53. That's a pretty good price.

3) Bad: the default AMD chip at the low end config (grey model) is only $47 less than the upgrade (2200 v. 2400). I'd definitely spend the extra dough to do that system config change instead of regretting it later.

4) Other: the P4 system actually seems to be a slightly better deal for the price they're charging (faster processor, more ram, very little extra cost). Not that I prefer to advertise this on the AMD board, but it's worth noting

Seems that a lot of the benefit to AMD systems these days are if you have specific desires that you know the AMD chips are better for, or if you're building your own budget system, in which case the Athlon systems give a great bang for the buck. Alienware is a bit of a botique outlet, and you are going to be paying more for their extras.

Good luck with whatever you buy next,
neye