Anytime DJ, anytime :)

I work for a computer sales/service center in Fairfield, CT. I custom build computers for people every day. While the official name brand is "ACR" (the company name), I like to remind people it's a custom built system just for them, since there's no such thing as a "stock" system with us. Everything is built from component parts to suite for the people who order them, rather than just a preassembled pull from a shelf with a sticker pasted to the side. Generally the savings can be anywhere from 10-50% comparing a shop like ours to Dell, Gateway, HP, etc. in addition to the 100% standard parts/lack of proprietary components aspect, which means massive upgradeability in the future. Props to the big brands for making computer shopping easy, but they'll never be able to completely satisfy the customer as long as they hide behind a corporate face. How many people who order from a big brand can shake hands with or even watch the person at the store build the computer for them? For some reason, that builds a considerable trust relationship between a company and it's customer.

All of you guys talk about building computers.. but anyone ever build a laptop? I slightly recall someone talking about making one in one of those old metal suitcases- but never heard a definite word on that one..

To clarify, Linux can run on x86, SPARC's, Alphas, PPC (your Apple's Proc), Motorolas, and much much more. It isn't _all_ free. The Linux kernel is free...but some distributions aren't. Normally, what you pay for are the actual cd's, manuals, tech-support, and commercials software that comes in one the box. Many distro's offer a freely downloadable version in ISO images. These can range from one 200 meg file to having to download around 7 full cd's (4.9+ gigs..whew :)) The free support is just Linux's HUGE community...ChiefDelphi pales in comparison to the largest Linux community: justlinux.com.

(Also, if you don't have a fast enough connection to download that much and you don't really want to pay $50 to try it out...cd's can be purchased CHEAPLY AND LEGALLY (!!) from www.cheapbytes.com.

If you want to try linux, but are unsure where to start, you can contact me through e-mail or AIM...I'll be more than willing to help :D

*end of spiel*

I was going to do that...but it would cost too much. It's probably quite simple to do once you mount the power supply and motherboard. Everything else probably fills in the extra space. My efforts are now going to be turned to making a computer case out of LEGO's. I'm not very sure how well heat transfers through multiple layers of plastic...but ehh...if this P133 melts, it'll be cool to see the case go with it :D I'll post pics if I ever get around to it.

It's possible, but not practical. Any home-brew laptop would have to be concocted from various name brand parts. That said, most, if not, all name brand components are proprietary, meaning a dell motherboard will only fit a dell enclosure, with a dell lcd, dell keyboard, etc. I've assembled and disassembled more laptops than I can count at work, and all brands have their own "special" features which in one way or another make them completely incompatible with other brands. It's been said Intel is trying to develop a laptop standard (same concept as ATX motherboards/cases) to broaden the market while reducing costs for laptops. Granted, some components, e.g. memory, CPU, hard drives, cd-rom drives (in most cases) are already standard, and can interface with virtually any modern notebook, the motherboards, video cards, monitors, keyboards, pointing devices, the chasis/cases themselves are at present still proprietary, and can only be obtained directly from the manufacturer. To sum up, yes, laptops can be home built, as long as all the components are purchased individually from the manufacturer, which 99% of the time, the cost of components will be double the cost of the laptop itself retail. (Big brands in particular charge an arm and a leg for any component, e.g. keyboards for $45, motherboards for average $800, enclosures for anywhere from $150-$300, LCDs for $500+)

I guess that Dell computers are the most popular on Chiefdelphi. The choice for building your own computer was even more popular. I vote for Dell even though I would rather build my own. If you haven't voted yet, please vote.

I have recently checked on these computers as I have begun my search for a college laptop...... anyone with experiences with this company.... good, bad, indiferent???

Yeah, I'd agree. Alienware looks good and the costs aren't too bad on my opinion. As long as you don't go overboard by getting the best thing of everything. I don't have an Alienware computer but I would like to get one sometime.